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

I have been on a weight gain/loss rollercoaster for years. Up and down and always a little more up than I was down. The only times I was ever really able to control my weight was during military training and deployment. Carrying the discipline to work out and eat right with me during my non-military life has been incredibly challenging. I was great at starting diets and workout routines, joining gyms, etc., but could never keep up with the commitment and the disappointment in myself after I failed would lead me down into a dark place and the scale would tip up.

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

Besides the obvious health reasons, I have never really felt pretty. I can get my hair done and my toes polished and even buy some new clothes, but I never really felt put together. I can't find a cute dress for a formal event at a department store or a suit for work.

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

My surgery date is 10/15. Today is my first day of my liquid pre-op diet. There was a potluck at my office, I closed my door and sucked away on my protein shake! I can do this!