My name is Kristin. I am 31 and I am married with 2 children. I had weight loss surgery on December 6, 2002 performed by Dr Mehta at St. Peter's Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. I have lost 140 pounds and I feel incredible!

Before my surgery I felt there was no hope for me. I was 5' 5" and weighed 314 pounds. I had tried everything. Then feeling like a failure, I gave up on myself. I almost never left my house. I just went through the motions of the day, waiting for the day to end.

Then I began to research weight loss surgery and after 2 years and many discussions with my husband I decided that the surgery was my only hope to living a happier healthier life.

Dr. Mehta was everything I expected and more. He made my husband and I feel welcome, and he gave us a very good presentation and answered all our questions. My surgery experience was great with no complications.

Weight loss surgery has changed my life in so many ways. My energy level is just amazing. I have rediscovered parts of my personality that were forgotten. The layers of timidity and shame have been removed and replaced with a level of self confidence that I thought I could never possess again. Weight loss surgery has not only given me my life back, but I am experiencing life all over again!

Today because of weight loss surgery, I feel like I am a better mom, a better wife and also a better person all together. I thank God everyday for weight loss surgery. And I thank Dr. Mehta, and all the wonderful friends from the support group that I have made through my surgical journey! I am so honored to be associated with such a strong and courageous group of people. They are people who care enough about themselves and their families to take whatever steps necessary to get healthy.

My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who supported my decision and encouraged me. Mostly, though, I would love to find the words adequate enough to thank my husband, Julius. As a morbidly obese person I often questioned why anyone would love me at all. Julius not only loved me but he nurtured me, supported me, spoiled me and stood beside me. I never had to take one step of this journey alone - we took it together, hand in hand. Thank you, Julius, from the depths of my soul and the far corners of my heart for loving me and not being afraid to show it.

If you are reading this and feeling like there is no hope for you please don't give up on yourself just yet. I haven’t regretted my surgery for one second! Life just couldn’t be any better!!
~Kristin Szilagyi