Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

Since I was15 I've been overweight. Due to my youth it didn't bother me much at all for I was still an above average athlete and dating was always a positive experience. Not till I was in my 40s did weight seem to become an issue and it was just that I seemed to always be the biggest, most obese person in the room. And even at that it felt like I was ok except my energy level was always a little less than everyone else' . But through the next 15 years I tried and succeeded with dieting losing 40 to 60 pounds each time, but it always turned back around and the weight returned. I can blame so many things for that, but the reality was/is that I am simply not disciplined enough to maintain that wonderful effort that goes into rethinking and reteaching yourself to eat. Now, at age 60 I have finally admitted that yes! I can still "take it off" but I can't keep it off. I have many friends who have gone this journey, both successes and failures and through their experiences I believe I have become better prepared to finally lose the weight and keep it off. My days of feeling indestructible are over and I can freely accept that I could use some major help. I may have waited too long, but am glad to know that it is not too late.

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

That the world is set up for average sized people.....that airplane seats that are too tight, chairs that feel like they'll collapse under you, not finding my size in clothing stores, theater seats too tight, ballpark seats too tight and going up stairs. There are many more I could list, but they would have the same theme.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

I am only 1 week after surgery, but after the 2 week pre-op success ( 27 lbs ) and the post-op week one success ( 11 lbs ) I am glad to say I am already back into smaller sized clothing and I am back to walking 1/2 mile a day. I feel positive already and actually look forward to getting on the scale. And the best part of all..I know I've taken the best step to making sure I live a longer happier life and I can share that life with my family.