"My reality was having to make the decision to either live or die! My health was in trouble, my self-esteem was the lowest it had ever been and I had secluded myself from family, friends and the outside world. I chose to live! Be happy and be healthy! Weight loss surgery was absolutely the best decision I have ever made!!!"

What was the biggest challenge or concern that led you to decide to have weight loss surgery? My biggest challenge was finally having to face my own reality! My reality was having to make the decision to either live or die! My health was in trouble, my self-esteem was the lowest it had ever been and I had secluded myself from family, friends and the outside world. I chose to live! Be happy and be healthy! Weight loss surgery was absolutely the best decision I have ever made!!!

What did you weigh prior to having weight loss surgery? 300 lbs.

What type of weight loss surgery did you have? Roux-en-Y

What was the date of your surgery? December 14, 2005

What do you weigh now? 122 lbs.

What is your age? 45

How has weight loss surgery changed your life?

One year ago I made the decision to go on the most important journey of my life! Educating myself about weight loss surgery, having the support of Sarasota Memorial's Bariatric staff, meeting people who were happy to share their stories of before and after gave me that glimmer of hope that I desperately needed to move forward with making my own personal decision.

Describing life after weight loss surgery? WOW!! Where to begin…I no longer hide from the world of people! I exercise daily, meet old and new friends for coffee, shop in “regular” stores, travel and I’m even thinking of taking a few courses in school!

I’m able to actually move without becoming out of breath! I no longer worry about fitting in a restaurant booth, I can sit comfortably behind the wheel of my car without struggling. I can fit into an airplane seat and actually buckle the seat belt without having to ask for an extension. Now that was so exciting to me!! Such simple things to most people but huge accomplishments for me!! My health has also improved since weight loss surgery. I can actually sleep laying down!! No more snoring! I am off all of my medications for diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. No more side effects to deal with!!

So for me… weight loss surgery has been a very positive experience! It was definitely the right decision for me!!

Is it a cure? Absolutely not!! You need to be prepared to work very hard before surgery and even harder after surgery but it is oh…soo…worth it!! It is most definitely the most valuable tool and the most wonderful gift you’ll ever receive!!

I feel truly blessed to be given this second chance at life and I look forward to living each day to the fullest!! LIFE IS GOOD!!!!