Well I decided to let my friends know I got banded. At first I felt that they would be disappointed in me as I had lost 176 on my own. But I couldn't have been more wrong. I got such good support and reactions from everyone. I own a wholesale bakery we make all sorts of pastries, cookies, bars, and cakes for coffee shops and other places including grocery store bakeries. So every Monday I bake and donate and serve at homeless dinner program. One of the other workers at Hopes Table came up to me and said he was so proud of me taking such a step to maintain your health. I responded by saying yes I am cheating for the home run! He said yes, but you had already hit a triple! I realized at that point my friends are my biggest cheerleaders and we all need affirmations don't we? So if you've been afraid of letting others know what road you're walking they just may be your biggest supporter!

So happy to hear you have such wonderful support behind you. You have worked very hard and achieved a great deal. There is no 'cheating' with the band. One of the greatest obstacles we have is not losing, but maintaining. I hope you reach your goal (I know you will) and I hope the band makes this huge accomplishment life long.

Congrats!

It is personal to tell or not. Isn't it? People do notice if you have lost a considerable amount. Sometimes I Reply "I had a lot of help". Most don't query further.

Close friends know. I've stayed close to the same weight range for over 6 yrs so I don't feel needy about discussing it. I think that happens more at the beginning of the journey

To tell.

And congrats on your success.!! A bakery would be hard for some of us to work in. (And smell) you worked hard. And continue to do so.