Why I keep coming back to OH

It's great to see you again!

I come to OH daily. I do have a monthly support group (50 miles away) that I go to, but this is my daily support group.  I LOVE the "What are we eating today?" posts for wonderful ideas.  I learn about other's issues, some that I deal with also.  I am so glad to have a place like this to go.  And for those who have horror stories about the band, I'm so very sorry for their intense struggles.  Also, I've learned the reality of the "good, bad, and the ugly" from all the posters. I may be a retired teacher of 35 years and a late-in-life bander, but I learn something every day on this forum.  THANKS!!

While I may regret getting the band and haven't had any success with it, the one good thing was all the wonderful folks I've met here like Jean, Bette, Kate and so many more. We may have differing feelings on the band but they have all been supportive of my dislike of the band. Not one of them has downed me for my opinion on the band so I think they are class acts. I wish them all continued success and I'll continue to voice my negative opinion of the band, but that has nothing to do with my affection for all of them!

You're the class act, Hislady. One of the reasons this community has been supportive of you is that you manage to express your dislike of the band without resorting to name-calling, obscenities, blaming, or other aggressive (or passive-aggressive) behavior.

Jean

 My Pa doesn't have most of the answers. In support group i am a vetern so  I get no real support. their either.
I come for people like you Jean. Who tell it lke it is.
Many of the rest of you have great stories that I can relate to.
When I need support someone is always there.
Thanks everyone for being there.
Wendy

It's wonderful to be back, Jean.  Although not at this weight.  If I was wondering whether I had the right stuff to do it again, today I baked two large blueberry crumb cakes for my son's high school teacher appreciation day.  I didn't taste anything at all and baking is my major bete-noir.  So a good day today.  Hopefully to be followed by many more.

  come back becase of people like you. You have information and and experience I need to read about today.

What others say is of little concern to me. I hate to say it out loud but I do this for me, its for selfish reasons ultimately. I want to save my very sick body, I want to heal and I get what I need by reading people like you who have information for me. Thi isnt about my looks though that will be a nice side effect, this is about saving my g.d. life.

And let me say, if buying or letting people know you write a book etc here is some how shameful then there are a few of us who should be lumped in there too. Thats total and absolute bull**** You give experience freely....the book happens to have most of it in one capsule. So freaking what...this is the real world folks, time to grow a set and butch it up.

So, to all of you who give freely of yourselves, *****ad even whiney posts I make, who encourage, you are honest and who share of your story....thank you. This is dead serious to me and many others.

I keep coming back to OH because I am morbidly obese.  I come back because I have decided to make a change in my life and my so called friends in daily life do not suport my decision.  I AM A FOOD ADDICT.  I come to OH because I have met champions that have walked the walk I am preparing to walk.  I seek wisdom in your posts and I seek the support that I so very much need.  Because you all know my hidden feelings because many of you have felt this too.  I bought Jean's book to gain knowledge of what to expect.  No not all surgeries are the same, but an experience is an experience and her book has many good pointers and things that a bander needs to know.  I am grateful that I found OH and I look forward to many anniversaries with you all to come.  I know I have a vast group that will give me what I need at any given moment and with that I find comfort.   So with that said, I appreciate each and every one of you for posting what you feel and commenting when you feel the need. 

Paula

Hi Jean,

In the first year after my surgery, I did not come to OH very much - but now I do daily, and will continue to indefinitely. To interact, if only in cyber space, with those who understand this struggle is priceless to me. I'll bet that every member of OH, regardless of surgery chosen, has been treated like crap for no other reason than being over weight. I do feel a sadness when I see people attack one another, because we are all coming from the same place. I wish we could support each other through successes, failures, revisions, whatever....but emotions sometimes cloud our better judgement.

I enjoy reading your posts & as a fellow (although non-published) writer, I applaud that you put your experience down for others to read, learn & benefit from.

I have firmly made up my mind that I will reach my goal and the band will help me maintain. OH is an additional tool to help me - I love it!