I think its a medical issue between you and your Dr. there is no doubt about the medical issues that come up when you are overweight. I have been on diets too - about 10 yrs ago - I decided to start exercising - I really wanted to increase my cardio so I could do some hiking. Well, I didn't lose weight but I did increase my activity. When I decide to lose weight I followed a 1200-1500 calories a day - food journal - it took 6 weeks to lose the first 2 pounds. I really didn't have that much weight to lose but my point is - my body does not give up weight easily - anyway I lost 35 lbs - took me 7 months - I was really happy with the results but the weird thing was I would wake up every day and then realize I had lost the weight - your mind does not keep up with the image in the mirror. I did very well for 6 yrs or so until I had a hysterectomy. I don't know why but during my recovery I had to take it easy. I could not get back into the activity and pretty soon I started eating all the wrong things (all though they taste great) and sure enough it came back and with a vengance - now I need to lose 50 or 60 lbs and its even harder than before. Why is it that some people can lose weight and others struggle so much. My mom always wanted to lose weight and my sisters too - It has been a lifetime struggle for all of us. I don't believe surgery is the easy way out - its just one way to help. I don't think anyone should be critized for their own decisions - just support them and help them....Ok...no more soapbox...