I'm 49, 5'6", and had been morbidly obese since my teens (BMI at time of DS surgery: 44.8). Despite frequent and sustained efforts to lose weight. I couldn't maintain my losses. Given the increasing severity of my chronic health problems (e.g., out-of-control Type II diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, joint pain), I decided to seek surgery -- specifically the duodenal switch.  Initially I was entirely opposed to weight loss surgery of any kind -- without knowing anything about any of its forms. After doing extensive research, however, I came to believe that the duodenal switch represented my best chance at a healthier life -- and I've never looked back.