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

I was always on the heavy side. - But I was an avid ice skater which didnt help make me look any thinner, I had the legs of a friggin weight lifter. I remember once in 6th grade my mother actually called me a pig. I recently went back & looked at the pictures, I was not obese, just slightly over weight for a kid. I also remember my brother calling me 'Jumbo" in high school. just because I was not skinney (his preference). As an adult I have struggled, I love good food. MY brain just didnt know when to tell my stomach to stop eating. In 2004, I reached 250# at 5'9" - It was starting to affect my back (I had had surgery in 96) so privately I went & had a Lap Band in 2004 - Failed w/in 6 months after 30 lbs down; regained 20 in the next yr. Now in the summer of 2013 - I think I lost a job because of my weight. VSG done on 8/19/2013 - pre-op 242; post op day # 1 - 253.8 REALLY??? Waiting for my new scale to arrive at the house any day now (guess I should have purchased a little sooner) .8/30 Ok, scale here, it is actually being a friend.- Yea !! 9/2 - 2 weeks out, I managed to loose all my surgical weight and more. I was starting to get hungry (the pain was gone) my counselor said get Prilosec. That sure has calmed things down.so The begining of week 3 - I have added tiny bites of cottage cheese, last night I had maybe 1 T smashed hard cooked egg. - OH that tasted good, but I am so glad I know when to stop now. I am looking forward to my Halloween birthday at a weight I have not seen in 14 years - I am more than 1/2 way to my firts goal. - Yes I set more than one, wanted to be realistic in my loss stageges. Ok, 9/18 >> 4+ weeks out, I finally put away the food processor. I am into soft foods, still have to be very careful what I eat though. SOmethings 'fill me up" quicker than the same amounts of others. Example- I can eat 3 pcs of boiled shrimp (probably 2 T, and not feel full) where I eat 3 T of beans & I am definately knowing to stop. I am only down 26#, this week has been very slow losing. I have managed to hit my3 + miles walking / day. I go out 3 times & walk 1+ each time. I am kind of lucky I am back in school not working so I have time to do this. I hope I dont get to saying It isnt working, why has weight stagnated??? Be patient 'to myself"

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

Worst thing - Men looking & saying No, Hell No. & Not being able to walk into a regular store to purchase clothing. Shortness of breath

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

Still to soon to tell. I am still dealing w/ the sore throat & dry mouth.