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

Since the age of ten, I was told "You have the potential to be a very large woman". That has haunted me over the past 35 years. Every time I ate something I felt guilty about.. I would make excuses to myself saying "Okay, this is the last time I am eating this..." Of course I never stuck with that thought because here I am 2 weeks before my gastric bypass surgery wondering why I failed so many times to lose the weight. I never thought I was the kind of person that ate more than the average person, but portion control has been the most difficult thing for me to master. I know the doctor said my genetic background plays a part into my health history, but I am smart enough to know that some of this could have been better controlled on my part. After I had my two children, I let my weight control me. I didn't have the energy or drive to go exercise. Everyday I would tell myself I am going to spend a little time on me... but that never happened until recently. Being overweight played a major part in my divorce. I didn't realize then how much it had a negative impact on being intimate with my husband. Speaking of intimacy, let's talk about Victoria Secrets... I see all these women buying lingerie from there... I can't even fit into anything they have to sell!!! It's really depressing! I absolutely hate going to the mall. I would need a new pair of pants and end up coming home with something for my kids. Window shopping was "fun"... I would find an awesome outfit and dream about wearing it. Unfortunately, I couldn't fit into anything I really wanted to buy. I had heard about gastric bypass surgery but was too afraid to get a consult. I thought my family would not approve. Now that my children are graduating from high school I decided it was time to do something for myself. So, I built up enough courage to seek medical advice. After my initial visit, I found out the benefits of surgery for my health and that I would be a perfect candidate. That was a relief because I really hate being an insulin dependent diabetic. I want to be off my insulin pump if at all possible. I want to lose weight and feel comfortable about myself enough to begin swimming again or joining a gym.

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

The worst thing about being overweight? Oh I can think of many things. I hate not being able to fit into clothes properly. Pants don't fit me because the designers think my thighs are as big as my waist. Hey designers.. wake up call... not all overweight women are shaped the same! I constantly walk around with droopy drawers. I miss going out with friends and dancing because I feel self conscious about how I look in my clothing. But I am looking forward to surgery now and have improved my mindset to know I am doing the right thing for me. I am hoping that the surgery will be my tool to live a longer and more healthier life. I WILL fit into those clothes I dream about one 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 finally had my surgery and three weeks out I am about 25 pounds down! I am already able to enjoy having more energy and being off my insulin pump so far! I am hoping to go to the beach, amusement parks, etc. and not feel sick all the time.