We've added the following to our posted forum rules:

Disrespectful and Hurtful Posts are Forbidden

All posts must fit within BariatricPal’s guidelines for acceptable posts. Posts must be consistent with BariatricPal’s core beliefs.

• Weight loss surgery can be an effective tool to fight obesity.
• Our common goal is to fight obesity through a unified voice.
• No weight loss surgery is inherently better or worse than any other. Each has advantages, and each has disadvantages.

Some individuals are good candidates for one kind of surgery, and other individuals are better candidates for another kind of surgery.

• No individual is more or less deserving of weight loss and health because of a decision to get or not get weight loss surgery, or because of which type of weight loss surgery he or she chooses.
• BariatricPal serves as a place where anyone can ask questions about weight loss surgery without fear of ridicule.
• BariatricPal serves as a forum for open discussion and polite disagreement so that everyone can benefit.

Weight loss surgery “bashing” is absolutely prohibited. This include, but is not limited to, statements that a specific type of weight loss surgery is:

• Bad or wrong
• Easier than another type of weight loss surgery or “cheating” when someone is trying to lose weight
• Out of date or obsolete
• Doomed to failure

In addition, “bashing” of individuals is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, statements that a person is:

• Lazy for choosing one type of weight loss surgery over another
• Unprepared for or undeserving of weight loss surgery because of
• Deserving of complications or disappointing weight loss because of their choice of weight loss surgery

Violations of these rules and consequences will be determined at the sole discretion of BariatricPal and based on individual situations. They may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Editing or removal of the offensive post(s)
• Warning from BariatricPal staff or Forum Hosts to avoid such posts in the future
• Temporary suspension of membership
• Permanent removal of the member’s account

These guidelines do NOT forbid disagreement and candid discussions on BariatricPal. Members may discuss and defend their points of view in respectful manners. Please feel free to contact BariatricPal with any questions about these guidelines.

Remember that written communication is different from face-to-face communication. When you post a message on the discussion forum, send someone a text message, email, or private message, or meet in a chat room, a lot of the message is lost. When you are face-to-face with someone, you can use tone of voice, gestures, and expressions to help get your point across. These aids are lost when you communicate online. Your message can accidentally come across as harsh or rude. A good way to reduce accidental misunderstandings is to read your own message before posting it to see if there is any way that a reader could mistake its meaning in a negative way.

alex, at first I really didn't like that the forum was getting all surgery types mixed up. but I am becoming accustomed to it now. actually enjoy some of the responses. but when the lapband gets slammed I've been having a hard time not coming to the fellow lapbander aid in defending our surgery choice. would this be against the rules? I have stayed out of the arguments but there are ex banders that have strong opinions scaring the bengenzys (sp) out of our newbies and ones asking which surgery is right for them. it is very difficult, which most banders stay away from is all the complications each and every surgery has. but boy we are told how wrong we were and why and articles to read etc. I like that you are addressing this issue. thanks

alex, at first I really didn't like that the forum was getting all surgery types mixed up. but I am becoming accustomed to it now. actually enjoy some of the responses. but when the lapband gets slammed I've been having a hard time not coming to the fellow lapbander aid in defending our surgery choice. would this be against the rules? I have stayed out of the arguments but there are ex banders that have strong opinions scaring the bengenzys (sp) out of our newbies and ones asking which surgery is right for them. it is very difficult, which most banders stay away from is all the complications each and every surgery has. but boy we are told how wrong we were and why and articles to read etc. I like that you are addressing this issue. thanks

Please use the REPORT post feature if you come across any post or topic that doesn't abide by our rules.