All of my life I have been the biggest of 10 children and never really had a problem with it until I reached 300 pounds. I began trying different diets but I would lose some weight and gain twice as much back. In 2004 I began to have different medical problems and had to go on medical leave in June of 2004. I weighed 400 pounds.

My back was giving me problems to the point that I could not stand or walk for long periods of time. I also  needed to have an ovarian cyst removed but due to my weight the doctors said they would not perform the procedure.

A friend of mine who had gastric bypass surgery came by to visit me and I saw that she had lost over 100 pounds. This is when I decided to have surgery so that I could lose enough weight to have the cyst removed and hopefully stop taking some of my medications.

In September of 2004 I had found a doctor who was going to perform the surgery. But in January of 2005 my husbands job changed insurance companies and my doctor was no longer covered under our new plan. I had trouble finding a new doctor and a hospital that were both covered by our new insurance. It wasn't until I saw an ad for BSS that I found Dr. Marvin and was able to have my surgery in April 2005.

So far I have lost a total of 145 pounds and am no longer a diabetic!

I thank God for giving me the mind and the ability to trust in Him and the doctors for their knowledge. This surgery helps people to control their life, maintain their weight loss, and live better and more prosperous lives.

I know with God all things are possible.

- Debra