Welcome all Newbies to the TT Family! - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Gwen · 08-17-2007, 08:37 AM

(Updated September 23, 2009) Welcome all Newbies to the TT Family!

Hi there and welcome to the TT Family!

As I know how intimidating this Forum can be when you first start exploring it, I thought I'd give all the Newbies a few pointers to get them started:

There is an excellent Search tool on this Forum - use it before you post questions that might have been answered many times before
If you find a post that is helpful, use the "Add Post to Favorites" link in the top right of the post, or click "Thread Tools" > "Add Thread to Favorites". When you want to retrieve your favorite threads/posts, simply click "My Account" at the top left of your screen.
Use the New Posts tool everytime you log on to catch up on the latest posts.

These are the threads that made an impression on me:

Resources - List of things you use in your WLS Journey - compiled by LisaBoston

Best Advice for Pre-Op - compiled and written by LisaM

How long is your "limb"? - posted by Bella

RNY and Removal of Stomach - posted and brought to our attention by Corrine

Pouch Rules for Dummies - posted by Baron Patrick

Risks & Benefits of Gastric Bypass Surgery - posted by Suzanne

Best Advice for Post-Op - compiled and written by LisaM

Best Food, Best Protein, etc. for Post-Op - compiled by LisaM

Zen's Tips, Tricks, and Observations..for a Newbie - posted by Zenomia

Nutrition Guide from my Doctor - posted by Mike (fisher1000)

Not taking your supplements is NOT okay - posted by LisaM

What vitamins do you take and what is the schedule for taking them? - started by ChristyH

NEWSFLASH ON VITAMINS & NUTRITION! The latest updates - posted by Beth (MiladyB)

Cracking the Calcium Code - also posted by Beth

The things people wish they had known beforehand - compiled by LisaM

Taking meds post-op. Some things you need to know! - posted by Beth (MiladyB)

Two years later - things we learn - posted by LisaM

If anastomosis is too large. What can be done? (Sclerotherapy/Rose Procedure) - posted by Beth

StomaphyX Procedure

I have been asked to add the book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" to this list. I have now read it and have to agree - it is very good to have as a reference.

Another suggestion (by Toony) is "The REAL Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery: An Indispensable Guide To What You Can REALLY Expect!”

Mike also pointed this freebie out to us (might only be for USA?): Free Video from Discovery Health about WLS...

I feel that the following "veterans" are worth reading up on - I have not read every single word in their posts, but they've been there, done it (are doing it) and some of them have the T-Shirt to prove it:

LisaBoston - Lisa's Story

chilmoe - Carrie's Story

MiladyB - Beth's Story

JenBear7 - Jen's Journey

Cinerbelle - Cindy's Story

CeeCee - CeeCee's Big Adventure...average, normal, really...Thank God!

fisher1000 - The Long Road....

PollyC - PollyC's Journey

stakeda - Stacie's Journal

medhatlady - Angie's Story

Princess - Samantha's Story!

AriesGirl78 - Renee's Story!

QueenB - We'll see how it goes....

Gladitsme - My weight loss journal

sxymac30 - Tawna's Journey

JWheeler - Jeannette's Journal

I've found the following links very helpful:

James Ranes' Blog - Life Exhibited (Omaha Jim)

My Weight Loss Adventure - WLS - Bruce Underwood - thanks Zen

Surgical Methods - a few of the different Weight Loss Surgeries explained

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery

Video: Gastric Bypass Surgery for Weight Loss - thanks Toony

Gastric bypass surgery: What can you expect? - thanks Carrie

Gastric Bypass Surgery for Obesity

Gastric Band Operation Animation

The Morbid Me

I understand that this is what got a lot of people through the first couple of months and for some it is still a staple - Wendy's Chili Recipe - posted and improved by Michelle (aka Duckie) - haven't tried it myself but will post my thoughts shortly. Beth also brought the following website to our attention: Helpful website for eating out

PS: If you are still pre-opp and have a date falling within the current month you can ask Lynda to add your name to her Staplers List (for RNY & LapBand)

PPS: If you are looking for some special inspiration and want to see what exactly is possible with this tool (if you put your mind to it and are prepared to put in many hours of hard work) have a look at John and then join the Gym Rats!.

PPPS: I found the following BRILLIANT!!! reply to our most hated comment: "You're taking the easy way out...":

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debz

After years of gaining and losing the same 100 or so pounds, I'm not taking the easy way out....I'm taking the only way out.

11/02/07 - As I am now just over 5 weeks out, and the reality of this lifestyle has dawned on me, I found the following post by Zen very appropriate: End Game...why it's NOT the END!! especially Simone's reply on the 3rd page.

12/13/2007 - I am now 11 weeks out and this thread by Jeff struck a chord with me: Brutal Honesty from the Bear.

01/17/2008 - being 3 1/2 months out I faced some issues that I needed to deal with and this thread spoke to me: Is GBS like a tatoo on my forehead?

02/22/2008 - and Zen comes to the rescue again..... I am now 5 months out and have been on a plateau for the last three weeks and then, without looking for it, I found this thread: A Cry for Help...- back to basics I guess?

Have a look further down in this Thread for a tip on Forum Etiquette, which will stand you in good stead to become part of this very informative, peaceful and funloving bunch of Peeps!

Make yourself at home and have a great time!

{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}

shereeks · 08-24-2007, 03:21 PM

You've picked some great threads there Gwen. Wish you were around when I was a newbie! Would have saved me a lotta work!

SF49ersGyrl · 09-04-2007, 10:50 AM

Wow, thanks so much Gwen!

Lu Lu · 10-09-2007, 04:31 AM

I am a newbie and I really appreciate this thread! Thankyou for posting all of this information! It looks like I will be plenty busy reading up on all of this

I stumbled upon this forum while I was researching gastric bypass and have been addicted ever since.

Thanks again Gwen

Hello Katie · 10-09-2007, 01:49 PM

Thank you so much for all the links! It's been a really big help and I've printed out a bunch of it to save for after surgery advice

Gwen · 10-25-2007, 05:49 AM

Jess, LuLu & Katie - you're welcome

Bumping for this week's Newbies

mommy_to_two · 10-25-2007, 10:44 AM

Thank you SO much for all of the information. I am obsessed right now with learning as much as I can about GBS. I have my first appt. with the surgeon on November 19th! I can't wait. Thanks for all of the great info, and I am looking forward to getting to know you all better.

Gwen · 11-02-2007, 08:15 AM

You're welcome

Bumping for this week's Newbies

Brugge babe kim · 11-02-2007, 01:09 PM

Hi Gwen
you are a real diamond , you have been a great help since the first day i met you on the day before our surgery , your a real inspiration .
loads of love
Kim

CalChica · 11-02-2007, 02:23 PM

I am going to get reading all these links thanks!!!!