Did you tell anyone?

I didn't tell anyone at first, not even my husband. I don't know why...I guess I was too self conscious, too worried I couldn't do it and be viewed as a failure. Anyway, after I lost 5-10 pounds, I told my husband what I was doing and he was extremely supportive. I told no one else but after dropping 15 pounds (I lost 30 total) everyone started noticing- coworkers, family, etc. and I felt like I was CONSTANTLY being asked about it. I guess that's what I get for keeping it a secret!

If your friend turns these things into a negative competition, I would definitely keep it quiet for a while. Also, I would call her out on the negativity, but that's just me. Is it her insecurities with her own weight making her get down on you?

I didn't tell my husband either for a few days. He is about 375 lbs and tends to sabotage my diets with his actions, even though he supports me verbally. It can be hard when you have a history of failure to convince yourself that this time will be different.

Your doing this for you and no one else. If shes really a friend, then all she needs to do is be supportive. You shouldnt feel like you have to keep it from her or anyone else for that matter. Do you, and do it well. You can do it! Good luck!

I never told anyone I was trying to lose weight, except my mom and husband. When I started lifting, I told anyone who'd listen and humor my excitement.

I've been in the very same boat! I say I'm going to workout, eat better and then about two weeks later I've fallen completely off the wagon and under it. This time I really didn't tell anyone - besides when you do, people turn into Big Brother and begin watching everything you do or eat.

This time around, I just started working out and staying accountable via MFP.

Hey Teresa~

I don't think you're alone in this situation at all. I really agree w/ Andrewsmommy' "It can be hard when you have a history of failure to convince yourself that this time will be different."

When I started my healthy lifestyle change... I was open with my husband of course, and he was probably the first to know because we started eating vegetable stir fry most days of the week! Hahah- but really, this is when I started utilizing MFP to it's full capacity, and found support and encouragement from my MFP friends.

I would tell my MFP friends my goals- and they started out simple: get a work out in in the morning, and take the stairs at work.... MFP held me accountable. The praise and encouragement helped me feel like I was accomplishing something.

Weightloss is a very personal journey- after all, you're the only one that can make a difference. I agree with the others, that she is your BEST friend, so she will (and it may take time) understand. I don't think you need to tell her right away. But, eventually, you'll want to share your success. It's so nice once you're making progress to share the exciting details and mile markers with loved ones.. for me it was my husband, brother, and best friend...

But like others said.. once you start losing weight. People notice. And you'll be surprised. People will start asking so many questions, and no doubt give you compliments.

My only advice is be honest with yourself, this is YOUR journey. When the time is right, you can tell her. Make the change in YOU, and it's a positive one... And, good luck!! :flowerforyou:

I told everyone. I wanted to accountable. And I have a big mouth and tell everyone everything...LOL

^This. But, back when I was doing a biggest loser challenge at work and lost the first 25 lb, I didn't tell my parents who were out of town for the winter. Part of my motivation to stick to is was to surprise them when they came home. Sadly, it took my Mom a couple of visits after they got back in town before she noticed but, in her defense, I always used to wear bagy sweats and stuff - comfortable clothes that hid the extra rolls. It wasn't until I bought some better fitting clothes that she noticed. But, everyone I worked with knew I was in the competition and that motivated me to stick to it.

I did. But I don't know if I would have done it differently. I was never one to talk about my weight (before I decided to lose weight) because I didn't want to be one of those people who talked about it but didn't do anything about it. When I decided to do it, I talked about it but what I got from some was, "...okay....you can do it.....?" Haha. But it was good that I did because when I lost the first 50lbs I could not tell and no one else noticed, but I had the support. The support really got me through it. So, I guess that I am glad that I did tell people, but, like you, I didn't talk about it with people who also struggled with their own weight - who talked about it and didn't do anything about it. I felt they would bring me down. In my opinion, the beginning stages of weight loss is very hard and it would be very hard with negative people around.

Edited to add: Now I can't shut up about it. This is something that I am really proud of and will tell anyone. If anyone asks me a question about this whole thing, I will take that opportunity to talk their ear off about it. :laugh:

I posted something on FB after I lost 19lbs because I was so excited...now I figure I won't. When I posted on FB about losing that much while it was nice to get all the congrats and so on, it kind of felt like they were all say "DANG about TIME!" so I haven't said anything since....I figure if they notice they will say something, otherwise I guess I am just taking it the way I always have...MY FAT IS INVISIBLE even if it's not there anymore!!!!!! LOL!

I didn't because I hate when people say "You look fine". "Great, thanks for the support guys, I mean my BMI is on the overweight side of the scale but, as long as I "look fine" who cares."

I told everyone. I wanted to accountable. And I have a big mouth and tell everyone everything...LOL

Me too.

I found that 90% of people were great. The other 10% divided themselves between sabotage & stupid advice.

I only told my husband bc our meals would be slightly different, and I would be at the gym/exercising more often. It never occurred to me to tell other people. I am adjusting my lifestyle and recovering from an injury which led to my weight gain. Everyone that knows me realizes that I am recovering and that I have gained weight, especially since they all helped me during my injury (my husband was deployed). But, I do mention this site and articles/blogs that I find useful to friends. I am happy to discuss if asked.

I only told my friends who are also on MFP..but for others I only bring it up when they are encouraging me to eat or drink more than what I should. Then they say "oh you don't look fat at all" but they don't see me in my underwear, etc. You know the deal.

I think it is a good idea to let people know you are trying to lose weight. This keeps you accountable! And yes, it might explain why you get on your phone before/after every meal when you are logging or calculating calories. Hopefully others will understand and respect your choice

That being said, I have never made a huge annoucement or boasted about it-if people ask about it or they are trying to push food my way, its a good time to mention it.

I have told everyone about it. In fact after talking about how much I love this site, two of my coworkers signed up for it. So we are working on our plans together, providing support and motivation to each other at work.