I had worried about my weight my whole life, my dad was heavy (probably never over 180 lbs.).  While in high school I played football and then went on to college, at about 165 lbs.  Then while at school I graduated at about 200 lbs.  Then the weight started going on, 230 lbs within two years then a steady increase, through high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnia, and finally arthritus in the knees, to a whopping 360 lbs, maybe higher!

Every year I took up more room in the Christmas videos.

 After the sleep apnia respirator I lost about 20 lbs, then no more.

 During a stressful period at work I started playing golf again (after playing since 10 years old.)  I started to do better but had very difficult time without a cart, I could hardly make it around and never on a hilly course.  I came to the ultimate realization that I needed surgery I sent a note to my physician who refered me to the Bariatric Clinic at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

The time went smoothly from March through my surgery on June 7, 2005.  The program ushered me through the insurance approval very smoothly, I had not problems getting approved through Blue Shield of California. 

These are the physical and mental results met so far:

Some of the goals that have been met:

*Ride public transit and have someone else sit next to me.
*Sit comfortably in a restaurant booth.
*Climb a flight of stairs without collapsing totally out of breath.
*Sit comfortably in a stadium, or theater seat.
*Use no seatbelt extenders on an airplane, put the food tray down.
*Purchase clothes at at Brooks Brothers men's store.
*Purchase clothes by style/taste rather then "that's the only thing that will fit me".
*Walk and enjoy 18 holes of golf carrying my own clubs.
*Not be recognized in a meeting or social engagement by people who have known me 20 years.
*Have the energy to do all of the important things in life, like run.
*When my family hugs me, they say, wow I can reach all the way around you!
*Go on vacation and walk everywhere, without pain in feet or knees.
*Be addressed by a sales clerk normally.
*Never go to a big and tall store again!

*Look at a picture of myself and not cringe!
*Be judged on my professionalism or my merit not on my appearance.
*I now have a golf index of 9.1, still want improvement!
*Walk to the top of Vernal Falls!