It's a shame that your friend is worried about how you look. You're still the same person deep down. I know you know that of course but he sounds a bit shallow to me. Sorry, I know he's your friend.

We have Meetup.com here too. I've looked at it and other similar websites too, but I've never found any group where I'd feel comfortable. For now I don't want to play sports anyway because I physically couldn't, but I wish I could. I still want to meet people desperately but all meetup groups do is go to pubs and clubs, or to other places where you need money and I'd feel uncomfortable.

Sorry you're having such a hard time.