I feel the same way, Anne, and have nothing but sympathies for folks who feel they may have reached the end of the road. I do know several folks who have had successful surgeries; in their case, whatever they are restricted to is secondary to the fact that their lives were in danger. There's nothing easy about this.

On a different note, a woman in my office has lost a tremendous amount of weight -- 100-150 pounds -- by adopting a serious exercise plan and learning to eat differently. She even participates in half-marathons! She's going to have body surgery next week to remove a great deal of excess skin. She's both excited and kind of afraid; this is a big emotional journey. I'm so proud of her!