Dr. Tiffany Jessee is great too! She is in St. Pete and even though I am a little further away, I still go to her. I was banded by her on 06-17 and her support and her staff support has been tremendous.
I agree that the number should not define you however, for me it is a matter of being focused on what I am doing. That is what it has been all about for me. So, when someone asks me, I tell them. It allows me to remember again why I am doing this and makes me smile. I am proud of what I have accomplished. In the beginning, I told very few people but obviously now, everyone has noticed. Some are brave enough to ask and I do talk about it to them when they do. I really don't care what other people think and if they talk when I walk out of the room or store or whatever, then let them talk. So far, I have been happy with my decision to handle it that way and haven't had any real problems in that regard. Good Luck on whatever you decide to do.