Update... two months later, my mom finally noticed the weight loss. I had to yank on my pants a few times, and I guess she couldn't help but notice the baggy legs on my jeans.

Her first question was if I bought new pants, but I just came right out with it, and said 'I lost 35 pounds'. Her shocked look said it all. I still don't look much different to her.

A friend that came to visit, and had been one of my sounding boards, said she saw the loss in my face. She had lost the same amount over a two year period after moving away to another state, so it was obvious she was down substantially too. On her very petite frame, it was drastic! Unfortunately, her losses were due from being homesick for all of her friends across the country, so it made me sad at the same time. I hated to see just how much she disliked living there, as I was hoping she had finally made some new friends. No such luck.

She still gives the best hugs in the world!