Just wanted to put this out there for the newbies...

As you have seen over the last few days the PA board is truly a large (all be it sometimes dysfunctional lol) Family. We are involved in eachothers lives to the core. I want you all to know that we are here not just for things that are specifically related to our surgeries but for support in all aspects of life.

Yes, several of the people on this board were the first ones to know when I found out I was pregnant, when I found out that I had a miscarriage and were there through everything with me when my Mom had cancer, my FIL had his strokes - everything. My OH family is there no matter what  - and guess what... we are always accepting new family members!

Liz

PS - I should add too that if you go MIA they will track you down too! lol

Yes its true, we are all there for each other. Those of us who don't get to see each other on a regular basis, still check up on one another. 

Great post for the newbies, Liz - and yes, even tho some of us don't physically see each other a lot we are always out here for each other, and that's wonderful.

So welcome all you newbies !!

Kathy

Yes...and I don't know WHERE I would be or HOW I would get through everything WITHOUT everyone.  From successing in WLS to successing in life in general....

Great Post Liz. It is true we will hunt you down if you go MIA LOL.
You all are my family, It has enriched my life knowing each of you.
Knowing you are there for me, for all my trials, not just WLS is such a comfort.
I dont know how other people do it, without the unwavering support that I have.
I am blessed.
So yes newbies join in....we are here...you will never be sorry

This post is so true and I just wanted to thank you all for all your help and advice.  Everyone here is so friendly and so supportive.  I'll never forget how great everyone here was when my dad passed away, all the kind words and prayers.  Even when I had my strictures and had so many questions that needed answers too, you all were there right away with so many helpful answers.  THANKS AGAIN!!

Liz,

How right you are!  One of the big surprises of my life post-surgery has been the truly loving community of friends I've found here.  These aren't "online acquaintances" but true, real-life, be-there-for-you-in-your-time-of-need FRIENDS.  People you can count on, cry with, laugh with, and love.  I feel so blessed to have this community of friends in my life.

Karen

Well, I thought I'd wait til you knew me a little better, but, are you ready to tackle my demons A teenage daughter that thinks she's an adult. Talks to me like I'm a nuisance. My two youngest are nicknamed "Seek & Destroy" because they are like 2 tasmanian devils. The youngest has picked up on many of the older girls worst habits, one of them being ignoring me when I ask her to do something.

Lastly, my 2nd daughter (11 years old) who (lisa) used to be diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, but, has turned that around. Used to talk to ghosts and has brought back a little of the defiance. Not NEARLY as bad as it used to be though. She's more of a helper now, but, still has that stinkin' stubborn streak.

My youngest girls are with me from the minute I get up to the minute I go to sleep. They are my shadow. From time to time they will play together. My 3rd is the best one to entertain herself, but, when she's tired and the 4th for that matter, they are glued to me until I sleep.

So, give me your best. What have you got? I've got excuses for every one of them.

I love them dearly, but when all 4 get to me at the same time I think I could eat a whole box of crackers if my tummy would let me. Sometimes I chew-chew-chew and spit it out.

Okay, this isn't all the time. It's Monday. New school day. I'm good for the most part today. Catch me on Friday and I'll probably be tearing up.

Well I don't have any kids of my own just yet, and certainly not defiant teenagers. But what about sitting down and talking to oldest daughter about her behavior and tell her if it doesn't stop things start getting taken away or chores etc added.

I apologize I forget too - are you going at this solo or are you married?

Sorry but I had to chuckle @ seek and destroy just because of the mental pic I Get of too little girls running round like crazy. Anything you can do to get them out of the house for a little while during the day? Maybe trade off with another Mommy friend for a couple of hours a day or 2 a week so you can just get some "me" time? That or when hubby gets home at night you get a break for a few hours - go get your hair/nails done or heck even just grocery shopping on your own!

I am sure that the ladies who have "been there done that" will have much better insight for you.

Good luck! ANd yes! We are here even for that. Infact feel free to call / text / e-mail when you are getting to that point where the crackers are coming out and one of us can "talk you down"

Liz

Yeah, I've got a great husband who is overwhelmed by all of the estrogen and hormonal outbursts around here.

He sometimes (read- almost always) throws his hands up and walks away muttering, sometimes laughing.

I did sit and talk to my teenager...my other issue with her is that a lot of her friends are lesbians-outward lesbians-and she makes quick friends with anyone who is erring on the wrong side of the saw. Then she wonders WHY I don't trust her hanging out with them. I trust HER, just not the friends or the peer pressure they put her under.

Destroy goes to school all day, but Seek is still in preschool. She is almost literally attached to my hip. These two girls swear they will live with me forever and they don't want to grow up. Seek actually said, "I don't wanna grow up, taking care of kids is hawd." MADE ME LAUGH!! She's 5!!

Seek does a pretty good job of making a mess, she went through 7 outfits by noon yesterday and she got up at 10:30. She isn't usually like that, but, it was her mess of the day I guess.

Destroy can open a box of cereal and coat the entire kitchen floor with crumbs in 2.7 seconds.

They even have pretty pink shirts with butterflies on them and in big Diamond letters each shirt says "Seek" & "Destroy" and they know who they belong to.

Anyway, what help does anyone have for teenagers with lesbian trouble making friends? She swears she's into boys, but, her "BFFFL" LOOKS like a boy! I read messages to her that say how much she loves her. She's also got messages I've read to boys that say how cute they are and how she wishes she could get back together with one of them. I want to believe her, but, her les. friends are freaking me out. She doesn't understand how hanging out with 8-10 gay friends may make others believe she is also gay. Such thick skulls these teenagers.