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

I have spent a lot of money on losing weight. Went to Jenny Craig, Nutri Systems and Weight Watchers. I read Richard Simmons and Susan Powder, couldn't really follow their plans. Tried Phen Phen, Herbal Life, and Slim Fast. And the list goes on... I also tried going to three different gyms and signing up for their weight loss programs. I had to go to different gyms because I was so embarrassed that I hadn't lost all my weight with one that I would go to a different one because they didn't know me there. I have never felt encouraged about the possibility of loosing weight. Because I know from experience that it just doesn't come off and that whatever I try, I will fail at. So the thought of going on a diet became, in the end, self destructive and I refused to diet any longer. When I heard about WLS, I began to have hope that I could reach my goals without "failing" and I could be healthy for the rest of my life if I was able to get on top of the problem and stay there.

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

The worst thing about being overweight is: Having poor health. Trying to buying clothes. Feeling like my opinion doesn't really count. Feeling invisible to the world. Exercise is soooo hard to do. Depression. Can't go on amusement park rides. Can't fit in dinning booths. Can't use the airplane seat tray. Asking for an extension. Spilling out of my seat onto others in public places. Having to use the "small" stalls (you know what I mean). etc, etc, etc....

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 haven't had surgery yet. I am waiting for the response from my insurance company so I can begin my WLS journey.