Embarrassed for Trying to Lose Weight

I did not tell anyone,
I did ask around about the by-pass surgeries
But did not want to spend money that way
so I hooked up here and I am down 112!
I have a job that I am off the summer when I went back to work
they were shocked at the change!

Unfortunately you will always have those people who doubt you even those close to you. But the great part about being on MFP is finding a core group of people who will support you and lift you up when you need it. It’s important to surround yourself with people who can share experiences that will motivate you when needed, support you in accountability, and be willing just to listen when needed.

So if you want to be successful, your goal should not be to "lose weight." Your goals should be to live a healthier life annd make better decisions with food and exercise.
Dropping the weight will be a side effect.
You can't always control whether the scale moves, but you can ALWAYS control the decisons that you make. If you stick to it long enough, you will eventually get to where you want to be, but as I said.. that's a side effect.

As far as telling people, I tell EVERYONE that I know that I've made a change in my life. I think you would be very surprised HOW supportive people are. I work at 11 different offices, and I guaranty you at any point in time, 1/2 the staff at each branch can tell you how much weight I've lost, and how I do it. They are SO incredibly supportive. If they're eating candy, they'll put it up when I'm around. (which I tell them they don't need to). If they know I'm coming, they make sure to bring healthy things to eat. They're amazing.

When people see how committed you are, they WANT you to succeed. Sure you may run into people who will say, "oh are you still with your diet?" Just ignore it and tell them that you're NOT on a diet, that you've made a decision. Negative people feed off of negativity, so if you don't give them something to be negative about, they'll stop.

Also sharing your life's decisions will hold you accountable... so now more.. "what if I fail." Make a decision and stick to it.. No excuses. Everyone has things in their life that makes it difficult... winners rise =D

I am at times. I feel like I want a t-shirt that says "I'm fat, but I used to be fatter!". or "ya, I am fat, but you should have seen me last week!"

My shirt would say... 'I may be fat, but you are ugly... An I've lost xxx pounds already!' (Not directed at anyone in particular)

Be proud of your decision to lead a healthier life. People will notice, and tell them that you have changed the way you live... It's not a 'diet' you will live with it long after you are done!

I think a good saying for a t-shirt would be 'I'm fat and watching what goes in my mouth. Please be careful what comes out of yours!'

It sounds to me like what you're doing is self-protection, survival and a wise plan. Good for you! I didn't tell anyone but my husband, my doctor and folks here that I was making changes to get lighter and more fit. When people say they've noticed I've lost weight, I just smile and say "Yes, I have." and then move the conversation on to something else unless they are someone who also wants to lose weight. Then I tell them about MFP. In a way, I think people mean well when they try to give advice (no matter how wrongheaded it is) but they just don't think about the impact of what they're saying. Some people are also threatened by others making changes because they feel it points to the changes they are not making but know they should. In any case, congratulations on having the courage to be on this journey!

Best wishes!

I have to say this time I've told the world...I'm not bragging I'm not looking for sympathy or adulation I'm just proud that I've been able to stick to it and to do well. Some people have asked me and others have wondered and I'm willing to talk to anyone, anywhere and if you want help feel free to ask.

Bump

I'm right there with you for every single reason I don't usually tell people that I'm losing weight, but I wouldn't really say that I'm embarrassed about it.

I get embarrassed when I see pictures of me make their way onto facebook.
I get embarrassed when I overeat to the point that I feel sick.
I get embarrassed when I'm the first person on the soccer field to take a substitute.
I get embarrassed when I lose 15lbs, and regain 5lbs.

But I'm not embarrassed about making a commitment to get down to a healthy weight so I won't be ashamed of pictures, so I know that I can stop myself when I'm satisfied, to be "that player" that has so much stamina that she draws all the defensive players to mark her, and to just maintain.

I stopped calling it a diet. I call it a healthier lifestyle and people either take it or leave it. I don't tell people anything until they ask me or comment on my fat loss.

^ this is awesome. I think I'm going to do that!

I don't feel EMBARRASSED, but I completely understand where you're coming from and how annoying those types of comments can get. That's why I'm really picky with who I discuss my weight loss goals with. It's annoying hearing stupid advice from people who know nothing about what it takes to achieve permanent, successful weight loss.

And I hate the looks I get when I say "no" when offered pizza or chips or cookies or something, as if I'm crazy for turning it down or I'm denying myself. No, I just don't feel the need to put crap in my body right now, but you can go right ahead.

Sigh.

I don't broadcast that I'm dieting and exercising because I usually don't announce real personal stuff like that. I'm more embarassed when people notice it and now a fellow employee will point me out and say "look how little she's getting". I just don't like attention drawn to me for my weight good or bad. I guess I just don't take compliments well. I know it's stupid but it's how I row...