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

I was on a roller coaster ride with obesity for nearly twenty years. The "battle" began during pregnancy with Insulin Resistance/PCOS. I tried every diet, exercise program, and sought out various types of counseling (talk therapy, art therapy, and various doctors/nutritional advice. NOTHING helped. Just before surgery, my doctors told my family I was at a high risk for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke AND the possibility of death was highly likely. After various pre-testing for a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, I was placed on a bi-pap machine for chronic sleep apnea. My life focused on how I could "fit into" society. What does that mean? Well, big may be "beautiful" but society doesn't allow my former body type to fit in. Every day tasks were a tedious chore such as tying my shoes or sitting behind a desk. No matter how hard I tried- I didn't fit into the world around me. My body kept expanding as the scale displayed my all time high of 287 pounds (AND GROWING).

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

A former co-worker gave me the nickname "Roast Beef". I was discriminated against when applying for various jobs. My self-esteem was next to nil. People treated me like a gigantic blob.

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 enjoy walking, running, tying my shoes, shopping for clothes, and being out in public. My doctor's and my determination gave me a second chance at life. My one year surgiversary is 2/28/12. I am forever grateful at my second chance in life.