Your response to criticism?

Kelly, well done! I can't believe someone would say this to you and expect you NOT to be mad! I'm only one month post-op, so my looks and weight have not changed quite so dramatically, but from what I can see of your pics, you are beautiful. I wish I had a clever response for you to give back to them, but only cliches comes to mind currently, lol. Either way, enjoy your success, you've certainly earned it!

Kind of like when people tell me I look tired. I just say Thanks so much with lots of sarcasm and walk away.

 I think people just get used to seeing us look a certain way (chubby/fat/full-figured) and can't wrap their heads around the "new us."

Or, they could just be ******** 

 I just say "Thanks for sharing your opinion" and finish silently to myself "and opinions are like ******** everyone has them." Sometimes I say aloud "I did the weight loss for my health. Can you run 5 miles a day?"

It amazes me how negative some people can be. I got that crap from my sister the other day, and this after not seeing her for 7 years, during which time I lost my weight. Guess it's going to be another 7 years!

Answer: Thanks that made my ******g day.  And walk away.  Period. End of story.  And you chose rather you ever speak to this mean sub-human beings again, I wouldn't, but thats me.

I have learned to value the opinions of the people I value. That was such a hard lesson for someone who listened to all the critics and bullies MORE than my loved ones all my life. Funny how I did that. The people I cared about and loved so much would tell me something and I would completely ignore it because the mean girl said the opposite. Worse, those negative people were the ones i desperately sought approval from! I see it now, but I couldn't for a long time, even as an adult. I had a...well..not a close friend, but someone I knew for a long time, tell me that my attitude had changed and I was now and not the same. I thought too highly of myself. Man that hurt. Especially since I felt for the first time in my life that i wasnt in competition with anyone...other than just trying to be a better person to myself and to others. I wondered if i had been the things she said. I went to someone who is a close friend of mine and was floored when that friend said, "Yes you have absolutely changed." She went on to say that i have learned boundaries. That i am not acting like a doormat and that bothers people sometimes, especially when they aren't used to it. I took her comment for what it was worth, processed it, ran it through a few filters and let it go. It is what it is. I am truly sorry she feels that way and I hope to not make others feel that way. Further, i will continue to value myself more. Because I didnt before. My opinion of myself counts. I dont hate me anymore. Therefore hurtful comments can be looked at, analyzed, and then dismissed without the emotional toll they used to take. I dont hate her for her opinion. I didnt dismiss it entirely and will watch out for it in the future. But i dont have to take it on and make it more than that. You are beautiful. Your doctor says you are healthy from my understanding. Run it through the filters and let it go through. If it doesnt fit...its bull...well you get the idea! have a great day!

I meant to filter the opinion of the girl being critical.  Although i guess i filtered that of my supportive friend as well.  I know the supportive friend well enough to know she would call me on my crap if, and only if, i asked.  lol. 

My best friend criticized me for my goal weight, adding she was only 10 pounds more than that. I mentioned it to my psychologist at our session this week and she said my friend was obviously jealous.

It hurt. My doctor warned me it would happen and I seriously thought because my friend circle was small it wouldn't. 

Silence is golden...

 And now, for a bit of relief, here is what would be MY response. I do NOT recommend it to everyone. Attempt at your own risk:

"STFU. When I want your opinion, I'll beat it out of you!"