Today as I was eating the all to chatty teachers lounge. My fellow teachers were having a conversation about weightloss...Who needs to loose what, if they should diet. You know the regular "I hate myself for being 10lbs overweight." I thought as I was sitting there, "please don't turn to me and talk about my surgery." I mean I normaly don't mind sharing but these women didnt quite get that loosing those 10 or 15 vanity pounds was not like having your body scream at you that if you put one more once on your knees or back the are going to implode from the pressure. I felt like a snob but I didn't care. I sat there eating my slim- fast hot meal (that never would have filled me up before the surgery and I would have had to hd at least 3.) debating whether or not I should get up from the now crowded table and finish some much needed grading that I could be doing in my classroom. Well before I knew it I..."So Rica," One of them says loudly as I had just grabbed my cup to leave. "how are you feeling?" Now this sounds innocent enough because hey I did have surgery only weeks ago. But They know I have been great..it's just a way to be nosy. And I realize that I probably shouldn't have shared so much with one of them because then the whole school knew. So of course I shared. I am proud of what I've done and some of the little ones (that's what I call them) actually get it. They have seen the braces on my knee. But some especially this one in particluar, insulted me. Not by what she said but how she said it. Sort of laughing and sarcastic...well I guess you won't be needing our weight watchers meetings. (I know I am ranting but I am almost done.) I wanted to scream at them...I still need help. Even with this damn thing it's still a struggle against my nature. I have been eating fast and large quantities of food for so long I don't even know how to explain what a miricle this band s for me. They fact that now I can stop... I wonder if they will ever get what kind of pain it is to be 100lbs over weight. Hell I don't even remember the last time my weight was under 200lbs... I think it was in the 5th grade and the first time I joined weight watchers.

Well that was it. It's late and I just needed to vent.

((((((((((Rica))))))))))) It does suck. Some people just cannot be happy without putting other down. I know there are people watching me too, just waiting for me to gain back a few pounds so they can tell me 'I told you so.'

Don't let it get you down!

Rica, remember she who laughs last, laughs loudest! Another little quip, they're going to be "finding" the weight that you are permanently "losing". Perhaps you don't need their "little weight watchers' meetings. You do need to be around others that can be supportive and happy for you. There are other support groups available. Have you checked to see if there are any Bandsters groups near you?

How are your knees since you've lost so much weight? Do you still have to wear the braces?

There are always going to be people in the world that are vindictive & just plain old jealous. They see how great you are doing. They're feeling threatened.

You are already a beautiful woman -- physically and more importantly inside. You've taken a big step in living happier & healthier with your cutie pie husband. You're doing this for YOU, not for them. You don't owe them any explanations for anything.

Yes, we have our band to "help" us. But we still have to do our part. It's a lot more work to take excessive weight off, than it was to put it on.

You are already doing so fantastic. You've lost that weight forever! Don't waste your valuable time over them. They're just not worth it. Take care!

Thanks Leatha and Marie,

I know everthing you are saying is true...sometimes it is just hard to keep it all inside. As for my knees... well I have good days and bad. My left one is competly brace free. However the right like to swell and go out often. I don't wear a brace on it via dr's orders to keep the stength in it. But I probably work it out more than I should. I am addited to hammer throwing. (It's has taken over as my favorite sport!) I know...maybe because this is the morning and everything always seems brighter. That this is my journey and I don't need to care what "they" think....but I am so glad that I have all of you who get it...You brought a smile to my face! Kisses:laugh

Rica, I work in the administrative side of a medium to large school district. I know exactly how sarcastic and catty some of these people can be. I know this goes on in other work places, but to me it was just shocking to find it in such an extent in a school district. This is exacty why I have decided to be a "closet" bandster, for a while anyway. I am glad that you don't need feel the need to give a darn what they think! You're doing a great job and should be very proud of yourself!!!! Don't let em get you down.

What is "hammer throwing?" Sounds like your co-employees better not mess w/you!

Rica-

I know what you mean- some people can be so superior. My older brother moved back from Germany yesterday with his family. I was hoping to have the surgery before he came home. He is 3 years older than I am and spend his adolesence thin as a stick while I spent mine on the pudgy side.

As we have grown to adult hood he has pluimped up to normal weight and married a naturally thin woman and I have put on 100 lbs. He and his wife both beleive I lack discipline.

I think the only real difference between us is that my character flaw is evident at first sight, where his doesn't become apparent until he opens his mouth.

Good luck- Remember the age old saying "I may be fat- but your ugly- and I can lose weight:)"

Amanda

Hey, Amanda, "Ugly is to the bone!" Your brother and sis-in-law shouldn't get too cocky about being thin. I was thin until I hit my mid-30s. Then boom! All that changed. This is the first time the scale has been going back down since then.

I am so glad you all get it. Hammer throwing is throwing a round ball that weighs a little over 8lbs. When in college and tryingout for the olympics I was a shot put discus thrower (hammer was not a female event then) But now for fun and to keep in shape I workout with my athletes. It's a very fun event. If they show it on the olympics you should watch. As for the lunch room bitties I am better today... Btw I haven't told my sis or dad... My sister has always been thin too and she just does not get it. My dad went through enough when I had surgery for my thyroid canser. So there was no need in worrying him and now that I have had the op. I think he would be furious for me going to Mx. And not asking him for the money. I figure if they find out which I doubt they live so far from me that I will deal with it then. Now that I think of it I wish I had been a little more discrete at work... after all it really wasn not their buisness. Thanks for the support!

PS Has anyone had sushi...how did you do with that. I love it but haven't tried it since the band... Kisses

Oh and amanda Keep it up! When your thin they'll be jel because you will have it all the body and the brains and personality to go with it.

Rica, these women don't sound like friends, and yeah, I work with some just like them. I only told a few trusted friends about the band. I don't think they'll advertise, but if they do, oh well. I respect you for having the intelligence and bravery to do something good for yourself, something that will bring you closer to health. It won't be long before you will be feeling better and lighter and looking way more foxy than them, so you go girl, and don't let 'em hurt you!

Hey, Rica, you've "thrown away" 28 lbs. of "hammers" for good! Yeah!!!!!!

"You don't owe them any explanations for anything."

I totally agree! I'm so glad I was discrete at work. It is not anyone's business what you do! I will soon be a teacher -- I graduate in December. I'm so glad I had the chance to have my surgery last week so I do not have to take time off and make explanations or lies to my cooperating teacher where I will be student teaching. From now on it will not be an issue. Maybe being a "closet bandster" isn't as bad as I had originally thought.

I guess that is not in my personality... And I had canser that everyone was very supportive of, so the last thing I wanted was everyone wanting to know "why" I was loosing weight and gossiping that I might be sick again... anyway. Thanks again and everyone is right they are not my friends...but it can sure feel like it sometimes...

You all make me feel lucky that I primarily work alone!!! I love all of my customers like family and they all have been tremendous support but usually when I am in their homes cleaning nobody is home besides me. I have known plenty of catty people like that and I just choose to avoid them as much as possible and make the best of it, or find a new favorite place to eat. I will be a teacher next year. I know I will encounter more people like that too but I am good at dealing with difficult people. One of my clients is a large bed and breakfast. When the owners go on trips they hire me to run the place and take care of guests. Trust me, we get plenty of difficult hard to please people but I always handle them smoothly and calmly. Aim to please but don't get trod on either. Best wishes, Teresa