Exercise in Support
Sitting here at my desk working 
. I had an idea for an exercise in building each other up since words can take us down
why not reverse the process and build each other up. 
Take 2 or 3 or even 20 people you want to pick and leave some words of support direct at them to build them up today.
It can be someone you are close to here on the boards or maybe even someone you have just seen post and never interacted with but want to share a word or two with them.
I will go first well cause it was my idea.....
Laureen: I admire you candid honesty you are not afraid to share the bad as well as the good. You have shared your fears and experince on what you feel was your mistakes in this journey and your successes. After I spend time with you I never feel alone in this journey.
Steffi: Your humor and fire for this journey keeps me that is longer out from surgery in the place to see this journey is never ending. You are someone that has helped me recharge my batteries on the WLS journey. Recently I have seen that through all the laughter is a serious woman that knows it is better to laugh then cry.
Donna (Spirit): Your brutal honesty hit a cord with me the first night you spoke at a meeting I was scared for you. Many a time early out I prayed that you hang in there with us and I have seen you grow to someone that smiles allot, share your ups and downs. I have watched you this past year encourage new people to not give up. Of all the people I have met along this journey you have a special place in my heart and I am so very proud of you!
Well you didn't think I was going to leave this guy out did you??
Dennis: My eyes fell upon you the first time I walked through the door of a Barix support group meeting. You welcomed me while on the inside I wanted to go running from the building like it was on fire. Over time we became a figure of respect and then through an endless line of social events you became my biggest supporter in this journey not to mention the love of my life. You have help me and comforted me when I in the throws of "dumping" and held me as I had the foamies. You have wiped my tears when Ihave cried from the ups and downs in this journey through the loss of friends and been there to share my joy. I love you and would be lost without you.
. I had an idea for an exercise in building each other up since words can take us down why not reverse the process and build each other up. Take 2 or 3 or even 20 people you want to pick and leave some words of support direct at them to build them up today.
It can be someone you are close to here on the boards or maybe even someone you have just seen post and never interacted with but want to share a word or two with them. I will go first well cause it was my idea.....
Laureen: I admire you candid honesty you are not afraid to share the bad as well as the good. You have shared your fears and experince on what you feel was your mistakes in this journey and your successes. After I spend time with you I never feel alone in this journey.
Steffi: Your humor and fire for this journey keeps me that is longer out from surgery in the place to see this journey is never ending. You are someone that has helped me recharge my batteries on the WLS journey. Recently I have seen that through all the laughter is a serious woman that knows it is better to laugh then cry.
Donna (Spirit): Your brutal honesty hit a cord with me the first night you spoke at a meeting I was scared for you. Many a time early out I prayed that you hang in there with us and I have seen you grow to someone that smiles allot, share your ups and downs. I have watched you this past year encourage new people to not give up. Of all the people I have met along this journey you have a special place in my heart and I am so very proud of you!
Well you didn't think I was going to leave this guy out did you??
Dennis: My eyes fell upon you the first time I walked through the door of a Barix support group meeting. You welcomed me while on the inside I wanted to go running from the building like it was on fire. Over time we became a figure of respect and then through an endless line of social events you became my biggest supporter in this journey not to mention the love of my life. You have help me and comforted me when I in the throws of "dumping" and held me as I had the foamies. You have wiped my tears when Ihave cried from the ups and downs in this journey through the loss of friends and been there to share my joy. I love you and would be lost without you.
Beth- I agree with everything.I think we should also have an annual support person appreciation day. make it a holiday. you guys deserve fireworks and a parade.
Beth :. you have always been nice to me. I like you honesty and advise. I have hope because you have been there i can lead us to survive this process without too many battle scars. you have demonstrated to us that if we fall we can dust ourselves off and try again.
Steffi : you humor and laughter is contagious so is your will to keep going.thanks
Karen it's funny i don't know you well , but i trust everything you say to be true. i know your advise is for my good and not just to hear yourself speak.and you recipes rock
mike;( aka brad Pitt ) you are a hoot i know you love us you make the meetings fun
sue: you are the best. i do head your tidbits of knowledge. i may not look like it but i do listen and remember most of what you told me
Dennis you have been great and i hope you know how much everyone likes you. you have been the kindest to me and i appreciate that
Shauna you lead the first meeting i went to. you made it something i wanted to be a part of thanks
Nan; you are my hero
Beth :. you have always been nice to me. I like you honesty and advise. I have hope because you have been there i can lead us to survive this process without too many battle scars. you have demonstrated to us that if we fall we can dust ourselves off and try again.
Steffi : you humor and laughter is contagious so is your will to keep going.thanks
Karen it's funny i don't know you well , but i trust everything you say to be true. i know your advise is for my good and not just to hear yourself speak.and you recipes rock
mike;( aka brad Pitt ) you are a hoot i know you love us you make the meetings fun
sue: you are the best. i do head your tidbits of knowledge. i may not look like it but i do listen and remember most of what you told me
Dennis you have been great and i hope you know how much everyone likes you. you have been the kindest to me and i appreciate that
Shauna you lead the first meeting i went to. you made it something i wanted to be a part of thanks
Nan; you are my hero
Let me start with a couple...but reserve the right to come back and add more!
Katie - who doesn't post much here because of the demands of everyday life, but her guidance and total attention at pre op support meetings meant the world to me in my endless pre op phase. She walked in to visit me in the hospital at one of my "finer" moments but that was ok with her. I appreciate her openness about the good parts...and the hard parts.
Shauna - who also isn't much of a poster lately, but I have to say this. When Shauna said the words,, "I don't eat sugar. I don't eat refined carbs." It opened up the whole realm of possibility to me that I didn't have to eat those things either. That I might be able to say those words, too. It gave me a LOT of strength for the long haul. I also remember Shauna's words on deprivation...what it is, and what it isn't.
Beth - always there, always with a smile, always with a welcoming word, kind of like the "mother hen" of support group. I admire how Beth loves her life, and enjoy seeing posts about the fun moments, about being in love, and about living large. But there's more to Beth. Her struggles to be candid and ask for help when she needed it. Her amazing transformation over the last few years - I couldn't believe her "before" picture. (Who WAS that? No, it can't be!) Her awareness that the journey continues on.
Now this group, who is just a step ahead of me in the process, so I watch them carefully!
Karen - many of you here know Karen far better than I do, but there is just "something" about her. She is articulate and gracious and totally high class. Things I aspire to become.
Lisa - another friend who keeps a LOT of plates spinning, and such a "backbone" of the community here. Honest about her frustrations, and kicking her heels up about her joys and successes. Always willing to help and always has a good word for others.
Steffi - well, yes, it's all about Steffi. But hearing Steffi talk a few months ago about her frustrations, and then seeing her move past those moments and move to a whole different plane has been tremendous and inspiring.
Deb (Rosey No) - my carpool buddy to Barix support! Deb is so generous and fun loving. She welcomed total strangers into her home for "pouch parties" to support those who need ideas as to how to navigate this path. She is fun, optimistic, energetic, and views her progress as a miracle every day. And it is!
Katie - who doesn't post much here because of the demands of everyday life, but her guidance and total attention at pre op support meetings meant the world to me in my endless pre op phase. She walked in to visit me in the hospital at one of my "finer" moments but that was ok with her. I appreciate her openness about the good parts...and the hard parts.
Shauna - who also isn't much of a poster lately, but I have to say this. When Shauna said the words,, "I don't eat sugar. I don't eat refined carbs." It opened up the whole realm of possibility to me that I didn't have to eat those things either. That I might be able to say those words, too. It gave me a LOT of strength for the long haul. I also remember Shauna's words on deprivation...what it is, and what it isn't.
Beth - always there, always with a smile, always with a welcoming word, kind of like the "mother hen" of support group. I admire how Beth loves her life, and enjoy seeing posts about the fun moments, about being in love, and about living large. But there's more to Beth. Her struggles to be candid and ask for help when she needed it. Her amazing transformation over the last few years - I couldn't believe her "before" picture. (Who WAS that? No, it can't be!) Her awareness that the journey continues on.
Now this group, who is just a step ahead of me in the process, so I watch them carefully!
Karen - many of you here know Karen far better than I do, but there is just "something" about her. She is articulate and gracious and totally high class. Things I aspire to become.
Lisa - another friend who keeps a LOT of plates spinning, and such a "backbone" of the community here. Honest about her frustrations, and kicking her heels up about her joys and successes. Always willing to help and always has a good word for others.
Steffi - well, yes, it's all about Steffi. But hearing Steffi talk a few months ago about her frustrations, and then seeing her move past those moments and move to a whole different plane has been tremendous and inspiring.
Deb (Rosey No) - my carpool buddy to Barix support! Deb is so generous and fun loving. She welcomed total strangers into her home for "pouch parties" to support those who need ideas as to how to navigate this path. She is fun, optimistic, energetic, and views her progress as a miracle every day. And it is!
Okay mine is pretty long.
Pam: Because we have so mu*****ommon we both started on this journey with the same amount of weight to lose and feel like we both have gone thru the same struggles and you continue to inspire me.
Norm&Mary: I never knew what the future held for me but the two of you are so generous with your knowledge and the wisdom of what to expect along this WLS journey.
Laureen: For all the hugs and words of wisdom that you continue to share with me they truly mean so much to me.
Kathy: Even though we have never met you have been such a huge part of my life. Thank you for being there for me. When I though nobody understood what I was going thru you did. So Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Arlene&Tammy: What can I say my biggest supporters and always have a shoulder to lend me when I feel like I want to cry. Thank you so much!
Dennis: What can I say? Words are not enough for everything that you do for me. I continue to be in awe when in your presence and love and respect your opinion. Don't ever change!
Shannon&Liz: My buddies in crime. I mean that is a good way. Love you ladies for letting me vent and cry on your shoulders.
Finally-Shauna: I never knew the meaning of successing until you taught me what that meant. Thank you for inspiring me to do better with the tool that I have been blessed with.
Great post Beth!
Pam: Because we have so mu*****ommon we both started on this journey with the same amount of weight to lose and feel like we both have gone thru the same struggles and you continue to inspire me.
Norm&Mary: I never knew what the future held for me but the two of you are so generous with your knowledge and the wisdom of what to expect along this WLS journey.
Laureen: For all the hugs and words of wisdom that you continue to share with me they truly mean so much to me.
Kathy: Even though we have never met you have been such a huge part of my life. Thank you for being there for me. When I though nobody understood what I was going thru you did. So Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Arlene&Tammy: What can I say my biggest supporters and always have a shoulder to lend me when I feel like I want to cry. Thank you so much!
Dennis: What can I say? Words are not enough for everything that you do for me. I continue to be in awe when in your presence and love and respect your opinion. Don't ever change!
Shannon&Liz: My buddies in crime. I mean that is a good way. Love you ladies for letting me vent and cry on your shoulders.
Finally-Shauna: I never knew the meaning of successing until you taught me what that meant. Thank you for inspiring me to do better with the tool that I have been blessed with.
Great post Beth!
-Shilpa
People comment on my over 100 pound weight loss and attribute it to my WILLpower, but it is my WANTpower: I WANT to be thin and healthy more than anything else!
wow.. this is great and difficult all at the same time. I have something kind to say about everyone here, I'm not sure I can pick just a few. I may have to come back and add people because I know there's going to be someone I leave out. These are in no particular order... well except Jena.. she gets the #1 because we are surgery twins!
#1 has to be Ms. Jena--my surgery buddy!! We spoke before surgery, texted the day of and the few days after from the hospital and have been here for each other ever since! I am so glad I got to meet you in person in Rehoboth last year!! You have rocked your tool and done so well even through the problems you had.
Liz-- what an inspiration.. you have done so well with your successing. You have overcome so many things in your journey and now you have such a precious little reward for all your hard work. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many people. You put everyone else before yourself. You open your home to the craziness every month and even wanted to do it when Mia was just 3 weeks old.. aren't you glad now that Karen stopped that?
Dennis-you sat me down and talked to/with me a few times right in the beginning and had so much information to share. You never stop sharing your wealth of knowledge and I know I am not the only one who appreciates it. You warned me about things so I wouldn't get caught up in them (surgery and non-surgery related), you have encouraged me, you have inspired me.
Steffi.. oh Steffi.. my sister from another mister. How close we have become over the past 14 months. I am so honored to be on this journey with you. You have let me vent, cry, celebrate, and eat non-kosher food with you. You make me laugh and even cry sometimes. While you are not the center of my world--that spot is reserved for Siehara- you are a critical element in my life and I don't know what I would do without you.
Karen G.- you ROCK! You came into your successing in a not so ordinary way. You only had part of the procedure done and you have worked it like nobody's business. You are a wealth of knowledge and support. I know that when you reply to a post, you know your stuff. You are here to support us, love us, and be our friend. You are fantastic at telling it like it is and making sure that we see the error of our ways--translation---kicking us in the ass when we need it!
Todd (Swede)-you are just starting out on your journey and already you have been such an inspiration. Your fantastic attitude is contagious. You have words of wisdom, humor, and caring that is just wonderful! You, too, have already given me a dose of reality that I am still working on accepting and pursuing. You are going to do so well in your journey!! I'm glad to be a part of your life!
Shauna-- I know you read the boards, even if you don't post. You are such a wonderful human being. You give even when you are the one who needs help. You opened your home to me and SIehara and made us part of your family on Thanksgiving. I felt so welcome in your home. Your family is just as incredible as you. Your many words of wisdom stay with me. Sometimes I need to bring them to the foreground and put them into action, but they are always there.
ETA:
Eric-we have weathered a lot through this journey. Your story has inspired me so much. There is nothing we can't do if we do it together as one big family supporting each other. The joy you have as a dad is second to none. I only wish my daughter had a father like you who could be here for her. I wish you luck in the next stages of your journey as you explore all the possibilites you have opened for yourself with this life changing surgery.
Pam:- didn't forget you, just needed to think about what to say. Girl, you and your tiny self have become such a good friend to me. You always have encouraging words and ass kicking when needed. Your wealth of knowledge in the medical field and in this journey are so important in helping me get through this. I love your humor/sarcasm, and how we have grown into our friendship. You (and Brian, Tommy, and AnneMarie) helped me get over my fear of ziplining.. well I think that was mostly Brian literally kicking me off the platform on the first line.. LOL.
This is it for now.. I know there are others and I will add more later, but right now I am tearing up with all the love I am feeling right now and I don't want my makeup running for graduation tonight
#1 has to be Ms. Jena--my surgery buddy!! We spoke before surgery, texted the day of and the few days after from the hospital and have been here for each other ever since! I am so glad I got to meet you in person in Rehoboth last year!! You have rocked your tool and done so well even through the problems you had.
Liz-- what an inspiration.. you have done so well with your successing. You have overcome so many things in your journey and now you have such a precious little reward for all your hard work. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many people. You put everyone else before yourself. You open your home to the craziness every month and even wanted to do it when Mia was just 3 weeks old.. aren't you glad now that Karen stopped that?
Dennis-you sat me down and talked to/with me a few times right in the beginning and had so much information to share. You never stop sharing your wealth of knowledge and I know I am not the only one who appreciates it. You warned me about things so I wouldn't get caught up in them (surgery and non-surgery related), you have encouraged me, you have inspired me.
Steffi.. oh Steffi.. my sister from another mister. How close we have become over the past 14 months. I am so honored to be on this journey with you. You have let me vent, cry, celebrate, and eat non-kosher food with you. You make me laugh and even cry sometimes. While you are not the center of my world--that spot is reserved for Siehara- you are a critical element in my life and I don't know what I would do without you.
Karen G.- you ROCK! You came into your successing in a not so ordinary way. You only had part of the procedure done and you have worked it like nobody's business. You are a wealth of knowledge and support. I know that when you reply to a post, you know your stuff. You are here to support us, love us, and be our friend. You are fantastic at telling it like it is and making sure that we see the error of our ways--translation---kicking us in the ass when we need it!
Todd (Swede)-you are just starting out on your journey and already you have been such an inspiration. Your fantastic attitude is contagious. You have words of wisdom, humor, and caring that is just wonderful! You, too, have already given me a dose of reality that I am still working on accepting and pursuing. You are going to do so well in your journey!! I'm glad to be a part of your life!
Shauna-- I know you read the boards, even if you don't post. You are such a wonderful human being. You give even when you are the one who needs help. You opened your home to me and SIehara and made us part of your family on Thanksgiving. I felt so welcome in your home. Your family is just as incredible as you. Your many words of wisdom stay with me. Sometimes I need to bring them to the foreground and put them into action, but they are always there.
ETA:
Eric-we have weathered a lot through this journey. Your story has inspired me so much. There is nothing we can't do if we do it together as one big family supporting each other. The joy you have as a dad is second to none. I only wish my daughter had a father like you who could be here for her. I wish you luck in the next stages of your journey as you explore all the possibilites you have opened for yourself with this life changing surgery.
Pam:- didn't forget you, just needed to think about what to say. Girl, you and your tiny self have become such a good friend to me. You always have encouraging words and ass kicking when needed. Your wealth of knowledge in the medical field and in this journey are so important in helping me get through this. I love your humor/sarcasm, and how we have grown into our friendship. You (and Brian, Tommy, and AnneMarie) helped me get over my fear of ziplining.. well I think that was mostly Brian literally kicking me off the platform on the first line.. LOL.
This is it for now.. I know there are others and I will add more later, but right now I am tearing up with all the love I am feeling right now and I don't want my makeup running for graduation tonight
My tracker
hers 
Beth,
This is a great post and thank you for including me in your list. That really touches me.
My list includes the following:
Katie: my pre-op support group leader, you made me feel comfortable those beginning times when I just wanted to run and hide. I can't believe how far I have come in this past year.
Jim and Kathy - the fact that the 2 of you took this step together really impressed me. We have been in the group from the start and are also "Boe babies". So glad that we had the chance to have lunch after the last support group. You are good people and I know that it hasn't been easy for either of you these past few months. You are in my prayers.
Karen - you are truly an inspiration to me. When I look at all you have accomplished and the support you give to others it makes me smile. You have always had a compliment and a welcoming hug for me when ever I saw you at Barix. Now you have opened your home to us for cooking class. You are tops in my book. Any time you need someone to chat with your mom - I'm your girl
Laureen and Arlene - both of you "oldtimers" have been honest and up front about the challenges of living with WLS. I have always appreciated those honest words. They have meant so much to me and have given me hope during some dark moments.
Steffi - You enthusiasm for teaching, life WLS etc. is contagious. I look shy and retiring next to you
You are a generous woman who has given so much this past year. Your honesty on the boards means a lot to me.
Beth C. - from the first Wed. night post-op support group when you got my back, I knew that you were good people. Your sharing at the April Sat. meeting touched me. That you felt comfortable enough to let your guard down and just be yourself - I can relate. I appreciate your honesty and the fact that there is no sugar coating when it comes to you. That's what I need. You are a sweetie. Love ya lots.
Donna
This is a great post and thank you for including me in your list. That really touches me.
My list includes the following:
Katie: my pre-op support group leader, you made me feel comfortable those beginning times when I just wanted to run and hide. I can't believe how far I have come in this past year.
Jim and Kathy - the fact that the 2 of you took this step together really impressed me. We have been in the group from the start and are also "Boe babies". So glad that we had the chance to have lunch after the last support group. You are good people and I know that it hasn't been easy for either of you these past few months. You are in my prayers.
Karen - you are truly an inspiration to me. When I look at all you have accomplished and the support you give to others it makes me smile. You have always had a compliment and a welcoming hug for me when ever I saw you at Barix. Now you have opened your home to us for cooking class. You are tops in my book. Any time you need someone to chat with your mom - I'm your girl
Laureen and Arlene - both of you "oldtimers" have been honest and up front about the challenges of living with WLS. I have always appreciated those honest words. They have meant so much to me and have given me hope during some dark moments.
Steffi - You enthusiasm for teaching, life WLS etc. is contagious. I look shy and retiring next to you
You are a generous woman who has given so much this past year. Your honesty on the boards means a lot to me.Beth C. - from the first Wed. night post-op support group when you got my back, I knew that you were good people. Your sharing at the April Sat. meeting touched me. That you felt comfortable enough to let your guard down and just be yourself - I can relate. I appreciate your honesty and the fact that there is no sugar coating when it comes to you. That's what I need. You are a sweetie. Love ya lots.
Donna
OMG! Where do I begin??
Dr. P- Thank you for giving me the tool that I needed to get my life back!!
Nurses at Barix-For kicking A** and doing a great job!
Steffi-I am so glad that we have become friends through this process and I am no longer "mad" that you got my date :) JK
Dennis and Beth-For being such great support leaders, friends and confidants! ((hugs and kisses))
Donna-Glad to have met a fellow teacher! God Bless you for teaching middle school in Philly!!
Julia-Glad that I met you on the day of my surgery and that we have become friends!
Lynn-Sweet, kind, and smiley....
Shilpa-your encouragement and strength has really inspired me to use this tool to it's full potential. Love ya!!!
Jim and Kathy- You guys look FAB!! Thanks for all of your kind words and support.
Lisa-Nice to know Steffi's sister from another mister :)
Liz-Thanks for always being so hospitable and sweet!!
Karen-You have this ability to command an audience and believe me, YOU DO! Thanks for all of your support and encouragement.
Maura-For your big,bright smile and great hugs :)
Arlene-Another AWESOME leader. Thanks for all your help and support.
Susan-Thanks for sticking by me even when I felt I would NEVER have this surgery!!
Love you all....now I am going to stop before I get all mushy
Beth
Dr. P- Thank you for giving me the tool that I needed to get my life back!!
Nurses at Barix-For kicking A** and doing a great job!
Steffi-I am so glad that we have become friends through this process and I am no longer "mad" that you got my date :) JK
Dennis and Beth-For being such great support leaders, friends and confidants! ((hugs and kisses))
Donna-Glad to have met a fellow teacher! God Bless you for teaching middle school in Philly!!
Julia-Glad that I met you on the day of my surgery and that we have become friends!
Lynn-Sweet, kind, and smiley....
Shilpa-your encouragement and strength has really inspired me to use this tool to it's full potential. Love ya!!!
Jim and Kathy- You guys look FAB!! Thanks for all of your kind words and support.
Lisa-Nice to know Steffi's sister from another mister :)
Liz-Thanks for always being so hospitable and sweet!!
Karen-You have this ability to command an audience and believe me, YOU DO! Thanks for all of your support and encouragement.
Maura-For your big,bright smile and great hugs :)
Arlene-Another AWESOME leader. Thanks for all your help and support.
Susan-Thanks for sticking by me even when I felt I would NEVER have this surgery!!
Love you all....now I am going to stop before I get all mushy
Beth
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Maura: Our walks in the park are inspiring. You are an amazing wonderful woman and I'm so glad we have come to be exercise buddies. You give me courage and understanding and you get my job. LOL
Pam: OMG you are just wonderful. You are honest and funny and your posts give me so much to think about. I look forward to your replies and your words of wisdom. You also are another inspiration for me
Karen G: You are insightful, helpful, knowledgeable and always there to assist in a question a recipe or just a 'go gettem' email. I wanna be you when I grow up. I admire you. I think your beauty is both inside and out and it shines.
Julia: Another one who I love to talk to and listen to the stories. You care about everyone and making them feel included. You share yourself with us and because I know you , I have one more joy in my life.
Lisa, Liz, Steffi, Jodi, etc... Are all people I could say wonderful thinks about but Beth said only a couple and if I don't listen then this post will be fivehundred pages long. :-) but know I thought wonderful thoughts about so many people here.
Sandra 
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