Do the wls benefits outweigh the risks?

A resounding yes!  For me...all my co-morbidities are resolved after 5 months (diabetes, hbp, high cholesterol, hip pain).  Just sleep apnea to go now.  It's the best thing I've ever done for myself.  Each person has to weigh the pros and cons though and it is a last resort, not the first go to.

For Sure YES!!

It's not the easy way, but I also don't think it has to be the last resort either.  WLS is the best tool the world has in the fight against obesity.  It works great, when you work it.  I developed alcoholism after surgery, which is a known risk, but the benefits for me have far out-weighed the struggles and difficulties.  (I am in recovery and 4+ years sober.) 

  jastypes,

Congratulations on your successful period of sobriety and your weight loss.

Thank you so much for your response and for being the real you in this post, love the honesty!

Thanks everyone for your awesome responses!