Home from Humber Hilton. . .some reflections about paying it forward (longish)

Thanks to all who wished me well regarding my recent knee surgery, I was so uptight going in that they had to treat me for blood pressure (190/116) pre-op.  My steady state is 106/60.  Thankfully only minimal surgery was required and I am now home after a two night stay.

My first night there I met "Cheryl" a fresh post op RNY, she knew nothing of OH. I told her about this site and gave her my contact information.  She also introduced me to her roommate Rhonda a VSG revision to RNY who also knew nothing of the OH Ontario forum.  I am 2 years Post-op and still feel compelled to offer support when I can.

Imagine my surprise when my postings to someone at the Windsor site was labeled by another poster as "Cyber Bullying".  I tried to respond but transmission of BlackBerry from within the hospital kept getting dropped.  I see now that the original post has been removed, but since the second poster called my character into question I feel it is necessary to respond.

Dear Jobken,

Advice here on the forum is not always warm puppies and purple puddles.  Sometimes its tough love.  Sometimes someone who has gone before sees someone coming through the ranks making the mistakes they made and want to draw attention to them so that you don't suffer the consequences they did. 

If you feel my comments were in the gendre of "cyber bullying" then you need to look in the mirror as your remarks suggesting that I am self loathing were indeed mean spirited.  Further more asking me not to comment on your posts goes one step further as it enters into the realm of censorship.

Let me explain how open forums work.  You post something that I may choose to read, or not.  I may choose, once read to respond, or not.  Now the ball is in your court.  You may choose to read my response. or not.  You may also decide to take the advice given, or not.  Your third option is to respond to the post, or not.  To ask someone to read your posts and but not respond is censorship.  If you find someone's remarks offensive report them.  If you do not wish to read their remarks block them.  It's a simple solution.

Instead of slinging mud, accusing someone of cyber bullying and returning fire in the form of cyber bullying and attempting to practice censorship. . .please block me.

Sorry to hear that your stress level stayed so high. I'm glad you had a good surgery.
Speedy recovery.

Thanks Heather, I think it was not knowing what I was going to wake up with, anything from arthroscopic surgery to a total knee replacement that shook me up.  I had a really good team, that I know well and work along side of.  That and the support of good friends here on OH and IRL.  Special thanks to Yvonne.

 Hi Leona,

I am so glad that your surgery is over and you are recuperating. What did you wind up getting? if you don't mind me asking. I just had an MRI on my left knee last night and of course my spine surgery comes up in May. Boy this obesity has really messed up my body. I think I will be the new bionic woman by the time all the surgeons are done replacing all the parts (LOL).

Don't worry when someone who obviously doesnt understand how an open forum works, wants to circumvent all the rules to get their way, and not listen to experience critisizes you. I know where your heart is. You want to help others.  And life is not all sugar and spice. Sometimes people need to hear the cold hard truth. I value your feedback and expertise. You have helped me with my iron and bloodwork and you have gone out of your way many times for others.

So you just rest up and get better. Sending healing hugs for you  

Leona,
Keep paying it forward for those who want to learn and listen from you. I learned a long time ago to don't bother with those who don't listen or don't like you for whatever reason. You have made a difference in the lives of many people around here and those like me who consider you a wls community friend!

Dawn

Wishing you speedy recovery.

Personally I enjoy your Wisdom when you are responding to others.

Some people can't handle the truth. I am a firm believer in :If you ar afraid you can't handle the answer....don't ask the question/

Keep on Talking, because Many of us are listeneing

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to my post with kindness and support be it publically or privately.  Your kindness is overwhelming.