For those who've been supportive, thanks but I'm leaving

Just by looking at your post I see you like to post on what anyone has to say here. You can stop replying to my post. You wont run me off of here. Just Saying.

I'm not interested in running anyone off. You showed your ignorance by talking about a post you HADNT EVEN READ.

i was just asking a legitimate question. I don't care if you stay or go.

and I know you didn't just tell me what posts I can or can't respond to.

Personal Story: I love and hate this site.  I love it because it reminds me of the many ways I failed and the ways I am and will hit my goals.

I hate it because I read the same dreadful posts over and over.  I think why, why can't you do a search and see your topic has been posted 27x this month alone (3 week stall for example).  I hate it because I can easily skip through posts and not care to take the time to answer because I've been there, done that mistake, answered that question 27xs, and often I am just looking for something new or interesting.  I also hate it because I find myself a little bitter but also entertained when people get into post wars like your previous post received.  

BUT: I started an account back in 2008ish and had my first WLS and when I thought I had all the answers I stopped coming to this site.  You know what... I forgot all the things that helped me reach my goal because it's so damn easy to go back to your old ways.  I gained my weight back, and I rejoined up when I needed to learn about a revision from a lap band to VSG.  I have told myself that even while skimming over the repeating infuriating posts about "blowing your pre-op diet and now wanting to know if you will still get surgery" it's still helping me.  Because daily I'm reminded that this forum soup is made up of good posts, bad post, ones that make you happy, sad, or give you good tips, and overall this site will help you make your goals happen.  

This post is so spot on!  Thanks for sharing your insight, because honestly there are a lots of posts I don't comment on because I've seen them a million times, and I've only been coming here regularly for a little over a year.  I get uncomfortable with some of the conflicted posts because I honestly hate confrontation, but even with the occasionally drama, this website is so very important to my support and my journey.

Obviously the OP has issues with some of the reactions here, but it really is a shame. The internet is a mean and nasty place most of the time, and this website is mild in comparison.

LOL @ "forum soup".  I've never heard a more apt description.

Seemed fitting.  I work with computers, social media, and so on all day and forums are a hodge podge of crazy most of the time.  You get what you give and take from the site. 

As a relative newbie (6 weeks post op), I'd like to offer my .02:

I agree that people post questions that have been answered before, and that can be annoying...especially to long-timers.

But I respectfully ask the long timers to consider that people post not just to get answers to their questions, but to also get much needed encouragement. This is a major life change and the emotional support I've received here has been as important - if not more - than the factual information. 

I agree that strong language like the example YellowTJ gave above is sometimes necessary (and helpful). But I've also seen more critical responses here where people may be asking questions around topics where they fall off plan, or diverge from their doctor's recommendations. I feel bad when I read these and find myself thinking of all places, this site should be a bastion from shaming, punishment or put-downs that as obese adults we've all experienced. Again, I can understand the frustration, but please remember: this stuff is really, really hard and none of us have perfects paths on this journey.

Thanks for listening. 

what you haven't considered is that "shaming"doesn't necessarily mean the same thing to everyone. What you consider "shaming",someone else might consider just being honest. 

Online forums is a situation where ppl need to put on their big girl/boy panties/boxers/briefs and get realistic. Not everyone in life is going to play to ppls insecurities like theirfamily/ best friend ,etc,might have been doing their whole life. This is the real world.

The OP didn't have to internalize anything. All she had to do was say,I see your point and keep on thinking whatever she wanted to think. 

Bye Felicia!