Is this a good reason to have surgery?

[Guest guest]

If this surgery had existed 15 - 30 years ago, I would have had it like a

shot. The things I wanted at that time - to look pretty, find me a man,

get married, have sex - were less available because of my weight.

Today, at 59 (60 in January), none of those things interests me. Moreover,

I am in good health. The only meds I take are Synthroid; my blood pressure

and cholesterol are fine and I have no risk factors apart from being

overweight (don't smoke or drink, etc.) - and I feel good.

I am considering the surgery ONLY because I fear what the future will bring

in terms of my health. I weigh 242 (5'4 1/2 " ) and have a BMI of 40. I have

been as high as 275, and at that point, I have problems with sleep apnea and

reflux.

I am afraid of getting sick, being in pain, being dependent, and dying

earlier than necessary if I remain fat. This is what motivates me to think

of having this surgery. On the other hand, it scares me to take a perfectly

healthy body and subject it to drastic measures so as to avoid potential

future problems.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.