How Do You Deal With Food Police?

Hello all!  I had surgery Feb 4th and 6th (had a complication) and I took 6 weeks off work.  I came back to work last Thursday March 19th and this week will be my first full week back.  Ever since I have been back I am getting questions/comments/stares from people like "should you be eating that now?" and "is that an allowed food?".  I didn't realize how much it was driving me crazy until my coworker commented on the cheese I put in the fridge this morning for my mid-morning and afternoon snacks: "cheese is high in fat you know, you might want to be more careful" and then I brought chili for my lunch and my other co-worker turned the can around and said "chili is not good for you".  Ugh.  I am just smiling and nodding and telling them I know what I am doing but it's really frustrating.  I told everyone that I was having/had gastric bypass so that rumours wouldn't go around and also to do some stigma-busting.  Now I am totally regretting ever having said anything.  Darn food police!  Any tips or tricks on how to deal with these annoying people would be greatly appreciated.

I told mine to keep an eye on their food and I'll keep an eye on mine as I am eating according to what my plan.

I would  tell them you have gone through a thorough vetting process and detailed education with the baratric clinic so you have the expertise on how to manage your health and weight.  If they are interested in learning more contact a clinic to see if they could attend an orientation session. 

Good for you & your stigma busting, by responding like this those people might realize there is more to baratric surgery than meets the eye.

LOL, people are just naturally curious. They will have fun watching you lose the weight over the next year. Just ignore them, they are trying to help. Good for you for informing them! I think it's nice to go through the journey with a bunch of cheerleaders!

Well you've already told them about your surgery, so if they say you can't have this or that, say "really, my nutritionist said that is the kind of food and snack I should be eating"  "Can you call her and tell her why she shouldn't be recommending these foods for me" lol.

lol I love this reply!

My response is Thank you for your input. I will be sure to let my dietitian know you disapprove of their recommendations. Then I ignore them

OMG all your responses are great.  THANK YOU! 

Even at 4 years out I still have those 'are you for real?' moments.  People honestly say things and really don't think first.  You have to have broad shoulders, but it is still tough.  I am four years out (just this past weekend).  Last week had my 'birthday' at work.  It usually consists of cake and sitting around gossiping.  I asked to have a fruit tray.  One of the ladies pipes up and says 'Don't let her fool you she is a closet butter tart eater'.  I was stunned......I think I have had one bite of a butter tart in four years and dumped so bad thought I was dying.  Obviously she is jealous as she and the boss have both been trying to lose weight for years.  Professes she 'eats clean' 99% of the time often offers advice like turkey pepperettes, protein shakes and cheese strings are junk and I'd be better off eating nothing.

Anyway.  Stay strong, sometimes you have to take a deep breath and nod.  They may be well meaning but haven't walked a day in our shoes.  I usually slip in a 'well it seems to agree with me and is working.  I've lost and maintained xx pounds'.

All the best,

Kristie

I think the majority of people are honesty looking out for your best interest and not meaning to be ignorant (even though they are). How many times have we said things without thinking and before we know it we've put our foot in our mouth. 

In a polite way simply say you are under your doctors care and being monitored closely, but you appreciate their care and concern. 

Try not to react even though its hard. I didn't tell anyone at work that I was having surgery. I said I was on a low carb high protein diet. You wouldn't believe the people that had an opinion of what I should and shouldn't be eating. I even had a co-worker say she "doesn't know why I was bothering to diet because I would only gain it back anyway". This attitude was why I chose not to tell my co-workers in the first place. 

Ann