josiek1988

Well, i am starting over here. I had lap band surgery in 2014 and have nothing but problems ever since! So, i am starting this process all over in order to get this band out and have a sleeve revision done. I was going to delete the previous post but when i read it i realized that it was all still correct and on point so im leaving it. What follows is from march 2014 -My name is Joann and today I am encouraged! I am 43 years old and am currently 316lbs. I am abodopted so I know nothing about by biological parents. I do know know that I look in the mirror and I see a smaller person hiding behind my face. That may sound weird but it's true. I just got married last May to my best friend! My husband is the biggest and best support! He loves me the way that I am but encourages me to be the person I want to be. If that is a smaller person than he supports me in that. He may be more excited for me than I am!!! I have two sons and they are both excited for me and this journey to begin. As for the rest of my family, I have chosen to keep this to myself for now. Although I love them, they can be very judgmental and I need support not critics right now.At this point, I have completed all of the paperwork and am waiting on my consultation with the doctor. Knowing that I am that much closer fuels my fire! I am getting antsy!!! I am soooo ready!I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. For a long time I had the attitude that I am a full figured black woman, this is my lot in life. But once I got married, I started nagging my husband to go to the dentist and doctor, to get himself together FOR ME! Then one day I looked at myself in the mirror and said, "Girl...you need to get YOURSELF together!!" And that was the day!Just like all of you I'm sure, I have spent thousands of dollars on diets, programs and gym memberships. I am over that. Now I ride my bike and swim, it's free and I love it!So, here we go! I look forward to reading more success stories and getting feed back on my progress and questions. I thank God for groups like this! May you all be blessed on your journey!