The adage says most people won't take action until their back is up against the wall and there's nothing to do but come out swinging. My back was against the wall! But it wasn't the fact that I had sleep apnea and needed a machine just so I could draw a breath. It also wasn't the fact that I could not cross my legs; shop for clothes in regular stores; walk for more than ten minutes without my back killing me; participate in sport activities, or even sit in an airplane without a seat belt extender. I, like many of you reading this book, was already numb to all the jokes from little kids or stares from adults, so those things never became a factor of the day I knew. The day I knew that I had to do something -- the day that I absolutely had to lose weight -- was when I couldn't even wipe my own backside. When you can't even reach around your own massive belly, or reach behind your own back to clean yourself, something has got to be done. At that point I was well over 450 pounds. It was an embarrassing secret that I thought I would take to my grave! No matter what made you choose this drastic change in your body and lifestyle, you should be proud of yourself for making the decision. Contrary to popular belief, surgery is not the easy way out. It's a major life altering choice that you and your family will have to live with for the rest of your lives. But, what a life you now have to live! This book will tell the story of an overweight child who became an obese adult and then decided to do something about it when his back was against the wall. Also, with help of an expert in her field, we'll show you how to achieve your goal weight and maintain it through the proper diet and exercise long after the first incision was ever made.