You know what, their opinions don't mean squat! (I mean those naysayers, not the kind people here...)
I lost over 147 pds in the past year, have been on Phase 4 for a month now and there is no way I've ever going back. I just saw my gyne and she's selling Medfast and, though impressed with my weight loss, made a passing comment about how I'm in the honeymoon phase after losing the weight and that most people gain at least some of it back. I was rather ticked off, seeing as I only see her once every couple years and she doesn't know me or what this journey has meant to me. I am not a bloody statistic!
Okay, that's my vent... anyway, this journey is yours alone. You lived with the fat, you struggled to get rid of it, you have developed a new mindset of health and hope for the future. It doesn't matter what any of your friends or family say. They will probably follow your example.
Having said that, I am finding that Phase 3-4 are about rediscovering what my triggers or tolerances are, and perhaps it will mean giving up certain things, or limiting them to a 'splurge' day. Some people find they just can't tolerate grains anymore, so they don't do them. At that point, nothing is written in stone. You have to find the balance that will work for you long term. It's actually rather scary, but very empowering too.
Good luck!!!