I am sorry to need to post this, but I don’t have much of a choice. This issue has come up too frequently in recent weeks. Many BariatricPal members have let me know that have been multiple complaints from members that posts are rude, disrespectful, or arrogant.

That is unacceptable.

I started BariatricPal to help weight loss surgery patients. It is a place where anyone should feel comfortable gathering information about weight loss surgery and getting support. There is no room here for negativity.

Your use of the forums means you agree to the Forum Rules. In particular, “Disrespectful and hurtful posts are forbidden.” It is unacceptable to bash individuals for their choices or questions.

These tips might help you stick to the guidelines.

• Not everyone has the same weight loss surgery journey. A member may post a problem or question that he or she has that you did not find to be a concern. That doesn’t mean that member is doing anything wrong in his or her weight loss surgery journey.
  
• You do not need to answer posts. There may be times when newer – or even veteran – members ask questions that have been discussed a million times. If you don’t think the question is worth answer for the million-and-first time, don’t answer it. Please don’t post something nasty telling the poster that they didn’t do their homework and should have found the answer themselves.
  
• It can be difficult to get emotions across in writing. You may write something as a joke, but a reader may not realize it. Before you post, try to read your post from the point of view of another member. Could your post accidentally be taken as rude or disrespectful?
  
• Try to assume the best in people. We are all here to lose weight, get healthy, and succeed in the weight loss surgery journey. Assume members are here because they need the support. Assume members are doing their best in their own way, even if it’s not the same way you would handle things.

Please report any posts you feel are inappropriate. I will address them. Consequences range from editing/removal of the offensive post to temporary or permanent suspension of the member’s membership.

I know that the vast majority of members are doing a phenomenal job being helpful, being positive, and sticking to the forum guidelines. I thank you for that. There are only a few members who are causing these hurtful situations, and I hope to take care of it.

Thanks to everyone who keeps these forums as positive as they are.

Thank you for providing this support, group, knowledge, and a way to get answers in the middle of the night. Thank you for the tips and the words you just wrote.

I have gleened invaluable information from this forum. I would be quite lost without it.

I thank you and everyone who unselfishly comments with positive helpful advice and personal history that help me find my way.

Thanks Alex!

Frankly, I ignore the rude or unpleasant remarks. I see this forum as a place to get help, encouragement and support.

Thanks again!!

And when in doubt think "what would @@Inner Surfer Girl do"

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you for creating this place and putting it in place with this announcement! Positivity never hurt and its free and contagious!

Sent from my SM-G930P using the BariatricPal App

Thank you Alex, and thank you everyone who has helped me through my recovery journey

Namaste ....

and, Weirdmaste

@@Alex Brecher - aww, stick it in your ear Alex...

And that is an example of how something that seems funny to you can quickly go sideways.

Nice post Alex and "Let's keep it classy here"