Hi, I've been following this site for about 2 years now, I believe the stories I've read have helped me make this decision. So like alot of people I've tried numerous times to lose weight on my own, I'd lose 10-20 lbs but eventually I'd gain it back. 7 years ago I started taking care of my elderly father, he was in and out of hospitals constantly over those years until he passed away a year ago. Over the years the effort to care for him 24/7 became overwhelming. I was exhausted all the time, I became depressed and I gained More weight. I made my decision to have surgery in March 2017, two months after my dad passed but it wasn't until October that I contacted Dr. Arad. He had been recommend to me by my primary Dr., I really liked what I read about him and I liked that he was referred to me by my primary of 20 yrs. One of the conditions for my Insurance to cover the surgery is that I was required to show that I could lose 5 % of my weight within 6 months . Well it's now March and my surgery is in 2 days and since October I've lost 75 lbs. 75 lbs.!!! I really don't believe it ! Now that I've finally decided to do surgery I end up losing the most I've ever lost. I can tell you I had 2nd and 3rd thoughts about going through with the surgery. The reality is I'm 53 yrs old, have high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and pain in my back and knees daily, oh and I weigh 330 lbs. That's after the 75 lb. lose. So yeah, I'm doing the surgery. I really can't afford to wait and hang my hopes that this time, finally ! I'll be able to continue losing and keep it off. I've set my goal at 135 lbs. I know that may be a little optimistic but it's what I'm hoping with surgery and alot of hard work I can finally achieve. So my surgery is in a couple of days. I will post a before picture very soon and continue updates. Wish me luck ???? Updated on 4 Mar 2018: Updated on 20 Mar 2018: Well it's now 2 weeks after surgery. I was in hospital for 2 days. Woke up in recovery with blood in my mouth ( something they didn't tell me can happen) not very comfortable experience and they won't give you any water to rinse you mouth. They finally gave me some wet gauze. Not allowed any drinking water 1st day after surgery, only allowed 3 ice chips per hour. Seriously !! I was on Oxycodone for first few days after surgery only pain was from incisions ( 5 two inch incisions) they took 70% of my stomach, using staples to close off ( stomach doesn't have any nerves so no pain). My stomach is now the size of a banana. I've been on liquids for last 2 weeks. ( Chicken broth, water and sugar free Jello) 2nd week I added cream soups and protien shakes. I am never having chicken broth again, Never! I'm now starting pureed foods for next 2 weeks. Yippee !! After that I get to eat soft foods etc.etc. I haven't been hungry. I'm eating small potions 3-4 times a day. About 4oz per meal, then I feel full. If I eat too fast I get gas pains in lower chest. I have to walk around to relieve gas. Weight is dropping off, lost 16 lbs in less than 2 weeks. I'm posting photo I took couple of days after surgery. Will keep you updated. Take care ???? Updated on 20 Mar 2018: Updated on 9 Jun 2018: Hi there, it's just about 3 months after my surgery and so far I've lost 45.5 lbs. I had a few issues with eating, I thought I was eating a lot less and eating much slower like I'm supposed to but I was either feeling nauseated and then would throw up or I had a lot of painful gas pressure in my lower chest area. Dr. did put me on meds for reflux after surgery that is an issue that can happen. When I went to Dr. he told me I was still eating too much and was still eating too fast. So since I took care of that issue I've been feeling much better. Then I hit a plateau, I didn't lose any weight for 2 weeks. Apparently this is also something that happens occasionally. Aside from those issues I think I'm doing pretty good. I feel much better, I'm getting more exercise using resistabands, light weights and my stationary bike also going on walks few times a week. Still struggle with my diet. Though for the most part I'm eating much better and really trying to stay away from anything processed. I've already given away most of my clothes, I'm trying to only buy a few pieces of new clothes at a time because they only fit for a couple of months. I have to go again this weekend to get more tee shirts and work clothes, mine a very loose. Thanks to everyone for your support.!! Until next time, Bye ???? Updated on 17 Sep 2018: Hello, sorry I haven't posted sooner. It's been about two and a half months since my last post, the truth is I haven't been losing as much as I'd like. the weight is still coming off but at a much slower pace. I've lost 53 lbs. now since my surgery in March 2018. The last 2 months I seem to suddenly be craving desserts quite a bit. I'm trying to stick to eating less calories. The weight continues to come off but it has slowed down due to my eating habits. I'm posting a picture which honestly doesn't look any different from the previous picture I posted but I am wearing smaller size clothes and my scale shows I weigh less. I hope I'm more excited about the next picture I post. Till then. Still losing..