Apprehensive feeling when asked "how much have you lost?"

[goblue9280 481]

It's a perfectly normal question that has been coming at a higher frequency the further along I get. For whatever reason, whenever some one asks me, I get anxious and lie to them saying "I really don't know." Truth is, I know... I weigh myself multiple times per week and am always thinking about how much I've lost to date. For whatever reason I don't want to let people know I've lost over 100 pounds since it is obvious I still have quite a ways to go. It's like I know I've accomplished a lot to date (I promise I'm not fishing for atta boys here) but since the journey is far from complete, I feel uncomfortably openly discussing where I am on the path. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this quirk or if I'm just a nutcase.

[Dub 9,922]

I hate discussing the numbers anywhere but on here.

It irritates the crap outa me when folks get hung up on the numbers.

I usually deflect a bit and just say something like, "A lot....but a heap more to go". That's not enough for some folks, though. They've just got to hear a number.

Most everyone means well with their questions. I try too give them the reassuring answers that let them know I do not have cancer or the bird flu but have been actively trying to lose weight and then flip the conversation around on them as soon as I see an opening. That usually takes care of it.

Usually.

For those that persist on gleaning the numbers.......I suggest a choke slam or swift chop to their throat...............or......... give them the damn numbers and move on.

[animallover1247 249]

When they ask how much weight have you lost just say "I'll forgive you for being rude by asking me if you forgive me for my rudeness for not answering you."

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I made the decision early out not to share numbers. So, I just tell people I decided not to share numbers. If they press, I just say "a lot" and leave it at that,

[lauraellen80 855]

One friend of mine saw me in September after not seeing me since March or April (sleeved in mid-June) and said, "Is it just me, or have you lost a f**k-ton of weight?" I replied that no, it was probably closer to half of a f**k-ton so far. It was very funny.

I do get a little uncomfortable when people ask me how much I've lost... partly because I am embarrassed that I had over 100 lbs to lose in the first place! I mean, of course everyone knew I was fat, but they didn't know just how fat I was.

Edited December 31, 2015 by lauraellen80

[catwoman7 10,975]

I just rattle off a ballpark figure that I've lost since my surgery day (without mentioning that I'd lost 60 lbs *before* surgery). I don't want them calculating in their head how much I once weighed. To a normal person, even "about 80 lbs" sounds like a lot. I don't want them to know it's more like 140! Sometimes I do like others do and just say "a lot".

[drw2 9]

I haven't gotten to the place yet...but I'm dreading it! Also I am friendly to everyone at work so I'm worried they're going to ask if I've had surgery. Have y'all encountered that and is so how do you handle it. Btw I'm a teacher so everyone is up in everyone's business

Last thought how long (how much weight) did it take y'all to loose a pants size? Not trying to be rude lol...but seriously

Edited December 31, 2015 by drw2

[catwoman7 10,975]

no one has asked me if I had surgery. Although people didn't start commenting about my weight until I'd already lost about 50 lbs (post-surgery), and at that point, I was only losing about 2 lbs a week. So they seem to believe me when I said I'd been working with dietitian and exercising like a fiend (which is actually true....).

[Gingerish 113]

I have been getting this question a lot recently since I have seen a lot of people over the holidays who I don't normally see and it makes me embarrassed and feel so awkward. I try to change the subject or just "quite a bit." Or "I've lost track."

[chasingpolaris321 214]

I also stick with, "oh yeah, quite a bit, lots of hard work!"

I don't feel obligated to share specifics, but also don't mind people being curious. I think people who have smaller amounts of weight to lose are usually really proud to share numbers, but for those of us with significant amounts of weight lost (anyone with WLS, low and high BMI), it can be embarrassing to say you've lost a whole person worth of weight.

Do whatever feels good to you and don't feel bad for leaving out information that's personal.

[pink22 30]

I am telling everyone that it is not about the numbers for me. Truly it isn't. I want to be fit and active and healthy. I want to buy the clothes I want to buy and not worry about them not coming in my size. I want to fly without worrying about who I will sit next to and whether the seatbelt will fit. I want to fit in. I feel that by telling people my numbers I am giving them power over me. Power that they don't deserve to have. "You're melting away" is a fairly common statement, to which I answer, "I'm pretty happy with how things are going, thanks."

I had lost over 50 pounds about 15 years ago and had told a colleague and was disappointed that she shared that information with others. That memory is probably influencing my decision. It is just nobody's business but mine. The thing is, I am not ashamed of my number, but people who have the information may use that knowledge to undermine my confidence. "She has lost almost 100 pounds - can you believe it?" (I'm projecting - so far I think I have lost around 20 lbs)

Never again will I give away my power. Instead I will divert the questions by responding about how much fun it is to be able to go hiking/swimming/paddling and be outdoors. I am truly not worrying about the numbers....

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@goblue9280, you asked if you're a nut case. Maybe. I dunno. There are worse things.

Your note somehow reminded me of a very foolish line from an old, very heart-manipulating movie, "Miracle on 34th Street." It may have been in the trial scene when Edmund Gwenn as Santa was asked his age. He replied with something much like, "As old as my tongue and a little older than my teeth." True, certainly, but less than informative.

For your part, how about flashing your most dazzling smile and replying, "Probably as much as you think I have?" For variety, keep the smile and alternate with, "More pounds than the number of teeth in Edmund Gwenn's (or Santa's) mouth."

Play with the people, make 'em crazy. Entertain yourself.

Edited January 1, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[samcl1 52]

I'm actually looking forward to someone asking, then maybe it will seem real

[Halfagain 68]

The last huge loss I had with a low carb diet, I was comfortable with family telling them I'd lost one hundred pounds. However I found myself getting more and more uncomfortable as I lost more in divulging the total. I started just saying over one hundred pounds and trying to leave it at that. Although some people pressed for a more specific number.

Currently, My sister is on weight watchers and it seems like family needs to just stay away from numbers and focus on health if they want to be encouraging for both of us. I want to support her, so I'll keep my numbers to myself.

[cocoa8utter 32]

If you don't feel comfortable telling, then don't. However, I find it important that you Celebrate your loss, huge loss and don't minimize that! Congrats!!