Hi, I started my WLS journey back in May I had to lose 5% of my weight for insurance purposes so I had to go to the Dr. for 6 months, I lost 62 pounds on this alone I started from 321 pounds. Now people who were supportive at 1st are asking me "You've lost so much, why don't you just do it on your own?" Is there a good answer for this, right now I'm on 4 weeks of slim fast I started that 2 weeks ago and tend to be a little irritable these days my surgery date is Nov 21st.

All you have to say is that losing the weight is not the problem and it never has. The problem is keeping it off and the surgery is my best shot at it.

It's alot more than that of course, but it will answer your detractors. Hang in there and keep your eye on the prize...and don't let anyone derail you.

you (are) doing it on your own

the band is just a plastic necklace around your stomach

that will help you eat less (period).

YOU are the one who is eating better/choosing better foods for you

YOU are the one exercising

YOU are the one who is staying hydrated to live

hm....seems like YOU are doing the work..

sometimes no comment speaks volumes.

OR

say thank you, i am doing well arent i??

The surgery is your best shot of KEEPING IT OFF.....

We're all on our own, aren't we? No one can do it for us -- we have to take care of our bodies ourselves. Personally I try not to talk about my weight loss except for here on the forum as I don't think other people can really understand what it is to not be able to control eating or to be able to lose weight in any kind of a permanent way. That's why we elect weight loss surgery -- we need the assistance. Finally admitting this to myself was very powerful -- the choosing myself first and my healthy future was not a cop out -- it was a lifesaver and I am forever grateful. Pat yourself on the back for your great pre-surgery loss -- you're doing so well. It's a lifestyle change and you are showing up for your part. You are going to do beautifully!

You really can't counter ignorance... people who tell you that have no clue what you are going through, or what others have gone through. Just smile, and ignore their comments. Arguing won't do any good, explaining why you need surgery won't do any good. Take their "advice" with a good nature, and then do what is BEST FOR YOU. In the end, you have to answer to yourself, and no one else. They may mean well, but trust that you know what is best, and don't bother engaging in useless debates. This is one reason I kept my surgery private!