I'm borrowing the title of Jen Lancaster's book for my topic title, it's a great summer read btw.

All my life I've heard, "Awww, you've got such a pretty face" at first it feels like a compliment, then, wait, no, not so much.

So now that I'm banded as of July 5th, the people who told me, "Oh my God, don't do it, you don't need it, you've got such a pretty face."

can stop with the nonsense.

I tell them, pretty face, okay, but unhealthy body, heart, mind and this is me finally doing something for myself and getting a tool that is going to help me be... such a pretty woman. Well, shoot, let's blow "pretty" out of the water, I'm going for gorgeous, mmmm-kay??!

People say, well you did so well on such and such diet and when you were exercising more, you should do that again.

Wow. Thank you, friend, I'm not sure why I didn't think of that.

Since my surgery, the NaySayers, the folks who discouraged me about the lapband, have asked how I'm feeling, since I haven't showered since yesterday morning, my hair is greasy and my eye make up is jacked, clearly I'm not back to 100%, I'm pretty sure they feel vindicated. See, we told you it was not good for you. I didn't have the energy to argue but the proof is in the sugar free pudding my friends, tomorrow I'll be feeling much better, a shower is in my future and some fake diva eyelashes. We'll see how quickly they change their minds and start to tell people, "oh my friend/neighbor/relative had lapband surgery done and she looks fantastic!"

Been there - we started about the same weight and my surgery was july 5 also (2011). just wait - at 141 pounds the compliments are pouring in - you will experience the same~! BEST OF LUCK TO US ALL ON OUR JOURNEYS!!!

Mindless comment from a friend as we set out on a cruise: "I'm so desperate right now I could even go for fat chicks."

Fat chick (aka me): "Oh, really. What's wrong with us fat chicks?"

Embarrassed friend: "I don't think of you as fat, Tracey. You're a friend."

At least he had seen past my fat to become my friend, but I was pretty annoyed by his general attitude!

Hey gals. Congrats...As a peron who has had the band for almost 2.5 years. I am so happy to hear you guys talk and joke. This joking is far better than talking and talking about food all the time.

You are all great. If there is anything I can do for any of you. Please feel free to ask. I really want to help and I have in the past help many to get "there". Hugs.

I've had people say the same thing to me! How do you reply to that??! :/

I didn't respond(wuss ) but, it was an old woman(old women are the worst) and I was thinking, you are head to toe wrinkles, woman and you are criticizing me???!!!!!

I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT TOO AND YOU KNOW WHAT MY FACE MY HANDS MY FAT ARMS AND LEGS ARE PRETTY TOO I AM SO GLAD TO FIND A TOOL TO HELP ME GET ALL MY PRETTY BACK IM 2 MONTHS OUT HAPPY HAPPY GOOD LUCK