I just wanted to thank all of you for your amazing support. I am just starting this journey, but have been thinking about it for a very long time. Just too chicken to go ahead with it until now.

I have been on a lot of boards over the years and the general consensus on boards is that the people who have been on them for a while, the "senior" members, tend to be very intolerant of questions asked by new members. I have often got "it's already been asked, just search for ***** and you will find your answer. Or, here is a link to your answer. Or, did you read the FAQ? Of course they usually don't add "dummy" to their response, but you can usually feel that word when you read their response to you.

I'm so thrilled with this board because I no matter what someone asks, or how often the question has been asked, members respond as though it is the first time they heard that question. How unique and supportive. It makes me WANT to come back again and again because I know I won't feel stupid or chastised for asking a question. I also won't have to spend countless hours researching and searching for answers to my questions because seasoned members won't make me feel stupid!

Thank you all for your amazing support and caring. I will continue to read and, hopefully contribute my experiences to this board as I continue this journey to my new self. YOU are all AMAZING!!!

I found the same thing here; support, invaluable tips and advice and kindness because no one here, no matter how far out from their own surgery, seems to have forgotten what it's like to be just starting out.

Good luck in your own weight loss journey!