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

To say I've been fighting the battle of the bulge my entire life... is written in stone. I "came late to the WLS party" at age 74. Two of my friends (sisters) encouraged me to have the surgery - they had the surgery approximately 20 years ago and are happy and healthy women. It took over a year before all the tests and insurance "flaming hoops" were completed. December 5, 2011 was my surgery date. I lost over 30 lbs. before surgery and to date - 69 lbs. From 268 to 199. Just this morning I entered "Onederland". What a HUGE feeling of accomplishment. I'm working out in a gym run by Physical Therapists. The workout is monitored because I'm going to have knee surgery - they incorporated the physical therapy into an all-around workout. Really notice a huge difference since the exercise - my energy level has tripled and there's been a lot of muscle remodeling. If I can do it... anyone can.

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

Health problems.

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

EVERYTHING!