Drastic weight loss and changes in social/dating/work life

[alphamale]

This topic is geared towards anyone who as some time in their life lost a great deal of weight, maybe 20% or more.

 

I never see anything in the media about what happens when someone loses a lot of weight and how it affects their social/dating/work life. In specific the points I'd like to discuss are below:

 

- when you lost the weight did you notice that members of the opposite sex who would never even give you the time of day were suddenly flirting with you and asking you out?

 

- how did the weight loss affect your work situation, did people treat you with more respect or did you get a promotion?

 

- how did you deal psychologically with the sudden and dramatic increase in attention from the opposite sex and other changes?

 

- why do you always hear about people wanting to lose weight but never hear about the psychological factors associated with dramatic weight loss?

 

- did your friends and family all of a sudden start treating you differently or looking at you differently?

 

- what were any other impacts on your life in general, both positive and negative?

[tattoomytoe]

in high school i topped out at 230 lbs.

 

i am currently 142, 5'8 and a half.

 

and yes....there is an enormous difference....especially since half the time i feel like the fat cow i was........... which sucks.

[jellybean]

when you lost the weight did you notice that members of the opposite sex who would never even give you the time of day were suddenly flirting with you and asking you out?

 

yes

 

how did the weight loss affect your work situation, did people treat you with more respect or did you get a promotion?

 

I think the reason I was promoted is because I became more ambitious and alot more confident in my abilities. Losing the weight was a huge accomplishment, and it made me want to succeed in other areas of my life too...I lost 40 pounds but gained more self-pride, and a feeling that heck - I can do anything! I guess people respected me more - I'm not sure...but I do know I received much more recognition and acknowledgement for my efforts. And I polished up my overall image (acquired a more professional look - new clothes, and hairstyle), I think that was viewed upon favorably by management.

 

how did you deal psychologically with the sudden and dramatic increase in attention from the opposite sex and other changes?

 

It bothers me on one level - because I'm still the same person as before..if I'm noticed more by the opposite sex because I have a slender body, then that kinda makes me think that men are shallow.

 

why do you always hear about people wanting to lose weight but never hear about the psychological factors associated with dramatic weight loss?

 

I dunno - maybe it's just assumed that the weight loss = postive changes in a person's life.

 

did your friends and family all of a sudden start treating you differently or looking at you differently?

 

You receive alot of compliments at first...but that tapers off, to a point where they don't even seem to notice anymore, the physical changes in you. Losing weight did not have any effect on my relationships with family and friends.

 

what were any other impacts on your life in general, both positive and negative?

 

Shopping for clothes is easier and more fun now...and I have waaaay more energy.