Well I read the material and listened, but I just didn't think it was possible...some people are more comfortable around me as a fat person.

I've recently been banded and so far I've lost about 37 lbs (pre and post op diets). I was out the other night and a close friend made mention of my weight. At first it was very nice...wow Teesh you look awesome, you've lost ....I can tell. But then they went on to say how my attitude had changed and I thought I was all that. Don't forget where you came from...don't forget you used to be fat!!

What in the world!!! I thought to myself...but you know what....I spoke up and said "I will never forget where I came from...I feel good about my weight loss and each time I drop my outfits and personality are going to reflect the new found confidence....I am not staying fat for you or anyone else."

So I just wanted to post that little short to let you all know that it's true...everyone's not going to be happy for you as you lose. Some folks are going to think you're being conceted and stuck up when you start branching out with new clothes and confidence. But don't let it get to you...you don't owe anyone anything but yourself. I've realized, this journey is about me and all that I can squeeze out of my short time here on earth. I want to be healthy and look great, I want kids and a fulfilled life...NOTHING CAN STOP ME NOW.

Good luck on your journey.

Samantha,I must say I love your post, But the thing with me is I was about 20lbs lighter then the friend I'm talking about when I got my band. At first I just chalked it up to her maybe feeling a little left behind but as I stated in my prior post I think she's always been a little selfish and jealous of not just me but anyone that's doing well or better then her. I just wish I had paid more attention to it then before I invested so much time into our friendship. We have a mutual friend that has been gaining alot of weight due to new meds she's on and the girlfriend I'm talking about finds way to much pleasure in it and I just don't understand why. She went as far as to take a pic of our mutual friend just so she could see how much weight she's gained and try to prove that she was as big as her now. I think she's just a mean person and I just ignored it before for whatever reason. You don't go through life hurting others to make yourself feel better. Oh! and congrats on the size 10, WTG. I'm also a size 10 and loving it.

Thank you Kim.

Funny thing about being fat. I noticed that I settled for a lot of things I am no longer willing to do. I settled for less pay, less sex, less time and money spent on myself. Maybe others settled for friends that were always mean and spiteful, but never saw it or didn't wish to.

I equate my friends, co workers, aquaintances as apples on my tree. Making the changes that comes with the band and losing weight have shaken the tree. The rotten apples have fallen off and only the nice, supportive and kind apples have remained.

Whether the rotten apples have always have worms or developed them after me losing weight is mute now. I have spent enough time worrying about other people's motivation.

All I know is I prefer the shiny red apples that make me healthier and happier....and red has always been my color!

I have so enjoyed reading your posts as well as the others. This forum is one of the few places that I can relate to.

Congrats on the size 10, can you believe it??????

Samantha