So, I'm getting pretty close to my goal now. I have 14 lbs left to reach my goal of 155 lbs, which will put my BMI at 25. I think that's a reasonable goal and so does my surgeon. Actually, we discussed this at my visit on Wednesday and he said that he thinks 155 should be my "goal" but that, ideally, my long-term goal should be to stay between 150-155. He said he doesn't ever want me below 150 or over 155 and that it's normal for our weight to fluctuate a little so that would be the goal range he thinks is good for me. I'm now at 169 lbs and I'm starting to get a lot of comments from people who say they think I'm losing too much weight and that I should stop trying to lose now. My family is starting to really give me a hard time about it and I know they're just concerned and they think they're doing the right thing by saying something about it but I can't seem to get them to understand that I am still overweight and still need to lose more weight. My dad even said today that he thinks I should "have that surgery reversed". How have you all dealt with this kind of thing? I'm not sure what to say to them. I don't want to be mean because they are genuinely concerned about my well-being. As I said though, I have discussed this with my surgeon and we have agreed that the healthy place for me to be is between 150-155 lbs. I have told them that I've discussed it with my surgeon and I've shared what he said to me and the response I got was "Well, I just don't think I like him." That upsets me too because I finally feel like I have my life back and it's all thanks to him and my lap-band. I am lifting weights, exercising, running, participating in 5k races....all things that I could not have done 1 year ago. 1 year ago I was too fat and unhealthy to enjoy life. All I wanted to was sleep. And now I'm healthy. I'm enjoying life. I look forward to each day. I am happy. But these comments about how I'm losing too much weight are really starting to get to me and I'm really just not sure how to deal with it. I'd love to hear how others have handled this kind of comments and situations.

I would just thank your family and friends for expressing their concern about you but tell them that you are working closely with your doctor to get you the healthiest you can be and that they should not be worried. Then change the subject. You won't change their minds and they won't change yours, which is OK since you are taking care of you, not them. Congratulations on your WL, by the way. Great job!

I am thinking if you have been life long overweight, that is the only way they know you. But you have to do what feels right for you. Even the BMI numbers can be wrong for an individual. A physician may push for a certain BMI, but that can be misleading. If you feel healthy and like how you feel, that is what is important. As I am losing weight, my Mother-in-law has no problem telling me I look old. She buys me all sorts of skin creams and treatment serums. I am fine with it because I feel better. I have a lot left to lose, but losing it my face first has always been my thing. I just nod and let her say what she wants. Then I tell her that her comments hurt my feelings and I need to do this for me. My husband is very supportive. And that is all I care about. Will it change my behavior? No. This is my journey... not hers. This is your journey... not theirs. If you give yourself a goal weight, but realize it is too low, you can change that. Nothing is chiseled in stone. If you feel your goal is good- then good for you! Good luck to you in your journey. Take care.

I completely understand what you're going through. My family did the same exact thing to me. How did I handle it? By allowing what they said to go in one ear and straight out the other. I didn't even comment. I heard what they said but didn't pay it any attention at all whatsoever. This is my body and your body, not theirs. Don't be discouraged. Keep doing you. Congratulations on the weight loss so far.

Your weight is your decision. I recently had to be remanded due to a slip. I gained 20 lbs AFTER my new band. My sister (who weighs 110 soaking wet and ALWAYS has) keeps telling me I look soooo much better since I've gained it back. But I'm Not happy! I started at 273 and am now at 190. I'm 5 8. I understand bodies are different and I can't weigh 175 without looking sick. It's your choice. Your body. Ignore the haters!

I have a problem with my close friends and family also commenting about losing too much. I weighed 230 lbs. Before my band. I now weigh 115 lbs. And I am 5ft 4in. Measurements are now

36-24-36. August 16th 2011. I had lost 89 lbs first 9 months. To me that was a drastic weight change. Not from the 130 to 115 lbs. It hurts my feelings. Even my boyfriend I asked if he was happy about my transformation. He said I liked you the way you were. I was completely crushed. I had worked so hard.

I *hope* your family is doing it out of love and concern. Seems like they aren't very supportive. Maybe they WERE, but to say you've lost too much? That is YOUR DECISION and your SURGEON's DECISION. You sound like you are doing AMAZING!!! Let that, and that alone, keep you where you want to be headed. Negativity will only bounce you to a place you don't want to be. Keep your mind on your goal, and leave it at that. I'm sorry coin not trying to be rude. I hate it when other people try to act like they know what's best for you. You're a grown woman, your body is YOURS, and yours to do with what you please! I'm not trying to be harsh, but they should ALWAYS support you.

Keep up the GREAT work!!!