I have been on-line since before my journey began (Nov 2014) and I am almost 1 year post.

I just don't know what timeline is consider a BP Vet.

thanks,

Jane

I believe one year

A year out and 100 posts I believe.

You fit both criteria

I don't think it's so formal as to have a calendar or a definition. It seems to me it's a matter of having reached goal and maintained for a time. The time would be up to the beholder.

Another way to look at it is that you've been at BP long enough to roll your eyes at some of the repetition.

I feel being a "vet" depends upon the topic."

We have all read posts from "long timers" who sound like they haven't a clue about their own WLS, and really shouldn't be giving advice about how to open a zip lock bag. . They mean well and are trying to help, but seem to be from a planet far far away.

If one has more than average experience in a branch of WLS (such as "dumping, dehydration, stalls, different diet phases, grazing, mental struggle, maintenance, etc...) then that person is a "vet" of that experience.

Time shouldn't really be the deciding factor. I believe experiencing the specific situation is the "ah-ha" factor.

I am just shy of 5yrs out and am learning this and that constantly. I sincerely hope that I never stop wanting to learn and expand my knowledge of "me and my WLS journey".

The sun is FINALLY shining here in the Catskills!!!! I'm goin' walk'n.

Thank you ladies for answering. I didn't want to enter into the "Vet" area without some sort of reassurance.

I agree we are all still learning as our WL journey has a lot of twists and turns.

I don't answer a lot of posts but I do read them. I try to welcome the newbies and answer the "Topics with No Reply" so no one feels ignored.

Sometimes <eye roll> I cant, "Bless their hearts, they just don't get it" ~~~~~~~

It is so welcoming to respond to the new posters. I think it makes me feel less alone at this process. Just knowing others have had or haven't had certain problems is reassuring to me. I find there are some new items that I only know about from being on these boards...

Gastric balloon for instance... Never have seen articles in the paper about it but learned a little here.

.. and answer the "Topics with No Reply" so no one feels ignored.

That is the sweetest thing. I've done it a few times and felt like a sucker each time. Since you asked about vethood, you may have noticed that [some] vets now and then grouse about people asking the same questions when, were they to take a quick peek around, they'd find the answers given to earlier repetitions of the same, same, same.

When you find that you can't send them on their way with a "Bless your heart,"

...You know you're a vet,

you're a vet all the way

from your first cigarette

to you last dying day....

Don't quote me.