WOW. "STIFF" board!

I just left the Michigan message board. I drop in occasionally to see if anyone who's being re-plumbed by my surgeon posts there (I've only met one so far), to see if there's anything going on close to home, etc. I've posted on it several times, and have only once been 'answered'. WOW. Talk about a clique-ish group! You'd need an air-hammer to crack thru THAT wall! I'd heard 'bout some of the other boards and how, unless you're in "their circle", that you totally feel left out. Sad to say, it appears to be true. What a shame, it's so "high school". I mean, I can still pick up tips just by reading their posts, but it's sure not the same as it is here with the no-holds-barred Marchers. We've got a GREAT thing going here. We embrace everyone who comes in, and we all pitch in to make everyone feel welcome and address their concerns. No one is neglected or ignored here, and that's the way it's gonna stay. I don't EVER want "us" to be thought of for less than what we are - a genuinely caring group of special people, an extended family of sorts. So glad 'we've got it going on' here. Makes this entire journey so much better. Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-20 and counting!

Oh boy, do I agree! I've been on a lot of message boards over the years and, unfortunately, it seems that there is always that core of the "elite", and you really have to kiss patoot to ingratiate yourself (which I'm never willing to do!) Also, it seems that when things get too dull, someone always feels the need to liven things up by starting a major rift. I don't even think they do it consciously! A great GREAT many message boards seem to devolve - and in cycles. It's utterly boring. I think Morrissey (from the band "The Smiths") said it best, "It's so easy to laugh/it's so easy to hate/it takes strength to be gentle and kind." Amen to that! {{{{{{Hugs to this wonderful group for being truly supportive and friendly!}}}}} Love, Katarina "Friendly" shouldn't be a dying art!

Well, I don't like the taste of patoot. Never have, never will. Guess that's 'cuz of my obstinate nature. It'd make it a LOT easier in my life if I DID like it, but I just can't go there. There's an old Russian Labor saying (I'm of Russian heritage) that says "I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees". Yup, that's why my ancestors defected from there in 1918. We have no 'elite' here. ('cept for maybe Va, who's "The Offishal Marcher Paper Monkey And Secretary Extraordinaire"...she's one incredible gal with her dedication...and she'll probably kick MY patoot for saying she's elite! ) We're in this together. I HAVE been dubbed The Queen Of The Niners, but in reality, I'm only a princess (shh...don't tell anyone...). I'm just amazed that someone can put their heart out on the line and no one responds. I see that and just shake my head. Then one of the "elite" puts something totally non-essential (IMHO), and all the other "elite" scramble to respond, while that one who's hurting or needs help is left hanging. I've always been one to take in 'strays' and made sure 'underdogs' were made to feel welcome through life, so maybe I view it more harshly than others. But this website is Obesity HELP, and Association for Morbid Obesity SUPPORT...what part of those two words aren't some of those people understanding? It just strikes me as so sad: "What is an injury to one is an injury to all", an old Union motto. Well, I truly doubt that this board will ever get "dull". We've got too many twisted minds on it...and we all enjoy baring it!! Thanx for your observation, Katarina. I'm having a bad day (have had a couple of 'em now) and I know how cranky I can get as a result. But that was MY take on my state board. I'll still pop in on them to gather info, I'll be a "lurker" , but I'm gonna round up all the strays who're being left out...'n bring 'em here! BEWARE, Marchers! BWAHAHAHAH!! Kimmer Friend to All Zero-minus-20 days and counting!

Hi Kimmer, I am from the Alabama Board. We have a fantastic group of people who are sweet and caring people. I just noticed that you are having surgery on 3-9-04 so am I. I can't hardly wait, what about you? We will soon be on the losers side!!! Rita

Hi ya, Rita! Hey, you're a "NINER" since you're having your surgery on the 9th (or 19th or 29th). KEWL!! Yup, I'm excited. REAL excited!! And today, I'm sitting here just WISHING the hours away (something my mom and grandma always told me NEVER to do......not that I ever listened real well to them! Should've. Didn't. ). I just wanna get this OVER with and get on to HEALING!! (I'm having my WLS for nefarious motives: I have pretty severe fibromyalgia and all my Dr.s agree that my only 'hope' at this point to relieve the symptoms is to get rid of this weight. I've been home for two days now with a pretty good flare-up, and am NOT having a good time. Then on top of it, my heartless boss calls to see if I'll be in tomorrow {probably for some nonsensical thing she insists needs to be done} and suggests that I consider medical retirement. That's why I'm having the surgery, Poop-For-Brains! To AVOID medical retirement! DUH! She KNOWS it darned well, too...sheesh!!! ) Sorry 'bout the outburst. STOOPID, selfish people just annoy the boogers outta me!!! It's good to know that you have a local board that's supportive. I LOVE my Marchers, and this is where my heart is, but it'd be really nice to meet someone locally who's going thru the same stuff. My state board has events on occasion, but I dare say I'd never feel comfortable to attend any of them. And I seldom feel uncomfy anywhere. Not a big deal, but it'd be a nice option! Anyhoo, welcome not only to the Marchers, but also to the NINERS!! Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-20 days and counting!

Being a new newbie I have to agree - you all are very welcoming. Of course I didn't quite let you all have a chance to ignore me either. (My bad) Speaking of board problems, I just got banned from one on MSN - I was so incredibly incensed! This gal just was a tyrant. She would take a poll on an issue, then when my friend (in a very pleasant and rather shy way) gave her opinion, she was told "This is NOT a democracy. It's a monarchy. Not everyone can have it their way." Just plain stinkin' rude. She jumped my case over asking details/rules for another poll she had and got trumped up one side and down the other. She also then took an application for membership that wasn't up to standards and proceeded to not only post the email application in whole, but roasted the crud out of this girl. So, by the time she reamed on me for asking a question, I had enough and told her she shouldn't take it personal. I knew she would ban me though - you could tells she was just itchin' for it. Criminy....she really has anger management issues! I figure if anything I gave her the gift of false power in that she felt like she could slam me. Good for her. At least she's getting it off her chest!!! Dina

You should've just told her that you've been barred from better places for better reason... Sounds like Psycho-Moderator has been sitting in front of her monitor and absorbing the rays too long... Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-20 days and counting!

I can't picture this board getting dull!!! If someone comes in trying to pick a fight, I suggest we ignore them. That is the only way to make that sort go away. So glad we have not had that problem here, but sooner or later we probably will! Kimmer--thanks for being our heart! :heart: Joy (3/1)

Yup, gotta agree...the chances of this place gettin' dull aren't too good, with Kelley .........Mo ............My Angel Kathy ...........Joyful C ...........Va ......and me , there shouldn't be TOO many dull moments, just between the few of us! Throw in all the other great folks on here, and we've got a GREAT blend!! You guyses ARE my Heart, Joyful C!! Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-20 days and counting!

Hey I am from the MI Board.. of course they have outcast me several times