Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

The most insulting compliment.



Recommended Posts

I was banded a couple of weeks ago and I have been shocked by how many people, intelligent people who I consider my friends, have said to me something to the affect of, "You're going to be so pretty after you lose all that weight."

Like, you are ass ugly now with all that fat hanging off you, but once that's gone you will look good.

Anybody else come across this compliment? Do you feel the same as me, or do you take it as a true compliment?

I try to take it as a compliment as I know it is intended, but I cannot help but feel like it is such an insult.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't think most people really know how to be supportive and they do the best they can. I don't think they mean you are fugly now, just that you'll be even prettier after weight loss. And let's face reality here, we do look better thinner. Maybe that perception isn't right or fair, but in our society it is true.

Another issue, I'm not sure we take compliments well anyway. Many of us don't. We are very sensitive to anything anyone says. If they notice we have lost weight we get embarrassed and would sometimes rather they not make such a big deal out of it. If they don't say anything about weight loss we are miffed about that.

Honestly, sometimes we aren't really fair to people because we tend to be overly sensitive.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good points. I guess it goes back to growing up fat and always hearing, "You have such a pretty face." When you start out hearing that at a young age it kind of shapes your attitude.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I tend to agree, but a few years ago I was working in a bar and one night a particularly drunk customer stumbled upto me and said "Actually, you have a very pretty face." now that was a tricky one!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My favorite fat joke: Hey, did you hear about the fat girl who lost weight and they found out she really didn't have a pretty face?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My favorite fat joke: Hey, did you hear about the fat girl who lost weight and they found out she really didn't have a pretty face?

LMAO, I had not heard that one before ... funny!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

i've come across that alot i get told that it's a shame your so pretty to be that fat ever come across that one. it's like an insult i know how you feel but we will look and feel alot better and be healthier. you could ask tell them we'll i'm fat but your ugly and i had the band. ha mean huh just a little joke to cheer u up. amber

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I felt really offended when I ran into a friend recently and she said, "you look great, I didn't realize you were so pretty". I know it was meant to be a compliment, but I at least usually get a "I mean you always look good, but now you look even prettier". I know it all means the same thing but it just makes me feel so self-conscious. I get really embarrassed with the compliments at times, but if someone who hasn't seen me in awhile doesn't comment than I feel insulted......these poor people can't win!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I look at it this way, if we thought we looked good fat then we would not have the surgery (yes health is the main reason but we all want to look good) our society just values thin people, my retort would be "I know, what the hell will they ever be able to do about you?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it is a really pathetic attempt at a compliment from people who don't really think about what they are saying to you. It's like they are assuming that you should be happy as a clam because you are getting a compliment of any kind. Riiiiight. If you are pretty you are pretty-at one hundred or at three hundred pounds. I like the way my therapist responded when I told her that I was going to be banded. She said, "Wow, you are beautiful now but after that you will be a devastating beauty". Of course, she is a therapist and knows how to talk to people!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded last October. I get tired of hearing, "your face is thinner" or "I can really see it in your face." Enough already with my face! One thing I don't like hearing are comments that basically confirm how I've always felt - that dating will happen when I'm smaller.

Right now, I have two big challenges. Taking control of my sweet tooth and changing my negative thinking. I'm getting there one day at a time.

I'm new to LBT. Can anyone tell me how you add your goal / weight loss info below a posting?

:(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I hear "You're going to be a stunner when you lose all of that wieght." and things of that nature. When it comes from somebody I know and love I take it as a compliment. When it comes from a co-worker or a mild aquaintance, I am not sure how to take it, but I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. But in the past I have heard "You'd be pretty if..." That one pisses me off.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've heard that one all of my life from relatives and strangers alike. "But you have such a pretty face", etc...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I get them, my response is "I'm Damn gorgeous now, but thank you. " They usually realize what they have said and agree. I really don't think that most ppl think before they speak and if they don't know the difference they will not change.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Clueless_girl

      Losing my hair in clumps and still dealing with "stomach" issues from gallbladder removal surgery. On the positive side I'm doing better about meeting protein and water goals and taking my vitamins, so yay? 🤷‍♀️
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×