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A Beginner's Guide to the SparkPeople Message Boards

Proven to Increase Your Chances of Success!

-- By SparkPeople
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We are very excited you are here and hope this will be a timely source of support and motivation as you work toward your goals. Did you know that SparkPeople members who use the Message Boards are more likely to lose weight than those who do not? In fact, in a recent survey, message board users lost more weight and stuck with the program longer than non-posters.

As effective as they are, Message Boards can be intimidating to a new user. Just take your time looking through the different forums and support groups. Everyone here is welcoming and wants to help each other, so feel free to pop in to any of the threads and say hello!

Here are some other tips to help you get started and make the best of your experience:
  • Start a new thread on the Message Boards (the "Introduce Yourself" forum is a great place to start). You’ll soon receive responses of people who are welcoming you!
  • Not sure how to make a post? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions which explain how to use some of the features on the site.
  • Personalize your experience! Set up your SparkPage to help people get to know you. Your pictures and text could be of you or anything else that represents who you are.
  • Use the Message Board "Search" function to look for answers to common questions such as "What are some snacks I can take to work?" Check the dates of threads before you reply; if the most recent post is more than a few weeks old, start a new thread for your question.
  • Try your best to post questions in the proper forum. For example, questions about your workout should be posted in the "Fitness and Exercise" forum.
  • Make the topic of your thread specific. Rather than "I need advice," it is more helpful for other members if the title relates to your question or comment, such as "Any advice for healthy breakfasts?"
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help! The SparkPeople "Resident Experts" can answer any questions you might have, and other members are always willing to help too!
  • It’s always a good idea to read over your posts before you send them. This gives you a chance to clarify anything that might be misunderstood. What sounds great in your head may come across differently in print.
  • You’ll see a lot of abbreviations on the boards that can be confusing. Here are some of the most common:
    ((( )))- hugs
    J/K- just kidding
    IOW- in other words
    IMHO- in my humble opinion
    BBL- be back later
    BTW- by the way
    LOL- laugh out loud
    DH- dear husband
    OMG- oh my goodness
    TIA- thanks in advance
    WDYT- what do you think
A Quick Reminder About Online Community Etiquette

Online communities are just like real-world communities in many ways. Occasionally you will disagree with someone or find people who have different views or beliefs. That's okay as long as we keep the tone of messages as supportive and positive as possible.

Communication experts say that the "tone" of communication is more important than what is actually said. This means that there are positive and negative ways to give feedback to each other. You always have a choice in how to respond to any post. If someone happens to make a mistake or uses a negative tone in a post, you can prevent a negative cycle by choosing to respond in a positive tone. We work hard to keep SparkPeople a positive community. If you see anything that is a violation of our Community Guidelines, please click the "Report Inappropriate Post" link at the bottom of any thread and our staff will be notified of the problem via email.

Lastly, SparkPeople takes the safety of its members very seriously. Please keep in mind that other Internet users can see your posts. Also, be very cautious about giving out personal contact information on the Message Boards (or via e-mail) to other members.

We’re glad you are here and hope to see you on the Message Boards soon! If you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to help make your experience better, just let us know!

Once again, welcome!

The SparkPeople Team
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Member Comments

  • TRICKAANN
    Hi!! I have been on weight roller coaster most of my adult years..I have tried every diet there is and here we go again. . . . this time Im going to do it and keep it off. I need to lose about 45 lbs. I go really good then go on binges get up and go at it again. PORTION CONTROL is my problem also.. So I am making a commitment to do it and do it right...
    - 5/27/2013 7:47:40 PM
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  • CELTICMAID
    I forgot to say that I looked at an exercise section in here somewhere......
    There are some lovely videos to add to favourites and share too - the sitting safely in a chair are so good and there are goodies in youtube too.
    Every little helps, and I am most appreciative that it is all acceptable - any efforts are good news and slips are human and we plough on!
    There is so much here I am lost but just pootle about anyway! - 5/2/2013 5:27:45 AM
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  • CELTICMAID
    So impressed every time I visit, impressed with the site itself and all the bods in the fight!
    Head injured so awfully forgetful, otherwise all there, or rather here...if I repeat myself, have forgotten things altogether, altogether muddled (concentration issues) I am very sorry but these faculties have become damaged, abducted physical bits (sigh) but CAN DO - accept slow, repetitive and finite ability and endurance.
    This means SLOW weight loss.
    Have you all noticed that it goes up very quickly and down S L O W L Y !???????? - 5/2/2013 5:20:48 AM
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  • GBOATENG
    hi, i am a mother of two and 190 lbs. I would like to loose 40 lbs gradually and am open to sugestions on what i can to do to keep me going... - 5/1/2013 3:57:25 PM
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  • JKCOFFEE4
    Hello All,
    My name is John I am 60 years old. And last i had my foot amputee and i be came handicap,you after 7 operations they count not save it. So for the past 6 years i have been just siting around and ganging weight,any how know i slowing learning to walk.so my problem is i can only walk about 100 step a day,yes i can move my upper body,put i not sure how many Calories i will burn off.
    Any suggestions will be welcomed. - 4/23/2013 3:31:41 PM
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  • JKCOFFEE4
    Hello All
    This is my first day,with this program.I hope i can do this being handicap and all.
    I am 60+ and for the past 5 years i have had 7 operation on my foot,with no luck
    So in 2012 i had my foot amputee,any i still trying to walk.Exercising is still kind of hard to do.Any suggestions will be welcomed.
    - 4/23/2013 12:45:02 PM
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  • LUVURSELF3
    Hello:

    I am considering a weight loss camp for teens. Has any one been? Where did you go and what was your experience like? Good? Bad?

    I live in CA and considering: Camp Shane and BalanceMe. I've looked at reviews online but I am always worried that they may be biased & not give the true picture.

    Please help, summer is coming soon.

    Thanks a lot & Good Luck to All!

    *******NO MATTER WHAT, NEVER EVER, EVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF*********
    **** - 4/17/2013 10:36:13 PM
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  • MJFFARMS
    Good morning Im Mr mark--I am a farmer rancher that likes to go lean in the winter and gain it back in the summer--I know opposite of what you would think--right--wel
    l I work out almost every day in the winter and no time (or I do not take time) in the summer--cannot seem to break that cycle..my sons fall wedding has me focused on the change up for this year --hope I can make it a life change.. - 4/17/2013 8:55:33 AM
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  • MONIKERS7
    Hello All!
    I am new to the site and am praying that w/ all the tools, recipes and support that I will start my new journey off on the right foot. I have at least 75 lbs to loose and am discouraged just at the sound of that number. I am at a point where I must get better for my family and myself. Time to take care of me for a change... Best wishes to all of you on this journey as well :)
    - 4/5/2013 1:28:35 AM
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  • MERYL1914
    Hi there
    I am new to the site so I am still finding my way around. I have around 50 pounds to lose and I am 53. I have been procrastinating for awhile in regard to getting "moving". yesterday I went out with my husband for a 15 min walk yesterday and I am about to go out very soon by myself. I have my ipod all ready. I hope I manage ok. Everyone seems very friendly and supportive in this site. there a lot of things to do and people are very inspiring. good luck everyone today for whatever you choose to do for your health. - 4/4/2013 10:02:45 AM
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  • SANDYRUE
    I joined a few months ago, but have not returned to the site since. I am excited to be returning. I want (need) to lose about 40 lbs to try to improve myself for health reasons. I am afraid of becoming diabetic since it runs in my family. I look forward to "speaking" to all of you again. Good luck all. - 4/4/2013 12:27:06 AM
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  • MOLLYRO2
    I am happy I joined today. I kept looking at it in my favorite folder and couldn't decide until today. But, we could all use help now and then for something. Well I need help to lose that extra 60 lbs I am carrying around. I would like to hike these Great Smokey Mountains where I moved about 4 years ago. There is so much to see here but I have trouble breathing with all this extra weight. I believe this site will work wonders for me. Thanks so much. Diane - 4/3/2013 10:35:38 PM
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  • DOLLIEGIRL4
    Hi, I just joined and am learning how to get around. I had gastric bypass surgery several years ago and kept my weight off for a long time. I now find myself gaining and am very terrified that old habits are returning . I need to get 20-30 pounds off. This is my 3rd day on Sparks. Would like to make friends and meet anyone else post gastric bypass. My interest are gardening , duplicate bridge,and reading. I excited to meet you all. Best of wishes in reaching your goals - 4/3/2013 5:33:25 PM
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  • NEVADAGIRL
    Hi, I am older than most of you, 72 1/2 years old and battled weight problems since I started having children. Like most of you I love to eat and cook, so the weight stays on; I play tennis three times a week, but that isn't enough to keep the weight off. I have tried almost every weight loss program, some very expensive and still have the same old problem. I hope I can stay active on Sparks People, it is a good tool. - 4/2/2013 12:21:30 PM
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  • CHIPMUNKB
    Hi there, I am new to this, just signed up today. I am almost 57, in 6 days. I need help to lose all the weight I put on while beng laid off from work. Still looking for work too and that causes stress and weight gain. Any sugguestions will be welcomed. - 4/1/2013 7:34:31 PM
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