I had gastric bypass surgery on March 31 2008 and, not to sound cheesy, but it's one of the BEST decisions I've ever made. I was actually pretty healthy prior to having surgery - minus being about 110 lbs over weight - so, as silly as it may seem, my motivation for the operation was about 80% fashion based and 20% of just plain ole tired of being fat! I've always loved clothes and fashion but I absolutely hated shopping. There were only 2... maybe 3 stores I could find clothes in my size. I wanted to be able to walk into any mall and shop in any and every store in the building.

When people ask me am I happy with the results I can honestly say "Yes!!!". I am now able to do what I wanted to accomplish. My dream was to be a size 12 and I have exceeded my own goal and have maintained my weight for the last 5 months. When you set a personal goal you have to make sure it's just that - personal - because if you base your decision to have this surgery to make someone else happy or if your decision has something to do with an aspect that YOU cannot control, no matter how small you get, you may never be satisfied with the results.

The first few weeks are hard with all the protein shakes, sugar-free this and that, baby sips, chicken broth, dry mouth, and constant worry if you made the right decision. But, it's SOOOO worth it! I PROMISE! I use to have a pair of size 14 jeans hanging on my wall; they were my "motivation" jeans. I had to give them away to Goodwill last year because they were to big - THAT was my "WOW" moment. I encourage you find one for yourself...

Weight prior to surgery: 273
Clothes size: 22
Shoe size: 11
Bra size: 40 C/D

Weight post surgery: 148-151
Clothes size: 6 or 8
Shoe size: 10 or 9 1/2 (amazing!!!)
Bra size: 34 B (not so amazing *sad face*)

My name is Sharon Clark and for 35 years I have struggled with my weight. I've tried so many diets and diet programs, I could write a book on "How to loose weight and not succeed". It would be a comedy.

For the past 6 years I have wanted to have Gastric Bypass surgery but never could. We didn't have insurance and I couldn't afford to pay for it myself.

I started praying the Lord would open the door for me to do this. He did....one year ago my husband got a job with insurance. We were so excited knowing I could finally have the surgery.

I started this past January doing exactly everything the insurance required. It took six more months, but I now see how God was preparing me for the surgery and what happens after surgery.

I'm so thrilled I had the surgery. It is changing my life on a daily basis. Before I had the surgery I was to the point I couldn't function. I couldn't clean house, I had no energy, it took all I had to get out of bed.

It has been 8 weeks since surgery and I have lost 42lbs. From the very beginning I began feeling better. I'm completely off my blood pressure medicine. Things that were going on with my body has stopped. I've stopped hurting and now I have energy. I can only imagine how wonderful it is going to be once all of my weight is gone.

I look forward to each day now. I have priorities in my life for the first time. First I spend time alone with God. Second I work out each day. What a difference exercise makes. It was very hard at first but now it is actually fun. I keep saying to myself, energy creates energy and it really does.

I'm excited about the journey God has brought me thru and what He has in store for me in the future. I feel like I have been reborn. God has given me a second chance and I'm going to make sure I do all the right things to succeed.

Sharon Clark