Hi, I thought I would take the time to introduce myself. My name is Heidi, 29, living in Rochester NY. After battling with my weight for a number of years, having numerous health issues (Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, shortness of breath, depression and anxiety, massive migraines, etc), and basically killing myself at 303lbs...I decided to do something about this. Not to mention the fact that I lost my job to a really skinny toothpick because i couldnt handle the job with my weight. I had heard about Gastric Bypass surgery from Carnie Wilson, Al Roker, John Popper, etc. After looking into it seriously doing my research on the net, going to support group meetings, and talking it over with my parents, I decided to do it. My Dr. was fantastic and my parents were VERY impressed with him!!! He had amazing bedside manner and that meant a lot to me. I must stress this for whomever is considering this!!! THIS IS NOT A QUICK FIX BY ANYMEANS IT IS A TOOL!!! It took years to put on the weight and it is going to take a while for it to melt away. You have to want to do it for you and your health! Nobody can force you into it. You need to get the approval from your PCP, Surgeon, Nutritionist, and Phyc Consult. Then you deal with your Insurance. I started on my journey 2 years and one month ago at 303lbs. with the help of the Gastric Bypass Surgery, working out 4 times a week for an hour, cutting all sugar/high fat/caffiene/carbonated beverages, taking suppliments, increasing my protein (using food and protien shakes), less bad carbs, etc. I am now weighing in at 149lbs! I lost 154lbs total! My goal weight is 140lbs....my Dr.'s was 180lbs! I beat him by a long shot. Now I think my goal will be 125lbs! I just keep pushing myself to go the distance. It is NOT easy....but well worth it! I am so much healthier and happier than I have ever been! I am always looking to make new friends! What I really want is a workout buddy~!!! Heidi