I've noticed that this site seems to have changed a lot recently.

A lot of the "older" more experienced bandsters seem to be MIA.It's a concern as there are lots of newbies who have lots of questions and it seems to be newer rather than experienced people answering these questions.

It's frustrating as they have a lot more experience and I am sure would have far better answers than those of us only banded a couple of months.

Obviously there are still some experienced people around which is great but a lot are noticeable by their absence.

What gives??????????

I've noticed that this site seems to have changed a lot recently.

A lot of the "older" more experienced bandsters seem to be MIA.It's a concern as there are lots of newbies who have lots of questions and it seems to be newer rather than experienced people answering these questions.

It's frustrating as they have a lot more experience and I am sure would have far better answers than those of us only banded a couple of months.

Obviously there are still some experienced people around which is great but a lot are noticeable by their absence.

What gives??????????

The good news is, as a 4 month bandster, you're considered a veteran by lots of very newbies, so get out there and help those that you're able to help.

As for MIA bandsters that frequent the newbie boards, who specifically are you missing? Maybe I can shepard them your way....

My theory about the experience bandsters is that they are lurking from time to time. There are some on the thread I usually hang out on and they are helpful, but so is everyone. It's interesting to read about people's different experiences.

I also think people that aren't doing so well sort of fall off the LBT wagon. They'll come back later when desperate or need help. Also people get busy or bored with the chat boards.

These are just assumptions and you know what they say when you assume something....................

I’ve noticed a drop-off in posting as well, in fact I PMed plain about it a few weeks ago. It seems that up until about a month ago this site was buzzing in all corners, but recently overall posting seems to have tapered off. Here are my theories.

1. There was a rather nasty and very public brawl between some veteran posters, a few people fighting each other, and the moderators. I didn’t personally get involved, but it looked pretty ugly from the outside looking in. I think some people got banned, some others left or are laying low, and some others were just turned off by the whole mess (I was).

2- The economy is really down. I’m guessing that hurts this site in a few ways… I think not as many people are getting banded due to financial reasons or lack of insurance coverage, which drives down new interest in the site. Others are preoccupied with keeping their jobs or finding new jobs, so they are not frequenting as much.

3. Some boards get a little clique-ish, that may be the case here. On this board like many others, people that have been around a while sometimes get irritated by the way new people post. They get upset that people ask the same tired questions over and over without reading first, or that they don’t follow board etiquette, or that they can’t spell - whatever. Veterans, get over yourselves – these are common issues on boards – deal with it. Newbies, would it hurt to read a little before blurting out your question?

Personally, I have a lot going on in my life right now and have found it hard to come here as often as I did a few months ago. Also, a couple of my favorite posts in R&R have come full circle and are just rehashing the same old issues – so I’ve lost interest. This hasn’t affected my weight loss though. I’m happy to report that a few weeks back I reached the 100lbs lost mark, am under my weight goal and am now in “Normal” BMI range. The band is still working great for me, I look fantastic (yes, I’m gloating:tongue_smilie:), I eat healthy, and I love working out.

I'm flat chat at the moment - I'm working full time doing my last teaching placement to finish my degree. At night, I'm applying for graduate positions - being an Australian, you'd understand the ridiculous beaurocracy and tedium of the public service, lol

I've also been introducing my 14 year old son to the gym in what spare time I have.

Kartman - You are correct in your assessment...infighting, economy, and repetition boredom.

Congrats on your achievement!!