? for lapbanders who have lost alot with the band

I don't believe I could have nor would I have lost the weight that I've lost thus far without my band!
For me personally, I just couldn't find the willpower to do what I knew needed to be done prior to getting my band because I was sooo afraid of being held personally accountable & failing. Had it been someone I care for, I would have no problem rooting them on. I just couldn't seem to do it for myself?

You asked if anyone  "felt like they worked hard to lose the weight anyway because they had the band and didn't want to seem like a failure"? ABSOLUTELY! I now don't feel so accountable for myself but more so for my band. I went through so much to have it, I've accepted the responsibility to tend to it the best I can!
I don't believe the band is what has made my BODY lose weight, but it definitely took some of the weight off my MIND somehow to let me overcome my own self pity! I'm sure the compliments I've received along the way have gave me some of that drive also

That said, I've also only experienced restriction for the last 4-5 weeks and I'm still working on perfecting it, just had a .5 cc unfill yesterday. I'm at the point where I feel I have changed so much in my eating/exercise habits that I CAN'T WAIT to see what more I am capable of with my "tool" functioning how it was intended.

Best of luck to you in your decision!