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

My story is like millions of others -- struggled with weight from childhood. First diet was at age 12 (weight watchers - I still remember my mom measuring out the half cups of spinach). Was able to more or less stay at a normal weight through adolescence (was very athletic and that helped). Weight ballooned in college due to stress (a couple of snickers bars became essential to get through an evening of studying). Lost about 30 pounds in my 20s on Atkins; gained it back in about a week. Lost 80 pounds in OA in my 30's; kept it off for about 10 years through sheer grit and white knuckling it. Lost the battle in my 40's and went up -- and up -- and up until I hit my top weight of 263 at age 59. I could see 300 pounds in my future and decided I would rather risk death through surgery than go there. I had a wonderful gyn. who recommended weight loss surgery and pointed me in the right direction.

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

The limitations on movement was the worst thing. I could not keep up with my husband -- could not go hiking or biking or any of the hundreds of things that require an agile body. There was also an enormous amount of shame: I would not go to class reunions or get together with old friends because I feared their judgment.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

The list is limitless, but here are a few: Bike riding, gardening, walking for miles, ziplining, wearing heels, shopping, looking in the mirror and being startled and so pleased. I ride the grocery carts in the parking lot like a kid - just because I can. I go out dancing with friends. I enjoy going to the gym (who would have thought!). It is a daily high to be living in a normal sized body. I feel like I missed out on 20 years of my life, and I am trying to make up for it.