Hey BariatricPal Members,

Remember the ice bucket challenge to raise awareness around ALS? I was touched every time I saw a celebrity, a family member or friend of someone affected by ALS, or, honestly, any kind-hearted soul take the challenge to raise awareness about this important health issue. I was also inspired.

When I saw how much of a difference individuals can make, I naturally started thinking about weight loss surgery. I know each member of the BariatricPal community can make a difference, too. Each one of you who is grateful to your surgeon for a good WLS experience can help raise awareness about your surgeon.

And now I’m looking for your ideas! What are some ways BariatricPal members can help raise awareness about weight loss surgery and their surgeons? Would you be interested in promoting your story and/or your surgeon on YouTube? On Twitter? What other great ideas do you have?

Also, what motivates you to succeed? If we can get the message out to overweight patients who are considering weight loss surgery, we can help motivate them to find their own motivation and take the plunge.

So…all ideas are welcome! Thanks!

I'm too much of an introvert to say to the world, "Hey! Look at me! I had bariatric surgery. I couldn't be healthy without it." I feel safe talking about it here because everyone understands. So, I'm not much for broadcasting my surgery to everyone, but I would like to participate in a more subtle way.

Every awareness campaign has a colored ribbon. ALS and autism awareness are purple. Diabetes is gray. Childhood cancer is gold. What should the WLS's ribbon color be? I like to knit and crochet. That's why I ask. Personally, I would like it to be burgundy. I see burgundy as a blood color - the color of health and vitality. Health and vitality are qualities in my life that I am lacking right now because I am morbidly obese. They are the qualities I will get back once I lose the weight. through surgery. I wouldn't be able to do it any other way.

I agree with evenya, in that I would not want to broadcast my surgery to the world. However, if I meet someone who is wanting to have surgery I would highly recommend my doctor.

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Too many haters out there that think this is taking the easy way out.

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I don't mind sharing my story in any way asked of me, I should be having my surgery around the end of next month or early November at the latest. I am not a big Twitter fan but I would be willing to do you tube videos or whatever really.

I'm the exact opposite. I'll tell anyone and everyone.

My problem is, I don't have an idea that tops an ice bucket. lol

I am too private!