I left this site abruptly two years ago (I no longer remember why). Has anyone else disappeared and then returned? I think I was curious. Did I still need the support of like-minded people who'd be able to empathize with any issues that surrounded my gastric bypass? I think I also miss the socialization. Can anyone else relate?

Sadly, I need to refresh myself with the settings and the how-tos of the site. Forgive me if I accidentally break bariatricpal while trying to reclaim my "skills."

So you're an evangelist????

I've been on here for eight years although I sometimes disappear for awhile- but usually just for a few weeks at most. I see other old timers pop in every once in awhile. Most people do seem to leave after a few months or after they hit maintenance, but I find sticking around helps keep my head in the game.

I was here over ten years ago during my lapband journey… now I’m back since I’m having revision to bypass. I plan on sticking around this time!

I only stayed a few months after my first WLS years ago but I had to get a bypass revision for gerd almost 2 years ago and have stayed around since. People back then were always arguing and fighting, but I don't see much of that now at all. Much more calm and informative threads the last 2 years compared to before. Alex must've cleaned things up.

Maybe that was it... the hostile environment around here. I didn't like the in-fighting among people who should have been more supportive of one another and nonjudgmental. Some people just gave off toxic bully vibes, while others insisted on being the center of every conversation-- plus being the only voice that mattered. Who needed that?!

It appears that many of those folks have moved on or were escorted to the door. At any rate, I look forward to reacquainting myself with the site, and to making new friends who may benefit from the support of those of us who may have relevant bariatric experiences to share.

Welcome back! It seems like most people drift away after a while, once they get used to their "new normal" post-surgery life and no longer want or need everything to revolve around their surgery. I'm almost 3 years post-op and sometimes get tired of seeing the same posts over and over again from the next crop of newbies. There are a few WLS veterans like catwoman7, Arabesque, and The Greater Fool who have stuck around and answer these questions with the patience of saints, but they are few and far between.

9 hours ago, Tomo said:

I only stayed a few months after my first WLS years ago but I had to get a bypass revision for gerd almost 2 years ago and have stayed around since. People back then were always arguing and fighting, but I don't see much of that now at all. Much more calm and informative threads the last 2 years compared to before. Alex must've cleaned things up.

there was some big blow-out a few years back (I can't even remember why anymore) and several people left and went over to ObesityHelp, but I think only about one or two of them are still there.

Edited May 31, 20233 yr by catwoman7

On 5/31/2023 at 12:01 AM, catwoman7 said:

there was some big blow-out a few years back (I can't even remember why anymore) and several people left and went over to ObesityHelp, but I think only about one or two of them are still there.

Looks like I had my WLS a few months after you did.

I was fairly active here back then.

It seemed to taper off as life events occurred.

Now, finding my way back here as I piece together a plan for burning off the partial regain....and then reaching and maintaining my original goal weight for the duration.

I really miss how active this place was back then.

So much common experiences shared and a ton of laughs, too.

I, for one, am a hyooooge appreciator of the humor. We all do better when we laugh.

I dropped off from using the site also! Mostly because I couldn't remember my password lol. I felt like this a wealth of knowledge when I first started my journey though!