Just some thoughts
I want to say Thank you for all the post, PM's, calls, etc that I have gotten during this time with the passing of my aunt. We had the funeral yesterday, it was kinda out of the ordinary as far as funeral's go. The preacher was not the typical, he was actually a pastor, that dealt with death at prison's. He was also involved with Biker's, he actually rode in on a Harley. It was awesome, he walked through the chapel and was talking about my aunt and he would call on different people to see if they had any memories that they would like to share. After that, he had us all stand up and hug each person that was in front,back and to either side of us. Some of us knew the people that we was hugging, and some of us didn't have a clue as to who we was hugging.
I mention this because, I think that we all need to just put our arms around us and give everyone a big group hug. It should be easier now since most if not all of us are smaller than we have ever been.....lol
But all kidding aside, maybe that is what we need to calm our emotions down. We all pretty much started at the same place on this board. Went to the seminar's, talked to the doctors, turned in paperwork, called insurance companies, etc. Yes, we are in different places in our lives with WLS/PS , but that is how we learn. It is probably going to be a couple of years down the road for me when I start to have PS, but I want to be able to come to this board and ask all of those questions either important or silly ones.
So, I am not going to ramble on with this, because it has all allready been said. Some have accepted and moved on, but some are still struggling with it. If you are one that is, please tell us. What can we do? What can we say? Tell us how to help, and we will.
I am going to start the group hug and I hope everyone that wants and or needs that hug to post to this. We all are losing precious time with this. So here goes, come on and let gets this going.
Cheryl
Group Hug from Cheryl to everyone on the board!!!!! 
I know that there have been a lot of hurt feelings, misunderstandings, etc. And I am sorry for all of the mess that everyone has been entangled in. Its kind of like a cobweb - when you walk through it, it gets all stuck on you and you try your best to get it off. But, no matter how hard you try, it still seems to linger and make you feel all itchy and irritated. Sometimes it takes changing clothes and getting a bath to get it all out. For the board, we all need a renewal of spirit and change of attitude in general (not speaking of individuals) and we can move on hopefully. But for some, I understand if they remain irritated because it takes time to get over these things.
I shared this with Scott this morning via email. He thought I should share it with you. I have suffered these past few months with depression. I come home and I feel sad because I used to head straight to my computer. I couldn't wait to see who was having surgery, who had been approved, who had a question, who was eating what, who was exercising (gettin off their tuckus' LOL), who had an emotional breakthrough to help them be successful on their journey. But since I quit posting, I have felt sad. There was a void and emptiness. I have other boards that I am part of, but this one holds a special place in my heart. It's like having a hobby, and loving it so much that you want to do it all the time. But then when you can no longer do it, there is a void and sadness. That is how I have felt.
Posting these past few days have made me happy again. Don't get me wrong. I am still sad that all this stuff has happened! But I mean, I am happy to hurry up, go home and sit down at my computer, waiting to see what is going on again. I want to be part of it, to pour my heart out, however silly or profound those thoughts at that time may be. I don't post words in malice trying to hurt someone. I don't want anyone to try to read in between my lines assuming I am trying to hurt anyone. I am just trying my best to move forward. And you all know, at any time, if you were to need protein products, or assistance, even if we have differences, all it would take is to have someone say "I need help." And I would be there with a box or bag full of protein and wls friendly foods/drinks.
I do want to help people succeed as so many who have gone before have helped me. I hope that you all know how much you do mean to me.
You don't have to apologize for having your own stuff to deal with. We all have our own stuff and sometimes we just don't have anything to give. I've been in that place many times myself during my life. Depression is the great thief and it steals our ability to reach out sometimes. No one should have to apologize for taking care of their own needs. There are times when we just can't take on someone elses problems too. There should be no accusations when that happens. We are each doing the best we can and that is all we can do.
Hang in there.
Karen
!! 
Just my luck! Sheeeeesh!! 
