I see online forums as a place where topics & conversations are ongoing...fresh & timely. If I want just impersonal information I will google it. I felt coming here was for support as well as learning medium. Since reading the rants I now talk mysef out of posting things because I dont want anyone to roll there eyes or mock what I post because what's new for me is possibly old rehashed news to a sleever who is a year or more out.

Perhaps there should be 2 forums one for superior/experienced sleevers and one for people like myself called slow/nonexperienced sleevers as Im only 5 weeks out and have lots of questions/ponders for other like sleevers...if they don't mind helping that is.

I'm not talking about why I should not eat 64 oz steak & loaded baked potato 24 hours after surgery...I figured that would be plain silly & painful!

Lastly, even support groups aren't always about patting us on the head and saying "You're so perfect." There is an element of tough love in all support. If someone posts on here that they're eating a steak and a fully loaded baked potato the day after surgery, bet your sweet bippie that someone is going to call them on it! As Tiffykins says "If you want something sugar-coated, go eat a donut." I think most of us try to be polite to one another, but we all have bad days, too.

Good luck on your journey!!

Thank you for the advice Lissa, what I posted was not due to my feelings being hurt but not knowing what is acceptable since the rants were from folks who have been here awhile.. NO "sugar coating or head patting with Im perfect" wanted or needed....I was in the military as well as combat....Nothing can hurt me after that experience.

Thanks to the others for the posts and great advice!

I wasn't assuming your feelings were hurt. Just pointing out that we've had those reactions from some folks who have travelled through and wanted the head pats. As I said, post the questions you honestly have and someone will be able or willing to answer the questions. This is a great group of people and we're all here to give and get support. Plus, we're not shooting at you! Which has to be a bonus after combat! Thank you for serving!

Adding V8 to my grocery list as well. Bet I need a little potassium. Thanks for asking your question.

Cantbelieve ...

I am 23mths out now and I have been on her for pretty much the whole time - wish I had found this place before my sleeve date!

This really is my support network... it is a great place to come and read posts; take notice or not! I have made good cyber friends on here, and if distance wasn't an issue (I'm in the UK) then I know I would have had a coffee with these people.

If you have any questions, just ask... anything you want to discuss... go for it! I agree with the others, if you get negative responses just ignore it - I suppose it is the law of averages that someone will post something you don't like.

I have only had two expereinces of this - the first one was directed to me where my words were sorta twisted - and as Lissa said, I was defended by other members who 'knew' me! More recently I read a post that wasn't directed at me personally but I didn't like it, so I ignored it... if that makes sense.

Just think, this time next year, you will be helping someone else who is 5 weeks out... each and every one of us who are active on this forum have a wealth of experience to add regardless of how far into the sleeve journey we are.

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress... =]

This made me laugh.."Perhaps there should be 2 forums one for superior/experienced sleevers and one for people like myself called slow/nonexperienced sleevers "

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask away!! As we all now know, guess we need to use that search option more. I've been in these forums for going on 2 years. I know when I have something on my mind or heart, I just blurt it out,,I don't really think to search for someone elses answers..if ya know what I mean but I'll try to be more mindful.

Lissa, ALWAYS gives such good advice..bravo girl.

I'm the type of person that likes to give pats on the back,,BUT if I see someone making a bad choice that could cause them harm,,I speak up. I try very hard to pick and choose my words to not offend or hurt anyone.

I hope your feeling somewhat better. Are you drinking gatorade? That could help you with your potassium. Also drink as much as you can get in. I love all the responses you got from everyone. Keep asking away and make sure that the medical professionals do something to help you with you HBP. If you haven't heard from them. I might consider going to the ER to bring HBP down.

It's not you, love. It was my work. I work with bariatric patients at a hospital here and a girl who went to one seminar was spreading false info and asked me a question and I answered and she assumed she was still right... It was a misinformation from her that got me and the unwillingness to find for herself or follow mine/the doctors answer. You ask whatever you need to know- you can even pm me of I can help, I will. Don't ever be nervous or feel embarrassed for wanting info to help yourself

Welcome to the world of online forums, LOL. Anywhere you go you will find people that make rude and ugly comments - you just have to ignore those and focus on the responses that are actually helpful :-) Good luck!

I just ignore the rude comments, and stick with the positive ones -- thankfully it seems that the positive is WAY in the majority. Don't let others keep you from asking questions. That's why we're all here! Sending you hugs!!!