How did you respond to critics?

[Cecilia 201]

I have a question for those of you who are 6 or more months out, where the weight loss is dramatic and showing. I imagine you have had a lot of people ask you about your weight loss and offer their (welcome or not so much) opinion.

How do you reply to people who say:

"But you weren't that heavy to begin with!"

or "My (insert friend/relative) did that surgery and (insert complication)."

or "I would never do that to my body!"

I realize most of these comments are well-meant, or at least not born of maliciousness, so I want to provide a polite response that will not offend the person offering them.

What has worked for you?

Thank you!!!

[BBdoodle 483]

I only told a few people about my surgery, very close friends and co-workers and close family members. If someone compliments me on my weight loss I say "THANK YOU" if they ask how am I doing it I say "diet and exercise". The people that I did tell about the surgery were 110% supportive of my decision. You really don't owe anyone an explaination on your personal business. My fav. response to people who ask very private questions is... when they ask a uncomfortable question... you answer with "why do you ask" or "why do you want to know" your questions with a question puts them on the spot just like they made you uncomfortable. You keep private what YOU want to keep private. If someone is negavtive with your choices that is their problem not yours. This surgery works for YOU.. thats all that matters.

[Jilllorraine 62]

I agree with bbdoodle! I have not told many people about my surgery either. I am actually only 4 months out but have lost 75 lbs. I was on the smaller end of the spectrum for surgery as well. Its funny we say small.. I was 223 lbs and 5'1. So when I first began this journey and told some close friends what I wanted, they were upset and very negative. I decided at that point this was MY journey and no one else's.

When I get asked how I have lost weight I simply say that I watch calories and exercise. I am not lying. even tho I feel like it! I feel great and can't worry about what others are saying.

Good luck to you!!

[mrsb12 73]

I agree with bbdoodle! I have not told many people about my surgery either. I am actually only 4 months out but have lost 75 lbs. I was on the smaller end of the spectrum for surgery as well. Its funny we say small.. I was 223 lbs and 5'1. So when I first began this journey and told some close friends what I wanted' date=' they were upset and very negative. I decided at that point this was MY journey and no one else's.

When I get asked how I have lost weight I simply say that I watch calories and exercise. I am not lying. even tho I feel like it! I feel great and can't worry about what others are saying.

Good luck to you!![/quote']

I did the same , I only told a few people and I'm 31 days post op today , lucky for me I'm in Miami and everyone who I know is in VA and only my siblings and a handful or less know of the surgery . It's my business if I want to tell anyone else about it and good answer 'diet and exercise'. I'm down 38 lbs 31 days yay, good luck

living4myself_gb1-21-13:

[Cecilia 201]

Thanks for your feedback!