@ kyotosong: I can totally relate, I have PCOS too. It sucks.
As to why I did it, it was for a couple reasons:
1. I'm tired of sticking out like a sore thumb. I grew up overseas, and I was always taller (and wider than the local population). Now that I'm stateside, I want a chance to blend in. I want to be able to be in a crowd of people, and just not be particularly noticeable at all. I'm sick of being "the fat one". or "the big one".
2. The PCOS is still a big deal for me. I want these icky hormonal effects to go away!!
3. I want to get a non-creepy date. I'm sick of guys who are only interested in me because they couldn't find someone pretty. I know that what's inside counts the most, but who doesn't like a nice present to have pretty wrapping paper?
So yeah, my main reason was really superficial, but I look at this as a great opportunity to get healthy. I'm going to work my butt off in exchange for a longer life.