I have been over weight for such a long time, although It never bothered me to be a full figured woman. I did try many diets to lose weight.. but not for vanity, it was concern for my health. I had 3  strikes against me for many health problems. 1. being family history.. both sides of my family had HTN; and my fathers side has Diabeties, and CVA's.    2. I was obese and  3. I am a woman of color... I can't do much about family history or My race.. but sure as H*ll I could do something about my weight. My PCP at first wasn't crazy about WLS and wanted me to lose it the old fashion way. After watching me for years go from program to program, and reading up on it she came to the same conclusion I did. My physical in 2004 she passed me a paper with a surgeons name on it.. saying she did research and thought it may be good for me to look into. My Response was that I had an appointment with DR. Pohl the next day and just wanted her to be aware of it. August 2005 I weighed 336lbs. On the 23rd of that month my new life began. I praise the Lord my God That I have been lucky enough to not have had complications and smart enough to realise I still need my support group and at times Therapy. Not liking my bat wings...lol  but who does? working toward having them fixed..   wish me luck!!