"How are you losing so much weight?"

Now that I have lost almost 70 lbs, my customers at work are starting to notice and tell me I look great  and ask me how I have lost weight. Some ask if am I on a "program".
Depending on who is asking and how I am feeling, I share my decision to be banded. But usually, in my head, I acknowledge my band and then say: I have made a lifestyle change - I eat smaller portions, make healthier choices, don't deprive myself of wonderful desserts-just eat less of it, don't graze, drink lots of water and exercise. 

I feel bad  inside because I feel like I have lied or told half truths.

I am proud of the fact that I made this choice. But this band is a tool and if I continued to choose the foods I ate in my old lifestyle I would NOT be down 68 lbs. I am the one doing the work, the band is helping me.

How do you handle this?

 This is something I have been thinking about since before I had surgery. I only told a couple of people , who then told a couple of people and so on. The reason I didn't want to tell many people is because I just get tired of talking about the surgery. I don't really like talking about myself. I haven't really thought about what I will tell people when my weight loss is noticable.

I am definitely the same way Lorri. Without our strong efforts, the band would not do anything. I also say that I am "using the LapBand as a tool" to lose weight. I explain that it helps me to eat smaller portion sizes.

My favorite way to handle this in the scenario of going to a restaurant, when the server sees me and remembers me from a year ago and asks how I lost all of my weight, I simply repy that I decided to stop eating out at their restaurant so much and... wa-lah... 170 pounds down.  Then I let them awe over that for a few seconds before chuckling and adding that I also had weight loss surgery...

Good one Alan! Thanks

Since most ppl don't know what a DS is, I just say "with a lot of hard work, patience, and help from a partial stomach removal" 'cuz that's the truth and I'm proud of it!

But, whatever you feel comfortable saying, Lorri, is right. There is no wrong in not acknowledging your band.

We are examples, though, to those also fighting obesity. I try to keep this in mind when a MO/SMO person asks me because I just may be the hope they've needed and can offer them a first-hand account of life after WLS.

Keep rockin' your band!!!

Thanks for your words. Good point "I just may be the hope they've needed and can offer them a first-hand account of life after WLS"
Thanks!

I too worry about how I will handle this.

You look GREAT and WE ALL know that your success is because of YOUR efforts and all that discipline and hard work using your tool!

While some may see it as a half truth for you to say you're making healthier choices in your life, I see it a different way.... what if someone commented on your "off" mood during a certain time of the month? Would you answer, "Oh, I'm just feeling a bit cranky today." or would you spill all the extra details and say, "Sorry, my PMS is getting to me." That's how I see it... there are just some things that not everyone needs to know :o)

(PS, you look REALLY familiar.... I live in Elk River too and have problably walked RIGHT past you in a store or something!)

Shannon

Hi neighbor! I have been in ER for 20 years and work at The Bank inside the Coborns in ER. Maybe we've run into each other in town someplace.
Thanks for the PMS scenario.

I'm incredibly open with people and say "I had gastric bypass in the spring" and if they want to share their opionion (positive or negative) they're welcome to do it.  It's not like it's going to change that I had it done, LOL (though some have it in their head that it will which is strange).