You don't often hear this........

I believe that you're going to have to invest in some better deflective armour...

Yep, guess so!  But my softer side is also all part of my charm. lol

Like the soft-inside turtle needs a shell... .for survival, eh?

I take Trazadone for sleep. Tried all sleeping pills and couldn't stay asleep.
Trazadone words because it turns your brain 'off.'...so to speak. It's safe and non habit forming.
When I wake in the night I go straight back to sleep.
Not sure if it will help for depression but if not sleeping is a problem then this is a good choice.
My sincere best wishes to you Karen.
Joy

Hey Karen , I dont have any suggestion for your problem  , I'm sorry your having a rotten time. but I wanted to tell you , you are not a ***** you  have help alot of people and you speak your mind. if people think that *****yness thats there problem not yours. I hope the suggestions the other people gave helps , you are one of the success stories and we can learn from you

big hugs
Anna

I don't have much to add about the meds, other than to say, if you do try Effexor, know that while the extended release version is great, the short acting version can be a bit of a roller coaster ride. If you are at all late with your second dose, the withdrawal can come fairly quickly.

With respect to being called a ***** (a) unfriend immediately, (b) being a ***** as a permanent state of being is unlikely, given the comments of those who know you...having a *****y moment (I'm not saying you did,pls understand) is completely possible and not any sort of character defect. I find that women who are in a process of such positive transformation as is indicated by the resolve and self-discipline necessary to rock WLS are often labelled as *****es...it comes from refusing to be a doormat. I tend to stand a little taller when I'm called a ***** I consider it an indication that I am doing well at drawing my boundaries. Congratulations on being a '*****!

 Hear hear....!!!!

I love this comment. Assertive, intelligent women often get labeled un-nice things, personally I wear it as a badge of honour, but sometimes it smarts - especially coming from another woman. When will we learn to support one another rather than tear each other down? 
I hope this outpouring of support has given you a lift tonight Karen, we're all here for you.

hehehe

Well.  You just put the entire situation into perspective for me.  Thanks a bunch. xo

Thank you SO much everyone - I had a seriously bad night last night (obviously! lol)  and am in MUCH better spirits this morning.  I appreciate all of your suggestions and the care you took in writing them.  Onward and upward!  Today is a new day.

Many thanks again from my heart.