I lost a very dear friend years ago--very unexpectedly. It was very difficult, and I miss her to this day. I will also tell you that during my grief, she came to me in dream and told me that it does not end when our physical body ends. She told me that she loved me, and that she wanted me to know it was ok--she was ok, and that she wanted me to have the gift of knowing that death is not an ending. I woke feeling the truth of what she'd said to me and my views on death have never been the same. Truly, it was a gift of love.
Took me years to tell anyone that story lest they think me some kinda moonbat...
Now, think on this: If a friend is capable of loving somebody like me that much--enough to give that kind of gift--don't ya think that the wonderful people you have known for so long probably will be ok with you--even if you feel less than thrilled with your current weight? I doubt they will love you any less, if you want my opinion. Our true friends love us in spite of ourselves, just as we accept them for who they are. Besides, it is a universal thing that as we get older everything either gets bigger, grayer, or makes a run for the equator. A TRUE girlfriend will look at you as the gift you are.
Blessings to you.
Laura