I have been FAT! and I have been average. (I have NEVER been thin!) But I am TALL and I too get amazed looks when I tell them my weight.

When I was fat (size 24 to be exact) It did not really bother me socially. Love me or leave me, it never mattered. But my biggest fear was a diagnosis of diabetes(sp?)

Now I am a size 12 to 14 ( you know womens' clothes, nothing is ever cut the same way). I have a pot belly and huge thighs, but I am ok with that.

I have never liked the way I look whether fat or thin.