as i've gone through this adventure, i've had OODLES of support. family. friends. 3fc.but there have also been others, and they've been in surprising places.
first: the gym. everyone from the trainers to the admin folks to the front desk guys [who keep track of my asthma inhaler for me and give me ice packs] and the water aerobics instructors have been just fabulous. their attitude: 'who cares that you're not doing power lifting.. it's all about DOING SOMETHING. ANYTHING. and don't hurt yourself. we want you to have FUN, and if you're not having fun, then do something different!'
i LOVE that attitude.
and then there are the ladies in the locker room. yes. there are those spandex gals who don't look where they're going and they bang into you without even acknowledging their stupidity. but there are also a couple of those spandex gals with fake boobs who think that what i've done is THE GREATEST THING. and they're always encouraging me and complimenting me. it's nice to hear. to actually be SEEN. and let's not forget those little old ladies...
sooooo where have you folks found support, especially where you didn't expect to see it?
I don't know if there is anyone on this forum who has not explored some of the other forums but if there is please give it a try.
This WLS forum is my "home" forum and this is where I have learned so much and get so much support. I try to stop in here almost everyday. This will always be the forum where I spend my most time.
But I have also learned so much and get great support from other forums.
Alternachicks & Ladies Who Lift & Low Carb & Atkins are all wonderful places where I have picked up great tips and have communicated with very positive people. I still have several other forums to explore. Like WW and SBD & Dieting with health problems etc.
I like the fact that in addition to losing weight you can also discuss other problems like being too much of a clutter-bug etc.
I was nervous about posting at first but it amazes me how many wonderful "chicks" on on this website. They always welcome newcomers.
Jiff you are 1 lucky lady. You have made such an incredable transformation both inside and out that I can see how people are inspired by you and are rooting you on.
I however am and average jane, well Linda, that does not qualify for obese, but am also not slim...There are people who like you as is and anything other than me being me makes them feel bad about themself, especially if they struggle with weight too...
I wish I could say I find support in unusual palace and where I wouldn't expect it, but alas I get it from 3FC where I come on pourpose to get suport, and my dear friend kim who is my gym partner....She and I WO everyday wether it is at the gym or at home. We go out and pick places we can both be on plan and NEVER sabotage eachother.....
In the last few months with DH doing atkins I have gained a few pounds...no fault of his, just not a plan that my Crohn;s and colitis will let me follow, but the high fat NO fiber just did me in....I have a friend who so badly wants me fatter than her she buy me an new wardrobe if it was a larger size than hers. She tells me how good I looked knowing full well i had gained but telling me I carry it well.
Anyway, I am pleased for you and truly I hope you KNOW we (meaning I) have a warm place in my heart for all of you, who have gone through a difficult choice both personally and for your families, but most of all following through and getting the chance at a new life....and making the most of it.....by making you as important to yourself as you are to others.....
I have to admit that I get my best support from the "little old ladies" at the health club. At the time I go. most of the spandex ladies have already left for work, so I work out with the 50+ group (50 + is really more like 70+ and ME) but they are great ladies. They really made me feel special yesterday by all wishing me a happy birthday, and they are always saying things to boost my morale.
Other than that all I hear is how great Alvin has done, and how good he looks, and how young he looks.
But he doesn't have you guys... and yes sometimes I just spend the night reading the other forums, lots to learn, and lots of support from all.
My support is my family and co-workers. all cheering me on, compliments on the weight loss, and how good I look. (compared to before) and my main support is that inner me, that says this is your chance to be thin, to be healthy, to enjoy your grandchildren. If you blow this one, consequences could be detremental.
I have spend hours reading this web site, and the many forums. Like many others I feel this is my "home team" and I feel that I get a lot of support from Jiff, Debkay, Pookie, Barb and L and many more! It's almost as if I have known you gals for years.
Three cheers for you guys, your part of my support team as well.
I have to second Jiff that my most unexpected source of support was in the gym. I felt like I had landed on an alien planet when I joined. I was soooo self-conscious about my size and the fact that I didn’t even fit on some of the machines.
After I had been going every day for about a month, one of the Big Scary Guys from the free weight room came up to me. Picture this: he’s about 6’5” tall, 6’5” wide, huge muscles, black pants, black tank top, multiple tattoos and piercings, complete with silver dog chain around his neck. And shaved head. He says: I’ve been watching you. And I just about died — I was so sure that I had violated some unwritten rule of gym etiquette or something and that I was about to be squashed like a bug. Then he went on to say that he had been watching me come every day and noticed how hard I was working and said all sorts of complimentary things to me. He turned out to be the sweetest (though scariest looking ) guy. And most of the other Big Scary Guys ended up being some of the nicest, most helpful people in the gym.
Gotta say, I walked into the gym convinced that it would be full of skinny women in spandex who would make fun of me. But I never got anything but kind and helpful encouragement. I quickly discovered that if you’re there working hard to better yourself, everyone respects and applauds you.
I guess it sounds kind of weird to say that joining a gym changed my life, but it did.
hmmm.....I don't get out to support groups but my dh has been pretty darn sweet about the ups and downs of my post op experience. Sometimes he just looks at me and says, "are you doing ok?". That is pretty darn sensitive for him.
But the most unexpected sorce of support came today from my ten year old son at lunch time. I threw up in the kitchen sink. He said, Mom! did you just puke?" I moaned with my head resting on the faucet. He yells,
"SHE SHOOTS! SHE SCORES! SHE PUKES!" and then tries to high five the cat.
unexpected sources of support
I was soooo self-conscious about my size and the fact that I didn’t even fit on some of the machines. 
) guy. And most of the other Big Scary Guys ended up being some of the nicest, most helpful people in the gym.
