Nasty Post
I wouldn't normally have done that because I do think we are entitled to different opinions 
. However ...
I am pretty protective of the word "vet" because I can remember wanting to join a Quix group years ago and I couldn't because, quite rightly so, vets had to be 5 years or more out ... and I was only 4.5 LOL! That group disbanded just before I reached 5 years - boo!
I DO think you should have to "qualify", at least in terms of time, because let's be honest, there are enough long term fruitcakes on here to cancel out any other qualifications 
LOLOL!
Proud Feminist, Atheist, LGBT friend, and Democratic Socialist
The term "vet" always meant someone who was 5 years out - someone who has been a newbie, a honeymooner, a maintainer - (and possibly a regainer )- someone who HAS been through all the cycles of this journey.
We may not have been through all of the complications, symptoms and problems, but we have seen just about everything on this board and can help you with experiences, knowledge etc.
Surgeons are cutters - they have rarely been through this and often do not have a clue as to post surgery life!!!!! We see posts about crazy dieticians/nutritionists, dangerous vitamin advice, and stupid rules perpetuated by surgeons and their teams.
You, as an adult, should read here, listen to your surgeon and his staff, and MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS HOW TO LIVE YOUR LIFE! This involves doing the most basic research and NOT blindly following anyone here or in your surgeon's office!
Proud Feminist, Atheist, LGBT friend, and Democratic Socialist
I don't think any of us care per se ... but when people come on here throwing their weight about and telling us all what we should and shouldn't post and then **** off to "live their life" not to be seen again until they've gained 30lbs and are in panic mode?
I know when I see newly registered people on here, not asking questions or joining in with the community but ******g and moaning about "some people" my first thought is always "oh **** off" I don't say it, but I do think it!
When you show yourself to be part of the community here, passing on the knowledge and experience you have (whether that is 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 years), giving attaboys when they are due and counselling people that are making not so good choices, then I think you have a right to tell people that they are mean and abusive! But just arriving on here and telling people that have BTDT for years and years that they are *****es? Really? "Oh **** off..." indeed!
I do think there are a few people on here recently that think they know it all after a couple of weeks of their surgery and have no worries about spreading their :vast" experience and knowledge - even if that "knowledge" is verbatim crap from their surgeon or nutritionist.... Yes, there are a few vets that are know it alls, and NONE of us are perfect, and some of us are crazy, but the vast majority of us are kind and caring and want people to be successes - you won't find us sending nasty e-mails to people - that's for sure!
Proud Feminist, Atheist, LGBT friend, and Democratic Socialist
I've recently started looking at join dates on people to see when they joined. None of us know everything, although some would like to think they do....hell I still learn things on these boards after almost 10 years from newbies, new research, just mutual sharing amongst the community.
Proximal RNY Lap - 02/21/05
9 years committed ~ 100% EWL and Maintaining
www.dazzlinglashesandbeyond.com
Yea, my mom had it done in 2002 and my sister in 2004. I've gone through the process 3 times with 3 different surgeons (the first 2 attempts were declined by my insurance). I wouldn't say I'm a pro. I still ask lots and lots of questions. I can sure help with the pre-op stuff, but I think you have to experience the post-op to really have a grasp and knowledge.
