This Week's Q&A

Okay gang - I'm feeling a little relfective today. Sometimes it's overwhelming when I realize just how much my life has changed this past year. There have been so many people come into my life through OH and the NC forum so why don't we share some of what we've learned on here......

1) Have you read a post on here and thought to yourself "yeah right - like that'll ever happen to me!" Share it.

2) What's your favorite bit of wisdom that you've gained from reading posts on here?

3) Is there anyone in particular (on OH) who you relate to more than others? Why?

4)  What do you like most about being a part of an online support group?

5) We get lots of new folks who are sometimes hesitant to post questions - what advice do you have for them?

1) Have you read a post on here and thought to yourself "yeah right - like that'll ever happen to me!" Share it.
When I first started reading I couldn't believe the WOW moments that folks were having. I felt like I'd never cross my legs, or my thighs will always rub together. And while I still don't love exercise - I actually look forward to it.

2) What's your favorite bit of wisdom that you've gained from reading posts on here?
It's not so much any one particular bit of wisdom that I've come to love - it's the fact that people are so open and willing to share their struggles and their triumphs. It's a daily reminder for me that I'm never alone in this journey.

3) Is there anyone in particular (on OH) who you relate to more than others? Why?
As my journey has progressed I seem to relate to different people at different times. When I first started Aunt Dee Dee was on here alot. We had the same Doc and were at about the same starting weight  It's been amazing to watch her change and practically leave us. (I hope you're still reading and lurking but just too busy living life to post much anymore - you too Mare!!)

4)  What do you like most about being a part of an online support group?
At first I liked the safety of annonimity. I could hide but still feel like I was connected. Now that I've been here for so long and had a chance to meet a handful of you guys it really does feel like a family.

5) We get lots of new folks who are sometimes hesitant to post questions - what advice do you have for them?
Come out and play with us. Realize that we're all at different points along our journey but none of us is too far along to stop and help someone else out. A newbie's questions in the very beginning are just as helpful to someone who's further out because it helps remind us of the basics. I for one thought that I had the basics down and wouldn't need to revisit them. Guess what ?- I was wrong. Remember when your teacher would say that there's no such thing as a dumb /stupid question? That still applies. There are so many things that change in your life as a result of the surgery - who better to ask than folks who've been there and experienced it.