For those of you, like me, who have decided to tell only 5 people what do you say? People are going to notice when I only have one glass of wine at the party. They are going to notice when I don't drink something with my meal. They are going to notice when I only eat a small portion and am not hunting though the kitchen later. What do you say to cover your tracks?

Most of the folks closest to me know that I've had the sleeve surgery so they know I will be eating much less at meal times, and that my husband and I now share a plate when we go out to eat. When others who don't know about my surgery comment on my weight loss, if it's a compliment, I simply say "thank you" and don't feel the need to go into any further detail. If they comment about how little I'm eating or drinking, I simply say I've changed my eating habits. I'm not rude about any of it. And some folks who don't already know I will sometimes simply say I had to have surgery because of various health issues. It all depends on who I'm talking with as to how much information I feel like sharing. I'm not ashamed of having the surgery so I'm not trying to hide that fact; I just don't feel compelled to explain to everyone I meet who notices the significant weight lose how I lost the weight.

You may find people notice less than you think they will. I've never had anyone comment on my not drinking with my meal or eating small portions. It's pretty rude to pay that much attention to other people's eating habits and comment on them. People are a lot less focused on what you do with your food than you are, trust me! But I had some standard responses in my pocket in case I needed them.

"I don't drink with my meals. My doctor says it will help me reach my weight loss goals."

"I'm trying to cut back, doctor's orders. I need to lose weight."

"The meal was delicious but I guess I'm just not that hungry."

"I had a big lunch so I'm not hungry."

etc. etc.

My husband only knows. I've kept it from all my other family, who I see at least 1x a week, and my co workers. They notice I'm losing weight which they praise. They notice I eat healthy which they think is why I'm losing weight. I've had people say "you aren't eating very much" and I say "trying to lose this weight" and they drop it. So far, no one has suspected a thing.

And for not drinking while eating, I always order a Water and sip on it until my food gets there. By that time, 1/2 of it is gone and they don't even notice I'm not drinking it while eating.

I only told my family and two friends, so when people noticed my weight loss and smaller food intake, I just said "I'm working hard at eating less and moving more" --and then quickly switch to something like "Tell me about how you're doing/how your weekend was/what's going on in your life" or anything to switch focus, and so far it's not failed me once this whole year.

And yes, I agree with @@Bufflehead, people don't notice or stay with it nearly as much as we fear they will!

I am sleeved 5 years. Started at 285 dec 09. Sleeved oct 28,2010. I told people I had to have stomach surgery due to health issues. Mine was to fix hiatel hernia. I also had ulcers. So that what I tell them. I suffered with stomach issues and complications of them for 6 years prior so usually have no ill comments. I never kept it a secret. So If asked I tell them.

I am 161.4 as of today. I gained back 30 lbs. which is my own darn fault. I ate junk for a few to many months/year. But I am back on here and on liquids and loosing already. I'm down 5 lbs since Friday.