*Laughs*

Oh my, I appreciate you guys so much.  I have learned so much from all of you.  Even if your surgeon has a plan, even if the program has great classes and support, none of it is as helpful as hearing from people who have walked our path ahead of us every day.  

I am less than 2 weeks out, but I couldn't have have gotten my head on straight and had surgery without you all.  Seriously!  Both reading the public forums and the private message.   I learned about the sleeve here, I worked through my WLS=failure mindset, had an amazing *a-ha* moment when one of you explained to me that it wasn't OA *or* WLS, but OA *and* WLS.  A thousand bulbs went off in my head and everything started fallying into place.

Do what you need to do for your own sanity, but don't think you're not making a tremendous difference.

 

What is OA??

Overeaters Anonymous.  I have been in OA for many, many years and it has taught me *so much* about my food issues. 

I for one am very grateful for the advice I have gotten from the "vets" and others here.  Honestly, I wish I could just post questions and thoughts to those I have listed as friends.  It would help with minimizing the feedback that is useless or not welcomed.  I have found a sort of family here amongst OH. 

I stay away from the main forum because the regulars there seem pretty harsh, seem to love drama and there are quite a few bullies.  I am a very blunt person and love when people are straight forward with me, but our obesity and WLS are slightly sensitive subjects.  I'm not looking for kitten gloves, but also not looking to get mauled to death for asking a question. 

There are some great people on this site who give great advice.  I for one read everything posted by the following people due to their experience; they are vets, or doing well on their journey, or are just plain funny to read: Frisco, SleeveGenie, Jimbo, USAFWife, JennChap, Novascotiadawn, StillFawn, SassyItalian, SleevedUp, Jo777, and OldMedic.  I personally thank each of you for staying on the board and offering advice when you are already sleeved, enjoying your journey, and/or are in maintenance years out.  It’s always a pleasure to have sleevegenie’s upbeat positive words, Friso’s food porn and his frankness, Jimbo’s pictures of water bottles (amazing by the way) and outings with Jennchap, USAFwife’s amazing knowledge, Novascotiadawn for just stating it like it is, Jennchap’s raw and uncut stories, Stillfawn’s realness, Sassyitalian’s amazing transformation as it is still happening, Sleevedup’s workout updates, Jo777 with her avid posting & advice, and Oldmedic’s great journey story. (**There are others who give great advice, these are just a few that came to mind.**) 

Please continue to post for those of us who look forward to your knowledge, experiences, photos, and stories.

I agree with everything you said.  The Vets that you listed are my favorites, also.  They are so wise, so knowledgeable, no-nonsense and helpful.  Thanks for staying on this board to help us Newbies.  You have no idea how much you help us!     

I definitely appreciate the advice from the vets, I use OH as a sounding board for some things, but when it comes to what I put in my mouth I have learned so much from everyone... I hope the vets realize how many of us really do value their posts!!!

I truly thank God for all you vets. If it hadn't been for your stories, wisdom and advice, I wouldn't have had WLS. Had lurked on and off for six years before I discovered VSG through the OH forum. Thank you all so much for your willingness to share and kick us in the butt as needed. I'm living a new life thanks to you.

Can't I come here just to see your pretty face, Frisco's food, and Jenn's hotness? Lmao.. Seriously though.. I am not sure what posts you guys are referring to, but... Some people aren't ready to hear what they need to.. And others are hear just for companionship.. Love ya!