You don't need other peoples validation for being out of work all this time.....get your validation from within yourself. You know exactly what you went through, it's not important that others know other than the people who are important in your life. Most people coming back from illness look well or they wouldn't be going back to work in the first place.

Hope your next surgery goes well. Sounds like you had some seriously bad times over these last few years.....it's time to get on the healthy path of your life & loosing weight isn't the path to get you there.....be wise.