Jacqueline’s story is complex and detailed. She wrote: “I’m 29 years old, my name is Jacqueline Adan, I’m from California, and I’ve always struggled with my weight.”
“I was uncomfortable with my body image and thought I looked bad from a young age; the more upset I became about it, the more I ate.”
“I was furious at myself for allowing food to govern my life and contribute to my severe weight gain. No matter what I tried, it seemed like I could never stick to any form of “diet” plan and would either regain the weight I had lost plus some or I would quit when it became too difficult and return to eating. I was always different from everyone else because I was constantly “dieting” or concerned about food and my physique, and I was sick of it!”
“By the time I started college in 2005, I had given up on trying to eat like my peers. I simply wanted a “normal” college experience, so I began eating like everyone else and stopped caring.”
“Kevin, my partner, and Jenny agreed to go to Disneyland Resort at the end of 2011. It’s a place where anything is possible, and wishes are granted. I’ve always liked Disneyland Resort since I was a child, and it’s a location where I instantly feel like a princess.”
“I thought going to the Happiest Place on Earth would make me feel better, but when we arrived, I couldn’t even make it to the front gate.
I was embarrassed that I couldn’t walk and had acquired so much weight.”
“When I was in a wheelchair at Disneyland, I felt quite self-conscious. Everyone was staring, condemning, and admiring the obese girl on wheels who couldn’t even stand! It was embarrassing.”
“Even though I told my sister and Kevin I didn’t want to ride the coasters, I knew I wouldn’t fit, which killed me. I agreed to go on a few rides that I thought I could fit on, but I forgot about one tiny aspect.”
“I felt awful as I stood at the turnstile watching Kevin and my sister pass through. I couldn’t believe I’d allowed myself to get that big. I went to the bathroom and cried.”
“I realized I needed to change a few days after turning 25. I realized one morning that I needed to do something about my weight. I desired to improve my situation.
As I walked out of the center that day, I felt prepared, determined, overwhelmed, and afraid.”
“By May 2013, I had achieved half of my goal weight. This was a significant achievement for me, and I was eager to continue dropping weight to meet my goal. I returned to Disneyland in August 2013 with Kevin, Jenny, and my cousins. This was a significant milestone for me, but I was concerned about how I would look and feel in public. Fortunately, it was my relatives’ first visit to Disneyland, so that I couldn’t pass it up!”
“I was excited to ride the attractions but required a wheelchair. As we stood in line, my cousins grabbed my hand and led the way. Even though it was emotionally difficult for me, I could fit on every ride and avoid getting stuck in any turnstiles. I would no longer allow my weight to keep me from having fun in life.”
“I’d always seen Disneyland as a place where dreams came true. I was ecstatic when Kevin got down on one knee in front of the castle on Christmas Eve.”
“I’d already dropped a lot of weight and was halfway to my goal. I weighed 200 pounds less than when we first went to Disneyland, and I was engaged to the man who had always supported me. I resolved that no matter how long it took, I would marry with the body I had worked so hard for, next to the man who had been at my side throughout it all.”
“Losing weight has been a tremendous accomplishment for me, but I’m having trouble dealing with the extra skin. It’s unpleasant, causing rashes, neck and back pain, and headaches.”
“Because the insurance company considers surgery to remove excess skin to be cosmetic, I’m still waiting for them to approve the procedure. Even though I’m still recovering from my first operation, I’m trying to be optimistic about the future. There’s still time left in my life, and I want to live it in a way that makes me proud.”
Jacqueline is an extraordinary individual who is driven and determined. She has faced numerous problems throughout her life but has always found a way to overcome them.
Her story is truly unique, and she is living proof that with support and commitment, anything is possible. We wish her continued success and hope that she continues to inspire others.
