Been hiding on the outskirts

[Sherlock1969 231]

Hello all. I was banded in January of this year. I have visited this site many, many times to get answers to many questions. Today I decided to actually 'join.' First, everyone on here seems so nice and supportive. What a great group of people with wonderful, informative answers. You all have helped me tremdously already. I wonder how many of you all have told others you were banded as opposed to keeping it to yourselves? I told my immediate family and friends but no one else. I actually regret telling my sisters at this point....though had I not told them I would have regretted that as well, I suppose.

Anyway, thanks for listening and hopefully inviting me into the fold as I learn to navigate this site!

[debee 47]

Welcome...

I told very few people and have no regrets about having the surgery or telling the chosen few!

This site has been God sent!!! When I am nervous I read... When I am feeling alone in my journey.... I read and

try to give positive input!

Best luck in your journey!

[jackie0214 36]

Hello. I'm one of those people that tells everything they know. I even told the lady at the pool store when she noticed I lost weight. I may regret being so open down the road but I hope it keeps me accountable. I don't want to have to tell everyone why I'm not losing. This site is great. I'm 12 days postop and have learned something new and helpful every day. Good luck!

[carol285 145]

I was banded 10/25/10 & while it hasn't been a totally straight down the scale journey & having lost 107lbs I still need to lose about 25lbs more I am the type to tell everyone. The way I see it is they have seen me fail a million times at weight loss & if I failed even after surgery no one would be surprised LOL!! Also I personally feel if I treat it like a secret it makes me feel shameful about it. I come from a long line of addicts (alcohol or smoking) & even though no one really struggles with their weight I didn't want this process to be a secret. I wanted to take ownership & pride in my decision to try a bold step in my efforts to lose weight.

[lellow 1,713]

I told everyone. I gave me the pressure I needed not to fail lol. It's been a mixed blessing, and you have to have a thick skin for all the hating you get, but I'm glad for my decision. I think I represent a good outcome for the band, and I'm glad of that. Too many people only hear the bad stuff.

[Lady VS 1,147]

Welcome and I told my family, friends, and coworkers only when asked. Well family new immediately buy coworkers when they noticed I was losing weight. They were all happy and supportive.

[Sherlock1969 231]

Thank you for your input. I have had the support of my husband and oldest son (my little one doesn't know...too young to understand). My mom has been wonderful and my aunt and best friend are supportive as well. My 2 sisters and brother....meh...not so much. They never comment on the weight loss...ever. I got positive feedback from them when I told them that I was able to reduce greatly my meds due to weightloss. I guess I should be grateful for what I have and move on. I am grateful for the 42 lbs I have lost! Hoping to hit the green zone soon, though and really get this party started!

[jfc193 718]

I told everyone as well, kind od hard to keep it a secret when you lose a hundred pounds.

I do quite a bit of traveling with my co workers and they know that I have a band so they do not mind finishing off my food sorta like a bonus for them.

I rally do not worry if people are supportive or not even though most people are supportive.

[Sherlock1969 231]

Wow!!! 100lbs! That is phenomenal!!! What an inspiration. And do you think men, as a general rule, don't care as much about what other people think? I know my husband cares a lot less about what other people think then I do....LOL

[Sherlock1969 231]

Sorry it took me so long to reply...I am still learning how to navigate this site!!!!

[tipsyb 71]

I'm a year banded and I have no worries telling anyone that I'm banded, it's a huge thing for me to feel well and losing.