When I read this...I decided to take a step back before diving into a response because this is a sensitive, yet very real issue in today's society.

I know without a doubt how differently people treat me since I've lost weight. People are much nicer to me, just in general. I'm guilty of thinking the same things even though I was almost 300lbs. A few years ago, my sister (who lost 120+lbs via gastric bypass) got a job--a few months later she told them she had GB...believe it or not, it was admitted to her if she had applied to this job @ her previous weight, it's very unlikely they would've hired her. My first thought was 'OMG! How could anyone think like that??' But we do...even if it's not politically correct.

I probably would've told the friend that I was a little surprised by her response, but at least she was honest and didn't make up some BS reason as to why they "don't care for her". I wouldn't feel so awkward, only because she share her real feelings. If the weight discussion ever came up again (and me being me, would see that it did) I would be honest with her about how I felt about the whole situation.

Some people have this idea that people become fat because they're lazy and stuff their faces continuously. While in some cases, this is true...most often--as we all know--it's a constant struggle. If losing weight were easy, we'd all be thin.

No one has ever outright admitted to me (other than a few guys I was interested in while I was a teen) that my weight was an issue for them...it was unspoken. Now that I am closer to a normal weight, the way people treat me often makes me wonder if they are genuine.

Thanks for all of the responses. You really made me think Jen. I do think it's just one of those unspoken things and I have had similar experiences as far as being treated well when I'm smaller, from PTA to professionally. At this point I'm obese. My BMI is between 39-40. Part of me wonders if she brought the subject up to see where I stood. I'm not proud to admit I made an excuse to not walk today. I just needed a little more time to think it over.

She may have. I don't think people set out to think this way. I hope that once you've had a chance to think it over, you can clear the air with how you feel. No one is perfect, but you being honest with her about the hurt that you felt may open her eyes to her own prejudice against overweight people. I'm still guilty in those conversations of "so-so has gained so much weight!" And later think of how people must've thought the same things about me!

Another thing I wanted to add (and I'll try not to ramble, I promise LOL). When I first started questioning why people were nicer to me or treated me differently--could it be because I was different too? Your friend may've witnessed something where this person's weight DID prevent them from being competent at their job. So from where I sit...it is hard for me to just say her response is totally uncalled for. I'm not sure if this is someone close to you, but I do know how deep/personal conversations can get when you're walking--so I guess my hope is that in repairing your hurt feelings and opening her eyes to her own faults...maybe something good can come out of it all together.