Change2011

I never really thought about it from that perspective, so thanks for sharing how you feel.

I have always been motivated by people actually being able to see my accomplishments. I never took it as prying or invasive and I really don't think most people intend to be rude, etc. I know I have not meant to be when I have asked someone that question. However, if you don't like it for whatever reason that is fine but you have to let people know. There are wide spectrum of comments from "none of your business" to "thank you for noticing, but the actual number is really personal to me." You have to make the decision how to respond.

Reheated meat tends to be drier. Maybe that is the problem?

Congrats!

Congrats!

Thanks for the post. I appreciate knowing the good, the bad, and the ugly. The fact of the matter is that the band does not work for everyone, for a variety of reasons. So while, I love hearing the motivationals stories of those who had no complications and lost tons of weight in less than a year, I also want to know the other side of the picture. I use all of this as potential information that may or may not affect me.

Right now I am experiencing success and hope I continue to have success. However, I do feel for those who don't have success or have had complications and then get stoned, shunned or questioned for posting "their" experience. I would hate if those people stop posting, because I for one want to know ALL potential risk.

I realize that questions and comments regarding the subject of weight, food intake, and weight loss in general have always been a touchy subject for me. The fact that I have had this procedure did not in and of itself change that fact about me. What is changing slowly but surely is how I am feeling about myself and in general and my weight and health. So, while unsoliciated and advice and questions regarding my lapband or food intake is still somewhat of a sensitive subject for me, I now filter and respond to it in a different manner. How I use to respond and or felt really depended on the person asking and/or the way they asked or even the way I was feeling about myself that moment; I never said a word to that person but internalized it or complained to everyone but them. Now, I don't internalize it or take it personal (even if was meant to be personal). I am working on not allowing how someone thinks or perceives me to affect how I think or perceive myself. So when, I get unsoliciated comments, advice, questions, and I have a negative feeling about it, I first stop and ask myself why I am feeling this way. Secondly, I address that person accordingly and respectfully. If I don't feel the need to explain what is on my plate or why, I don't (99% of the time I don't; I have been know to say things along the lines of "thanks for your concern about _________ but none is needed I am fine".). If I feel like someone is being rude, etc. I tell them that I feel their comment was rude, etc. or ask them directly what is their concern, etc. I usually can figure out the true intent and if I can't there is certainly no question about about mine.

Bottom line, from my own experience, most people treat you the way you allow them to treat you and I have learned that I have some responsibility in how I allow people to speak and/or treat me.When someone says or does something that is upsetting, annoying or offensive to you, you should tell them and/or address it, otherwises they may not ever know. Don't ever assume someone should know or understand how you feel. Sometimes people are trying to be helpful and not hurtful or just curious and asking a question and other times not. Either way, if you don't speak up for yourself and they continue to do it, you should take part of the responsibility for them continuing to say or do something that they may have no clue is offensive to you. If you tell them and they continue to do it, the responsibility is all theirs.

_{Rossy, thank you for sharing YOUR experience and giving YOUR opinion. There are certainly risks associated with getting a band (regardless of the country or the doctor), A person needs to know the good, the bad, and the ugly and make an informed decision. I don't see you voicing YOUR opinion and telling people about YOUR experience any differently than those posting that it was the best thing that happen to THEM. Getting banded, not getting banded, or getting debanded is a personal choice. I was on the fence for awhile because of the risk associated with it, I have had my cheerleaders, and my naysayers, but ultimately, it became my decision. Every story counts, not just the good ones with happy endings. That being said, I am sorry it did not work out for you, but hope things will get better. Again thank you for sharing.}

Thank you for sharing your story. For someone like me who is not sure at this point, I need to hear the stories about the ones that did not work out so that I have a realistic view and informed decision. Good luck to you and God Bless you.