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

I was never a person who struggled with weight until I became an adult. I lost a child and became very depressed. I found comfort in food. My self esteem was at an all time low. I tried lots of different diets but the result was always the same...temporary. Bariatric surgery saved my life. I am now doing the necessary paper work to have revision surgery. I am older now and wiser (smile). This new beginning will be the push I need to have a healthier and more enriched life.

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

The worse thing about being overweight is the lack of ease at getting around. I often have free time and am very interested in cultural events. Unfortunately, I start thinking about how difficult it will be to get to places so I end up not going. Another thing is being in pain almost all the time. My knees hurt, my lower back aches, my feet and ankles swell.

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 had gastric bypass surgery in 2002 and have since gained 90% of my weight back. I still remember the glorious feeling of being able to fit and buy clothing that looked nice. I had more energy. Going up a flight of steps in the subway was easy. I could breathe better.