After struggling with weight since the age of 9; winning some battles, losing most, but never winning the war.  I made the decision to bring out the big guns and have gastric bypass surgery.  I had the surgery August 31, 2009.

It was a difficult decision to come to, as you must accept a certain sense of failure and letting go of the hope that someday you will lick this weight problem on your own.  But for me, this turned out to be the right decision and I'm very happy with the results.  The surgery has given me the tool I needed to finally slow down when I eat and not gorge myself or overeat.  It forces me to come to terms with some of the feelings and emotions I used food to cover-up.  It's given me the boost, and the hope, I needed to  make some real and lasting changes in my eating and life style habits.

My TOPS chapter has been great!  They never judged me or made me feel like i "took the easy way out". They have been very supportive and encouraging - providing me with unconditional love and understanding. I couldn't have come to this decision without finding TOPS and the support of my Chapter.