Why I keep coming back to OH

This may fall into the So What category for you - if so, too-da-loo! If not, read on!

My 4th bandiversary is coming up in 3 months. I've belonged to OH since December 2007. I lost my excess weight with the help of many OH members, and now I have a new life that is far more wonderful than I could ever have imagined possible. According to OH, the average "life span" of an OH membership is only 2 years - many people join as pre-ops, have surgery, lose their excess weight, and move on within 2 years of joining. So why do I keep coming back to OH, and why should you?

The Anti-Jean Club would have you believe that I come here only to sell my book, Bandwagon. I don't see selling my book as a crime, and I hope you don't either. Of course I want to sell the book. Why would I write and publish a book and not want to have it read by other people? Unlike some short-timers who have long since abandoned ship, I did not join OH for the purpose of gathering book material. I didn't start writing Bandwagon until 2  years into my WLS journey and didn't start paying for Bandwagon banner ads on OH until 3 years into my journey. I can't fathom why anybody would think that a professional shouldn't be paid for the work she or he does (in my case, writing and publishing). Perhaps those are people who don't have to earn money to pay for electricity, water, food, housing, transportation, and so on. 

So anyway...why do I keep coming back to OH? 

Because despite the bickering, despite the underground movement of trolls, despite occasional cloudy or stormy days, there's still a lot of warmth and sunshine and support here if you persist. I keep coming back because participation on OH helps me manage my eating and weight issues (which is a lifetime project for me****ep coming back because I learn new things about bariatrics and about people. I keep coming back because I've made so many good friends here. And I keep coming back in an effort to balance out the infamous negativity with a rare and precious commodity - optimism.

What about you? Why do you keep coming back to OH?

Jean

Jean!  You have been my inspiration.  I continue to rave about you time and time again to my patients, encouraging them to buy your book and sign up for your newsletters.  You are one of the reasons I keep coming back to OH and why I encourage my patients to do the same.  Also, why not come to OH.  As you said, despite all the bickering and nonsense that goes on here, there are those who need help with their journeys, most of us who want to help others will help. 
Personally, I come back to OH to keep myself in check.  To prove all those "anti-basters/bashers" wrong. 
Most of us come from the same starting journey, so why not share?

Thanks for all that you do Jean!
This community needs you!

Take care!
Jan

Thank you, Jan!

Oh my gosh Jan, I love love that new picture of you !!! You look awesome !!!

I joined in 2005 when I was contemplating WLS for the first time.  I decided not to have it at that time and proceeded to lose 130 pounds on my own.  I was one of the people who encouraged OH to form a non-op forum for those who, for one reason or another, decided to give this another go on their own.  I kept the weight off from 2005-2006 and then proceeded to gain back almost 110 pounds.  Not the type of accomplishment I like to brag about!!!   However, I was a member of OH throughout my weight loss and then subsequent plastic surgery. 

When I was deciding on Lap Band surgery I googled "Lap Band support" and there was my friend, OH.  So here I am, back again. I come back every day, reading mostly, being accountable and trying to help those that are coming after me.  As such a new bander I try not to tell people what is right or wrong, because what is right or wrong for me may not apply to someone else.  This is an invaluable forum for me, one that answers a lot of my questions from people that have gone before me.

I intend on staying here until I have reached my goal.  Then I will share my success tips with others who may or may not be able to use them. LOL  I keep coming back because THIS is my support group, and it is where I gain my education on how to best work this Band.

Thanks for the post, Jean.  It reminds me that I am not alone in this journey.

Donna

Donna,

I'm with you - OH is my support group (especially since my current surgeon's in-person support group is a 3 hour drive round trip). I love knowing exactly where to find a community of people who've experienced obesity and WLS and all that goes along with that, just as I have.

Jean

Wow! People are wack! :D I never ever thought anything of the sort about you!! I guess not everyone can see the positive or look for the good in people......but I'm thankful for you and your book! :D

(p.s. this was not a "paid for advertisement" hee hee)

Thanks, Melissa!

i notice the nutritionist making the rounds last wk got a free pass of sorts on her "research" & many had issues w/your book.
i asked you about your advertising & you answered fine enough for me.

less bothered by a WLS patient writing blogs / books & posting here on OH VS OH being a continuing education route for others in hopes of starting up a practice.

i come back to OH to check myself & engage w/friends i've made here.

quite simple.

i notice the nutritionist making the rounds last wk got a free pass of sorts on her "research" & many had issues w/your book.

What nutritionist? What free pass? What "research"? Who had issues with my book? What kind of issues?

less bothered by a WLS patient writing blogs / books & posting here on OH VS OH being a continuing education route for others in hopes of starting up a practice.

In hopes of starting up a bariatric surgery practice? I've only encountered one member here, a nutritionist, who joined for the purpose of gathering information for a bariatric patient training program she had been hired to put together for a new bariatric surgery practice. She was quite open about that, though.

Jean