My weight-loss successes — and backslidings — were always less than impressive: I’d lose 50 pounds, gain back 75. Lose 40, gain back 60. Drop 20, find 30. Back and forth, up and down, two steps forward and three steps back. When my health went to hell in a handbasket, I decided it was time to take drastic action. Weight loss surgery beat the alternative — dying an early death. On July 5, 2011, I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I decided to start a special blog to document my weight loss journey and share tips, recipes, encouragement and advice with folks who might be interested.