On Sunday I had a communion party for my son. It's the first time I've seen a lot of family and friends since post op - 60 pounds ago. I tried to talk to my best friend about having surgery a few months ago but she was very vocal about how terrible she thinks it is, etc. I made a decision not to tell her and Sunday was the first time I saw her. She was excited to see me , we hugged and she said I look great , what am I doing. So I told her that I had sleeve surgery in February. Her attitude changed immediately. She told me how disappointed she is with me that I chose this route instead of putting in hard work and that I'm cheating. I smiled and told her this was a decision for me and the best thing I've ever done for myself. I told her that I'm happy and hope she can be happy for me. I assured her that this is in no way cheating and it's hard. How do you handle criticism from family and friends about your choice?

Your friend sucks!! Sorry #notsorry it's the truth. Ignorance is just that - keep you head held high and do your thing sister! You will have lots of support here.

On Sunday I had a communion party for my son. It's the first time I've seen a lot of family and friends since post op - 60 pounds ago. I tried to talk to my best friend about having surgery a few months ago but she was very vocal about how terrible she thinks it is, etc. I made a decision not to tell her and Sunday was the first time I saw her. She was excited to see me , we hugged and she said I look great , what am I doing. So I told her that I had sleeve surgery in February. Her attitude changed immediately. She told me how disappointed she is with me that I chose this route instead of putting in hard work and that I'm cheating. I smiled and told her this was a decision for me and the best thing I've ever done for myself. I told her that I'm happy and hope she can be happy for me. I assured her that this is in no way cheating and it's hard. How do you handle criticism from family and friends about your choice?

How do you handle situations like this? Exactly like this!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

<p>Thanks guys. It was definitely a WTF moment. She's heavy too and we've done a lot of programs together in the past like WW, gym, and even going to a diet Dr. for pills,etc. This is a journey I took solo and I think like what some of you said that it's more about her than me. I'm choosing to view it this way and will see how things go. I'll see her this Friday just the two of us, so hopefully I'll get a better sense of her attitude. Either way I'm moving forward, getting healthy, and feeling good.</p>

You did better than I would have cuz she would of had a WTF moment...how she disappointed and she still heavy...hmmmm...research is the key ...b4 opinions need to be given....

You handled that great... I'm very short tempered especially with family and friends ... I would have went off ... So hopefully the surgery coming soon for me may help me lower my guard

Okay, what surprises me the most about this story is that I would NEVER criticize someone for a decision when it is too late, cannot be undone - I mean what is the point? Even if she was "right" it's not like you can get your previous oversize stomach back.

I think you handled it very well ... if it were me, not sure I would want to associate with her because seems like she could really be a negative force especially if you ever run into frustrations or problems (stalls etc)

I have been blessed with people who are either openly supportive or have the decency to keep their mouths shut.

BTW, I didn't tell my extended family in advance of the surgery. I told them afterwards, by email. I asked for their support and told them I understood not everyone would agree with my choice - and they could please keep that to themselves. I got a lot of congrats, good decision, good luck... and some silence. After about a year, the silent ones finally spoke up and said something like "I didn't feel comfortable that you did this, but i am so happy to see how successful you have been"

Truth is, they don't need to agree, they just need to not be an obstacle or detractor of my success. Friends and family should support us or at least not try to derail us...

You handled it well. Some friend( rolling of the eyes). Jealous.