Taking Compliments

Oh man this past week has been difficult! Every where i go people are telling me how great I look and to keep up the good work but I have such a hard time taking compliments I'm such an insecure person and i'm not used to hearing people tell me i look beautiful or great. I'm happy that they notice and are encouraging me but it's so hard for me to take their compliments with out feeling insecure. Has anyone had an issue with this as well? How did you over come it?

I am still preop, but I got the best piece of advice a few years back. Whenever somebody gives you a compliment, just say thank you. I used to never believe any compliments that I got. It was a problem. Just because I would take the false humble route, which isn't cool. I don't remember who told me this, but it was smart. Just say thank you. Don't harp on it, how it is true or not. And believe that they are telling you the truth. Just because if you are questioning their compliment or encouragement, it is an insult to the person who is just taking their time to do something nice. Don't question it, even internally...just accept it. It may take some time, but eventually you can stop questioning and start believing it. It's not going to be automatic. It takes time to build confidence, but believe what other people are saying. They wouldn't say it for no reason. Jen

well, for the record, you're beautiful which may be why you keep getting compliments : p We were the same starting weight, I am 2 months behind you -- I was on Aug 7th, and have been having a REALLY hard time... so, here is my advice -- bring yourself back to 270 lbs immediately post-op and think about how worried and scared and how much pain you were going through and ... JUST BE THANKFUL..... I can give this advice because I want nothing more then to recieve compliments .. i have been in and out of the hospital since surgery, with nausea and dry heaving and I look forward to be where you are : ) how do you feel at 4 months out ? and Just be thankful and say thank you .. its easier then you believe ;p Kristen

Thank you very much! I'm actually only 3 months out but I feel GREAT! My recovery was very smooth there are days when i'm tired but for the most part I have more energy to do things. Sometimes it's still hard to believe that I actually went through with the surgery but I am so grateful i did. I'm sorry you had such a hard time after surgery. How are you feeling now?

I agree with the others. Just say thank you.... and do not add any "but I...." lines behind it. :D

Thank you guys! I always try to say thank you and smile but I still feel so insecure with my body image. The feeling of insecurity far out weighs the feeling of encouragement. I guess this is something that's going to take time. I'm gonna have to get used to people saying things and even looking at me.

I am 2 1/2 years out and i still get the compliments. IT does get old but you just learn to say thank you and move on. What i am getting tired of is eating in front of people and they watch me eat and then sit there and asked questions. Come on people, it has been 2 1/2 years. You would have thunk they would have moved on by now. Since my PS, everyone is gooing over it and then one lady has the nerve to ask what my boobs look like(i didn't get approved for boobies yet). I said do you remember that girl scout song...do your ears hang low? NO...then i sing her the song and say that is what they look like. I think some people are looking for failure but then some people want it so bad they can taste it but not willing to go through the hoops even though my insurance pays 100%. Take care, Marti