Weight loss surgery is a life changing experience. The last thing you want to do is go through the journey alone. There are so many resources available for bariatric patients, including bariatric forums. It is important to do your research in order to find a bariatric community that you are comfortable in. When you find your comfort zone, you'll be able to reach out to fellow gastric bypass patients and ask about personal experiences that you may be able to relate to. In this article, we take a look at some popular online forums. You will learn about the forum activity and what additional information you may be able to utilize from it. What This Article Covers: Why Use Forums? Bariatric Fusion Facebook Thinner Times Subreddit for Gastric Bypass Why Use Forums? Deciding to undergo gastric bypass or any other bariatric procedure can be daunting. Between doctor visits, checking into a hospital and post-op care, there’s a lot to consider. On top of this, many individuals can feel isolated when it comes to facing their surgery day. Forums can be a useful resource for people considering gastric bypass surgery, as well as for those who have already had surgery. The information provided before surgery can be overwhelming and sometimes things can be forgotten in the chaos of surgery itself. Some people feel left in the dark after the operation, but there are resources available. Forums are a great way to connect with people that are experiencing similar circumstances in order to find quick answers. Bariatric Fusion Facebook Bariatric Fusion offers online support groups and forums for patients to share their stories. There are monthly support groups available where different medical professionals, such as doctors and dietitians, come on to provide information. Individuals can watch this live or as a recording after the Facebook live is posted. The perk of the live event is that there are always product giveaways and questions are answered immediately. If questions are asked in the comments after the live, you will receive a response from Bariatric Fusion's staff dietitian or customer service team. This is a great opportunity to have your questions answered by qualified professionals. This is also a great resource for winning free product, such as bariatric supplements that are required for life after surgery. Thinner Times Thinner Times provides a mixture of forum topics all regarding weight loss and weight loss surgery. They have forums, all with thousands of posts, covering everything from personal stories to discussions on gastric bypass revision. The website has a live calendar where members can add their surgery dates and any other important milestones. This is a great way of building a community with active support from others who have been in similar situations. The gastric bypass forums are very active. There are four subcategory forums where members can share information on specific topics. There are even threads that cover nutrition and bariatric meal replacements for post-op patients. However, remember that the guidance from your dietitian on nutrition after bariatric surgery will trump the opinions from fellow patients. Everyone still has their individual journey and should understand that some people are provided different guidance based on their individual needs. Subreddit for Gastric Bypass Reddit is a great outlet for a variety of forum information. While the subreddit group, r/GastricBypass, is a relatively small community with only a few thousand members, it’s still quite active. Users post several times a day. Many people post pictures to show off how much weight they have lost after surgery. This is an outlet for support and motivation. This forum does have firm rules on medical advice and harassment to ensure there is not inaccurate information put out there and everyone is in a welcoming environment. Another perk is that it is not privately owned, so it is unlikely that you get bombarded with ads and product placements. Conclusion You are never alone throughout your weight loss journey. There is support available all around you whether that be in the form of online forums, family and friend support, or support groups hosted by medical professionals. If you are someone who needs the constant motivation, there's no need to limit yourself to just one forum. Feel free to explore other resources and reach out when you need help. Remember that not everything on the internet is true. Just because someone is providing their opinion does not mean they know what they’re talking about. Always consult with your healthcare provider on matters regarding your own individual needs as everyone will be cared for differently based on medical conditions, blood work, and medications. Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking: Gastric Bypass Facts Gastric Bypass Surgery Cost Recovery After Gastric Bypass Surgery How To Restart Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass Where Can I Get Gastric Bypass Surgery How Long Is Gastric Bypass Surgery Procedure Weight Requirement For Gastric Bypass Gastric Bypass Long Term Results Tummy Tucks After Gastric Bypass How To Tighten Loose Skin After Gastric Bypass Without Surgery Gallbladder Problems After Gastric Bypass Gallbladder And Gastric Bypass Gastric Bypass And Anemia Alternatives To Gastric Bypass Surgery Gastric Bypass Malabsorption **This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition.