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I struggled with my weight ever since I was 15. I gained five to 10 pounds a year for many, many years. My highest weight was 277½, and I am 5’6” on a good day. As the weight began to add up, I began to have back and knee pain. I developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and acid reflux. My weight also took a toll on my mental health. I began to take medication for depression.
My weight also definitely played a factor in relationships with my friends and family. When trying to date, I never really understood why girls didn’t like me. I felt people looked down on me because I was obese. People judged me solely because of my obesity.
I had considered weight loss surgery, and my brother had been pushing me, but I wasn’t real sure it was the right decision for me until a visit to Waffle House with a friend. I could not fit comfortably in the booth. That was the most vivid point. I had to do something.
During my research about weight loss surgery, I took an online survey that tells you your life expectancy. It said I would be dead by 51. I was in my early thirties. Then, when my primary care physician said I was on the verge of developing diabetes and other serious health issues within a year, I realized it was time to take action. 
After researching my surgery options, I decided the gastric band was the best option for me.
I had the gastric band procedure in January of 2008. All of my family was very supportive. In fact, it was my brother who suggested Dr. Ryland Scott and Floyd Center for Bariatric Services. Living three hours away, I wasn’t sure this was the best option until I met with the bariatric teams at Harbin and Floyd.  I was blown away at their phenomenal customer service.
Over 100 pounds later, I am a different man. Before surgery, I would get winded quickly just playing with my nieces and nephews. We go snow skiing as a family, and before surgery I would have to stop half way down, take a break. I can beat them now.
The surgery helped me with confidence, self-esteem and motivation in general. Best of all, I went back and took the life expectancy survey again. This time it said I was younger than my actual age and would live into my 80s.
Having bariatric surgery may have been the best decision I ever made. My only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner.