What to do once people start noticing?

Calantorntain

I'm starting at 260. Now I'm down to around 230 (not doing a check-in until I have access to a scale), and it's starting to be a bit noticeable, I guess. The other day my roommate commented that she could tell I was losing weight, but it's because she hugged me.

Today, the receptionist said, "you're looking so small these days!" I don't know if it's because I'm actually visibly losing, or because she's also in charge of the kitchen and sees the healthy lunches I bring every day, and assumes I'm trying to lose weight, and wants to encourage me. I said, "that's the goal, I suppose."

The exchange has made me realize that, once it becomes more visible (I'm about 6', so my goal is around 180, and then from there I'm going to decide what to do), and people comment, I have NO IDEA what I'm going to say. This has been a very personal change for me; while I would appreciate respect for my "accomplishment," I don't want "she lost a bunch of weight" to be my defining characteristic.

What do you all say when people comment on your weight loss?

seekingstrengthX2

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

monicalosesweight

I suspect it's more that they are so happy for you. People tend to blurt things out and if they see you getting skinnier they just are happy because they know how bad the weight is for us. I've started to go back and look at my videos and pictures from the past and it's startling to see how even 30 pounds is a substantial amount of weight. I'd say take it as a compliment and maybe that they are just trying to encourage you as they are happy for you. They know that deep down we're great people - in fact - once you keep it off - they may even forget about the extra weight entirely. It'll become part of history.

seansquared

I usually say thanks.

The real change is "what to do once people start *really* noticing". When I was pushing 280 I never even got looked at. Now at 185 I get hit on probably once a day.

...ugh, I realize that might sound like bragging and I do not mean it that way. I certainly appreciate the attention of random folks, and it is a great confidence booster and motivator, and that's all.

ironmonkeystyle

try this:

"Nope. I'm not losing any weight. Maybe you're just getting bigger."

ChitownFoodie

Just say thank you, its simple but effective. Btw, Logan Square rocks!! I live on the Bucktown/Logan Square border.

deeray

I usually say thanks.

The real change is "what to do once people start *really* noticing". When I was pushing 280 I never even got looked at. Now at 185 I get hit on probably once a day.

...ugh, I realize that might sound like bragging and I do not mean it that way. I certainly appreciate the attention of random folks, and it is a great confidence booster and motivator, and that's all.

I'd hit on you too. Just sayin...

TavistockToad

Smile and say thanks... its really not a big deal....

Dark_Roast

try this:

"Nope. I'm not losing any weight. Maybe you're just getting bigger."

Ha!! I wish I could say this at work. Sigh.

I just say thank you, and sometimes I actually smile when I say it.

iampaulinegiles

THANK YOU & I FEEL FABULOUS

MinnieInMaine

It's so easy to be crazy in our own heads with doubts and fears and justifications and all of that... Someone says "you're getting so small!" and you think "hardly, I've still got plenty of weight to lose!" (this is not directly at you OP, I"m just recalling my own thought process starting out at 260 pounds) and you may be tempted to say something like that....but don't.

All they want is for you to know they're noticing and that they're happy for you. A very simple smile and "thanks!" or even "thanks for noticing!" is all you need to say.

Trust me, I know it's not always easy. I try really hard to just say thanks but as recently as last week I got caught up in my own negative crap and said some thing like "oh, it's just cuz I'm wearing black" when someone complimented me on how slim I've become.

So few people (women especially - we do tend to be catty) give compliments these days so it's so much better to be gratious and keep the negativity to yourself.

rfsatar

I smile and say "Thank you"... that's all it takes.

Guamybear

say thank, smile and enjoy that your hardwork is paying off.

RobynLB

I don't know why, I find this really awkward as well. I'm on the thinner side of healthy. I deny any intention to lose weight and insist that I have either been sick or that I've been running a lot more lately. Does anyone else do that?

My0WNinspiration

I just say thank you and keep it moving!

ravenchick

Just say "Thank you". It takes your mind a little to get used to the compliments. A simple thank you is fine.

sarahharmintx

I go through this a lot. And I stumble and have a difficult time coming up with stuff to say back.

canadiandee

People have just started noticing and commenting on my weight loss, earlier in this process than I would've thought. I think it beats the heck out of no one noticing. :-) I just smile and say thank you.

1shauna1

Say thank you.

LPCoder

I was used to not getting noticed so when attention on me shifted and people started noticing I had to learn to accept the comments with a thank you. When people asked how I lost weight that was more difficult. How do you sum up everything you did to get the results you want? I finally settled on the patented answer, "Oh, no special secret. I move more, eat less and make better eating choices." That seemed to satisfy people.

XXXMinnieXXX

I find it hard to accept a compliment. Seems your the same. Your just gonna have to learn to smile and say thank you. Eventually it becomes easier and you mean it! Yes 30lbs is noticeable and you deserve the compliments! X

NordicAlien

I'm not losing yet, but in the past I've usually said things like, "Thanks, it feels really good to be more active," or "Thanks, it feels great to be eating better." Something that acknowledges the compliment - and the truth of it - and gives a little bit of info back without making it a huge thing. (Even if it is.) I think that a lot of the time - and I'm not saying this is true for you, just for me - people get curious and even worried when I lose weight, because of my struggle with eating disorders and major health problems. I can usually see them wondering whether I'm sick again, or if someone else has died and caused me to stop eating, or something like that.

I find that things like "it feels really good to be more active / be eating better" cover all kinds of situations. If the person's commenting on your weight because they're worried, it sets their mind at ease. If they're wishing they could do the same, it opens up a dialogue in case they want motivation to get started. If they're just giving a compliment, it's a polite acknowledgement. And if they're being catty, it takes the wind out of their sails.

estrobabe

Say thank you. If you are really trying to lose weight and people can tell you are, then people will take notice and some may even compliment you. I say thank you. At least that confirms I'm doing something right. Say thank you

Fozzi43

Thank you

_jorge_

I say "Thank you for noticing! You made my day."

gekcsk

Just say Thank you! I lost over 100 pounds and I wasn't sure how to handle people complimenting me. I felt like I needed to explain myself. We don't. A simple Thank You is perfect.. And by the way you are doing great. :flowerforyou:

ZombieFoodSlayer

I am starting to notice the looks as well, but I say just be kind and gracious to people, a simple "Thank you" is all!!

Chessie24

I normally just smile and say thank you. When they start pushing as to how I'm doing it I just say lots and lots of cocaine. They don't ask much after that. Hahahaha.

Finleyclf

Thank you and keep a going. It feels great when people start to notice. I have lost 31 lbs so far since the beginning of October and last week was the first time one person noticed. Over the weekend we had company and I could tell people wanted to say something but no one did until after I mentioned I was on a diet. I'm not so worried about what other people think, I'm doing this for me this time around. In 2003 I went from 290 lbs to 160 lbs in 9 months and I heard mostly negative words from people - 'You look funny this small - You need to gain some weight back . After doing just that I got out of control and regained 96 lbs. This time I don't care what people think. My goal this time is to get to 185 - 190. I am very big boned (5' 7') and dont really look my weight so at 190 I'll be in a size 11/12 and looking better.

sweetpea129

I just say Thanks and get a bit shy, try to change the subject. Im not so good at the compliment thing. But its getting easier.

bradymeans

It feels soooooooo good!!!!! I love it even though it makes me feel a little shy and awkward because I'm bad with accepting compliments....I guess the best part is that it makes me want to work a little harder because it's actually paying off!!