Alex Brecher

Thanks!!

No problem, anytime!

Thank you so much!

That was wonderful and honest. Thank you.
Good luck with your band. I love mine.

Hey Kime-lou,
There is a serious bunch of people on this site that need an attitude adjustment. They know who they are and instead of learning to 'adjust' their behavior they continue to verbally bully others.
Tough love should be given to your children, not total strangers who are 'vulnerable' looking to 'reach' out to anyone who can give them some direction, reassurance, comfort, and guidence. If they ask 'directly' a 'factual' reinforcement should be suggested ....in an appropriate manner.
I come from a long line of licensed and certified therapists and social workers. Our family does not talk to one another or display such ignorant behavior as I have seen in this community, a community that was created for everyone to come together and 'help' one another out.
There are many ways to communicate to someone without making them feel as if they are 'bad'. Belittling and berating doesn't help, especailly those who may be sensative or shy.
I would NOT speak to my child that way or my grandchild. Today was a comment left for a young man and honestly I was appauld at one of our community 'seniors' response back. I wonder to myself if this 'older' woman speaks to her grandchildren like that, if she has any that is.
Anyway, I have learned sooo much on this site about my surgery before, during, and after. As I continue to learn, I appreciate the wonderful advice from some of our bandsters who have succeeded before me and reached goal. Hence, I will continue to ignore the bullies and let them continue to make fools of themselves.....
Thanks for posting this Kime-lou!

I agree that no one, unless they have the proper credentials, should be giving medical advice to others on this forum, or any other venue. We all have been on the "learning curve" at some point on our journey to become a healthier individual, however there is a difference between general advice and questions which a qualified professional needs to answer.
I'm unclear as to which individuals you are referring to that "bash" others...I don't condone that. However if you have been on this forum for some time and read some of the posts it does make me wonder if the poster has had any pre-op education. Sometimes when people ask for advice, if you respond in an honest way they get offended. If you don't want an answer, then don't ask the question. I don't know of anyone I have encountered on this site that has malicious intent to be negative towards others.
I am a licensed therapist and a certified addictions professional. I understand that there are immense differences between instructions a surgeon would give their patients and I respect that. I encourage posters to follow the instructions they have been given by their medical team, and if they don't understand them, ask their team of medical professionals for clarification...that's why you are paying them.
I understand that the motivation for success has to come from within the individual. I also understand that even a professional within the scope of their practice cannot "save" everyone. Sometimes it is appropriate to tell it like it is and not coddle an individual, but always in an appropriate way.
Ultimately we owe it to ourselves to be informed, to be motivated, and feel that we can reach out for support, as well as be successful on our journey.
It's really not necessary to have an attitude if your interpretation of a post is different from the intent in which it was offered. And because interpretation is a "subjective" measurement, it helps to clarify the intent before you "cop the attitude"...
Best wishes for your continued success...