I understand where you are coming from completely. My starting weight was 368 and a BMI of 50.6. I started the process 6+ months ago and in the beginning only told a few people, mainly co-workers. As I got further along in the process I told more people, and one of the biggest opponents turned out to be my ultra skinny friend who told me I just wasn't eating right or exercising enough! She dragged me to the gym 3 times a week for a month and when I had gained 3 pounds by the end of following her "diet' she said I must not have stuck to her guidelines very well!! I would like to think I understand what eating healthy and exercising looks like, as I too hold several Masters degrees. I am now in my 2 week pre-op liquid diet and my surgery is scheduled for the 16 of September! There will be several along your path who will question you just like our friends have, but remember, they aren't and most likely have never been in our shoes! Stay positive and know that they say the best is yet to come! Good luck!