crazy question

I am not brand new to this board but i am still considered new. My friend from work introduced me to this site. Everyone has been wonderful. I wondered why i did not see any people of color. Then thought well maybe I am one of five black people who want wls. That was so not true. I looked ath the other forums. Why is there a separate forum for blacks. I met a lot of wonderful people on that forum also. I have learned so much from this board. The people have not cared or even wanted to know my race. Who created the forums? Did OH creat them. I don't have a problem with having a variety of forums but i just wonder why. I posted this to ask why. I will contact OH also. I just feel stupid going back and forth when we all have the same goal..... to be healthy.

hmmmm. What a question....I myself belong to more than one forum...OH created them. Some were created when members asked for a specific forum. I know for a fact that people who come to the CT forum are of different ethnic backgrounds....But I would not say that we do not care...Everyone who comes here brings a little diversity with them, the more diversity the better , if you ask me...I like things diverse. So.. we are all different, but we do have a common goal....we come here to seek out support from others who share that goal. To escape from obesity, to become healthy, to learn new ways of coping with old demons...That is my goal. That is why I come here. If you find the support here that you need, good...If you find it on other forums as well, even better....none of them are an exclusive society (as far as I know)... So, Does that answer your question?

I am not sure hwo suggested that they be created but somebody must have felt a need. I know I participate in a few OH boards myself, and just learn from others on all boards and contribute/support when I have something valuable to add. It is an interesting question, I know that on the CT board it does not matter what your race, religion, etc., we are all here to support each other. That is the most important part of these boards. I do wonder how OH will reply! Wherever you are comfortable and feel like you are getting the support is where you should post.Sometime it is in multiple places like myself. Good luck! Nancy K

Welcome Joann! Above all... the main goal is our common bond of finally being able to get results for our obesity problem. Yet, what a beautiful tapestry we all create by coming together bringing our unique qualities towards helping each other as we journey down this path. I suppose I can see why some would want a "special" group for specific discussions allowing more space and time. But I for one am glad for the blend we have here on the CT Forum. I do believe we have a special bond that is strong and growing even stronger as time passes. Not all state forums are as tight as we are here (I have heard from other states). Yet I am glad to have the choice... to move about on OH to find what I need at any given time. Like a home without walls. And, as I am sure you have experienced at some point in your life, what you see is not always what you get. I am a very light "Eye"talian looking middle aged gal who is "proud" to say that part of my familial mix is black... My great great Grandfather was James McCune Smith, M.D. hailing from NYC. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/partners/early/e_pioneers_smith.html DIVERSITY... gotta love it... brings to that tapestry... beauty and color...Literally. As that we in the CT forum are a very diverse group of folks...I have learned so much about life beyond the WLS journey from so many in this forum. Welcome again to the CT board. You chose a fine surgeon BTW. Towanda

I dunno what to say except maybe some black people approached OH asking for it at one point. I can imagine that there may be issues related to WLS that are particular to the African American crowd- 1) scarring can be different people with dark color skin tend to keloid and have scarring issues 2) ethnic/cultural issues can be different- health and wellness perceptions vary amongst different races/ethnic backgrounds- diet habits vary- family issues vary....just my humble 2 cents as a health professional. Oh- also health risks vary- African Americans are more prone to type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure than caucasians. Asians and Hispanics have different issues as well- do they have their own forums as well? I never noticed. There is a forum for just about anything. And like some people said- they cross forums and post on various places here. If you find support and friendship on the other forum, great, there is no reason to confine yourself to one forum- and I don't think OH wants you to think you have to go to that forum only!!!! I know one thing- the CT board is a great place to hang out and get support- so do stay here- but you can spread your loyalties out- we don't have exclusive right to you.