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

I have had challenges with my weight since I was in college. I thought I was overweight since grade school but when I look back at pictures I was a normal sized child. I can remember being on a diet since I was 12 years old. I am now 43. I have been what I call a "weight watchers drop out" 13 times. I cannot remember a time when I didn't struggle with my weight. I weigh 223 lbs right now. At my highest I weighed 235 lbs. I have developed diabetes, asthma, hypothyroidism. My sister died a few years ago at 38 and six months after she died my father died of congestive heart failure from weight issues. I could see my fate and I was very scared. I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful 5 year old. I worried that I would not be there for them and my quality of life would be deteriorated.

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

The worst thing for me is the lack of energy and the embarrassment of being overweight. Health problems have progressed through the years.

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 is scheduled for next Monday 11/18.