I'm still here people!!...what about you?

Not that i was ever really gone.
I know for a fact some of you other oldies...are still watching.. Man..Deb S posted.  That's a voice from the past. Deb, Still a hottie!! Absolutely beautiful wedding pictures. 

I actually look at this website still...almost daily. Why...Because I still believe in all my heart that it's the people that stay within some type of support, whethers its with thier doctors support group, or here on OH, that will continue to be a success.

Do I post here?...not really....Lets just say I was burned really really badly. Worse then you can even imagine. In fact, I'm still paying for it.

But I will say...I haven't  EVER let it get in the way of getting and giving support to others WLSers when they asked for it.

Most of you won't remember me..that's okay......Lots of newbies.

Hey Newbies...know that there are a lot of people out that jus****ching your journey. Sharing in your posts. Some too shy but often times you ask the question for them..without even knowing it..so never hesitate to ask a question here. Even if you think it's a dumb question and you might get flamed. Just do it ignore the flamers. You really will be helping someone out.

Some oldtimers like myself that jus****ch to be reminded and inspired. Like Kristen and her marathons. :-) She inspires me.

So how am I doing after 5 years...Oh I've gain a few pounds...Not a large amount but after a while...when the excitement dies down, life goes back to normal, the wow moments go away...you find that every day it's a little bit easier to graze. I'm constantly on a diet, but I don't really feel bad about it because I'm like most normal people..I' always have a few pounds to lose.   I still follow the rules daily. Vitamins, Water, Protien, Exercise. Even though I take vitamins regularly, i still had a deficiency problem but because of the staying within the community, i had it taken care of quickly and no harm done. In fact, I learned something and it's only helped me.

It's taking me a long time to realize that I don't need to be a size 4 to look awesome. In fact..I probably am more healthy now then I was at that damn size 4. I'm  told by my husband he likes me better at the size I am now. He says I'm softer. :-) I still have body image issues. Some days..I feel like i'm skinny...other days...I feel rather large.  I'm not sure if that will ever go away.

So why am I posting now after all this time?  Not sure.  I was watching the drama a few weeks back and it really did make me sad. I've seen people come and go..I've seen people "forced" to leave. I've seen people scared off.  It really is the cycle of a forum. It's almost rythmic.  I've seen oldies come back...and leave..and come back.... so maybe this is my time.

I guess what I wanted to say it for those of you out there.  Keep some type of support around you. If it's not here, find it else where, because I can tell you from 5+ years of experience, things change, products changes, and even knowledge of what is happening to our bodies after WLS changes, and you need others like you to share and deal with it.  Isolating yourself from that isn't going to help you one bit.

Anyway...to you newbies......Ah...I'm envious because you are going to go through such an amazing journey of weight loss, self discovery and yes...some suffering like loss of friends and food. 

People mentioned recently that they don't do events here like we used to?  I think that's a call for some of you newbies to take the ball and run with it. You'de be suprised how much fun it can be. Don't worry about stepping on anyones toes...Just do it!! You want coffee's, schedule them and post it. You want Last Dinners? Grab a soon to be loser and set a dinner date. You can pretty much bet on someone showing up. :-)

For those farther out, keep coming here and be honest about what you are doing. You really do give inspiration to the newbies.

For you oldie yet moldies...If you need support and have gained weight...don't hide..find someone who's in the same boat who understands what you are going through.  With the right type of support, you can get right back on that horse and do it. Even if it may require a revision. Don't be ashamed. Just do what you have to do to be healthy.

Okay..i'm off christmas shopping.

Safe Journey everyone.

Toni Towe
www.bariatrictv.com

Hey Toni,

Moldy Oldie here.  I too jus****ched for a very long time.  Too many aches and pains and yes fears to participate and I have paid the price in more ways then one.  Weight gain has crept back on me.  I'm trying my hardest to get it back under control and I feel positive that I will. 

It's good to see you.  Mike and I were just talking last night about all the good old times before everything got so bad.  We both said we miss all the get togethers and parties and friendships. Next time Mike and I plan a trip down your way, we'll let you know.  It would be so wonderful to see you again.

Love ya,
Stephanie

What a great post! I can completely relate to all of it. Thank you for reminding me I'm not the only one!

XO!
Stacie S.

Hi Toni

Go****s been forever since I've seen you ,, Yes I'm still around I read all the time but hardly ever post OH has changed so much but I keep coming back so see whats up with people ,,,

I like what you said I know it will help those to open up and remember what happens in life can change quite often but its never to late to start over again just take it day by day.

I think we need an old timers reunion 

Have a great day! 

*Christine*   

Hey Toni glad you stopped in to say hi. Always good to see some of the oldtymers come back!!

Take Care!!

Hey there...Thanks too much for this post.  Like you said, it's a cycle here and there are good and bad times but for the most part, support is what we all need.  Just trying to go through a transformation, is very challenging.

Nice seeing you again and thanks again!

Thanks you guys....

Besides Aren't you a bit  curious as to "What evah happend too?".

I mean..watching this site...I've seen people on this site have babies, get married, get divorced, and sadly some have even passed on.

Is there someone say....from 2-5 years ago, you ever wonder what ever happend to them?

I do.

Might be fun to do a THEN and Now for may people 3 years and older.

T.