Do you talk about your weight history with people who didn't know you before you lost weight?
I find it odd how some of my newer friends don't even know I used to be obese. Weight loss is a big experience and has changed me in so many ways, but at the same time, saying "I used to be fat" isn't an easy thing to bring up.
How have you brought up your weight, if at all?
Honestly, I am still so embarrassed by the fact I used to be overweight that I do not tell people who do not already know it. I wish I could erase the knowledge of it from the universe too.
IMO, there seems to be a slight disdain out there (and, I admit, I feel that way a bit too......not very PC but I am being honest here) for people who were "weak" enough to allow themselves to become overweight which stays even if that person is now slim. And actually.....I even recall a study being mentioned on CC which found the same thing. Wish I could remember when and where, sorry.
Funny.. at 46 I don't know too many people who haven't struggled with one thing or another and I have found that my struggles with weight are nothing compared to the stories some people tell. Maintaining my weight is part of my lifestyle and yes, most people who know me do know that. I don't bring it up just to bring it up but do find that often it comes up just as a part of everyday conversation. One thing that does help.. for the most part I have surrounded myself with good people that I am very comfortable with anyway regardless of what I have gone through or might be going through now. My friends are my support system in all things and anyone else.. I just don't care what they think. As a human being always going through one thing or another, I just don't have time for that..
I don't tend to bring it up in general conversation, but it often gets noticed if photos appear on the scene - I must admit, I love the double takes and disbelief when the comparison is made!
emme - hehe, know just what you mean. most people don't even recognize me in some of the old photos when I was about 90 pounds heavier.
mwhite - weight comes up surprisingly often among women and when people comment on my being skinny I prefer to point out that I work at it and it wasn't always that way. I do that because I didn't just get some genetic "gift" of skinny and I want others to know that almost anyone can be healthy if they want to be. Our neighborhood hangs out together a lot and I've noticed a big shift this year towards more exercise and better eating. Maybe it's coincidence, or maybe my honesty inspired a couple people. Either way, it's great to watch.
