I’ve battled the weight war my entire life. I started Weight Watchers at age 8, with my mom paying me a dollar for each pound I lost. I watched both of my parents fight the same fight, until my mom had gastric bypass surgery in 1993. It was the greatest thing she’s ever done.

In 2000, I was weighing in at 287 and finally decided to take matters into my own hands. I began seeing a nutritionist in NYC and lost about 90 pounds in just over a year. I was ecstatic. I learned invaluable information about nutrition and choices. Unfortunately, by 2004 I was back up to 255 and decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery myself. It was a wonderful (though expensive) decision which I have never regretted.

I now fight the same pesky 10-20 pounds. Much more manageable then 100, but annoying nonetheless. My goal is to be HEALTHY, rather than SKINNY and focus on good choices and exercise (which never seems to happen)!

Here’s to those who’ve fought the fight life long!!