Absolutely, seeing old friends out in public or seeing them on facebook I don't want to have any interaction with them because I am worried about them thinking it.."Well you let yourself go"

exactly.
You see i had one hell of a reputation in collage, i was skinny size 10/12 in clothing and i had 4 guys wanting to date me but i had no idea until the end of collage, i dated 1 out of 4.
One of those guys was my friend and he took the news i was dating really hard and stopped talking to me etc etc, (4-5 years later) he adds me on facebook and wants to meet up with me, but i feel if i meet up with him he will think what the hell did i like her for. i have so many doubts about myself, i don't necessarily want to date him but somehow i feel like no one takes notice of the chubby ugly girl. D=

People say they don't care, but they do. we all know they do that is the harsh reality of things. i am so glad i can relate to someone, so thanks for your response dawnwalk ^_^

I have also gained weight and hate it so much that it contributes to my anxiety and therefore overeating. How to break a habit like that? I have finally been able to accept myself and started going swimming. I am surprised that people do accept me without looking at me with disgust. So this is a positive reaction. I hope that now finally I will be able to lose weight.

I know how you feel. I have gained 20 pounds in the last couple of years, and I feel so ugly and unhealthy, and when I look in the mirror I get depressed so I eat. I'm always scared that I'm going to run into someone from high school and have them see how I've let myself get this way. I used to be so active and dance and run, but now I can't seem to get out of my runt.

You are not alone. I too, find myself hiding from social gatherings with friends and family to avoid the dreaded stares. I have my 20 yr High School reunion coming up in a few months and I refuse to go because of my weight. I feel ashamed for letting myself get this out of control and am embarrassed when people find out that I served in the Army (6 yrs from '97-'03) because people stare at me in disbelief because of my size. I went from a size 8 when I met and married my husband to a size 22 which I can barely squeeze into but I refuse to go up to the next size. It's not easy to let people see you when you feel like such a failure.

I think it is normal for us to become our worst critics when it comes to self-image...especially as we get older. Bottom line is that, for most of us, life gets in the way, after our "school" years, and, before we know it, we've gotten older or fatter or whatever else or all of these. However, life is too short not to enjoy, so to become a recluse, not do what we would like to do, or simply be unhappy isn't a good choice. First thing to remember is that "the other people" probably have had similar problems. Some of them might be dead so be thankful you are still alive !! Bottom line is that recognizing the problem is half the solution and is in iteself "tough". I think everyone should remember we didn't get this way in a few days, weeks, etc. , so the solution needs time. However, we need to start, in a way in which we can sustain and build-on, not in a way we can't possibly sustain which then further erodes our confidence. Find a good friend or a few good friends to start; hang out and do things with them; do positive things to change your self-image. Quite honestly, the person in the body is most important, and why do we always worry about the opinions of people whom havent been or really aren't part of our lives? Anyone what to be friends, send me a request... Its all in getting started once you've recognized the problem.

I am sorry you feel badly about the way you look. But try this. I started this wearing a size 4X and am now down to a regular size Large right off the rack in most stores. I did 100 pounds in one year and I am a handicapped 67 year old woman. If I can do it, so can you. But if you wait to live your life until you think you look perfect, you will never live your life. Get out today and really look around you. Try sitting in a mall and just watch people. I think you will be very surprised at what you see. NO ONE IS PERFECT! Or better yet - take a walk through Walmart! That will make you feel like a super star!
Erin

I feel that way! But the bad thing is that I haven't gain weight, I'm always thinking about restricting and loosing weight..