I'm at the point where a LOT of people are noticing I have lost a LOT of weight - which is fantastic, I'm not complaining. But most of the conversations are statements, not questions, ie "You have lost a LOT of weight!" in a positive way.

I never know what to say, and I always feel kind of awkward. I know I feel this way because to me it means they realized how fat I was, which is mortifying but obviously wasn't a secret although apparently I thought it was , and also because they are noticing my body, which is still a little iffy for me.

I always just say, "Oh, Thank you!" and it inevitably leads to questions of what I am doing, so I tell the truth - I really watch what I eat, and I'm exercising consistently. I honestly don't really care if they think I had WLS or whatever, I know the truth.

But anyway, what do you say? I feel so weird saying Thank you, but I feel like it is a compliment. It just feels awkward to me.

I think "thank you" is the appropriate response here. That's what I always say when someone brings it up. After all, mama always taught me that when you get a compliment the polite thing to do is acknowledge it, accept it, and thank them for it.

I think the way you responded was perfect!

I think that "Thank you" is just fine. Sometimes I just smile and nod. This week complete strangers have said something to me. It is kind of scary to know that strangers are watching my weight loss.

First congrats on the weight loss! You are doing great! I admire you!

Second I think it is a great compliment. I think what you've said is perfect. People want to know what you are doing because most folks are looking for a quick and easy fix. I can't wait to get to the point when someone says that to me.

Can't wait til i can have this problem...*SIGH*....good for you though!

I'm sorry, I know I'm going off-topic here, but congratulations on your 100 pound loss...that's awesome!!!

I just say, "just a bit maybe." And leave it at that. Luckily only one person has been so bold as to ask me how much I've lost. I dunno why, but I feel that's a personal question lol

When I've lost weight in the past, I've said, "I hope I never find it!" I think the issue of weight loss makes people uneasy at times so I like to make it humorous.

"yeap, thank you!"

It's really the only thing you need to say if being polite.

thanks for the reinforcement! It does feel weird to say thank you, but it's all I got, and glad to have agreement it's the polite thing.

ShylahEQ - that is a VERY personal question in my opinion! I didn't hesitate to tell people when it was 20 lbs or whatever, but the bigger the number get, the more personal I get about it.

I too say thank you. It's polite and usually doesn't lead to other questions. When I say I haven't lost a lot, it leads to questions about how much and I don't want to go there.

What I haven't been able to avoid is the "so how are you doing it?" question. Eating healthy usually stops them from more questions. Although one time a person insisted it couldn't be healthy eating but rather exercise. To which, I just said I did both.

When I get the statement "You have lost a LOT of weight," I proudly say, "Why, yes I have thank you!" The unspoken thing I am saying is "and thank you for noticing". That's why I say "thank you" anyway. It IS a compliment when people way you've lost weight, unless you are very sick, and then the statement is said with a slight tilt of the head. If you're not getting the pathetic head tilt from your commenter, it is a compliment.

When asked what I'm doing I often say, "Calorie counting and exercise...who knew?"

It is embarrassing to be eyed up and down, but I think people are really just amazed at what we have done.

I thank them but always try to play it off as though I wasn't trying to lose the weight. I think in the back of my mind, I'm always afraid of gaining it back and then I'll get the "pity look" from those that were complimenting me in the first place.
Oh, the things I do to try and justify my foibles....

Thank you, Nastasha!

I don't feel like a compliment touches on the personal too much but I hate it when people ask me how much I have lost. A coworker once asked me how many sizes I had gone down. I would never dream of asking such a personal question. I give vague answers, "A good bit" for the how much weight question. I was taken by surprise so much by the lady asking how many clothing sizes that I gave her a blank look at first and then recovered with "I am not sure, clothing sizes are so irregular."