Retracted

well maybe people may find one.. but thats not what I come here looking for - i come here looking for support and information

I can see how you get frustrated.  I've noticed lately that I get the urge to post something and then think twice.  Is it worthwhile enough to take up the space?  I try to stay positive but the FB and "other board' "scandal"  got me down a little bit.  Also I was struggling in January and have had little free time over the past few days.  I felt like who am to offer advice and cheer people on when I am struggling to make progress?  I'm looking forward to the so cal meet-up in March to rev me up a bit.  Until then it's one hour at a time for me. Until I get past the rough patch.  I know you aren't really pointing fingers but I'm sensitive because I feel like I've been a slacker/lurker lately.  I hope you'll make to to So Cal in March.  I'd love to meet you with and the rest of the gang.
  Trying to keep all of the balls in the air...

Geeze you a few pretty nasty bite aye?
Obviously they have bigger issues

Can someone save me please??!!!


I know what you're talking about - many people that i friended on here have disappeared (they havent re-surfaced yet though).

I had to cut back on my time on here on this board because of some of the crap I had to read every day, multiple times a day, and because my job is kicking my ass but I certainly havent fizzled out.

I stick around to offer what support I can, even when I myself am struggling, and I don't plan on leaving OH any time soon, but this board can have a some what negative impact on me...personally.


There are people who go into WLS with a "this is another diet" approach and are really hard core at first. But like every other diet mentality, it fizzles out. And then there are those *****alized they had to make lasting life style changes so it's not like they up and quit one day.

 Sometimes we just get bored and have to distance ourselves for a bit. I can only take the same questions and posts day after day for so long and I need a break.  

Oh Frisco, I know you can rub people the wrong way sometimes, but you have a good heart, I really know that.  Plus, I have a very soft spot for curmudgeons, and I mean that in the nicest way possible.  I have a dear friend in OA who says to call him any time, day or night, if I'm struggling with the urge to eat.  But only if I call him *before* - he's not interested in being woken up after I've already hit the Krispy Kreme drive-through.  You remind me of him. 

Here's my perspective.  I just know that the only person's recovery I am responsible for is my own, and I'm very selfish about it.  I am here to help myself, and giving help to others helps myself.  It helps me whether or not the other folks do what I think they should or not - the point is to be of service.  Not the outcome. 

When I get discouraged, I have to remind myself that everyone else is not necessarily on the same path as me.  I usually wish they were - I'd like the company - but I have to accept they're where they are and that just might be the right place for them.  I just have to keep walking my path, speaking my truth, and it will touch the people who need to hear it.  The rest will be okay on their own. 

I need to look for people whose experience speaks to me, who I can tell have something to teach me.  Fortunately, you guys are here in abundance and am truly truly grateful for all you have taught me.



 

Well shoot, you retracted it before I got to read it!

Frisco, in reality the only person that you can save, is yourself. WLS is a very personal decision and journey, and yes, we can support one another through the journey, but ultimately it is up to the individual to make this work. This board can be very helpful, supportive, and informative, but we cannot save everyone. We can support one another and offer information based upon our experiences and different programs, but to expect to save people is a set-up for being disappointed. Having such high expectations will leave you feeling disappointed and discouraged. Each person is in a different stage of readiness. Some will "get it" and others will not. That is why the research shows that about 30% of people will regain at least 50% of the excess weight that was lost. But, 70% of people will maintain a weight loss of at 50% of their excess weight.
 
I consider WLS a wonderful gift and want to share it with everyone that I meet, but I have learned that people have to decide for themselves, if they want to undertake this journey. For those of us on it, some are more prepared for the lifestyle changes that WLS demands to be successful and others are not. When I tell people what I do to maintain my weight loss, their eyes glaze over and they tune out. This includes people on this board and those that I meet at support groups. Not everyone is ready and each person has to find their way along this path. We can offer a helping hand, but the individual has to choose to accept the hand. We cannot make them take the hand.

JMHO,

Gail

Hey Frisco,
I did not get to read the post but from what I know about you, you are a big supporter of WLSers and I trust whatever you said was meant in good faith.
Anyways, I am still here, just not as much because life kinda took over and the vsg became normal for me. I try to log on every week or two, ( or more when I am struggling with something food related), and to update my profile.
The reason I read your post is because you are a familiar OH member and I enjoy reading your content and learning about your creative dishes.  
-Renee (VSG is 4 me)

What the hell did it say?

Be nice Frisco...