My name is Julia. I made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery in 2006 when my weight increased to over 300 pounds. I was taking medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholestrol, and thyroid. Since having surgery I have lost over 160 pounds and I am no longer taking any prescription drugs for the health problems I had before surgery, although I still sleep with a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. I am so grateful to have my health restored. Everyday I must make choices for better health, diet and activity to maintain my health and weight loss.

Prior to weight loss surgery, I had been on every diet known to man, sought out medical advise, hired personal trainers all to no avail, so after years of trying without success,I had given up all hope of ever losing weight. Considering Gastric Bypass Surgery was the very last resort, one I did not want to face. Now I can say that for me to has been an answer to prayer. For years I thought if I could ever get a second chance to start over, I would do things differently. I now have that chance...a new life...a new lifestyle. If I can do it, so can you. Yes, you can...you have many more miles to go!

About the blog:
This blog is named "Miles To Go" in honor of my surgeon, Dr. David Miles. I hope this conveys my gratitude to Dr. Miles and his staff at Miles Surgical for giving me the opportunity to have many more "miles to go". I hope this blog also inspires my readers that life as a weight loss surgery patient allows you to achieve a healthier lifestyle...as you too look forward to many more "miles to go"!

My new passion:
My passion is to share what I have learned with others who face the same challenges. I believe everyone can succeed with the right tools and a passion to succeed as you transition from past behaviors and beliefs to new lifestyle changes.

I have been trained and certified as a Bariatric Support Group Leader, a Certified Bariatric Coach with Bariatric University and have attended several training sessions on prayer ministry and Advocacy Training.