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

I have struggled with being overweight pretty much all of my life. It was so crushing to be a teenager and always be the girl that no guy wanted to date. My girlfriends were always the ones that they asked out or flirted with. I knew I was pretty and I remained confident but I was sad and it hurt. As I grew into an adult that pretty much stayed the same and while I had a few guys that liked me...they still didn't want to be "seen with the heavy one". I was the girl you could take home to mom but not to their friends. Thankfully, I met a handsome man who was confident enough in himself to be able to see through the layers and loves me for me. I have gained 150 lbs. since we married almost 20 yrs. ago and he still makes me feel like I am the only woman in the room....and he is proud to call me his wife. He has helped, and continues to help, me with all of the surgeries and recoveries that I have had in the last couple of years due to arthritis and several other ailments. He always takes on the brunt of the physical work around the house that needs to be done. I am blessed to have him. a supportive network of family and friends around me. Especially my sister who is going through the same thing and it is good to have someone to share this with. We crack each other up (much to the bewilderment of the bariatric team we are working with LOL....)and I don't know what I would do without her. I think that forums and communities such as this one are wonderful. I really think that it helps tremendously to be able to share the ups and downs and to celebrate the milestones with people...real people that understand. I also hope that it helps to educate all, but in particuliar our adolescents, on loving themselves and healthy eating for life.

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

Oddly, its being invisible AND being the center of attention. Everyone will notice the "huge" lady that can't walk very well and yet so very many people won't see me at all.

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 have not yet had surgery....hoping for an early spring renewal!