Bariatric Weight Loss Family

I'm just starting this weight loss journey at the age of 54. I'm at a good place in my life. I'm comfortable in my own skin which I don't think I've ever been. I enjoy reading all the posts in this group and reading everyone's stories.

This group is the epitome of what a support group should be. No bullies, no hateful comments, no keyboard warriors. Just good people answering questions, sharing tips and advice, supporting others in every way. There are segments on journaling, memes, jokes, and much more. They do fundraisers to help members with their needs. They even have an IRL meet up weekend every year. They call themselves "Ohana" (Hawaiian for family) and they are just that, a FAMILY.

The support and shared information through this non profit is amazing and so needed when navigating weight loss surgery.

This family is truly all they say they are. Not only support prior, during and after weight loss surgery but through life’s ups and downs. I am grateful for the leadership, testimonials and great ideas. This group has your back ������

This is the best bunch of people with the biggest hearts! The Christmas Junie project, Blue Jay Charity auction and Miss Charity's Classroom project for back to school are the top three non-profit projects for kids in need I have ever been a part of since I was a teenager. There are several other cases throughout the year where they help people that are facing hardships and need a hand. I love being a part of and seeing the sense of family and community fostered by Bariatric Weight Loss Family. Once you are a part of Bariatric Weight Loss Family, whether it's joining the Facebook group, donating to a cause, or are a recipient of any of the projects, you are never left behind or forgotten!

This group has made my life so much better. They have helped me through so much.

This charity does so much for people in need! Not just those that have had weight loss surgery…but so many people.

This nonprofit is the most amazing group. They provide emotional support, help out people in need year round. They are kind, compassionate, nonjudgmental. I feel good donating to them because I know the money goes directly to the people in need.

Bariatric Weight Loss Family helped me get the vitamins I need post-op when I couldn't afford them. It means the world to me!

Ohana means family and that just what this group is to me!

This group is so amazing you can read about other bariatric patients experience and there goals any of your questions will be answered promptly you can find deals and coupons on protein recipes and a rx app for discounts this family will always be there for you with love and compassion

This charity focuses on a holistic approach to weight loss. They work hard to make sure that people have resources for things that impact their lives because so many things can have an impact on our health beyond just losing a pound or two. They are welcoming of people from all walks of life and do not support hate or shaming.

I found this group back when I was sleeved in 2015. Gail and the other leaders quickly became like family. They were there when I struggled not only with my weight loss journey, but also with things in my personal life. Gail went above and beyond to check on me, my safety, and my kids during an awful divorce. This group also supported me through two unplanned pregnancies. I'm thankful for the support in upcoming weeks as I move forward with a revision to a full bypass. I've been blessed with the love and support of this group, but have also been completely blown away at the love and support they have given to countless others as well! I'm so proud and blessed to be apart of this family!

I've never seen humans support one another, and come together to give to those who are in a time of need quiet like BWLF. This organization is extremely special, not only those in the weight loss community, but to their families as well! The leaders of this group give back so much to the weightloss community, and I'm proud to be apart of it. So much love! So much giving! So Amazing!!

Love everything about BWLF. The non-judge mental advice/the listening the action when needed is what makes this non profit so special.

Best family I have ever been a part of! Not only do they uplift one another they uplift communities that each one of us live in through needed donations and following through with making sure everyone is doing good and is safe!

#1 support group EVER! Never judgment and never left behind.

I have been a part of this bariatric community since 2016 and it has definitely helped. They truly mean "family" when they say we are a "family". Ohana is not just a word to Gail Reeves and her wonderful group of mods. It's the truth. They're always on top of things, ready to answer questions, offer support, or lend a hand. I love being a part of this community.

I will honestly say this, this group is an experience. No words can describe it. You have to just become apart of the Family and see for yourself.

But I will leave you this….. IT’S WORTH IT❤️

Bwlf has helped countless lives, and continues to help. Gail's vision and philanthropic ideas are so wonderful. I'm honored to be part of such an amazing and uplifting group of people.

I've been with BWLFamily since 2017. We provide Christmas to 25-30 children annually, medical supplies to 1-2 children in need annually, and this year we provided a full year of school supplies, snacks, and school breakfasts to one kindergarten class from a Title I school. I absolutely love being able to work with this amazing group and can't wait to see where we grow from here!

Never have I known more giving people. If there is a need they go above and beyond to fill it. I truly love these people.

I had Weightloss surgery 3.5 years ago. My immediate family supported me but no one else. I found BWLF on Facebook and have had nothing but amazing things since. I have a group of people that are behind me no matter what. It’s not just weight loss related. We lost our home in Hurricane Laura in 2020 and they made sure we (my autistic son and I) had what we needed. With losing our home and being out of work due to the storm, I could afford Christmas. - they made sure my son had a Christmas. When my mom died of stage 4 cancer this year- they made sure my family and I was okay as possible. They are much more then just one or 2 people there for surgery. They make sure we are a family.

This group is more than just keyboard warriors. The most loyal, loving, caring group of strangers that form an ohana without ever meeting face to face. The group led by Gail came together for my daughter who is battling cancer and spoiled her rotten during the summertime. Being on one income there is no way we could have done this. They got her medical supplies, toys, clothing, and lots of love.

Best, most supportive group out there! They do a wonderful job.

The most supportive group I’m part of. I know it’s a judgment free zone and I’m so proud to be part of it. No one judges like other groups I’m in.

Im here to tell you about this positive and loving group! If you need Inspiration, support, a shoulder to lean on, its here! Their generosity in giving to children and the whole bariatric community is above and beyond! They are a blessing in so many ways!!

This is by far the best nonprofit I’ve been a part of. I absolutely love the drive it has to help others within its family and community. From the BlueJay auction to random acts of kindness for essential works to school supply drives, this group has unconditional love for it a members.

Our Ohana is just that, one big family. We support each other any way possible, and help those who need help as well. This group is incredible. But what makes this an amazing non-profit is the leaders and founders who refuse to give up on people who struggle with their WL journeys. The group has incredible resources, and they are all heart. I’m so blessed and honored to have been accepted by this group. There’s no judgment here; there is just love and support. I’m proud of our Ohana!

I've been a member for about 2 years. When I first started my journey I was scared and confused. I never thought a group of strangers would become family. The care and support are real. They take time to reach out to me when I'm struggling. They really are family.

this group has been so beyond amazing and supportive. When I have had no one else to stand beside me, this group has become my go to, my family.

They go way beyond helping with weight loss, you can make friends that will last a life time

Such a positive group! Love the support that this group gives me with no judgement.

My experience with Bariatric Weight loss Family has been really good. I can ask questions and get great advice on how to deal with something. Get support when I need it most. This group has helped me.

This nonprofit I'd the best I have been in for over 6 years. The support they give is more than I got from my own bariatric group. This group goes above and beyond to help out and give back.

BWLF is absolutely amazing. Gail is a true rock star and does everything she can to help everyone. She just busted her butt to raise money to purchase medical equipment for a little boy that so desperately needed. ������

Very supportive yet lots of twisted humor. Perfect for me!

BWLF has been my life saver for a number of years. This family is loving, caring, generous and all around the best group of people I have ever met! Their amazing charity work for children in need goes above and beyond any organization I have ever witnessed. Gail thank you for all you do for us and those children and Families in need of help!!

Very supportive group of people! I had bariatric surgery about 2 years ago. BWLF has inspired me, challenged me, encouraged me in some of my most challenging times! I can’t say enough about them! When you join BWLF, you are indeed with FAMILY!

They are so supportive and non judgemental of my journey. They ensure a safe space to get support. I am so glad I found them. Thank you all.

Excellent support group! Very positive and caring members!

This is by far the most supportive group that I have ever been involved with. The emotional support provided on a daily basis has been incredibly beneficial to the success of my journey.

Best group I have ever been a part of. An amazing group of people. I have been helped so mucn!!

This group is more than family. I've fallen on hard times this year. This group has helped my family with back to school supplies and the June project for Christmas. Absolutely love this group.

Ohana is exactly what it means Ohana.
We are thousands of people strong and every single person is kind,giving,understanding, basically any positive word you can think of.

This year has been a struggle for my husband and I, I applied for the assistance with Christmas. I was asked 4 wants 4 needs and they would list what it was each of my children wanted.

There was a woman who bought my daughters whole list!! Thats so HUGE. The kindness shown and given to a child that that person doesn’t even know!!! Just amazes me!

And to think Ohano is thousands deep with people just like this woman!! I love my Ohana and Im so glad to gave found their love and support! I wouldn’t have made it this far.

Thank you Ohana!

Without bwlf i wouldn't have the support and positive outlook on my weight loss journey!

As both a donor and a recipient of this charity, I can tell you my experience with it has been nothing short of amazing. It is well run by some of the most kind-hearted people I've ever had the privilege of knowing. They truly are family!

I stumbled across this delightful ohana group and suddenly felt like I was accepted again even tho I'm not always vocal in groups seeing others post about issues same as mine and the support the team and group gives gives me hope when I was at my darkest days I never was seeking assistance for my children even tho I have prayed for a break on all the bad luck this year has brought me and yet here I am with such family team that my kids actually will have a Christmas they never shy away from the hard questions or situations they go running like a bull they give true meaning to what a support team is not only a team a lifelong family

This amazing group has helped my family so much! My son is epileptic and has a lot of nocturnal seizures and they are fundraising to help us get some medical equipment he needs! They also helped assist with Christmas this year as I was a full time student who just started working a month ago. They truly treat you like family and I am blessed to be apart of this amazing group. The founder and mod squad always go above and beyond to make it a safe place! So grateful for my Ohana!

I love my family! Gail reeves is an amaving leader we have some of the most amazing mods and everyone is so loving and caring we are a family! I would never give these amazing people up!

This group is so amazing! Whenever I feel nervous about my decisions, they are there to help me. They help so many people every day

Wonderful and supportive. Amazing how they love and help others

I really appreciate this group of wonderful people, I only wish I would have had support like this when I first had my RNY surgery back in 2004. I love the insight and camaraderie that comes along with being part of this group.

I was added to this group by a friend of mine when I was in the the planning stages of surgery and am now 8 months post op. This group has been loving, encouraging, informative, and humorous the whole entire way. From the Admins to its members, this is a spectacular support group. Weight loss surgery isn’t easy, and this is a wonderful place to learn from all sorts of experiences and walks of life. I’m so thankful for this group!

I am on the journey and about to have surgery coming up in September, I found this group in Feb when a friend who has had WLS added me. All I can say is I have never seen such a more beautiful community of people who do nothing but lift each other up and encourage one another. Every one really treats each other as family and offers a lot of support and willingness to help others on their journeys. There were times I thought about quitting but thank you to these individuals I feel confident I am making the best choice for myself.

I'm in the process of getting a sleeve to rny revision with hiatal hernia repair. So, I joined a revision group. Let me tell you, there is no group like BWLF! You guys are awesome. I left that group yesterday. A member of the revision group posted that she was doing a pouch reset to help her lose again. Another member was just so vile. She commented resets dont work. She then began a tyrade of trying to argue with a few people. All I could think is ,this would NEVER be allowed on BWLF! I'm so thankful for this group and the admins and mods who make sure we are all being supported, not ridiculed.

This group has been a support system and a life-line for myself and so many others. The availability and attention given to every member is just beyond comparison with any other group I’ve been involved in.

Not only a great support group for bariatric patients but also a family that helps with all of life's ups and downs.

At any moment when I needed someone to talk to there was always someone there. BWLF will always be my 2nd family

I accidentally stumbled across Family 1 year ago. In that time I've received so much love from a woman that was a complete stranger, who had decided to change the world for the good. This stranger, is now one of my closest, dearest, friends, this once stranger is now my sister. A woman who has a heart of a warrior and thinks of others before herself, who gives selflessly without a second thought, and loves so fierce, you can feel it from the words she types.
So thank you Gail for loving us strangers so unconditionally, we're all so grateful for you.

I was lost until I found this amazing group, who I now call FAMILY! The love, support, and encouragement is beyond what anyone could ever expect or imagine!!!

The amount of love and support is beyond anything I could have imagined when my husband and I found this group.

Hi I am so amazed by all the love and support this family had for me and everyone in it! I am beyond d grateful for all of them. They are so amazing. I dont think I could have gotten thru my surgery if i hadnt had all the support!

I’m still pre-op but this group has been so kind and welcoming. So many questions have been answered for me. Thank you!

This group is beyond amazing. The help they offer tens of thousands of people daily is truly remarkable and they have forever impacted my life! They are the best family you could hope to have!

BWLF has been the only group that has been a completely judgment free and supportive. They don't judge you or food police you. I have made life-long friends in this group. We have become more than a Facebook group. We have become a charity, bringing attention to important causes and supporting people in need. We are a family and I'm so honored to be a part of it.

Every single day we help tens of thousands of people. Our goal is to change the world with kindness And I can honestly say I see that happened every single day

BWLF has made an impact on my life and offered so much support, love and help before and after my surgery. They truly are like family (except the kind you actually wANt to be around!) I don’t know where I would be without these folks!!

This group helped me with any concerns before my surgery and with the many questions I had afterwards. The love and support I get and give as one of the Mods in this group, is truly that of a family.

When my children were in need of school supplies at the beginning of the school year, they helped out. I’m so thankful for their generosity!

what a wonderful and supportive group of people. Everyone is so kind and helpful.

I've been in this group for well over 2 years. It has helped me in so many different ways. I could never repay them for all they have done for me. From counseling me when I needed to talk to advising me on what todo.

This group is an amazing community, full of people willing to answer questions, be a listening ear, and offer support and encouragement. It really has become a family.

This nonprofit group is amazing they have help me an so many ways through out my journey there is always a helping hand to give advice when needed an recently providing me with school supplies for my two girls in my time of need I’m very grateful for this group

I found Family when i started researching bariatric surgery support. family is the 1st group I joined. very compassionate, friendly people. They have answered many questions for me along this journey

When you think of an online support group you don't think "These will be my friends and family". However this is what you get when you join BWLF! They welcome you to the group when you join, check up on you if you are having health issues, come together and support you in a time of need! Whether you just need to lurk and absorb the information or be an active participant you are welcome and loved!

I was really nervous about having bariatric surgery. I found this charity and they by far exceeded my expectations. If you need them, they’re there. They judge no one and love and respect everyone! I share them with everyone I meet who is considering it has had surgery!!

So much love in the group! I don't know where I would be without Family.

The support I've received before and after surgery is invaluable! This group and its founder truly care and show it with daily encouragement,checking in on those who are Ill and giving to those who can't afford their vitamins and protein and more! I can't say enough good things about them.

I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing this group is. I was so nervous and afraid of having my surgery and I joined this group and they have made me feel like I was family and made me feel confident. I will always be grateful for this group. They are my O’hana ♥️

Had the sleeve done in January of 2018. It has been a blessing being able to chat with people who have had surgery prior to me. This group continues to be a blessing after surgery by being there cheering you on and never judging you.

Never have I met a more caring &loving group of people who became my family .These people really care about you&love you

This group is AMAZING!! It is a safe place where we can vent in private with others going through similar situations. And even if they aren't, they help in all other ways. This is a support group and they do just that, but they are also FAMILY! Thank you Gail and all moderators, you are all super AWESOME!! Thank you to all the members, you are awesome people as well!!

This is so much more than 'just a Facebook group'. They are truly family. Support is given in many forms whether it be an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, inspiration and guidance when you're feeling lost or a heart felt cheering section when you share your accomplishments.
The bariatric process is a life changing event and most people who have never had bariatric surgery don't really 'get it'. Every aspect of your day-to-day life can be impacted in some way. The awesome moderators are committed to keeping Family a safe, judgement free place for all their members.
Personally, as soon as I found BWLF, I felt at home. There is always someone ready to lend an ear or share what they've learned. It's reassuring to know you're not alone with your experience, no matter what stage you are at.

This is the best group EVER. Its not just a support group, its a family. I have met some wonderful people (some in person and sone not) that i consider my sisters and brothers. Without these people i would have failed miserably with my WLS. The encouragement, the support, and everything else is amazing!! I love everyone in the group.

This group has had an amazing impact on my weightlose Journey I have come so far and this group is the reason why! The support is amazing with no judgements!!

This truly is a family! One that supports and loves and laughs and genuinely cares about the well being of all the members! I’m so grateful I found this family! We are #ohanastrong

What can I say??? In a world or darkness this group gives you love, hope and support. Its non judgemental approach and acceptance is the key to their quality members and Moderators. They have helped me find my best self!!! I love family!!!

Absolutely amazing and uplifting group! Great leadership and guidance from people who have walked the walk!! Finally I'm home

I am a two-time bariatric patient. I had the gastric sleeve in 2016 and was converted to gastric bypass in April, 2018. Suffice it to say, I've been a member of several forum boards and online support groups directed toward bariatric patients. I was dissatisfied and, to be honest, horrified by how nasty people can be to each other in these groups. Then I found Bariatric Weight Loss Family. I found my home. The members and the folks behind the scene are the kindest, warmest, most welcoming group I have ever come across on the internet. The support and love that is given to its members is incomparable. No topic is off limits - unless it is hurtful to other members - and I have yet to find someone insulting or nasty. If you have had bariatric surgery or are contemplating it, I strongly suggest you find this amazing group of people. You won't be sorry.

This non-profit serves a real need for those preparing to go through bariatric surgery. They truly give back to the community as well!

From the moment I decided I needed to have wls, I searched for support groups.
Then I found BWLF. It was more than a support group. It truly was a family. Closer and more supportive than my own.
I have found a sense of belonging and being here. The founder, admins, and mods are the greatest. They watch over all their memebers. Whether you e been part of family for one day or one year, you are still loved all the same.
From non judgemental support (which is hard to find) for wls, just weight loss, recipes, falling off track (and getting back on... no matter how many times), and everything in between, they are there.
I dont know if I would have continued with my journey and being this successful, if it wasnt for the love and generosity of my FAMILY!!!!

This group is phenomenal, from before I had my surgery all the way up to now they’ve been there for support. You can come on here and ask one question and in the matter of a few minutes your getting answers, and help. This group is so supportive in every way. My son Hunter was diagnoses last year with epilepsy, this group wanted to reach out and help anyway they could they all came together and did a silent auction in memory of a members child to raise the fund for me and my wife to get a service dog trained for my son who really needs it. I don’t know what family means to you, but this definitely tells me that all the people of this group are definitely now a part of my family for what they did for me my wife and my son. I love this group and Gail and the rest of the Sr. And Jr. Mods are great thank you for everything

BWLF helped me prior to my weight loss surgery and has continued to offer love and support for almost two years now. A fantastic group and fantastic people!

At 48 years old. I had a full gastric bypass surgery, as I was morbidly obese at 328 pounds! I had swollen legs, up past my knees. Also had a right knee which prevented me to exercise. My heart was giving out.
Some will say that having weight loss surgery is the “easy way”, at losing weight.
I’m here to tell ya, what part of: getting approval from my insurance, having to take a mental health test consisting of 5-6 hundred questions, and then seeing a psychologist. To see if you are mentally capable of enduring this life changing way of life.
I had the surgery...and had to in a sense learn how to go from a liquid diet, and stepping up to soft foods, and eventually to regular food. In addition to not being able to drink until 30 minutes after a meal, and not drinking with a meal, taking vitamins 4X /day and spaced apart, so that yournoron and calcium do not compete with each other, all the while having to meet protein and water intake demands. Yeah the easy way out?
Which brings me to the Bariatric Weight Loss Family non profit. This has been such an inspiration to supporting not only me, but the other 16K members that have been supported.
This is a non judge mental no bias, website to support those who I’ve had, or are thinking about weight loss surgery. Because it’s VERY HARD, to stay on track, and accountable while going through this life changing process.
This non profit offers amyhjgnnad everything from: advice, support, ideas, tips, support and encouragement for Bariatric weight loss.
Itbjas touched the lives of those in need through generous donations of: time, assistance, education and raising funds, for those that are in need.
This non profit is such an asset at providing: Education,’mental health support, helping 16K members to stay on track, answer questions, and providing folks that are struggling to maintain the way of life, post surgery for weight loss.
I have never been witness to such an outpouring of love, support, and enriching the lives of not only the 16K members, or those that are in need.

Amazing group that provides support, love and encouragement. Weight loss surgery can have a stigma to it... but here in family there is no judgment, only love. This organization also helps with vitamins, supplements, school supplies and even helped a family with a therapy dog. It is inspiring to see what this group of volunteers does to help so many.

The best support group I have ever been a part of. There has always been someone available to respond to any questions or concerns I have. And just the genuine love of everyone there is something that doesn't exist elsewhere.

I was looking for a WSL to join and Family won hands down. These group of people make you feel like Family, may not be blood but in some cases it's better. I have gotten more support from this group than from my blood Family and that says a lot right there. They are not here for WLS only, oh no, they get to know the members and can tell if they are having problems and step right on in to do whatever it takes to help. The charities, special needs of children, members self confidence and so so much more than a group of loving people that just want to help in anyway. I will be with them forever now that I to are helping others. Ohana Family

This group has been there for me since i joined, they are always trying to help other everytime i am on the page i have yet to read a negative comment or anything else.

This group supports bariatric patients thru their journey emotionally and financially if need be for meds to sustain life

This is a real family! We are all United. I have never witnessed such an impactful network of tender, compassionate, uplifting people in my life! We encourage, inspire and motivate each other to strive to be our best selves. And we are all welcomed unconditionally. There are groups for everyone. No one is left behind. We think of everyone bc everyone is important and part of this family. #ohanastrong

The only place you need to come for support. Come as strangers, stay as family.