We see the same questions and same exclamations over and over on LBT... and frankly, it's getting old.

I know that a lot of new people come in every day, and I know that everyone has questions. Hell, I am sure I ask(ed) some stupid ones, too. I am still relatively new to all of this; I am not claiming to be some expert... but I can look around, I can read, and I take the time to participate in my own education so I am not a complete raving lunatic.

In some cases, I am willing to overlook the redundancies, but it's getting to the point where I want to shake people like a bad nanny shakes a baby.

I will probably be adding to this; I see this as a vent blog. You don't have to agree with me, but it's my blog, so it doesn't matter if you do or not, eh?

Anyway, some of the more annoying things I find....

Why am I not losing weight?

Gee, when you admit to eating crap, especially crap that slips right through the band, do you really need an answer to that question?

1. The band is not gastric bypass, you still absorb everything you eat. You are simply (supposed to be) eating less and making healthier choices.
   
   (And even with GB, you are limited in the sugar, fat, etc. you can take in for fear of Dumping Syndrome. And yes, it's as bad as it sounds.)
   
   Just because you CAN eat it (get it down), doesn't mean you should. If you are eating ice cream, smores, Fritos, cheeseburgers, bacon and sausage pizzas, etc. as regular food instead of the occasional treat, then you will continue to look like you eat those things.
   
2. Calories in need to be less than calories out (expended). Low carb, high protein, SugarBusters, Weight Watchers, whatever you are doing... calories are still king. Eat more than you need and you gain weight. Eat what you expend and you stagnate. Eat less than your bigger body needs and you will begin to lose weight to create the smaller body we all hope to achieve in this process.
   
3. Move your ass! (Thanks to Jachut's sig for that reminder.) If you are sitting around expecting the pounds to melt off simply from "dieting," you are in big trouble. It may work at first if you are watching your caloric intake, but that will slow down - if not stop.
   
   Your body needs to move: your heart, lungs, muscles... they need exercise to become more efficient and fuel this healthier body you are trying to create. You don't need to be a triathlete (but kudos to those who do!), but you need to move. It also helps with skin elasticity, so there's a double bonus there.
   

Soda? Pop? Cola? Beer? Sparkling Water? Carbonation? Fizzy Drinks?

How many people have to post on this one - creating a new thread with a poll every week?

Even if your doctor didn't tell you to stay away (because I realize that not all docs are created alike and some people did not receive the guidance they should), READ THE BOARDS. This and other questions are dead horses on which so many people still beat. Seriously, it's called a search button. Look for key words, phrases. Spend some time researching what it is you are looking to understand.

People answering the 2,863,298th poll about carbonated beverages is not justification, especially for those posters who admit that they "know better" or "know it's bad", etc.

It's science. Carbonated beverages contain (cold) compressed gases. Introduce them into a (warm) stomach and guess what happens? The gas bubbles have no where to go. When they explode, much like they do on the top of your beer stein, where do you think all that goes? It's trapped. Trapped exploding gas bubbles = expansion of their environment... your pouch. Expand the pouch and the band as a tool becomes nearly useless.

I Know It's Bad, But.....

This just needs to go away. If you know it's wrong or bad, don't freaking do it. Period.

Posting on the boards and finding other people who know it's bad does not negate the fact that your behavior is your worst enemy.

If it's bad, don't do it. If you slipped, stand back up and do the right thing. Continue to screw up, and no amount of board postings will help you.

Someone tell me what to do. Whip me into shape.

This one just pisses me off. Looking for advice is great. Comparing notes is fabulous.

But, if you need this board to tell you step by step how to live your new life... you need way more than this board can provide. This is a message board and, while I have met some great people and read some great posts, it is still up to the individual reader to take action on what they learn here.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR LIFE. If you need someone to hold your hand and lead you through each day, each meal, each issue, you need to look into something more face-to-face.

Also, if it's a medical issue, go to the damn doctor. How many more people will post that something is broken, bleeding, popping, or otherwise falling off - then wait for the online community to tell them that they haven't been banded yet but maybe it's this, that, or the other? KEEP YOUR SURGEON INVOLVED - ESPECIALLY WITH MEDICAL-RELATED ISSUES.

I did _____________ earlier than I was told. I didn't follow ___________ exactly as I was instructed. I ate ______________ a month before I was supposed to.

Follow the rules. If your doctor gives you guidance - even knowing that they are all different - who are you to decide that his or her medical education and training are inferior to your experience as a patient?

Let's face it, if you knew better, you wouldn't be in this position... would you?

Get over yourself and accept that you don't know everything. Are some of the rules harder than others? Hell yes, they are supposed to be. This isn't supposed to be easy - you have to put some effort into this new, healthier you.

If you can't be bothered, then why go through with this?

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More to come... believe me.

You sound bitter. Maybe you need to see someone for emotional support.

I think this is hilarious! Thanks for giving me a good laugh!!!!!

So true. Sometimes I just say away from the boards cause I get pissed at the whining.

I dont mind seeing some of the questions several time because you can learn new things from the answer. The one I agree with you the most on is "why am I not losing weight?" Unless they have a very serious medical condition it always comes back to CALORIES. I didnt get to 250 by eating 900 calories a day! Starvation mode does not keep you 6 months at the same weight. Just ask those who live in 3rd world countries.

3 cents

I personally Love seeing the repeated questions. I find it encouraging to see a site that has new folks wandering in all the time searching for answers, and just because something has been answered doesnt mean it was the best answer or the the right answer for that persons circumstances.

Bring on the Noobies!! Bring on the fresh new ideas and suggestions! I certainly know I havent heard it all before.

You are funny. Thanks for the heads up. I am currently looking at doing banding and needed some reality. Whether banded or unbanded cals are the key. Keep them low and burn them off. Good luck

Thanks for the comments. I don't mind the repeats on occasion.... but all the time? In one forum? The funniest is when they stack up on one another in the same place. At that point, we're ordering glasses for everyone.

As for being bitter? Not at all. Caustic? I have my moments. Bitchy? Sometimes. Find me someone who doesn't have those days and I'll show you someone on way too much lithium.

Truth is, I am a very happy person. I love the new-me process, I have fun on the boards, and I have great support all around me. My job is great, my life is full. All of that being so, I am blessed. However, that doesn't mean I will spit sunshine all the time.

I am annoyed is all, wishing people would begin their journey to accountability with responsible forum use. Nothing is more taxing to a forum community than people who don't even try to use the tools available to them.

The process is hard enough for a lot of people. Adding to it the myriad issues that require research and education - a messy forum just adds to the difficulties.

Anyway, thanks again. Glad I could share a few laughs.