unforgettable: how much weight did you need to lose to achieve a healthy weight? my guess is it was not 300+ pouds.

orond: also not trying to be confrontational, but quitting smoking and losing 300+ pounds are not similar. yes, smoking is an addiction just like over-eating is for many people. this individual is at risk for: hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, cancer, heart disease..just to name a few. i.m curious to know where you received your education to be giving that kind of advice.

fatgirl: first step is the desire to make a change, and you are there...so congrats! you must see a doc and a registered dietitian. if you have other health complications, you will benefit the most from weight loss surgery.

that said, i am a dietitian and have worked with gastric bypass patiients. you must be physically, psychologically, and emotionally ready for this...it is a major lifestyle change as well as a behavior modification. before the surgery you must make sure you are ready to live with all of the changes that occur post-op. you will lose weight on your own, but the amount you need to lose to achieve a healthy body weight is a large amount.

feel free to email me...irun2much@aol.com

best wishes to you.