Question re. our forum

Ask away.  By the way, you have an excellent surgeon!

I've been reading posts 2-3x/day since last January. I love this forum.

I'm by nature, a fairly quiet person ... I'm shy, and don't talk much around people I don't know. It's the same for posting.

Another reason I don't post much, is because I'm generally reading the forum on my iPad while riding the bus. Typing on this thing is a real pain, so I try to avoid it.

BTW...every once in a while I'll read something that makes me giggle, and all the people around me look at me like I've got 3 heads. LOL

Happens to me too. If I'm at home, my cat looks at my funny.  If I'm at work, people think I'm nuts. It's okay.  I am. LOL  The worst part is that I'm usually laughing at MYSELF!

Hi - I'm mostly a lurker.  I will post occassionally though.  I feel a little distant as I am from Alberta but I do find most your posts very helpful.  There are some very knowledgable people on here.  There aren't any support groups near me (being 5 hours away from Edmonton), so these boards are all I get - other than my wonderful family.  But it's still nice to read up on people going through the same thing I am.

Giselle

OMG, welcome to Ontario! Lean on us, we're here for you! 

Hi Karen,

As you know, I am willing to post a lot of things here.  Sometimes I feel that this is the only place where there are people who understand where I am.  I'm so thankful, that I have the OH family to share my joys, lift me when I'm down, and kick me in the butt when I need it. ;o)

The support on here is amazing for me and I try to help others when I can.  I don't always have the answers, but am usually pretty good for suggestions. 

Cathy

I don't post a lot 'cause I'm a very shy introvert...

Ha-ha. NOT! Just lazy.

But I believe there are lots of people (statistically exactly half of us) who just don't have it in them to get out and speak up. It's funny, but according to people management theory, the best way to engage introverts is to shut up and let them speak/write a their own pace. But then the forum will die and "noise makers" won't get what we're here for - attention and self expression.

I don-no if there is the right way to make our forum more inclusive. It's an open resource and there are always be things making some one uncomfortable.

Personally, I am more concerned that people with regain problems don't post. For me it's a tender spot. Too many of my friends (actually all of those whose BMI was over 50) struggle with significant regain and do not have ANY support. Judgment comes from both sides, not only vets intimidate newbies, they also get intimidated by assumption that failure or regain is SO-O-O THEIR OWN FAULT, RNY/DS/VSG DON'T FAIL!!!!!

About two years ago I tried to talk about it, some vets remember how it ended up - I just left this board myself for over a year. The audience has changed since then, but the situation remains the same.

Nata, you are such a delicate flower, I'm surprised you even had the nerve to respond.

I am new here too and just have to say that I am incredibly grateful to have found you all. I have just begun this life changing journey and it is such a relief and an affirmation to read about all your journeys and successes....it makes me feel more confident that I am making the right decision. I have posted some questions and found people to be honest and quick to answer. I haven't found it to be cliquey. I appreciate that you know each other so well and look out for each other and celebrate each other's successes. I look forward to joining the ranks and getting to know you all a little better too!!
Darlene

A big welcome to you, Darlene :)