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

I grew up very skinny. Wore a size 3 when I was 15. Then, unknownst to my parents or me, my thyroid stopped working, and I started gaining weight. By the time I was 25, I was up to 395 lbs. That's when I found out about my thyroid. I had tried every diet I could think of, and was still gaining weight, so the docs took my blood and "bingo." Thus began the weight loss attempts and failures. My biggest downfall is that I absolutely HATE the kitchen. Can't stand to cook. Second, I can't afford all the fancy, good for you foods. Single parent, two kids. You know how it is. Back in the 90's I started hearing about weight loss surgery. But back then, the horror stories!! And insurance wouldn't cover it, so I figured it was never to be for me. But, now I am 52, weigh 325 lbs (I lost some over the years!), disabled, insulin dependent, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, you name it, I have it. Went to a surgeon because we thought I had a hernia, and he walks me across the hall and introduces me to Dr. Anthone. What do you know, I am a perfect candidate for weight loss surgery and medicare covers it. So it begins. I am so excited that it only took me two weeks to see all the docs, dieticians, therapists, and complete all tests. Wow, what a ride. March 2nd, 2012 is surgery day. I'm terrified and excited all at once.

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

The worst thing about being overweight for me is to not be able to do things with my kids. They are teens now, and I have an older son with kids, so I also have grandkids. If I want to go to the zoo, they have to push me around in a wheelchair. I can't shop most stores because they don't have wheelchairs or scooters. I don't go on trips with the kids, because I would slow everybody down. We won't even discuss airplanes!! I have slept in a recliner for over 10 years because my back can't handle a bed. I have two degrees, and nobody will hire me because I am "FAT". Of course, they don't tell you that, but I have many years of experience, excellent references from previous employers, yet, you know how it is. But I look forward to getting thinner, and hopefully going back to work some day.

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 had surgery yet, but will share when I do.