You know I don't know if I realized I had it so good in regards to the amount of support I have received in having lap band. I was shocked to read other people's posts about not telling people because of them not being supportive (whether actual or perceived).

I have had nothing but support from every aspect of my life - family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members, etc. UNTIL this random experience I had the other day. A person, who will remain nameless that I know (don't even know that well but they know I had the surgery) made a comment that just set me off.

A group of us were discussing the People issue where they show people who have lost 1/2 their size - I love reading that every year - I find it inspirational. This person simply made the comment "yeah - they were able to do it on their own, not take the easy way out" and then looked in my direction.

Now I am a God-fearing/loving woman - but my thoughts became nasty at that moment. Now I bit my tongue - but didn't want to.

SO instead I'm releasing the steam here!

Don't ever tell me I took the easy way out! This is a fight! I realized that I was no longer at a place where I could do it on my own. I graciously took the help that was made available to me to make my life healthier - I took back control!

I don't care if you lose the weight by doing weight watchers, slim for life, surgical intervention, south beach, diet of the month, jenny craig or dammit - just eating less and exercising more - congratulations on however you do it and the positive influence it will have on your health and I pray you keep up the success and the weight stays off - GOOD for YOU!

Don't tell me I failed or took the easy way out - I'm glad someone else had success without surgery - I did not feel that was the best decision for me since it hadn't worked so far.

Ok I feel better - Thank you!

Honey, Honey, HONEEEEYY! You are such a better person than I am! I would have went completely off and ripped them a new one! Anyone who makes that comment is plain and simple; an ignorant ass! If anyone says that we have taken the easy way out then they have NO CLUE what kind of a committment we've made. When I tell people that I can't drink carbonated drinks anymore, they look at me like I've just told them that I've lobbed off and arm! And, when the find out that I can't drink anything with my meals; EVER. They're amazed. But I think what most people don't realize...even many people who have been banded, is that the band is only a "tool." We still have to work very hard. Anyway...just ignore that idiot, or the next time someone says that...and I'm sure they will, just look at them and say very sarcastically, "Yeah, that's it. I took the easy way out. You definately know what you're talking about." Well, you know what they say; The best revenge is looking good."

HI KC,

I am getting banded in about 34 hours from now 8-)

I have been reading the blogs more this week. I wish I had found them earlier in the process.

I feel like I have wasted my life being fat, and I don't have the energy to even think about trying weight watchers, or starting at the gym again, etc.

My feeling right now is that the band will get me through the rough spots. .... I won't be hungry and decide to have a non-healthy, greasy, probably fried .... with gravy ... kind of meal and then end up giving up all together.

At some point, I can have a taste of dessert, or something really yummy that would not be considered healthy, ........ but I will have only a little of it because I will be fuller sooner. ........ so the set back will not be as great, ....... and because it is not that big of a set-back, I will not get discouraged and give up, ...... it will be easy for me to get back to my standard (healthy) eating plan.

Do I have the right perception of how this works?

What is the thing that you would say is the most difficult for you? [i am not a big soda pop drinker, ... but I will miss my diet root beer]

Is it hard to eat out because you only eat 1/3 of what they serve on one plate?

What happens if we DO drink alcohol?

I feel for you and this is EXACTLY the reason I have chosen not to share my story with anyone but my husband, my best friend and my doctor!

WELL I AM NOT KEEPING MY WLS A SECRET I HAVE TOLD MY FAMILY FRIENDS AND CO WORKERS AND I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE THINKS BUT BEST BELIEVE IF I SOMEONE HAS ANYTHING NEG. TO SAYI WILL SHUT THEM DOWN.THIS IS MY FIGHT. GOOD LUCK AND DONT LET ANYONE GET YOU DOWN

Amen sista! I was watching HGTV and saw Vern Yip giving one of his Deserving Designs to a woman who had lost over 100 pounds 'the hard way' (his words)...I love ya Vern, but this burned me!