Veterans and self-care

You my dear, as always have hit the "nail on the head" so to speak.  After reading this post the first time I had to go search for this massive response to one letter that you mentioned.  I just read all 7 pages and it's amazing how many of you vets responded in those 7 pages.  Here is my take:
  I've only been reading here (almost daily) for the past 4 months and I don't comment much.  But from what I've read I've yet to see anyone say anything that would make me "take my ball" and leave.  Even that AH, Paul C. is someone to listen to.  LOL!  The only thing Paul does is call a "spade a spade" and because it's not dripping in sugar some of these faint of heart people can't take it.

Without the vets in this forum there would not be a forum.  For anyone to post here for 1, 2, 3, 4, or more years is truely amazing.  I know if you didn't care you would not be here.  This is one of the few sites where you can get many answers in a matter of minutes.  And the great thing about it is if I don't like what you said or how you say it I can just delete what you said or he said or what ever.  I believe that most new members are here for help and they are not worried about how that help is delivered to them.  Obviously everything is not going to be what we want to hear.  But to **** and moan because the responder didn't say it nice is childish.  And don't take every damn thing personally!  You don't know them and they don't know you.

As for you Miss Nik, I always enjoy your down home common sense.  We do appreciate your input.  You are a vet I always read.  Keep it up.

Jim        

My only complaint is I wish people would use the search function before posting a question that has been answered multiple times. There are no stupid questions, however.

 I agree with ya Nik.  I've taken a hiatus from posting or even coming to oh other than checking the plastics board for before and afters lol. I got reamed a new one every time I posted my opinion on newbies posts.  People eating mayo at 1 week out or trying steak ...flat out STEAK at 2-3 weeks out from RNY....I give my opinion and get yelled at lol pfft...nope...i dont put up with that IRL and wont put up with it here. I just end up ignoring it to avoid a big long fight-thread. 

I love that I can use the search function to look and see if things going on with me are "normal" so to say for bypassers or if something is a nono, looking up normal dosages or a refresher on meds that are "iffy" for us etc.  

Even with all the things on here that **** me off, I still find it very helpful and informational at 2 years post op!

Yep, yep.

At one point, I had someone send me a PM accusing me (and other vets) of only responding to certain people's posts and wanting to know why.  The response I posted is here www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/4395682/Yes-I-do-only-read-ce rtain-posts-and-heres-why/member/mlw/ (so I won't repeat it all), but it is part of that self-care.  The bottom line is taht if you are someone who is only a couple of weeks out and posting about very typical first month issues, I likely will not open your post, but it is all about the title of the post and my own inability to answer the "am I done losing at only 3 weeks out?" for the 412th time.  It has nothing to do with who posts it or with me not wanting people to not post about anything. 

I do, however, wish more newbies would use the search function.  There are SO many posts about the 3 week stall and some of the other typical issues... if you want to know what is going on, those posts will answer that question.  If you just need personal reassurance, then just say so!  That is different -- and not at all irritating since we have all been there and understand how scary and emotional this process can be -- than wanting/needing reassurance but actually asking a question that is answered at least twice a week).

Lora