Why OH?

I am a Brit. My dress sizes are different to yours, my shoe sizes are different,  I think in stones not pounds, you use weird words and even weirder spelling, your foods are not the same, niether are many of your restaurants. Your hospital and doctor experiences are different.

People fight and ***** and squabble!

So why do I come here? And have done for 5 years!

This site is an enormous mine of shared experience. Some of those experiences I read about help me, others don't - but I am grown-up, I can choose!

There is a wonderful sense of fellow-feeling. We are different! We are not like most of  those with whom we work and play. We have this condition called obesity but we have had the courage to do something about it.

Our eating is not normal! OK so if you ate with me you would not realise i was banded! I seem to just be someone with a very small appetite.  But you know and I know that all the time I am making choices which may not show to others. Not always easy - you understand that!

"Outsiders" think we take the easy option! Oh boy, do we know that isn't true!

Having lost my excess weight years ago, most of what I do on here is try to support. But by doing that, I clarify in my own mind what i should be doing myself!

Coming here keeps me focussed.  Having my weight in my signature line helps keep me on track.

You guys know what I mean when I confess or complain. You support me as I (I hope) support you.

I have been on other boards but despite the linguistic and cultural differences, none suits me as well as OH. I have left a couple of times but I always come back!
 
Thanks, OH family!    Kate

Thank you for being here Kate! 

I appreciate you being here.  Thank You!

And......thanks for always coming back, Kate!  

I'm 100% with you on this, Kate! Especially this part:

Having lost my excess weight years ago, most of what I do on here is try to support. But by doing that, I clarify in my own mind what i should be doing myself!

Jean

Thanks for all that you do for us Kate!  I appreciate you!

Hugs,
Kristi

Thank you Kate- I don't write very often but I read A LOT.  And i have always appreciated not only your experience and knowledge but how you put that accross.
Much appreciated, I'm sure, by so many people who may not feel ready/able to weigh in;), but are looking for answers, experiences, viewpoints, etc. (and because of my own family background I don't have to interpret your language!)
Thank you.

Kate
I always read your posts and have for several yrs. You are a wealth of knowledge and a very kind person. Never a bad word for anyone and a lot of help.
Karen

This is turning into a thank-you-Kate post! Not my intention! Just wanted to make sure everyone knew what a brilliant site this is!!

Kate

You're right Kate this is a brilliant site and thanks for reminding us of it.