I've been overweight most of my life, I'm turning 35 in March and I put myself on the back burner long enough. I have 4 children and a husband who I love. But being a mom and wife, I neglected myself. Losing focus of my passions in life. Being depressed feeling like I have so much weight to loose (380lbs) now. My goal is 160lb. I never lost more than 40lbs. Trying diet and exercise. Weight watchers. Pills. Shakes. Medical weight loss programs. juicing. The list goes on. Some say this is an easy way out! They just don't understand, this is not a fix all cure all. Its a drastic aid to loose weight but its not going to be easy. We still have to do the work for it to be effective. I've researched this for years 10 to be exact. Contemplating weather or not this is right for me. I know the risk, commitments and the obligations that come with having a surgery like gastric bypass. It will be a whole new life style. But I'm ready! So the time is now! Good luck everyone! God bless your journey and story.

Welcome and good luck! It sounds like you are ready to make the commitment to changing your life. You are right, this very far from the easy way out. It requires hard work and a lot of will power.

Keep us posted on your progress.

@@necol - Best of luck! I, too, wanted to do this for 10 years -- hubby's insurance specifically excluded it, so this year, I purchased my own policy which covers it -- we all know *exactly* what you've been thru and how you're feeling -- I just had bypass last week and am already feeling pretty good, just get tired in the p.m. - but it's only been 6 days... Suggestion would be to start making healthy changes now, one at a time, so that you're that much farther along on the path to weight loss -- best of luck!

You are making a great choice! Not just the surgery, but putting yourself first. Don't worry about people who think it is the easy way out. WLS is not easy, but it is statistically more effective than any other method. It is a big change, and most spouses have insecurity about it. Try to involve your husband in the process as much as possible and focus on your health. I am in my late 50s and I know how carrying around extra weight hurts my body. I will need spinal surgery once I lose weight to correct problems that wouldn't be nearly as bad if I hadn't weighed so much. I wish you the best. I made a list of all the reasons that I wanted the surgery (non of them included the way I look or the clothes I will be able to wear) and put it on my refrigerator. My husband stops and reads it once in a while, too. He has been much more understanding since he saw my real goals.

Thanks to all who commented on my post its heartwarming to know there's people who can relate to my struggles and I'm not alone.

Good luck, it's time to put yourself first & enjoy life. I'm starting at 373 so I know how hard it is. My surgery is April 21st. I can't wait! I've decided to love myself as much as I love my family and I want to be around to enjoy them. I'm happy your starting your journey!