On these pages you will find real stories from real people that will help you celebrate the good times and small success as well as get through the hard times and tough decisions.

One Mans Journey

For years and years I tried one diet after another. Each time I would drop 15 or 20 pounds and be so proud of my self. Then I would go back to “my life” and three or four months after my great victory over weight I not only was back where I had started I was usually five or ten pounds bigger.

Man I tried them all, cabbage soup, no white food, high protein, low carb, high carb, Weight Watchers, South Beach, Manhattan Beach you name it. I’ve been there.

Finally I had swelled to well over 300 pounds (more like headed for 400) and was well on my way to total knee replacement, insulin injections and probably an early grave. One day one of my doctors asked me if I was planning on dancing at my daughters wedding. I found this an interesting question since he knew perfectly well she wasn’t even dating anyone at that time. But I got the message.

After nearly a year of soul searching, research and more chocolate bars then I care to mention, I decided to have weight loss surgery.

Now is probably the right time to tell you that anyone that says this is the easy way out doesn’t know what they are talking about. Weigh loss surgery is physically, psychologically and emotionally draining. You doubt your decision regularly, throw up (a lot, especially if you don’t follow simple directions well) and endure the gentle ribbing of those around you on an almost daily basis.

It has been about a year since my surgery and I am literally a different person.

My knees are so much better that last August I climbed all of the steps of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and kissed my wondrous and supportive wife. I have dropped over twenty inches from my waist. My blood pressure is back in normal ranges. No medications, no snoring, and the list goes on and on.

But the biggest change is in my attitude and energy level. Every day I wake up thankful for this new chance at life. Everyday I find ways to express that joy and thank whatever power it was that helped me make the choice I did.

- Anonymous

Everyone has a story of inspiration or conflict. What is yours?

Why not share it so we all might benefit.

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