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

I'm a 47 year old woman. Married for 24 years to the greatest most supportive man I know. We have three beautiful children. Our first child, a beautiful baby girl came to us on the morning of our 1st year Anniversary, our second baby came just 22 months later. He was a beautiful bright eyed baby boy who was blessed with Downs Syndrome. Out last baby who was a surprise arrived 23 months latter, he made history in our little hospital weighting in at 12lbs 9ozs. My family is the most important thing in my life. For the past 20 years I have been very ill with crohn's disease, many years of prednisone and other great drugs. With 5 surgeries done, my poor body has really taken a beaten...I need this change!

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

The worst part of being overweight for me is the mean comments people make. The loss of time I could have participated in my children school activities due to my fear of embarrassing them with my lack of ability to participate. Being the main topic of fat jokes...the "disgust look" my younger brother gives me. The shame I feel when my husband wants to get romantic.

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'm still awaiting surgery....Aug 28, 2013 is my "new" birthday