Obesity Community Fund

03/04/2026

This is more than a transformation — it’s a new beginning.

Through dedication, support, and expert care, our patient has taken a powerful step towards a healthier, fuller life.

Stories like this remind us why we do what we do.

01/04/2026

Our very first committee meeting with our 8 dedicated volunteers has officially taken place — and what an incredible start!

This marks an exciting step forward for the Obesity Community Fund as we continue to grow our impact together.

We look forward to introducing each volunteer and their portfolios during April and May.

Thank you to every individual who has stepped up to make a difference.

30/03/2026

“Same me, different chapter.”

In just 4 months, Madelein Kleynhans has achieved an incredible milestone—33 kg down.

Her journey is a powerful reflection of courage, consistency, and commitment, supported by faith and the right medical care.

Madelein’s success was made possible through the collective support of Dr Thinus Smit, the bariatric team, dedicated practice staff, and the Obesity Community Fund—each playing a meaningful role in her transformation.

Stories like this remind us why we do what we do.

27/03/2026

Patient number 10—fully funded.
A milestone made possible by the unwavering support of our members.

This is more than a number. It’s a life changed, a future restored, and proof that together, we are making a real and lasting impact.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

26/03/2026

This could be you! Go to www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za, click on “membership and application” and follow the steps to become a member of the Obesity Community Fund.

Patient nr 10 for the OCF today! She is also the second patient that is fully funded through membership contributions! Real progress!

Be the change you want to see in society!

26/03/2026

www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

25/03/2026

Patient number 10 has been successfully funded by OCF—made possible through the incredible support of our members.

Together, we are making a meaningful impact. Thank you.

20/03/2026

This is why it is one of the most studied and effective treatments available.
Education reduces fear. Accurate information empowers decisions.
Visit our website.
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

19/03/2026

Are you post-op? Consider joining this group by our partner bariatric dietitian, Nicola Drabble.

On Tuesday night we had our alumni meeting with my group patients, we had a really interesting conversation…

We were talking about post-op expectations.
Because before surgery, many patients have a picture in their mind of how things will go:
“I’ll lose the weight.”
“I’ll reach my goal.”
“Then everything will great.”

But I think we all know, real life after surgery doesn’t always look like that!
Life goes on. The early structure fades. The food noise can come back. Old habits can quietly creep back.

And that’s where the conversation shifted to goal weight.
Because many patients are still chasing a number.
* A number based on BMI (I think this has been ingrained in us!)
* A number someone else gave them – which is often unrealistic
* A number that feels like the “finish line.”

We need to remember
👉 Goal weight is not one fixed number.
It depends on so many things:
• the type of surgery you’ve had (expected % weight loss differs between procedures).
• your lifestyle and habits
• your starting point
• how your body responds

So comparing yourself to a number — or to someone else — often leads to the feeling of failure.

So let’s shift the focus…success is not just about weight loss.
It’s about
⭐ how your body is functioning
⭐ how you feel
⭐ how you’re living your life
⭐ if you are getting into photos!

And that’s exactly what we focus on inside my course:
You Only Better: Your Bariatric Wellness Blueprint

An online 6-week program designed to help you understand your tool, rebuild confidence around food, and create long-term results that go beyond just a number on the scale.

📅 The next group starts 7 May 7pm

If you’d like to read more about it, you can find the details here:
👉 https://www.nicoladrabble.co.za/course_signup_page

💬 A quick question for you...
Did your expectations of life after surgery match your reality?

18/03/2026

We are looking for passionate volunteers — including patients, family members, friends, and professionals — who care deeply about serving people living with obesity. These are voluntary roles requiring approximately 4 – 8 hours per month.

Please note: These positions are entirely voluntary. They are not paid roles, and no funds are available for remuneration or stipends.

Fundraising coordinator
Help mobilise resources to fund patient sponsorships and education initiatives. Responsibilities include identifying fundraising opportunities, assisting with campaigns, engaging potential donors, and supporting sponsorship proposals.


Your commitment
• Approximately 4 - 8 hours per month doing the portfolio activities
• 1 quarterly online board meeting to report progress and plan the next quarter
• Fully voluntary roles (no remuneration or financial compensation)
• Remote contribution is possible for these roles and we prefer a national and demographical representation for our volunteer organisation

If you would like to serve, please email: mari@obesitycommunityfund.co.za
Subject line: OCF Volunteer Application
Together, we can mobilise resources, challenge stigma, and expand access to care.

16/03/2026

Impact you can see.

9 patients have already received support through the Obesity Community Fund.

And with the support of our community, many more lives can be changed.

10/03/2026

The Obesity Community Fund has reached an important moment — the first patient whose bariatric surgery was fully funded by the community itself.

This shows what is possible when people support each other on the journey to better health.

Read the story here: