Question re. our forum

Hi Karen,
Thanks for giving lerkers an opportunity to express hesitation about posting, as I'm one of them.  I joined this site more than a year ago before my referral was even requested, and made a few posts from the get go.  Unfortunately, I had a few smack downs because I posted asking questions about VSG which was, and still is, my preferred surgery.  I listed my medical concerns, including but definitley not limited to massive hair loss with RNY and it really seemed to set some people off.  I personally believe that each person has the right to have a preference and that should be respected and supported here if nowhere else.  I, as I'm sure others, would like to be able to turn here more frequently for support and not feel as though I'm offending people with my questions/comments.
Thanks again.

Hi Mona :)

Thanks for joining in! Sometimes when opinions that are shared re. medical facts are incorrect or incomplete, people will offer corrections.  I think the best lesson we can learn is that just because people may disagree, doesn't mean they don't like or respect you.  :)

Great post Karen!  It looks like you managed to get a few people to come out of the shadows, wonderful!  Often on the main board, I will steer people over here, because quite frankly, this is a better board  !  The more people that join in, the more interesting it is!   

Thanks Sandy.  I thought it was about time.  I'm trying to get to know all of the new peeps and want them to know we have their backs. :)

I never felt comfortable speaking with SB's...they were prettier, so fit, had their **** together (at least I thought), now I can't wait to be one!   (fat & low self esteem go together)

They certainly do go together quite often, you're right.  Ummm.... I don't know if I'm a SB, but I can promise that everyone who I have met in person (I hope) feels comfortable with me.  I was you.  I was her.  And her.  And her.  And inside, I still am.  I refuse to let go of the "old me".  She was an awesome person and will always be a part of who I am. xo

What a great thread, Karen (which is very apparent from the large number of replies to it!)

I've been around about a year now (gosh, how time flies much faster post-op) and I can honestly say I felt very welcomed from the get-go. I'm a shy person by nature but find it easier to open up in the company of others with a shared history of obesity.

I've never felt excluded or like I didn't belong. In fact, I feel quite the opposite.

My advice to those hiding in the shadows would be to step a little outside your comfort zone and participate a bit more. It won't be long before you feel like one of the crowd. I live nowhere near anyone else on this board and have yet to meet anyone in person but I have grown cyber-close to several.

... and just in case you're looking for a way to participate but don't want to post too much you can ALL join our CRAZY Transcanada Challenge. We NEED you!! We WANT you!! You don't have to be post-op to join in. Click on my signature line or message me. Seriously. We're having fun and getting fit at the same time!

'Specially since my big toe is freakin' KILLING me this week! 

I'm sad.  I know I'm going to have to go to the doc, tell her that I think I broke my big toe months ago, go for X-rays, and I'm afraid from that step on. LOL  I know it's likely not good to keep pushing, but I don't wanna let the A-Team down!  

 Well, you'll be more use to us pain free, won't ya??

Fix the toe. I'll walk your extra kms until your better then you can make it up to me later. I like flowers.. and books. 

HAHAHA

You don't know me very well yet.  I WILL keep walking 'til gawd strikes me down.  That's just how competitive I am!