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

I've been overweight since college, but usually by only about 20 lbs. My mom was a die-hard about my weight starting in high school, but our metabolisms are VERY different. Hers is FAST, she's always been very slender and is tiny boned. I'm medium boned and even when I've been at an "ideal" weight for me (120 lbs, I'm 5'3.5") I just couldn't stay there.. I have felt most comfortable at 130 though. My serious weight gain started in 1995, a little into what turned out to be a horrible 2nd marriage. As soon as we divorced in 2000, I dieted down to 130 again and loved it. But I started to gain the weight back slowly but surely up to about 160 in 2006. Since then, I've packed on the weight, now at 237, most ever. I am 59 years old now, with all the complications of obesity: diabetes type 2, HBP, sleep apnea, high cholesteral and trgylicerates, etc. My weight limits my activity severely, which means I hate to exercise and usually don't. My social life has shrunk from very active about 7 years ago to nothing. I HATE THIS! I've done South Beach Diet, Weight Watchers, and many other diets over the past 10 years. Although I've lost up to 50 pounds, I always seem to put it back on. It takes so long and I find I still eat too much at one sitting, even if it's "healthy" food. This fall, I realized that although my lab tests showed all the above were "under control" (due to copious meds costing me over $450 a month, even with good health insurance) that if I didn't do something drastic soon, I'd die of a stroke or heart attack sometime in my 60s. I read several books on bariatric surgery, both sleeve and RY-bypass types and talked to several folks who have has the surgery and asked tons of questions, read tons of web sites. This site seems to be a supportive and intelligent site to join for progress, support, and information. Thanks to those who have posted their journeys, thanks for your openness...it really helps to know other folks are also on this journey! I found an outstanding surgeon in a "Center of Excellence" in my area that is covered by my health insurance (Dr. Mark Vierra!). I went to his free info lecture (the man does NOT pull any punches, hooray!) on 3 Jan. My first consultation with Dr. Vierra is on 20 Feb 13 and I am looking forward to convincing him that I'm a good candidate to take on for surgery. I'm excited about the future for the first time in a long time. This will be a present to myself-the most important one in my life. I know it won't be easy, I know my life will change forever (how and what I eat and drink), but I figure it's worth it for the changes I want to make and a drmatically improved quality of life...not to mention the tons of money I'll save from less groceries and not having to take many of those costly meds!

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

Lack of energy and motivation...I feel like a big slug most days.

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

Had surgery 26 Jul 13. Recovery was fairly easy (spent a lot of time figuring out my food to make sure I got my protein, liquids, and calories consumed at right times, right way!) I enjoy walking again, did it nearly daily during my 2 weeks off after surgery. Also, lost 19 lbs already and my darned thighs don't stick together anymore at night-can sleep better! Down a size in my clothing already. More engergy, brain feels more clear, and I'm happier now that I'm on the road to a long and healthy life again.