I have such a similar story. Also put on major pounds after stopping the smoking. Also have a very bad right knee due to arthritis and all the extra weight. I'm 54 and have three grandchildren who I cannot keep up with between the extra weight and the knee pain. I also have hypertension and my first 'intervention' was at the age of 13 with my first attempt at Weight Watchers. I also got control of my weight at certain times in my life but could never keep it off. I came close in the early '90s but a bad second marriage sent me right back to eating badly and it's been downhill ever since. Now for the good news....I was banded on January 14th and as of today (I weight in once a week each Sunday) I'm down 51 lbs. My knee is still giving me trouble, it may be beyond rehab at this point but even if I get a replacement, the lower weight will help me have a successful outcome. As far as the hypertension, I went from 90 mgs. of nifedipine and 300/25 mgs. of Avalide to only 1 med daily....20 mgs. of lisinopril. Good luck on your journey, I know you will be a success.
