The deciding factor for my decision to have gastric bypass surgery was my poor health. I had already been diagnosed with diabetes and sleep apnea, and the promise of coronary artery disease was never far in the shadows. The risk factors for the worst possible outcome had no doubt intensified.

Gastric bypass surgery has improved my health dramatically. I am grateful for the turnabout, and I believe I am also a bit more enlightened than I once was. Attaining improved health had complications, just...