Wow, what a week and some other stuff too.

You cannot imagine what your message has meant to me.  I am going to do a talk at the OH event in September and I would very much like to quote your message.  If you would prefer that I not use your user name, I won't.  If you'd like me to use it or use your real first name, let me know by sending me a message.

One of the things I will be talking about is how that I believe that the boards should be a safe place and that I worry so very much about the newbie that comes to the boards for the first time, sees the negativity and then goes away and perhaps that causes the difference on whether they succeed or not.  We walk such a tightrope in this journey and to think that the fighting would cause a person to fall off that tightrope breaks my heart.  I feel like it is just like pulling the rug out from under them and they are left out there as lost souls and we all know that the journey is hard enough with support but without....it is so very difficult.

I was already concerned that our event attendance would be down because members would think that the event would be like the boards but they are not.  They are awesome, loving, supportive, and they energize you to a new level.  Why are they different? I guess because some people can say things on the computer they wouldn't face to face and then of course the trolls (the ones that stir up trouble for sport) don't even attend those. 

Now that I'm thinking, I may not even wait for the talk.  I think I'd like to do a blog post so let me know and if you'd rather not be quoted we can even delete your post because I certainly don't want you to be uncomfortable but you can't imagine how grateful I am for you pointing out yet another reason this toxic trauma drama has to stop.  If you haven't read my post on that, check it out.
http://bariatricgirl.blogspot.com/2009/03/toxic-trauma-drama -at-wls-ranch.html

By the way, there are tons of those out there like me that don't wish to go up against the mob mentality of the bullies because they are cruel and I'm very sensitive.  I know I when I do make the occasional post about the negativity I get tons of private messages supporting me.  They are afraid to speak out because the bullies go to extremes and the trolls go further than that.  Welcome to our little board by the way.  It is safe here....and thank you again for your very profound insight on a very large problem.
hugs, Y

p.s. In the blog post I will only say it was a message to me (I wouldn't say it was from this board) so someone would have to do some looking to find it anyway but just let me know what you think. 

p.s.s.  My momma taught me the same thing.

p.s.s.s. Forgot...here's my three guidelines regarding "before you post"
1. Is it true? (meaning did you REALLY see it, or a picture or a video, not just hear it from someone)
2. Is it kind?
3. Is it absolutely necessary.

Hey Yvonne!
Some people arre just going to be negative and crappy no matter what. You know, "born a beatch, die a beatch". Forget 'em.
I'm up on all my vites & minerals, down 98lbs in 5 months & the abs are getting ripped to shreads! I'm fogetting the 6-pack & going now for the 8-pack abs...Maybe I can get cast in a sequel to "300" (Spartans) LOL
Love to all!
:-)  Woody

Woody, when I've got you on my side, I am blessed. For those that don't know, Woody is as beautiful inside as he is outside....a rare combination for a man with his looks.  He isn't letting this get to his head and he's keeping his head on straight.  I'm so proud of you Woody and I appreciate your support and love.
Love ya buddy, Y

It is too bad more people don't feel the way you do.  I thank you for being there when I need straightening out.  Talking me out of making a rash decision because of what someone says or does.

Thank you for spreading the word about vitamins and supplements.  Maybe someday everyone will listen.  That is doubtful, but if each time you say it, you remind a person, it is worth repeating.