There is a lady in my zumba class that joined the Y's Get Fit Challenge along with me and 103 other people in January- well we havent really talked, other than in a mtg or 2 when I made sure to say encouraging things to her because she was upset she wasnt losing big amounts of weight.

Well last night I got to class late, and I had to stand in front of her and she came up to me and put her hands on my shoulders and told me that I am looking absolutely beautiful. She said it like 5 times while her hands were all over my shoulders..(odd and slightly wierd- but whatevs, Im a touchy feely kinda gal. LOL!) But, as I said "Well THANK YOU!", I felt guilty! Like I dont deserve the compliments or something because I am banded now! Even though I lost way more on my own than since Ive had the band I still feel like I have a sneaky secret and when people find out they will be pissed because they think I havent worked hard or something- or that Im cheating. I guess I need to get over this "caring what oters think" thing first!

Did any of you go through this?

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

no I am so glad to have found something that is working so well with my head hunger after 40 yrs of trying I don't give a d__ I am pleased and happy with myself and you should be also

Yes I know how you feel - only 2 friends know about my band - several others asked if I wanted to be part of a biggest loser challenge and I said no because I felt they would think I was a "cheater" if they knew I had a band

I was excluded from BL at my old job ( ive still participated even though I dont work there anymore) since I have the band. :-(

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Having the band is just a tool to help you loose weight. You still have to do all the work to make it work. It's not like it is a Miracle cure. You still have to eat healthy, small portions and exercise. I too wish I woulld of done it years ago. My sister has lost 100 lbs with diet and exercise and I'm proud of her but she was telling people that she did it the "natural" way. I was so offended by that because it's not like we don't still have to work at it. Be proud of what you have done for yourself.

I feel the same way! I am not ashamed that I have the band and will openly tell people...except when it comes to where I work. I have had a lot of people complementing me lately at work and a couple people have even told me that I inspired them and I feel SO guilty. Like I'm not being honest. I'm almost 3 months post op, with no fills, and wk out 7-9 times a wk, but still feel so uncomfortable when someone compliments me.

I feel the same way you do! People ask me how I lost so much and I tell them "eating smaller portions." Even my dad and brothers don't know I have the band! It's as if it's a shameful secret. I don't want people to judge me...especially if they haven't had a weight struggle. I do tell people if I think it will benefit them. But if it won't benefit them, then there's really no need for them to know.

We are not cheaters. We just have a tool to help us. We still have to work just as hard by exercising and eating smaller/healthier food choices. It is NOT a dirty little secret!!!!!! Please don't let anyone make you feel ashamed.

Gosh. Going through the process of getting a band myself and i didnt even think feeling guilty would be an issue. Interesting topic. To me, i have to do whatever it takes to get healthy!

you are worthy

you are beautful

when someone says something that is a compliment

smile and say thank you

I'm beginning to think I am an odd duck because I have told many of my family and friends and even coworkers(who I am close to) that I was getting the band. At this point they have all been wonderful and so supportive. Of my three siblings 2 have also struggled all their lives from weight and they have both expressed their pride in me making this step and it has encouraged them to try the battle again. And it is a battle with the band as well. Keep up the good fight and accept the spoils of war when they come your way.

I have told people I work with, people I am in school with, close friends, my sister, mom, mom in law, sis in law, and one cousin- and a few others along the way. They are all very supportive of me- (if they arent they havent said anything) but I work at a YMCA part time- so its the people that I interact with, that are here working their butts off just like me, that dont know I have the band and say things (these people see me in the least amount of clothing. LOL so maybe thats why they notice?) to compliment me and I smile and say thank you- but instantly in my head am saying "im so sorry" .

Glad to know Im not the only one! Im definity not ashamed of being banded- and am not even experiencing the effects of the band yet. I will talk to anyone that wants to talk about it- but feel like I need to tattoo "BANDED" on my forehead. LOL

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

When people say "you look like you've lost a lot of weight...how did you do it. I always feel i have to tell them about getting banded and immediately say "it still was difficult". I hate that i feel that i have to explain my weight loss. Must my catholic upbringing.

you are worthy

you are beautful

when someone says something that is a compliment

smile and say thank you

Always always such kind words of wisdom !! Btw I love the new pic.

I don't think it's anyone's business if your banded or not. During my process at the presentation it was suggested you tell as little people as possible as everyone has a different opinion. You are the only one that can make the decision to be banded. Tell the people you want if you think they will be supportive, everyone else can mind their business. Just my opinion.

I've told just a select few folks in my inner circle who are very supportive and can understand the struggle.

Familiar feelings here. After 50 pounds everyone is noticing and asking. For the most part I say I had weight loss surgery. Even though at 4 months postoperative most of the work was me not the band.

Talk about hearing it all though as far as reactions and comments on losing weight, even getting some negatives.... You've lost enough... You don't want to get too skinny. Really people?!? I'm still over 200 pounds!!