I'll weigh in (pun intended). I went for medical intervention not because it was "taking the easy way out" and I certainly wasn't "duped". The fact is, I could not get control of things on my own. It wasn't for a lack of effort, research, willpower or determination. If you can name a diet in the past 40 years, I was on it. They don't work long term. None of them. Not for me at least, and I don't know a single person that has had lifelong success while working a "fad" diet. The only way to maintain that I buy into, is a complete and total lifestyle change with a dedication to yourself, following a high-protein, low carb diet with plenty of water. That can be done without surgery, but for some, even that isn't sustainable without the help and support of a forum such as this. Fasting or other gimmick diet, or something like WLS, it all boils down to a dedication to a lifestyle change in your head. Without that, nothing will work because humans are a creature of habit by nature. Surgical intervention is only one tool, nothing more. It isn't a magic bullet, it is an aide for those that choose. That choice doesn't make them weak, or desperate; it doesn't make them wrong or foolish for choosing it. They certainly aren't "stupid" any more than WLS is a stupid option. I have an I.Q of 186, averaged out over 3 professionally administered tests (not those internet ones). Am I stupid for seeking help? I think not. I believe that people who admit they need help for something, then seek any measure they can to get that help and improve themselves, are to be commended. Indeed, in the world of weight loss, the same can be said for those that are genetically blessed, physically and mentally able and find the path to a healthy life without medical intervention deserve the exact same commendation, because in the end, they found the same success.

As I've posted before, in early 2013 I was 391 pounds. Through hard work on my dietary choices, discipline around food, and 4 nights a week at the gym, I dropped to around 330 in 6 months. Then it plateaued. With no explanation by my trainer friends, it wouldn't budge, no matter what I did. I tried multiple approaches, including the fasting method, alternating days for months on end. I never cheated, not once. For me, it didn't work. I didn't have a net loss after almost 3 years of trying. My bloodwork was the only thing that had improved slightly, moving my cholesterol in the right direction because of the regular physical activity and better foods. There I was, sitting at 330-340 in that window.

I asked my doctor about WLS and he set up a referral at my request after a lengthy conversation. We spoke for the better part of 1.5 hours, which is time that doctors don't usually have for patients these days. The Bariatric Clinic didn't seek me beyond my doctor's referral. They offered a chair on an intro class, and presented their information, believe it or not, in a matter-of-fact, non-biased way. They were clear that it isn't for everyone, and it was always my choice to follow through or not. I sought knowledge to see if this was the best option for me. During the extensive classes, I was able to pinpoint psychological and emotional triggers for me, and resolve those issues prior to any decision on surgery. WLS or not, identifying those issues and using tools other than food to eliminate them is most important for any success. I went through the battery of tests, all of the classes with the dieticians and psychologists, clinic doctor assigned to me, and read EXTENSIVELY on line about the post-surgical life. Based on my life experiences with every non-surgical option known to man, I made a VERY informed decision to accept their offer of surgery. The lifestyle change I mentioned before would have had to happen regardless, but the WLS I chose, has resulted in fast, effective weight loss which has helped me implement all of the other things required to achieve and maintain a healthy life moving forward.

Like Grim said, I wish you all the best as you maintain your opinions on WLS and proceed with your life as you see fit. Good luck to you, I really mean that.

Hi and thank you so much! Any information you have I would love to have. U can send it to my email which is [email protected] or you can add me on Facebook, just look up Emelinoa Davis. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank u so very much!!

Lol!! This is such a non-debate because any MO person with a brain will BEG BORROW STEAL to get WLS of whatever stripe after half a life wasted struggling with serious unsolvable with traditional remedies ( diet and exercise and " self discipline" ) weight and health issues.

Youre either a troll or totally misguided and honestly I really don't care which . When you get tired of your " 600 lb life " come back.. or not

Hey I am the one. Don't know about others. I didn't do any kind of surgery yet. lol