HI Everyone:Your stories, struggles and journeys are super inspiring. I am a 48 year old woman who has struggled with my weight since I was a little girl. I currently weight 265 and I am 5' 7". In high school, i nearly killed myself to make sure when I walked for graduation that I would be thin. I went from 190 to 154 in 3 months by basically drinking water, I ended up in the hospital. My mom had a 22 size waist and was always thin, and threw it up in my face my entire life, and even today. She has always been ashamed of my weight. My brother, tormented me emotionally because of my weight, for as long as I can remember, and, even now! For over a year I have been going to my bariatric surgeon and going to my weight checks, but I have been on the fence about this surgery. My biggest fear is that I am fearful of worsening my IBS, something I has suffered with since I was a young adult. After reading many positive outcomes, I think I have finally decided to move forward with the surgery. I go for my weight check this Saturday and plan to schedule all my preop testing and see if I can get a surgery date before the end of the year. I think I am ready now!!!! I will keep you all updated. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your successes!!!!!! xoxo Jeanie