I am 10 years out.. I've stayed at 150 for 10 years... If I had to do this journey all over again... I'd do it in a minute... I don't push the surgery on anyone... it is a very personal decision. I've only approached 3 women in 10 years to look into it... there complaint: I would rather do it myself... the right way... all had families all had babies... found out a couple of years ago... all three women died... all heart attacks.. this surgery is not a cure for obesity... it is not a cheat either... its a tool.. this surgery saved my life... I promise, I am a very up beat person... but I've been holding this in for such a long time... it feels sooo good just to release it...

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To those who believe WLS is cheating... Well, if that be the case then I'd cheat my way to a longer healthier life in a heartbeat... Wouldn't you? I will happily be a "cheater" for many, MANY years to come!

I love this topic. Honestly if it hadn't been for my stupid pride, and for being a fool and thinking WLS was cheating and I should be able to manage my own weight, I would have done this sooner and been a lot happier. Having my son changed my point of view. Now I don't care who knows that I had WLS to lose the weight. Everyone I have told has been really supportive. If anyone did want to call me a cheater they would find two things; first, I don't care because it is about being happy, healthy and being here for my family. Secondly, said person would probably be seeing a lot less of me as I don't have time for other people's negativity anymore. Part of my journey has been getting past worrying about what other people think, because the honest truth in hindsight is that my assumptions about what people thought or would think were generally wrong.

well, if its (cheating) (whch it isnt)

i am cheating my way to better health.......♥♥

I am a cheater and I'm loven' it!!!

I've always been a cheater when it comes to diets!

Cheating my way to a healthier me!

You are really rockin it first off! You look amazing!

Wls in my opinion is not "cheating" - some people can lose weight on their own and some people can't. I couldn't do it on my own either - but does it really matter how you get there? And I'm sorry about your friends - how sad. Obesity does carry risks and it's sad that they succumbed to it. People are going to do what they are going to do - please don't feel guilty or anything because it was their choice.

I could care less if it was cheating or not....it's all about ME....when I have to "Pay the Piper" where will these critics be then?

Besides, I have found this to be a whole lot easier than dieting....and I like the easy way out...let's me get on with my life at a normal weight and worry about other things.

thank you guys... I appreciate and respect your comments... its true, its sad to see a life end for any reason... but because of what ppl are going to say.... senseless... ppl are going to talk about you anyway...big or small... I hope my weight loss does encourage others... that is very important to me...

Ten years, wow! It does encourage me. You are so right about people talking no matter what size you are. I felt like an open wound before surgery. Everything hurt my feelings. Since surgery I've gains so much confidence and so proud that I'm finally taking care of myself.

thank you guys... I appreciate and respect your comments... its true, its sad to see a life end for any reason... but because of what ppl are going to say.... senseless... ppl are going to talk about you anyway...big or small... I hope my weight loss does encourage others... that is very important to me...

Ten years, wow! It does encourage me. You are so right about people talking no matter what size you are. I felt like an open wound before surgery. Everything hurt my feelings. Since surgery I've gains so much confidence and so proud that I'm finally taking care of myself.

So very true Barbarah. I was worried what others would think before taking this step, but got over that fear quickly as the weight started coming off and I felt increasingly confident. People can talk if they want. I no longer care. I decided to put my health and being around for my family first. They can talk about that all they want as far as I'm concerned.