Sick and tired of explaining myself...

[Rogofulm 2,440]

First of all, congratulations! You have reached The Dreaded Week-3 Stall. You may even be getting to the end of it. It's perfectly normal, and just about all of us have suffered through it. You're not crazy, and your doctor didn't screw up. In fact, you might not lose any weight for two weeks or even longer. But don't worry – after that, the weight will start falling off if you stick to your program. And, the inches will continue to come off even while the scale isn't budging. Here's a good article that explains why it happens and why we all have to go through it. Hang in there. Pretty soon it'll be in the rear-view mirror and you'll be dropping weight again like crazy!

You did the right and courageous thing sticking with Protein for Thanksgiving, especially in the face of such criticism.

And here's what I'd say to unsupportive people...

Thanks for your concern. Listen, I've started hundreds of diets over the years, and look where they got me – miserable and unhealthy. So I've decided to go with a modern technique that's proven to be the most effective weight-loss tool there is. It'll still take a lot of hard work, but I'm optimistic. I'm really excited about it and I hope you'll be happy for me too. It's a really cool procedure! If you're interested, I can tell you about it...

I find that most people are hooked at this point and want to hear more. Information is what gets people on board. And then they stop judging.

But if they still insist on giving you a hard time, tell them, "Look, I've made a major decision to improve my health and turn my life around. If you can't be supportive, then I'm afraid I can't be around you right now."

Then go find supportive people to hang out with, go to a bariatric support group in your area, and spend time on forums like these.

Good luck and keep making the right choices. It's SO worth it!!!!!

[bandedNov2008 3]

_{Honey you have to find some people that will support you and not bring you down....some people will never realize how difficult this struggle is......especially if they are people who dont take pride in the way they look or feel....if weight doesnt matter to them....or isnt an issue...they will never understand.......surround yourself with other people like us...who know and understand....you need positivity around you to keep on the right path!!!! Message me if you need help!}

[JackieBrown 183]

I too haven't told anyone about my sleeve just because I didn't want the diet police monitoring my butt and my plate. What I've done instead is say that I had a hiatal hernia operation and have to eat very small amounts as a result. Once that gets old, I'll just say that I've continued with this way of eating as a life choice.

That being said, how you deal with your family really depends upon the dynamics at play. Since the cat is already out of the bag, are there any people you can talk to privately and get on your side? Make this a medical issue (it is!) that is being supervised by a doctor (it is!), rather than one of the many diets we've all been on. If you can, get some sympathetic relatives on your side and ask them to speak up for you. Give them whatever ammo they need. Have them protect your back and support you and recruit others.

You will, of course, be unable to do anything about the total jerks in your family. You know who they are: they're the ones who can't wait to see you fail on this new diet of yours. Ignore them. Before they become obnoxious, plan how you are going to deal with them: confronting them reasonably, having a meltdown, walking out, shunning them... it all depends upon you and your personality and relationships.

Families are difficult, especially during the holidays. Think of how many "comedies" Hollywood has cooked up about this. So, if it's just to stressful, come down with the "flu" and have someone take your kid to the parties while you catch up on Downton Abbey or something.

To be honest, I do absolutely everything I can to keep my stress level low. I want to keep my hair, I want to stay emotionally and physically healthy, and I'm delighted with my decision to exert final control over my body. And if that means blocking certain people, I say there's no question what side I'm coming down on.

And come here to vent. We've all been there...