Just smile and nod.

I have a friend that had the lap band probably 12 years ago. She's gained all her weight back plus some. I now get to hear from her exactly what I (an RNY patient) will be experiencing. That I'll be hungry but I won't be able to eat, that I'll never be able to eat the same again (Isn't that the point?), etc. I just say "mmmHmmm, yeah" I slip in there that my aunt and cousin have both had it, and are 11 years out. My aunt even teaches an educational class every month and runs a support group for group health. But that doesnt hold a candle to the knowledge she has about rny all because she had the lap band. 

Vent over. 

Thank you. 

I think your post subject fits perfectly. ;)

I'm so glad you are smart enough to give her the smile and nod and not take to heart what she is saying.  If I'd only done the same as you, listening to my friends I would have had my RNY 8 years ago.  Instead I let them talk me out of it and spent another 8 years, tears and $$ to get back to where I finally got thru it.  Glad you do have support from successful friends, you are already off to a good start.  I am so happy I had it done at last, good luck next month!

Thank you. Yes,  I've learned over the years to take everything that comes out of her mouth with a grain of salt. I've separated myself from her a bit over the past few years. After conversations like the one I had with her tonight,  I am reminded why. 

You are being much more polite than I would be (but if you knew me that would not be a surprise).  You can see the big picture, she isn't ready to yet.  Your success will, at least in her mind, highlight her failure.  My guess is that as your weight starts to drop, you will see even less of her - it will be too painful for her.  It is kind of sad, but you can't control other peoples reactions. - you can only control your response to her reaction.  Jeez, I sound like my therapist.

I have to agree with Pathchic she's trying to justify the lapband failing her and some jealousy that you will be successful.  It is VERY possible what remains of your current friendship will no longer be after you lose weight.  The dynamics change a lot with some friends.

Thanks everyone for the great responses. I basically don't bother correcting what she's says, cause I know she doesn't really want to listen. I'll save my breath. 

Your reaction to her is very mature.  I agree with the other posters . . .the less there is of you (when you loose) the less you will see her.  She won't be able to stand it.

I think you should say, you know you are right, lets forget about it and go get hot fudge sundaes instead, f*** being thin and healthy, lets eat chocolate until we die....young and slow and painful.......but yeah whatever. 

I have a friend who had a lapband and shes done incredibly well, shes got the biggest implants I have ever seen, she talks and all I can do is stare at her breasts, they are like a life force on their own.  lol  She doesn't begin to explain rny to me nor do I begin to explain the lapband to me, we respect each others surgeries, they worked for us both and that was the point.