New to the site. Looking for support not criticism

 It's not whether they would DARE, it's whether they would dare TWICE.

And then....

 You'd better be saying that I'm the one on the LEFT!

Good idea to block those  who are not giving you the support you should expect from a site like this. Once I blocked those posters, it became a far better experience to trade ideas and have intelligent discussions about your decision or the surgery you choose.
Hang in and avoid those meanies. They have nothing better to do!
Cheers!

And great job for hanging in there!

Cheers!
Mary

Welcome, I think most folks at least on this forum are pretty nice, but there are others that you just have to put your asbestos panties on and ignore them. I do post some negative things about the band only because I have not had the best experience with mine but I do try to make it informative rather than just a slam. There are negative things about all surgeries just like there are positive ones. Myself I want to know the good, the bad and the ugly but there is no reason to get as nasty as some do.

 There will always be negative nasty people around.  It is either they are unhappy with themselves or they are just having a bad day.  Take those with a grain of salt and ignore them.  

I myself had band surgery a little over a year ago.  It hasn't been the most successful decision for me... but I'm not going to put it down for everyone.  It is a personal decision and you must research research and research.  The people who say it's a less invasive surgery than bypass have to also think "I'm putting a foreign object into my body".   

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. 

It's terrible that people were mean to you.  You are on this site for encouragement and support, and there are LOTS of wonderful people here.  Try to ignore the negative---and delete them.  Focus on all the great information you can gather here instead.  Whichever surgery you choose is YOUR choice--not theirs.  They don't know you and what is best for YOU!!!

There are some people in this world that aren't happy unless you think like them and do what they do.  No matter what your choice is there will be someone putting you down for making that choice and they will have horror stories to tell you.  You have to do what is best for you. 

And I agree Hislady does post about her negative experiences with the band but she is always respectful.  I don't think it's wrong to tell your negative band story...it's all part of your research to read what others have gone through.  When I post I will always warn people that it is hard work to lose weight with the band.  It's not automatic or magical.  I can still pig out on cookies, chips and ice cream...I have to use my willpower.  I work out 9 hours a week.  I have lost weight with the band because I am willing to work at it.  I can tell from your post you are more than ready for the challenge and are highly motivated.  GOOD LUCK!!!

Please don't let a few bad mannered people run you off the board.  If you need support we are here for you.

I am new to all of this too and I too am in the proccess of starting my journey.  I support you in any way I can and I will be here for you no matter what.  Please feel free to email me and sometimes I am an insomniac, if you find me online and want to talk...I'm here for you too!

Paula

 I hope we proved to you that not EVERYONE on OH is a dillhole. In fact, I think they are actually among the minority, but have the biggest mouths.