I’m pretty sure that back in the early days of this blog and the beginning of my post-weight loss surgery journey I talked about things I did before the surgery. Among them was discovering a website community called ObesityHelp.com. I found the site soon after I decided to seriously consider having surgery, which would have been roughly six months before the actual operation.
The site was an unbelievable resource for me. It is filled with forums where people of all backgrounds, challenges, journeys and so on share their stories. There are forums for folks who are having or who have had weight loss surgery – broken out even by the type of surgery. When I started my research, I’d never heard of the type of surgery I eventually had – a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Once I found out about VSG, I then started looking deeper into that procedure. I think that’s what led me to ObesityHelp.com.
Oh, thank goodness! For months, this was a place where I could read about other people and their journeys. I could ask questions and benefit from the experience of others. It was amazing. The people were enthusiastic, generous with their stories, oh so encouraging. I went there every night and, if I got scared or anxious or confused, I’d even pop on during the day. Since I live in a place where in-person support groups are not available, online became a lifeline.
When good friends approached me and said they were considering weight loss surgery, I recommended that they also check out the website in addition to the other research they were doing. I still do.
So, I don’t remember when or why I stopped frequenting the website and participating in the forums.
Yesterday was a particularly bad food day for me. There is no rhyme nor reason for it, other than my eating disorder taking over my actions. Even as I snacked and ate crap that wasn’t on my food plan I felt mad, sad, discouraged and depressed about it. The emotions then fueled me eating more. But a big bold mark in the Suckitude column.
I don’t know why I thought to do it, but at some point I walked over to the computer and logged in to ObesityHelp.com. I cruised the forums and posted a note about what I’ve been experiencing and how I’m not sure what at this stage of the game I should be following as a food plan, how many calories, what ratio of protein to carbs, etc. I asked for suggestions.
Today I went back on and there were several replies, all with good suggestions and, as important, encouraging words. I visited more forums on the site and found someone who asked if anyone else post-wls still deals with binge eating disorder and compulsive overeating. So, here was another place to touch base, to share, and to read the sharing of others. Then I found a group for people fighting back from regaining some of their weight.
All of this information. All of this support. It’s still all right there, where it was before. My needs have changed and the site is still a wonderful resource. Even the strongest, most knowledgeable of us can benefit from the knowledge and experience of others.
I’m feeling very grateful right now that I went back to the site. I plan to keep going back. I was feeling pretty isolated and alone in my struggle. I don’t feel so alone anymore.
Weighty Matters 
I visit that site daily!! It helps a ton!
I’m glad that you also find it helpful. Right now I want and need all the help I can find. I also know that sometimes sharing what we experience can be helpful to others. So it’s definitely a positive exchange of give and receive!