Is this cheating?

I went to the gym this morning at a little later time than usual.  I have also been out of town a lot this summer so haven't been much.  Besides I like to do things outside when the sun is shinning (in the NW that isn't often:-).  I was working with my trainer and someone walked up to me and shook my hand and said congratulations.  I was totally confused as I didn't know who it was and why he was congratulating me.  I said for what?  He said I haven't seen you here for a long time and I can tell you have worked hard.  It hit me... he was talking about my weight loss.  He didn't ask how I did it but said it must of been a lot of hard work.  I immediately thought if I told him I had surgery he would think I cheated.  I guess I just need to take the complements and realize that as you all know it has not been easy but its a great tool.  My next move is to get some before/after pictures up as I am 1 lb to my surgeons goal and 5-10 to what I think I should be.  I still can't believe I am a size 8:-), wow single digits. 

I mostly came to terms with that issue before being sleeved on June 10 this year. So I feel good about it for myself, but I'd never try to convince someone else, especially if they don't have a weight problem or know what it's like to struggle for so long with no success. I think we need to remind ourselves (as you are) that it's ok to accept complements on the work that people see us doing. Hopefully some day I'll feel 100% okay about it all the time, but I'm not there yet.

I can guarantee this isn't cheating.  No one who has been through the months of approvals and hoops to jump through, surgery, keeping up with vits and mins, adding food phases, and then trying to not gain it all back will assure you, it isn't cheating.  I have worked just as hard as I ever have, this time my tool gave me a chance I didn't have before.

I don't consider it cheating, I consider it having help (a tool as many say), but you still put in the work. 

I always say thanks, and I had some help from surgery.  I keep no secrets, maybe knowing how I did it will influence someone to get help for themselves :)

LOL - wait until you get to maintenance and you will know it is not cheating!!!  It is really hard work and you have to put a lot of time and energy into maintaining.  Surgery is just a helping hand.

Be proud - you deserve it!!

Linda

Thanks for all the comments.  I know it's not cheating but feel that others might.  It is a lot of hard work!  When people ask how I did it I tell them surgery, which being a lightweight many are surprised.  I agree if it helps someone else why not let them know.  As with most, I would do it again and have no regrets.

There have been a few times I almost felt I had to apologize for or explain I had surgery. I do always tell though as maybe someone else may seek this wonderful chance I have been received. In reality I know no excuses are needed, and so what if others think it was "cheating", it's my life and my decision to make it better. I actually had some one at work who was dieting (successfully for the time being) tell another co-worker in my presence that she was "doing it the hard way, by dieting". Really? This was easy? Yeah, right. I do wish well to anyone who is successful in changing the way they eat, but am skeptical of long term outcomes. You did not cheat. (jumping off soap box)

I agree.  We all make our choices and I know I made the right one for me:-)  Thanks!