Leaving...

Although I know we should be happy and rejoicing for each others accomplishments, I am not. Just remember when you do post your happy thoughts and your accomplishments there are probably 100 others out there that arent doing as well as you and who struggle daily because (although we shouldnt, we do!) compare ourselves to others! Dont respond.....this is just a venting for those of us that do struggle.

Carrie - don't leave. We all compare ourselves to others. I see people not just here, but on the main board who have lost more than me and I feel the same way. "What do you mean you've lost 100 pounds in 3 months?! Why can't I?!" I know what you're saying. If it is bothering you to read the celebration posts, then don't, but don't leave us. You're awesome and we love you! AND - when I come out to AZ in February I want to meet you!!! Michelle

Carrie, Leaving the support we have is not the answer. My whole journey has been nothing but a nightmare since day one. I applaud those who have gotten through this with little or no problems. Seeing their accomplishments, makes it easier for me to know that there is a good thing to all this. Even though we all compare ourselves to each other in our heads. It is NOT a competion. It is a personal journey that our bodies are making. Only that person can make the journey. Just like when you walk a mile, some can do it in 10 minutes some take an hour. In the end, they all get there. I struggle daily with just surviving. Read my profile and you will get a better idea. On top of the nightmare of this surgery and the so called recovery, I have 3 special needs children that depend on me to be here for them. We all have battles, but helping each other and giving a hand up when it is needed is what a support group is all about. Applauding the accomplishments and sharing the hard times. A problem that is shared with one is halved. The more you share it with the less of the pie you have to deal with. Email me your number if you want to talk and I will call you. I wish you luck and sending big hugs to you.. Kat

Carrie, I am so sorry you are feeling this way. I am not going to tell you not to compare yourself to others on here because I think that we all do that a little bit one way or the other. But you should probably know that others are comparing themselves to your success also. There are some that had the surgery even days before you who have not achieved your amount of weightloss. So keep in mind that this weightloss, like everything else in life, there is always going to be someone out there who has achieved more than you, and some who have not achieved what you have thus far. I hope this helps. (((((((hugs)))))))

Carrie, I too am really sorry that you feel that way. Please remember that this board is for posting the good AND the bad....so while people are probably not going to stop positng about their happy moments or good things that happen to them...those same people will probably be some of the best support that you can find to help you through the tough times. I know for me when I post happy things on here I just want to share them with someone that understands..because other people are like SO WHAT?? and my family lives across the country and while they support me they dont understand the simple things that are actually HUGE milestones....In the same token the people here can understand a lot of your feelings and problems (not all, but a lot!!)so please dont shut us out..we are here for you.

Carrie, I hope you don't go. I think this whole journey is tremendously difficult for us all. Depression is one of the main things that many WLS patients have to deal with. This may be a rough patch for you. I have to take Prozac to keep feeling good, probably will always have to. Lori

Carrie, Believe me...I do not take my progress for granted and I am grateful each and every day that I do not have any issues or complications. I'm sorry that you are struggling with your weight loss. Being on a plateau for so long really, really bites. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make things better for you. But alas I cannot. All I can do is provide a shoulder for your head, a big cyber hug and an ear to listen to you. And you do have those things from me. While I'm not struggling thus far with my weight...I have been battling the depression demon off and on. I have all my life but it has particularly been with me since surgery. I have good days and not so good days. Moodiness comes and goes. This part hasn't been easy for me. I wish you well. I do hope you'll stay. We are here for you. All you have to do is put your hand out. Hugs, Kathy

Carrie, I know you're frustrated, and you have every right to be. What does your surgeon say? I wish you wouldn't leave, and will miss you if you do, but I do understand. When I was initially denied by my insurance, I got so tired of reading the "I'm APPROVED!!!" posts on the main board that eventually, I quit coming to OH. I was away for about 4 months. Eventually, I found my way back. I found that even though I was still struggling to get approval, all of these people I read posts from MEANT something to me. It sounds silly, we're all strangers, really, but there's so many people on OH that I think about in my daily life - including you. I hope if you do decide to leave, that you'll find your way back to us when you're ready. In the meantime, if you ever want someone to talk to, feel free to email me. Becky

Carrie, I've been looking at your post all day wondering how to respond...It's hard to put myself in your shoes, but I do feel for you, and I know it must suck. To be perfectly honest with you, you're right, for every accomnplishment that I do post, it is very rare that I take into consideration the person on the other side who may not be feeling as jubilant as I am...thanks for pointing it out. Please know that we are here for you, and no one wants to see you leave, but maybe you'll be like Becky, and when you do come back, it will be in full force. Carrie I truly hope things get better for you! Sincerely, Aliya

I know you said not to respond...but like everyone else here, I cannot help it. I feel the need to point out that sometimes celebrating our successes is a way to off-set the fact that we DO struggle. I celebrated the fact that I lost 100 pounds in 3 months. But, know what? I also had to deal with a stricture that required three EGDs (which weren't cheap) and I couldn't eat for the first FOUR months after surgery due to food intolerance. It's only in the past week and a half that I have been able to try the foods that other people have been chatting about for months. Aside from that, I've been essentially on a liquid diet since May. In addition, I have to watch a LOT of people entering "Onederland" when I'm still 75 pounds away from it. That bites...so I have to be happy and celebrate my 100 pounds, because that's my success and my security in knowing that this hell will all pay off someday. I want to share that with others and get a few s in there for me too. I don't want to feel guilty about it either. Not an attack on you, just like I'm sure your post was not an attack on me. I'm just venting too, I guess. Thanks for bringing this topic up so we could all remember to think about each other when posting. Julie