fitzgarce
I began gaining weight to a serious degree in my early 30s. My highest weight reached 345 pounds. My wife and I enjoyed eating and didn't pay much attention to our size. We were happy. Yet, by the time I reached my early 40s, I started to develop other health issues - diabetes, sleep apnea and depression. We had 3 children. After years of yo-yo weight loss, dieting unsuccessfully, and not minding my diabetes, I realized I was facing a serious shortening of my life's length. My wife went first with her decision to do weight loss surgery. I wasn't interested in doing it myself, but I was supportive of her choice. She had surgery December 2008. After witnessing her success for a year, I decided it was time to follow her. I went to SUNY Upstate first, and started the process. After 5 months, my insurance company discontinued their contract with that hospital and I was forced to step aside from using them. I did some research and discovered Dr. Jeff DeSimone and Community General Hospital had a good reputation. I met with Dr. DeSimone's team in October 2010. My surgery was approved by insurance and I was scheduled for surgery on February 14, 2011. In the time from my wife's surgery to mine, I worked pretty hard to lose weight, and had some success. On my surgery day, I broke the 300 pound mark (295). Since surgery, I've made good progress. It has been anything from easy. I am still struggling with my addiction to food. I am not hungry and I don't have much physical need for food, but the emotional attraction to eat is still strong. Its a process. 
I have a little hair left, though. It makes me mad to think how much importance I've placed on food over the years. I am learning to enjoy other things and take the focus off eating. I know I would not be able to have the weight loss I've had without the surgery. I am thankful for making this choice. Some day, my head will follow my heartfelt choice to have weight loss surgery.