hello everyone .... And thanks for sticking around. From someone that's been on this site for a long time.... Since 2009.... from time to time a change is needed.... We should never let a few bad apple spoil the whole bunch.

Never is it ok to allow any person/persons to make anyone feel bullied, belittled, unimportant, dumb... Etc. We are all here for basically the same reason.... To be with people that have been in our shoes... We all started at the same place. We were all obese and looking to make a change in our lives for the better. We found this site looking for answers. Answers to questions no matter how large or small. I'm sure if you thought of the question... someone else is thinking it too but may be afraid to ask. NO ONE has all the answers.

So I say.... ask... I'm sure someone here may have an answer... if not, must of us will say... Check with your DR.

So stick around... there are still plenty of the Vet's here with years and years of experience, knowledge and advice to give. Lots of amazing people here with amazing success stories to aspire too...

I'm not going to say the thought of leaving didn't cross my mind... it did. I was going to only because i didn't like the drama..... Then that night I got a PM asking if a member could share my Before/Afters with a coworker... I said sure and the next message was how encouraged he said she was to start her very own journey. THAT.. makes it all worth it... so I stay to try and encourage those who are to come behind me, like I was encouraged all the years ago...

I stopped coming here a few months back, deleted the app and just gave up on BP for a bit. The nastiness was just too much to take and not at all helpful. I'm glad Alex cleaned house and the vibe here already seems much more relaxed. You may find that slowly, but surely others come back too after a little hiatus.

@libertylady49 congrats to you on taking charge of your life. Welcome! You'll do great on your journey and you will be so amazed at how much progress you make. There will be hard days, but just push through it. Remember once you have surgery. Focus mostly on getting in your recommended amount of fluids in and lean protein. Best of luck to you.