Hi

I read the posts for today and I appreciate the caring acceptance that several of you expressed in your posts. I hope that means I can participate in your group. I know that I would benefit from the personal growth some of you seem to have gone through because of your struggles. If you would rather I pick another group, it is okay. I don't want to ruin the 'safe haven' you have built here. I have experienced rejection in many areas of my life and I don't need it here. Thank you. Jaycee

You are so right, you definately don't need rejection here and you definately are not going to get it! Please stay here with us! You are more than welcome here! Gail

Welcome again Jaycee! I hope things will turn out in your favor as far as your surgery and personal struggles. WLS is the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life. It took me over 5 years to make up my mind. Even now......9 months later and 108 pounds gone, i sometimes wonder if I did the right thing......but that's just some old demon that I still fight....second guessing myself in every thing I do , You are welcome here and I look forward to getting to know you better! Hugs, Kim

Welcome I hope you will chat with us next time! Lindy

No problem at all Jaycee. I do understand completely what you are saying and I truely do hope you will email me sometime, and give me a chance to get to know you a bit better. [email protected] Love & Light, Elspeth!

Jaycee -- You are more than welcome to stay here, to participate in open discussions, to glean what knowledge you can, share your experiences, reach out for support (and we'll be here), or whatever you seek to find from any OH forum -- No one has even remotely hinted that you were not welcomed here -- no one has asked you to refrain from posting here -- however, your presence here has aroused suspicions - and with what this group has suffered through very recently - you could say we are on "red alert" for a new round of agitations. If you are legitimate, please tell us something about yourself... i.e., Age, Height, Weight, Current Struggles, Weight issues for your entire life or only during adult years? Are there any questions you have regarding WLS that you would like for us to answer? Is there anything any of us can do to help YOU through your journey? Is there anything you would like to know about us? We're a very open group -

Hi Jaycee Welcome. You should come chat with us, we're a cool buncha peoples on here Have a nice day *beth*

Jaycee, We are glad that you are here! I think all of us have experienced rejection numerous times in our lives...unfortunately, dealing with rejection is something that we have to deal with because of human nature. I know that people have looked at me differently and treated me differently because of my weight...and yes, it has been hard at times, even hurtful...but I refuse to let myself be a victim...I won't give them the satisfaction! You are taking a very positive step in your life...probably one of the most important that you could take. You are making a choice to do something that will help you to be a healthier you. I know that in my own life, I'm having to look at the emotional triggers that have been part of my eating. When it comes down to it, the support system is very important, but I'm the one that has to do the work. Honestly, I'm not sure that I'm ready for surgery...I've never had a support system in my weight loss efforts, and now I've got one...people who know what its like to have weight and health issues...and not just make "well intentioned" remarks that they have no idea of what they are saying. I encourage you to get involved on the list, participate in the chats when you can, and get out and meet people who are dealing with the same things you are. We come from diverse backgrounds, some may be completely different from yours...others may be very similar. Take each day one day at a time...do the research...make informed choices...work to be healthier in mind, body, and spirit...you can do it!!! Becky

Hey Becky -- I read your profile this morning -- you are starting out exactly where I was!!! You're an inch taller, but the starting BMI is identical (I started out with a 43 BMI at 291 lbs.) Since you are in Madison, Alabama -- I am assuming you are considering Facundus (he was my surgeon and I HIGHLY recommend him -- he's a little "anal" and "arrogant" -- but he's very methodical and meticulous -- in other words -- I LOVED him!) I will be 2 years out in 2 months -- been "at goal" since month 15 (with a total loss of 142 lbs.) and have stabilized at a 22 BMI (152-157 lbs.) I guess what I am saying is -- if you do not have an "angel" to be there for you every step of the way -- I would like to volunteer! Your path is so very close to my own!!

Hey Nil! You have mail!!!