Ok I was just wondering..

what ever happened to all the old timers who used to post almost 3 year ago? I was bored today and read some past posts and no longer see these people posting on OH or Barix boards. The reason I posted this is we always stress how important support is long term. Are these people doing so well that they don't need this board anymore? I hope I never stray from here. I know we are all busy but like I said in last post-op meeting some things in life should be non-negotiable making post op meetings at least once every couple of months if you can't do it every month and making exercising a life long commitment.

Ok I am getting off my soapbox now..LOL Just wondering that's all..

Pfft. The people from three years ago were NOOBS.

:)


It's both, some are off on their own and doing quite fine, some are no doubt not doing well and too ashamed/scared/in denial to come back.

Norm, sweetie what are NOOBS? Sorry if I sound stupid but I didn't even know what a MILF is I had to ask my daughter !  Duh!  Dumb!  What a world we live in today!

Hey there are still plenty of us out here that have been around a while!!!

I know life takes people in different directions and I for one know that there are "old timers" that connect other ways then the website now. Continuing to post is a great thing though! I have made some of my closest friends because of it.

I agree with Norm, I think that there are people on both sides of that road.

I wonder that at times too, Shilpa - but like you I hope I never stray too far or too long from the boards, but there are times when life takes over and I have to back off for a few days, but I do find that coming here keeps me strong, encouraged, informed and motivated. Sometimes I look at my 'friends' list and a lot of those people are MIA now - I hope they're all doing well and the nice thing is they know that if they need us, we'll always be here!

This board was my OBSESSION as I prepared for surgery.  It was my LIFELINE immediately following surgery.  I certainly didn't stop posting because I was doing so well that I didn't need it!  Had I stayed well-connected, it may have saved me from developing alcoholism, the return to obsessive eating, and weight regain, but I'll never really know.  I know now that I want to be connected to this board and the people who are living successful post-surgery lives.  I like the idea of making support group meetings non-negotiable for me.  Exercising, I still need to work on.  LOL. 

That said, I really do miss some of the people I started this journey with (Schnibbe, Delores, a couple of Heathers, my angel), but I notice that some of them are still around, posting, even if sporadically -- Dennis, Sister Jan, Laureen, Eileen, Heather. 

It is wonderful to know that I CAN come back to this board and become re-acquainted with old friends and meet new ones to journey with. 

Jill,
We sooo need the LIKE button on OH. You are an inspiration you know your pitfalls and admit to them but don't let the demons get to you. We will get you thru it. I agree I have missed some of those old timers but there are some that post sporadically. If you can come to the meeting at least 4 times a year it would help you. Just my 2 cents...

I think its a combination of things.  There was a woman who attended several meetings right after surgery, we were in at the same time.  She made a comment that she didn't get anything out of the meetings and thought they were a waste of time and I never saw her again.  I think some people can't identify with the ups and downs and lose focus.  Some never get to see the direct tie we all have to each other.  Some just don't want to make time for it, others think they can do everything on their own.  There are many senario's in the grand scheme of it all.  If I had not attended any support meetings I would not be where I am today.  I gathered so much useful knowledge from people further out than me.  If I had not taken their advice I would still be stuck where I was at 7 mos. out.  Every persons experience is different but the knowledge of their experience gets us through some really tough times.  I am grateful to the people further out than me for their knowledge, and the people who are out as far as me for their empathy, as well as the newer post-ops who give me the fire I still need to continue to follow my target.  Its all about the journey no matter how far out you are.

as i am only 6 months out i really need what Shilpa called the old timers. i need to see the successing. i need to read the menues. i need the advise. Karen said at a barix meeting "you are not alone unless you choose to be" I don't want to be alone.  Well i admidt i need the bond of fellow travlers on this road. i need the guidence, advise , and sense of community here. so to those who stayed    thanks for being here.

Life changes with this surgery and some of us still have time and others the world is on fire in so many was time becomes a gift. Family priorities change, work priorities change and then we have freedoms we never had so we redirect time.

Some may have also outgrown the support the boards offer while some may have felt they needed support to get through the early days they may not feel at ease giving it back to people. Others may have found new sources of support.

I know that Dennis' work schedule has changed he does not have nearly as much free time as he did just a few months ago.

There is a good amount of people here that walked ahead of me on this journey and many more after me that can all offer things we need. I know from the start I have been a spotty poster but always a reader.