I kinda understand where you're coming from with the feeling like a failure because you have to resort to taking pills to help you lose weight. I wasn't too proud of the fact that I had to go that route as well. I didn't tell anyone at first what I was doing, or rather what was HELPING me lose weight. I would just say eating less and exercising more, which in fact was the truth. But after a while I just got the attitude of, what the hell! What does it matter to anyone else that this is what I'm doing. It worked/works for me. Point blank. My co-worker, best friend, and sister ended up taking them based on my results. So there is no reason to feel like a failure.
And you are right, it is soooo not a miracle weight loss drug. It is a tool in helping you do the right thing in regards to eating and exercising. That is what it did for me. It really helped me change my mindset in how I look at food. I count calories and fat grams now, something I NEVER did! I no longer have that ashamed feeling that I initially had. I will recommend it to anyone who has tried and failed in losing weight with any method.