Good Morning. What makes us different?

Perhaps it is because most, if not all of us, were so often judged by everyone.  Mainstream folks thought we were too fat until they learned we were contemplating WLS, at which point we weren't fat enough for that!  Then there were the unfortunate souls who were far heavier than us.  Sadly many of them didn't feel our WLS could be "justified"  because of our lower starting BMI.  We didn't let any of them deter us.  Instead we got strong, we persevered, and we got the job done.  Many of us don't get huge recognition from others because we haven't lost 100 or more pounds.  Yet here we celebrate all our collective accomplishments because we know how life changing all those accomplishments are.  Perhaps in a nutshell what makes LWs different is that we remember it all. 

I tried a few different support groups in my area after my surgery but none of them was a good fit for me.  This forum was my support group pre and post-op, and it's still my go-to group when I need support or guidance.  LWs are awesome!
~Donna

Well... I really want to echo what Linda said - we're not just here for WL support, but we have also gotten to know each other - in a more personal way.  That brings us together tighter and makes us feel more in sync with each other.

Also - there is the LW Creed.  Since you post it in a regular basis, pretty much everyone has read it and understands what this board is about.  While it wouldn't stop someone who wants to be real nasty, they will understand we won't "play" with them and they won't get the perverse satisfaction they may get from being a bully and mean to others.  That's basically what the people who get mean and nasty are - bully's.

But if you read what most newbies to the board say - I'd say 75% of them have seen the negativity on the main board and didn't want to get involved with that - then they went looking for a nicer more tolerant board, and found us.  After reading for awhile, they see we fit what they are looking for and become part of us. 

So - we draw the people who want REAL support and someone to understand what they're going through.  But they also want REAL people...

I wonder if it has to do with our creed which establishes a culture of kindness. That message is reinforced consistently, and our group has self-selected. So many of us post the first time here weary of the negativity in the other forums.

I also feel like people take the time here to look at the whole person. It is so refreshing to be able to talk about more than the scale and protein powders. That does not mean that those aren't important topics but I appreciate the sense that everyone cares about each other as whole people.

I went to my first live support group this week. It did not come near what I experience here. I am just so grateful for all of you!

Amy

I agree that the regular posting of the creed helps to set the tone. We all (or many of us) have mu*****ommon due to starting out as "lightweights", but each of our journeys is so unique. We get to examine these journeys by Roz's Menu and Miles post, Diana's Fitness Fun post, Gina's Good Morning post, Happy Camper's Friday Fun post, and the various other posts. But, I believe these standard posts that we can count on have built community and that's what has made this such a supportive environment.

 I am eternally grateful to Lee for telling me about this board. My only venture outside has been to the VSG board and it seemed okay, but not as warm and encouraging.

I volunteer for a local hospice and we are told to give "unconditional positive regard" to our clients and their families no matter what the cir****tances, not because we always approve of the people's behaviors or opinions, but because they are human beings. The LW creed seems to create that same positive environment.

We don't always agree on everything, but we let each other share emotions, like anger, sadness, joy, fear, etc. We don't attack each other for different views. In other words, WE PLAY NICE!
 

It's because we're FRIGGIN AWESOME!........OK so maybe not but really I think we are and everyone else already said what I wanted to say......LOL  I've made this place home because I feel like I'm sitting around a table at my local cafe drinking coffee and talking about life with my girl friends!  We all have our own special uniqueness to bring to the table and if you are mean you wont be invited back for coffee!  We have more of a pack mentality than some of the other boards where everyone is out for themselves and are acting like they're sitting in the cafeteria at high school jockeying for attention.........Does that make sense??,,,,,,,,,LOL

Lightweight, Lightmind, Lightheart..... No space for Drama! We rock!!!!!!!

 Ha!   I think that people know that even though we may be LW's, if anyone threatens our groovy clan, that our Heavyweight gloves will come out and we'll run them back to wherever they came from!

You all are my clan, my online family, my motivation, support and comfort along this journey.  I'm very protective of everyone here and the atmosphere of kindness and compassion that we experience here.  I'm incredibly grateful for the Lightweight Creed and the people who started this forum and have kept it safe and friendly for all of us.  I look forward to checking in and seeing how everyone is doing.  I love that so many are a goal and continue to come here, regardless of how busy their lives are, to encourage us as we make the journey.

I love me some LW's! 

I read this this morning and didn't have an answer.  Many hours later, I'm not sure I have an answer yet.  I do think the creed sets the tone.  But it wasn't posted when I first started reading here, I don't think. 
It does seem to be a family group, all ages, all issues but a common thread that holds us together.  Our journey is different than someone who has 200 lbs to lose.  But mostly, I think it is that we do get to know each other.  I missed folks when they were gone around the holidays.  I look forward to hearing folks running goals and what races they have done.  I would have probably never thought about Zumba without reading about it here.  We've gotten new grandbabies, dealt with pregnancies, insurance rejections, complications and we all hold together.  I love this group.

 What everyone else said!!  LOL