What This Board Is Suppose To Be

Good afternoon everyone, I too have been reading many posts lately that stated people have been staying away from the board because they are having trouble or are slow losers or are struggling with food issues. I think we need to reevaluate what this board is all about. Certainly it is to applaud successes, but most importantly it is here to be a support system for all who are struggling with the day to day "head battles" that go on in most of us. What we have done, having WLS, is not easy and I'm sorry to say it probably won't get easier as time goes on. It will be a constant battle of "mind over munchies." And we need to be here for one another. We need to feel comfortable sharing when times aren't so good and know that we will get support and encouragement here. That is what this board is all about or at least should be. I want to encourage those of you who have been staying away and of course all you "lurkers" to come forward and post what's going on with you. We can't help if we don't know what's going on I like many of you have been stuggling lately too. For me it has been an increased hunger especially at night. I have been trying hard not to overeat and it's not easy. And my 3 week stall doesn't help either. But that's life.....no one promised me this would be a "piece of cake" after all. So please, I urge you all to help to get this board back to being what it was ment to be, a place where we all feel safe and supported. Where we can share not only our successes but our stuggles and yes even our failures and know that no one will "step on our guts" but will be there to help us through. So guys, what do you say? Sending love and hugs to all, Ronna

Ronna, I wholeheartedly agree! That was very encourging from you. This board is definitely a safe harbor for all of us who have issues. We're not going to get flamed here nor are we going to treated lightly. It's a very supportive place to be and everyone has been great this way. Thanks for bringing this out! Karen S.

Ronna, I definitely agree. I was saying the same thing last night in another post. The honeymoon's over....I've come to terms. No one will understand my struggles like the people here. April

thank you, Ronna----more from me later----I'm too tired to write at this moment!!!! Cathy

Ronna, you are definitely right. The board is a great place for successes and "wow's", but it is also a great resource for advice, motivation, and commiseration with fellow WLS patients. We've all been through the same thing, and many of u**** plateaus at the same time, have butt aches at the same time, water retention at the same time, and munchies at the same time. People who haven't had the surgery don't understand like WLS patients. I'm w/ you on lurkers getting more active, people with food and depression issues staying in contact, etc. Obviously as everyone gets "skinny" and don't have more weight to lose they may stray, but may need help again one day. I see people on the Texas board who had surgery several years ago come back for support. Karla 337/221/150

Well said, Ronna! ... and it has been my experience that when I voice a concern, I get comments from lurkers who are going through the same things, and benefitted from my confession or question. The reason I have come back through good times and bad is because I need the support, I need to see these people succeed, so that I can tell myself... "see, there are others just like you out there, and they are making it work... you can do this too!" We all need that, and you never know who you will help... Much love to my Januarians! Love you lots! Angela

I totally agree I lurk everyday and have only posted twice. I am a shy person so it's easy for me to sit back and just see whats happening with others. I was thinking the other day I know all of you so well but you when it comes to making friends you have no idea who I am. Ronna I to have been craving carbs especially popcorn, I eat a little for my morning snack but I think it makes me want more, I wonder if I should stay away from it all together or should I continue eating it in moderation, I m still loosing so it doesn't seem to have affected me, maybe I m just being hard on myself I am so stressed about even the thought of slipping back into bad habits. I promise to post at least once a day from now on. I have lost 94 pounds and am 26 pounds from my goal. Tori

I lurk all time and post once in awhile I read the post to keep my self motivated most of the time.Right now I am struggeling with the weight slowing down and personal issues at home so I wnat to turn to my old friend FOOD but then I turn on the computer and come on the board to see who else is feeling the same way and if I can help encourgae them or sometimes I get the encouragement I need to keep going so I do not turn back to what I have come so far on this journey for.I love my new life and do not want to sabotage it.I love moving and breathing and laughing and shopping and lots,lots more but would not have been able to get here with out the help of others here at OH. JoyS