My friends & family said similar things to me, but I didn't take it as insults. They were very supportive of my decision to have the sleeve. They also all knew my health problems. Which was the main reason for having it done. The one remark that gets me is when some one compares sizes (like, he/she is 2 times your size) I know I was big! And I pray that the people that do that, realize some day, how that must feel to a Bigger person! Now, as I'm going through this journey I let everyone now what a great tool this is for me. I researched this for a year before I decided to do it! Best thing I ever did for ME!!! Now I say, "Yup, I was that big!"