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

I've always been the 'joker'. The girl with the 'great personality'. Was sick of hearing the comments; "You have such a pretty face."..knowing full well it was a backhanded compliment with the unsaid thought of "Pity your're just so big.". I was 296 lbs of a wall. Trying to push confidence. Chin up, dress in bigger clothes - hope I hide my rolls. My biggest fears were, T-Shirts, shorts, eating in public, and heat of any kind! Sweating was easy, all I had to do was breath. I was active, fairly fit...ish.. Worked in a Stone Quarry, but was scared of being in public, mad at people looking at me for too long, and thinking I was gross. I was disgusted with myself. Although, I had married a beautiful fit man, and had 2 spectacular children. I was my own worst enemy.

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

The inner battle. Knowing I had to lose weight. Wanting to diet, but not knowing how, or doing it 'right'. Getting frusterated, giving up and eating due to depression and gaing more weight! A discusting cycle.

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've had surgery. I enjoy having more energy to play with my Children. To wear clothes that I never thought I could. To jog 8 miles. To go to a resturant and not feel like everyone is staring at me. To feel good about myself. To be able to honestly say to someone.. "You CAN do this!"