What made you finally decide to go ahead with the surgery?

It was a lot of things. My knees are deteriorating due to my weight and a ski injury from years ago, I have high protein levels in my kidneys which is often the start of diabetes, and I'm so tired of never being able to participate in the things I love, like skiing, canoeing, etc.

Also, I talked to many people who have had the surgery, e-mailing anyone I could find who was willing to talk. I asked them the good and bad parts and got a very good understanding of all that is involved.

After trying all the diets and even starving myself in order to lose weight, only to watch it come right back on, I feel this will be the best means to give me an advantage over the uncontrollable up-down weight cycle.

Did you wonder about the surgery risks and complications?

That is part of becoming informed. I know this is not an easy thing to go through and I know it will be a lifelong change. I can't after 3 months give up and go to back my old ways again. That part in a way is sobering, but in another way is very good!

The benefits at this point in my life outweigh the risks. I've spend my whole life being obese and most of my adult life being morbidly obese. I can live like this for the rest of my life or I can choose to make a drastic change. I have chosen to make that change and dedicate myself to a new life.

How much weight do you have to lose?

I had 161 lbs. to lose (my ideal weight is somewhere around 145 lbs.) but the official number just prior to surgery was 119 lbs.

Do you exercise? Will you have to exercise after the surgery?

Yes I do and will have to afterwards also. As the weight comes off, there's going to be a lot of excess skin and such. Exercising is going to help keep that as toned as possible (although exercise can only do so much for excess skin) and will of course also aid in the weight loss and maintenance. Sometimes I have to push myself to do it, but it always feels good afterwards.

Are you afraid of regaining the weight after you've lost it?

I understand that is always a possibility if I start reverting to my old habits. The new stomach does stretch over time and I will always have to make better food choices than I have in the past. This is a lifelong dedication and I'm trying hard to remember everything that I hate right now about being this overweight. I want that to help me later down the road.

Why have the surgery when you are able to lose quite a bit of weight on your own?

Because I've lost large amounts of weight 4 or 5 times now. Each time I say "never again" and each time, within 1-2 years, I am right back where I started and then some. It's the yo-yo syndrome and it is more unhealthy than just staying obese.

Did you create this website yourself?

Yes :)