Dana's Before Weight Loss Surgery Pics

These pictures were taken in early November 2000, roughly one week before I had gastric bypass surgery. I had surgery on November 10, 2000 in Dallas, Texas at Zale Lipshey Medical Center. I am 5'5" tall, and at the time of these pictures, I weighed 287 pounds. My BMI was 47.8. My original goal weight was 150 pounds.

Size 28/30

I am smiling on the outside, but crying on the inside. Until 1997, I had always weighed 140-150 pounds. Then, my thyroid went haywire and I gained 100 pounds in a year. I was slowly but surely gaining weight but losing life.

I Cannot Believe I Was This Big

It is amazing what a few years can do to a woman. I never looked like this before, and I was getting depressed. I longed for the relief that surgery would bring.

But You Have Such a Pretty Face!!!

Thin people really do not know how cruel that phrase is. If I had a dime for everytime I heard somebody say that, I could retire. People think it is a compliment, but it truly is an insult.