I am in need of some suggestions, or just anyone who can relate to my situation... I have gained and lost over 300 pounds in my life, and everytime I have lost major weight I did it through the use of amphetamine based pills. My doctor prescribed methylphenidate way back in the late 80's so I could lose 200 pounds... and I was able to keep the weight off for a while but began to gain it back, found out my thyroid wasn't working, got on synthroid and lost a little, but then someone gave me a bottle of adderall (not good I know) and I lost the weight again only to find that my metabolism was even worse then ... I had to struggle over the years by eating hardly anything in order to keep the weight off.. (well off and on over the years) until a knee injury stopped me from working or going out and I stopped my synthroid too. I gained 100 pounds in a year and now I can't get it off... I have literally tried every diet and nutrition plan out there... and I am back on synthroid, but have actually started on Armour thyroid because it seems to be working for my depression and constant tired feeling fatigue - but still, the weight just doesn't seem to budge... it's been over a year since sincerely starting my diet plan and I am losing hope because I have a job in which I work on my feet, on concrete floors, 8 hours or more a day... I have been diagnosed with severe osteo-arthritis in my hips, knees, and ankles, and now my feet feel as if they have millions of broken bone fragments in them... I am in constant pain and cry every night until I go to sleep.

My doctor wants me to have gastric bypass surgery because she feels I have sincerely done everything in my own power to get this weight down, and the health risks are piling up...

I want to have the surgery, but I am scared of the effects.. can anyone shed some insight into this procedure? Will I lose my hair, my muscle tissue? I am quite nicely built as far as being 280 pounds at 5'3... I look as if I weigh about 225 or so and I am in a size 22 clothing... I am very stocky and not very flabby, and I am terrified if I have the surgery, all my muscle will deteriorate and I will be left with a thin body full of hanging skin ... I don't want that...I just want to be able to walk, chase my cats, go for a hike in the woods, or just take a step without limping or hanging onto the walls...

Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated....

Thanks!!!!