A question from Ning

I think it actually did affect my career. I did very well, yes, but I think I would have done even better if I wasn't experiencing, inside, the confidence deficit that came with the constant, low-grade worry about how I appeared to others.

I think it's a mistake to assume someone doing well professionally, by objective and external measures, is doing his or her best, or isn't losing out on something. He or she may still be underperforming, or doing well despite considerable internal angst, you know? I wish I had those years back not just because of how abbreviated and incomplete my personal life was; I wish I had them back for professional reasons, too. I wish I could live them with more confidence.

Then again --- and this goes back to your observation --- in the scheme of things, my loss was minor. I try never to lose sight of that. Those of us battling eating obsessions and weight problems are facing a real challenge and a meaningful obstacle. But we shouldn't let ourselves forget that life presents much, much greater challenges and obstacles to other people.