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

I had several medical issues that were related directly to my weight. I could not do my housework, I could not be active with my young twins ... children I begged God for... I could not participate in basic Mom and child interaction. My health was deteriotering... I was becomming more and more depressed, which resulted in one failed attempt after another to lose weight. Emotionally I was a wreck.. in an abusive marriage that I somehow felt was "the best I could get: and kept telling my self this is what I deserved. I was desperate to gain health, freedom and happiness.

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

the health issues that come with being obese. No matter how clean I kept myself, I never felt like I was "smell" free. Just sitting in a chair and the sweat pouring off me and all I did was sit. Not being able to breath when walking, looking for that one chair that I knew would hold me and not break,people asking me when my baby was due, the absoutele worst part.... I have to say was wanting to participate in life... yet I had to sit and watch it go by while others participated in living life. I had to settle to observe life.

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

Dancing, gardening, walking, running, swimming, keeping my house clean, everything! I never sit down.. I go from the time I open my eyes in the morning till late at night when all the others are fast asleep. I never stop. I enjoy doing the festivals, craft shows, I did a 5K run (my first) I no longer wonder IF I can do anything.... I know I CAN do anything I choose to do... and my weight is no longer holding me down. Life is wonderful to live... but so much more enjoyable to do . From 325lb to 135 lb. From a size 26 and 4 XL to a size 3 with a small to Medium shirt. I LOVE MY LIFE