As someone who has done just about all the diets there are over a 30 year span, I can tell you that it has been a horrendously difficult journey. The hardest has always been when the weight goes back on after a significant weight loss, usually gaining more weight than was lost. As I got older, it did not seem to matter how hard I worked, the weight just kept piling on with no loss in sight. I am also a psychologist, so I know about all the mind games that go on. I was in therapy for two years, met with a dietician, and worked with several different personal trainers, all to no avail. I did not reach the decision lightly to have the surgery. My insurance company would not approve the sleeve, although they would have approved either the band or the gastric bypass. I did not want to do what I knew in my heart would be the wrong decision, even though it would have been paid for. I had a long conversation with God. I promised Him that I would do everything in my power to use this new body that I am in the process of developing to do what He wants me to do with my life. With more energy, and a more fit body, it makes sense that I will be able to do more for His glory than I would have had I not had the surgery. I had my surgery on March 1 and am down 42 pounds. I feel better, look better, and know that this is only the beginning. There is no shame in taking advantage of the miracles of modern medicine to have a better quality of life that will enable you to be even more of a servant than before!