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!

Hi Joann!! I'm so glad I saw your post. I'm a mother whose baby was removed from her at the age of 17 while being held in a maternity "home" in Washington, D.C. This was 1966. I wonder if I can be of help to you in that regard? I'm very much into activism regarding this period of time referred to as the Baby Scoop Era (post WWII through 1972)... or anyone else here who is a mother like me or adopted. My project is the Baby Scoop Era Research Initiative, www.babyscoopera.com

I know many mothers and adopted people have food issues and weight problems. I'm so sorry that your afamily isn't supportive or that you are having problems getting them to understand, or whatever the issue is re them.

Congratulations on taking the step to focus on YOU!!! I did the same. I had the banding on February 17th. I've lost 47 lbs so far.

Please let me know if you would like to connect with me directly. My email is karenwb2@verizon.net I can steer you to some really good support groups!!

KarenWB

Richmond, VA

Welcome!!!

Karen,

Thank you! I was adopted in Ohio and as of May 2015, all sealed records from 1969 and 1986 will be open. Between now and then all birth parents have the opportunity to file no contact requests as well as updating medical records. So if nothing else I will have access to medical history. But I could very well know the name of my biological mother.

As far as my family goes, after 43 years I am use to the lack of support. As long as I have my husband, boys, church and friends, I'm gonna be GREAT!

Welcome JoAnn. I have arthritis as do many others on this forum. I was in horrific pain and almost bedridden. Now I can do almost anything. I just did laps in the pool and a year ago all I could do was paddle around a little. Good luck to you!