Leaving TMB

KAT-Ditto what GAYE said. We got there early Sunday morning-I refuse to be LATE to anything...drives my peeps crazy..."our" seats from Saturday were taken--I assure you it had nothing to do with YOU..In fact, apparently someone else WANTED to sit by you badly enough to take OUR seats-did ya ever think od THAT???? As for the Meet N Greet being dark--that's a crappy excuse...I could see just fine and I'm old and blind. I'm sorry you missed what could have been MORE opportunity for you to get to know people, and have them get to know you. Conferences usually have a little more "free" time, like to visit vendors, etc-an EXCELLENT "ice breaker" time..I encourage you to continue attending conferences, etc, and just keep TRYING. NONE of us knew ANYONE at one time. I was scared to freakin' death my first support group meeting--yes--big mouth ME..it WILL get better, if you let it.

Yeah, dammit Gina, you got MY seat Sunday.... wonder whose I got?

Janet

I was one of the ones *****plied to the original post: "Struggling to NOT be defined by WLS"

And, I often do not post and put myself out there, but sometimes I feel like I need to in order to grow. I want to make a public apology, Jeri, to you if I offended you by replying to the post. However, it was just my two sense on how I feel after WLS.... If you took it personal, I am sorry.

After reading the post throughout this "leaving TMB" I'm nervous.. I purchased my first "OH" conference tickets and fear that I won't be accepted like some of stated. Although, I what I know to be TRUE is that the TMB members are the MOST welcoming and truly genuine people on the OH site.  I have always felt accepted when I have posted by many of you... I do stray way at times and lurk because I fear "rejection" that is my perfectionism personality that I am working on.  The WLS did not change my head, but I am working on that so that my HEAD matches my body-- not perfect, but ME!

I'll continue to put myself up out there and welcome the CONSTRUCTIVE criticism-- I want to continue changing and growing..  Thanks!

I don't think you will regret the conference for a SINGLE MINUTE!!!!

Maybe we need to start a Big Sister/Adopt-a-Shy-Newbie list when it gets closer to the conference date ???? 

I agree with the you about not regretting the conference! I also agree that the idea of having a "big sister" adopt a shy newbie would be GREAT! Although, I wil be a newbie to the activities, I am not new to the WLS journey-- 2 years out in July. Although, it feels like I am starting all over now that I am working through underlying issues to my weight struggle.

Thanks Sarahfor taking the time to reply! :)

jessica,

Rejection is something we ALL face, even now.. not that it is a good thing but just know it is very normal, no matter how many posts or events we attend.

there is one very simple and easy way to guarantee a warm welcome at the conference or any other TMB event.  Get on this board a day or two or even a week before and say.. "i will be at.. (name event) and I am scared.".. I guarantee if Gina, or GAYE or Sarah, or Que or George, or Terry Ann or anyone else reading it will be there, they will offer to meet you outside and hold your hand walking in.. and then go step by step at YOUR comfort level introducing you to those of us that ACT like we aren't nervous.  If you don't believe me that it works, ask Jeri from houston or Julie.. they both admitted they were newbie, but I promise it wasn't for long.

And here is a very simply DON'T.  Don't hide in a corner, or alone at a table with your head down expecting someone to find you.  I guarantee nothing is more intimidating to me than someone sitting like that because I think, they sure don't want me around..

Sooo.. Like Debra says, "shoulders back, chest out".  Fake it till you feel it.. Tall and proud.

It is so worth it.  I drove 200 miles on a whim for a dinner in Dallas almost 2 years ago knowing no one face to face.  And i took Emm along.  I walked up to that patio and I don't think I took a breath for 5 minutes!  but the minute I was seen by Charlene and Sarah and Gina, the deed was done.  Emm and I were family.. they gave us love, we showed love and there is no turning back now.

Becky,

Thank you so MUCH!!! I am really looking forward to this event and I am even considering going to a support group at Tawnya's on June 17 to "branch" out of my comfort zone on a personal level. I responded to Dana's post that I am so confident in my "professional" life but when it comes to my "personal" life I am shy, and lose the confidence that I have.... I am working on that right now : ) "self worth"...  Thanks again for everything-- all the words and encouragement!  Jessica

anytime Jessica.

I think that anytime there is going to be some type of TMB event or something posted on TMB, we need to find some 'buddies' to help anyone that is going to something for the first time.

I promise you will have a great time with Tawnya and at her support group.  Tawnya knows her stuff and she is a true testament to compliance and working that tool.

I look forward to meeting you sometime soon.

Jessica
Please do come to the support group meeting. You will not regret it. You can only gain by attending it. I will be there come hell or high water.. I feel it will be one fo the best one's yet. We will have out first guest speaker..It will be so worth it..

Jessica, don't stress about going at all.  I'll be there and if you want you can call me, I'll meet you at the door if you want. 

I think the most important thing for each of us to remember is there will be lots of people there some have met, others not.  So there will be instances where you might see some of those that know each other personally hanging out, come and hang out with us.  I'm pretty good at recognizing people but not always names so introduce yourself.

I'll do everything in my power to make everyone welcome.