Forums

  1. Community Center

    1. Introduce Yourself

      Are you new to Thinner Times? Are you pre-operative, post-operative, or still deciding which weight loss surgery is right for you? Or are you a regular 'lurker'? Say hi and introduce yourself!

      112,129
      posts

    2. Socialize

      General discussion area for anything related or unrelated to weight loss surgery.

      312,848
      posts

    3. Member Photos

      Do you have before and after photos, or other pictures that you'd like to share? Post them here!

      74,324
      posts

    4. Buddies and Mentors

      Peer support is a critical part of your weight loss surgery journey. Use the buddies and mentors forum to find other individuals who have had, or are having, gastric bypass surgery, vertical sleeve surgery, or Lap Band surgery.

      9,624
      posts

    5. Clothing and Goods Exchange

      Classifieds section for weight loss surgery. No commercial postings, please.

      4,604
      posts

  2. Before Weight Loss Surgery

    1. General Questions

      This section is for general questions about the gastric bypass, Lap Band, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, as well the pre and post-operative processes.

      36,917
      posts

    2. Insurance and Financing

      Insurance and financing for gastric bypass, Lap Band, and the vertical sleeve gastrectomy can be a complicated process. Share or ask questions about your insurance and financing plan, as well as doctor fees and the cost of your weight loss surgery. And finally, let everyone know once you’re approved!

      16,878
      posts

    3. Doctors and Hospitals

      Share your experiences about your weight loss surgeon and hospital, as well as feedback on their seminars, pre/post-operative programs, and staff.

      2,174
      posts

  3. Weight Loss Surgery Forums

    1. Gastric Bypass Forums

      The gastric bypass forums are intended to create a targeted discussion area for the RNY gastric bypass procedure. Feel free to discuss pre or post-operative topics, ask questions, or share concerns.

      465,681
      posts

    2. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forums

      The vertical sleeve gastrectomy forums are a place to discuss the newly popular vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery. The vertical sleeve is the removal of 85% of the stomach, but without rearrangement of the intestines. Ask questions about the surgery and share pre and post-operative concerns.

      64,011
      posts

    3. Lap Band Forums

      The Lap Band forums are a targeted area to discuss all angles of the Lap Band or adjustable gastric banding procedure. Feel free to discuss pre or post-operative issues, Lap Band fills and doctors, pricing, complications, etc.

      8,651
      posts

    4. Weight Loss Surgery Revisions

      Weight loss surgery revisions are typically performed because of weight regain, complications resulting from the weight loss surgery procedure, or a reversal of the procedure altogether.

      3,105
      posts

    5. Duodenal Switch Forum

      The duodenal switch forum is intended to create a targeted discussion area for the specific issues of DS members, ask questions or share concerns.

      42
      posts

  4. Support and Motivation

    1. Personal Stories

      Every person struggling with obesity or who has had weight loss surgery has a unique experience and story. Some stories are inspirational, some are emotional, and others are painful. Share your weight loss surgery story with the rest of the community and help those who have yet to take their journey.

      28,513
      posts

    2. Emotional Support

      Weight loss surgery is an emotional process. Relationships with friends and family change, and some struggle with physical changes happening to their body. This forum is a place for you to reach out to other members - whether there are others in need, or if you yourself need to share what is going on in your life.

      57,746
      posts

    3. Prayer and Spiritual Support

      This support forum is open to members of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds.

      798
      posts

    4. Marriage and Relationships

      Weight loss surgery is a life-changing process, not just physically, but emotionally as well. Use this forum to discuss changes, problems, or developments in your relationships.

      6,567
      posts

  5. Diet and Nutrition

    1. Recipes

      Proper nutrition is important to the long-term success of weight loss surgery. While gastric bypass, Lap Band, and vertical sleeve limits the amount and types of food you consume, that doesn't mean the food can't be delicious! Post your favorite WLS recipes and search our existing database for new ones.

      14,113
      posts

    2. Vitamins, Supplements, and Protein Drinks

      Ask questions or post reviews about vitamins, supplements, and protein drinks following weight loss surgery.

      5,870
      posts

  6. Life After Weight Loss Surgery

    1. Exercises, Workouts, and Recreation

      Personal exercise, gyms, and group activities.

      15,143
      posts

    2. Women's Issues

      This forum is for female-related issues only.

      4,110
      posts

    3. Pregnancy

      Discussions regarding pregnancy following gastric bypass surgery, Lap Band surgery, or the vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

      6,436
      posts

    4. Addiction Transfer

      819
      posts

    5. Men's Issues

      Since men are sometimes the minority on weight loss surgery forums, this forum is a small space where guys can have man-to-man conversations about life before and after weight loss surgery.

      3,132
      posts

    6. Reconstructive & Plastic Surgery

      Discussions regarding reconstructive and plastic surgery following weight loss.

      7,033
      posts

    7. Careers and the Workplace

      If you had a gastric bypass, adjustable gastric band, or other WLS, share the effects that it had on you in the workplace. How does it compare to before surgery?

      1,819
      posts

    8. Maintenance

      307
      posts

  7. Professional Answers

    1. Ask Dr. Callery

      Having performed more than 4,000 weight loss surgery procedures over 20 years, Dr. Charles D. Callery is experienced and knowledgeable. If you have a question about gastric bypass, Lap Band, vertical sleeve, or weight loss surgery in general - Ask Dr. Callery!

      1,395
      posts

    2. Ask Dr. Gupta, Plastic Surgeon

      Dr. Gupta answers questions about plastic surgery. Questions should be of general interest. Feel free to post pictures along with your questions.

      314
      posts

  8. Weight Loss Surgery Support Groups

    1. Monthly Support Groups

      18,048
      posts

    2. Local Support Groups

      7,276
      posts

  • Upcoming Events

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Gypsy Angel

      Gypsy Angel

      Gallbladder surgery on Thursday at 12:45. Looking forward to getting this all taken care of!
      · 3 replies
    • Kat4307

      Kat4307

      Feeling overwhelmed-so much to learn and a week to do it before surgery next tuesday. 
      · 2 replies
    • Michellerene618

      Michellerene618  »  Kio

      Thanks Kio...
      · 0 replies
    • HenrySanDiego

      HenrySanDiego

      12 years have passed since my surgery and I remain of the same mind.  The surgery destroyed most of my happiness and sense of well being.  The absolute wrong question to ask is, some variation of, "what is the mortality rate."  There are far more difficult outcomes from RnY than death.
      It is childish to whine and complain of something so long ago.  But it is infuriating that the insurance system doesn't allow doctors to tell the unvarnished truth. 
      I have only one iota of advise, don't get gastric bypass surgery since one of the possible outcomes is living in nearly blinding pain the rest of your thinner life.
      At least once a month I wish silently that all future sufferers of morbid obesity get the proper treatment of high quality nutrition training and dietary help.  That is the proper treatment, along with some counseling.
      I know everyone, including me at one time felt that such a treatment was inadequate and would never be sufficient.  I say grow up and try to visualize living in daily pain as the alternative option of a less than ideal surgery and complications.
      Henry, hoping to save one person from lifelong pain
      · 4 replies
    • Bamamike

      Bamamike

      Well I'm back after a long absence , I have had quite a time after surgery , I lost so much weight so fast everyone told me I looked sick,  sure wasn't helpful , I lost my grown daughter a few years ago and I just have had such a hard time getting over it , I am raising her children and it is a struggle as I and divorced as of 2 years ago and provide all of their college and high school needs for them. I lost all the way down to 164 and in the last year I have gained back to 215 . I have been placed on depression mess because of my daughters death I guess and I suppose it is what has raised my weight . I a man starting to get a hold on myself and get off the mess and start excercising again. I ask for your Prayers to help me through these trials . 
      · 6 replies

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