Question:
I know I have seen this question but I can't find it......

what happens to the people that have surgery, so many just seem to disappear. I get involved with their journey only to never hear from them again after they have surgery. Why is that? It drives me crazy!    — Lynda T. (posted on October 29, 2001)

October 29, 2001
I think many of them used the board to get through a really difficult time in their lives--fighting for approval, dealing with the fear of surgery, etc. Once they have surgery, and go through the initial recovery period, their "need" for support disappears over time and they get involved in other things. This is unfortunate for those of us who are left behind wondering whatever happened. That's why I intend to be an active, long-term member of this site. I view this as a ministry to others. I have been blessed by so many here and I want to return the favor by keeping my profile up-to-date and posting whenever needed. God bless!
   — artistmama

October 29, 2001
Well Linda, even as a 17 month post-op I still come to the boards almost daily. I find the profiles/postings very inspirational & motivating. Also helping others with their questions helps keep me on the "straight & narrow" with my post-op nutritional needs.
   — Lori_B

October 29, 2001
They move on with living their life. Surgery is no longer the most important thing. Busy with doing lots of stuff they couldnt do because of physical limitations before surgery distracts them from this site.I know sharon miller really well, from west view pa. She had dinner with me when I first considered surgery. This helped me so much. She is now down over a 100 pounds and recovered nicely from a triple bypass, and has quit smoking. Her heart surgeon says without WLS she wouldnt of survived heart surgery. I promised myself pre op that once my surgery was over I would answer questions here to help folks, I too dont want to forget where I came from.
   — bob-haller

October 29, 2001
Well...I can tell you that I have no intention of forgetting this site, but you never know what will happen. I mean, already I'm finding myself a bore...always talking about what I can eat, what I can't eat, blah blah blah. I think maybe once you get over the hard period, you just get bored making this surgery and life post-op the center of your existence. I don't know...we'll see. I can tell you in a non-surgery related way my computer use has changed drastically. About a year ago I discovered chat rooms. I would be online at least 2 hours a night. This went on for about 5 months. Since then, I can tell you I've hardly even gone on my computer at home! In fact, the way I visit this site is that I've plugged it into my morning routine at work. A half hour each morning to catch up on things, along with checking my email and voicemail. Shhh...don't tell. Hehe. So...I have every intention of staying around here as long as I can. But if my job changes....that may change too. Until then...I'll be here. Take care.
   — Tracy L.

October 29, 2001
My RNY was April 26, 2000. I don't visit the site daily like I used to, but at least weekly, and I do keep my profile updated. I am very active now, traveling, dating and socializing, my job, graduate school, and extra-curricular activities for myself and with my children. My life has changed dramatically since surgery, and I want others to benefit from my knowledge and experiences. If one thing I say inspires or educates just one person, then I have helped another in their journey for a new life.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 29, 2001
i havent had surgery till DEC but it seems that way to me too. I guess job change and activity change keep them busier. We do so much need their help and their photos to encourage us. also i did hear that some don't want others to know about their surgery... I was speaking with this great GAL in NC on the army base and POOF her profile was off.. I sure miss chatting with her she had a great profile...!!! I hope I will not be one to fail to come back and help others.
   — Jackiis