millersrnclk

Thank you for these links!!

Thank you ladies for your kind words. I do plan on doing a lot of research before hand, though I think that deep down inside I have already made up my mind. I know I cannot keep going the way I am now, it will kill me sooner than later.

I am 34 years old and I am the biggest I have ever been. My weight is 272 lbs... I am only 5'4". I have been a large girl most my life. I used and still use food as a crutch to get through tough times. I use to be ok with my weight and did not care what others thought. Now, I have two children ages 4 and 2 and I cannot keep up with them. About 11 months ago, I quit smoking... (hold the congrats, I started back up a month ago), but when I quit I was 230 lbs... so again, I used food as a substitute for the smoking. My mother had the bypass done about 15 or so years ago. She was a large woman, and now she weighs about 100 lbs. She is sick all the time. She had lost her hair; her body just did not seem to adjust well to the surgery. Is this just an extreme case? Or does this happen a lot? I have had a few friends as well have this done and they look great now...but they have told me that it is just not worth it. Am I wrong for thinking that perhaps I should not have this done? I have so many questions!! I know there is a thinner Jackie under all this fat...and she is screaming to get out...I have tried everything...changing my diet, exercise, extra Water etc... I have done slim fast, weight watchers, etc... nothing worked. I would lose a few pounds and then it would stop or I would not be able to keep up with paying every month for the products etc. My cousin just had this done in March...and she suggested this site to me. I know she has lost a total of 60 lbs., we were talking about our family history with medical issues and I don't want to have to deal with what our fathers deal with...heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. But then again I am scared that if I do get this done will it bring on these issues? Any information would be great...I am open to anything suggestions...and will be making an appointment with my DR a.s.a.p. to talk it over with him. I am afraid of dying if I do not have it done...but I am also afraid of dying if I do...