Chris Christie tried the lap band surgery back in 2013 and is still very large

[MissMillie]

8. I have

I had gastric bypass surgery in 2004. My top weight was 278 lbs. (I am 5' 0" ).

I lost 150 lbs.

My weight has crept up a bit in the last few years (I think menopause has a lot to do w/ that), but I'm still under 140.

It can be a bit of a struggle to get all my nutrients in. I have to take a lot of supplements.

The surgery is designed to limit how much you eat, limit what you can eat, and inhibit the body's ability to absorb what is ingested. In my situation, the surgery did exactly that.

I'm not super-model size, but my body no longer hurts to do every-day things.

And taking such a drastic move (the surgery) inspired me to be active. I jog (even ran a 10K).

I'm not a medical professional, and I can't explain the situation w/ your friend. But as far as I am concerned, gastric bypass made my life better.