Friends?

[sraebaer]

When I joined this site almost 5 years ago I made about 19 "friends." Then I stopped doing it, I'll be friends with everyone.

The problem is, when checking, I can't find any of these 19 people around anymore. I hope they are successful with their sleeve! It does make me wonder though, if maybe the people that disappear are the ones that did not find success. Hope that's not the case.

Moral of the story, stay here for support whether you are newly or long ago sleeved! It sure helps keep me on track.

[mellowjoy]

I'm guilty of being one of those people who was active around my surgery time then kind of dropped off. I think part of the reason why is I became more active with a Facebook group from my doctor's office. My surgery was 3 years ago and I'm still holding on. I purposely worked to gain about 6 pounds of muscle because along with fat I also lost muscle. I had no firmness and no muscle tone. It took me a year to gain the muscle then I panicked because my weight went up. My lowest weight was 129 and my current weight is 137. I'm 5'4".

I do think it helps to remain active with either a group here or with another group. Studies show that people who participate in weight loss forums or groups tend to stay on track and continue to educate themselves on what works to maintain weight loss.

[Ann2]

I agree with both of you. Staying connected to a support group -- whether online, here, on Facebook, or in real life -- really helps me stay focused, too.

[Marsh17]

Hi there,
When I was searching on certain topics I would see where there was no activity from 2013 or 2012, etc. And figured they had just moved on. I think I'm the type of person that will need to build a support network of folks that are going through the same experience. One of the things I see lacking in the physician offices is a person to speak with face to face that has actually went through the process. I know each of us are different but I like hearing information from someone that has walked and is walking in the shoes I am about to step into.

[AnnieG]

I've found the support here immeasurably better than the group at my doctors. They are all very nice folks, but the majority of them are 25-35 age, and I'm 66, retired and am fortunate to not be juggling career, children (well they are grown up,lol) and my husband is awesome support in so many ways but has never needed to conform to societal norms. (Which explains our marriage, lol)

I plan to stay on the site to pay it forward in encouraging others, and to continue to glean the kindly honest, good advice from those who've been there for a while.
You are tremendously appreciated, sraebaer.

[Christie13]

I know that I personally love being here. I love the accountability and I love helping new people and also love to have the guidance of veterans like you and Ann. I think I still learn things from being on here. Like...I am not a tracker. I find it tedious. But now being in maintenance and wanting to make sure I do not gain and remain accountable I have decided to get the My Fitness Pal app. I NEVER, EVER thought I would use a tracker but here I am...2 days in and finding it not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I guess I have the vets to thank for even trying that app. I intend to be around for a long time.

[Ann2]

Knowledge is power.

[Katrina]

I know I met someone here that I became Facebook friends with. I don't see her here, but on facebook... her life is glorious! She looks amazing!!

Actually, none of the people I know in real life who had this surgery belong to any support sites or groups. They just live their lives, and they are all successful. They think I'm weird when I mention what I've read on "my forum."