One more: Vets and others who flag possible "problem" eating choices

For all of you vets (defined as those 5+ years post op) and anyone who is more than a year or so out that attempts to warn earlier outs whose eating etc is bound to cause either regain or not getting to goal at all. Why do you do it? When you are labeled unfairly and have words taken out of context, when you are baited but refuse to buy in, when no one sees the variable in levels of knowledge attainable only by time, what keeps you going? What are you trying to achieve and what results are you hoping for?

I can say right now that 99.9% of those further out who offer advice and suggestions don't do it to be cruel. But there are a variety of reasons, personal to each member, that keep us from quitting or giving up in the face of being called bullies, fat shamers, hags, flying monkeys, etc. (I've even been compared to dog sh*t myself).

Anyone?

I don't give advice on eating. I'll usually happily share my own experiences if I think it will help as an example, or if someone asks for information specifically.

There is a lot of information on here on the way to be successful and if someone chose to buck that, I'll happily sit back and let them. I rarely feel that people make food choices because they don't know they're not good. I feel those people are convinced they know better and so I am happy to scroll on by.

We have enough who know "everything" that I don't feel a need to join them, or argue with them. I am in no way perfect, even though I know what I'm "supposed" to do, so I'd feel a fraud if I pretended I was. I don't know why some feel the need for competition, but frankly, it puts me off of posting anything.

If anyone thinks I have anything to offer, they're welcome to ask.

I'm not a vet, but I play one on TV. HaHa just kidding. I stick around mostly to pay it forward to those that helped me when I was first starting out. Everyone was a newbie at some point.

Mostly I don't care if a few people get their tighty whities in a bunch because they're not the only people on here. They may be loud & ungrateful & just are plain ole ******** but there are way more that are appreciative of the help.

Plus it's a reminder of how I should live as a post op, cuz it's so easy to forget, or get so wrapped up in life that you start to slip up.

I find it hilarious of the drive by posters. The ones who are only around for their "surgiversaries", or they made it to or close to goal, then fall off the face of the earth only to reappear when they want something. Usually it's regain or some medical problem or wanting praise for this or that.

I guess I have a wider definition of vet. For me it's not just how far out from surgery you are, but how you contribute to the forum. I've seen plenty of posts from "vets" & they've hardly been here but a quick minute.

Just another my 2 cents worth.

I agree on the wider definition of a vet. I avoid topics that ask vets things specifically, out of respect to what the forums defines a vet as. But I think the definition is narrow, and in reality so few that far out participate regularly, a broader definition is useful.

Honestly? I have no idea. I've been on OH for about 6 years, and I'm coming up on my 5 year surgiversary. Lately, I've had posters call me-- publicly and privately-- some pretty terrible things, mostly (as far as I can tell) because I tell them things they don't want to hear.

I'm ready to leave OH entirely.

Forum nannies, you win. Hope you're happy.

Oh no Julie! I hope you reconsider. If you leave, those who are mean, hateful and unappreciative win. That can't happen. It just can't.

And besides, who would bring the science? You serve such an important purpose all around, but especially important to many of these discussion is the science. Facts and data are an invaluable contribution and keep comments and theories firmly anchored in reality. I can't even imagine OH without you here.

I hope you stay.

There are some people on OH who tell the truth and sometimes call out bs. Julie is one. As far as I am concerned, when I scan posts, topics, and replies, if it is from Julie I trust it implicitly. Julie bases everything on SCIENCE. Imagine that.

There are other people on OH that are so dedicated to their bs that I can barely spend any time on the main boards. Posters who swear that it is okay to drink alcohol, drink with meals, eat all the crap they ate before WLS. People who want to name call. Imho they are killing OH.

If posters like Julie are driven out of OH, most of the rest of you are basically screwed. You need veterans who have been and are successful to guide you, whether you are willing to admit it or not.

I think that, if you're feeling that way, taking a break would be wise. Sometimes, taking a step back can be useful and, thankfully, it doesn't need to be permanent.

Girl you've got to be ****ting me right now. Don't let a bunch of haters run you off. Haters gonna hate, it's what they live for. If you need a break, then take a break. Oh & if they're pm'g you to hate on you even more, then they're just a bunch of snowflakes that are too chicken**** to be called out for their nonsense on the main boards.

Take a break for you, if you need it. But don't let some randoms, who've been here a hot minute, determine what you do on here. They can take a long walk off a short pier as far as I'm concerned.

Bring on the science! Peace & love to you always

I have deeply appreciated your responses to my post that you've made. I would be sad to see you go all together. You have a lot of knowledge that is very valuable.