I am 60 years old (or young now.) I was a commercial fisherman for 40 years, I own and manage two fishing vessels out of New Bedford, MA. I also work for the City of New Bedford as an assistant wharfinger (manager of docks) and I am one of 18 Members of the New England Fishery Management Council which is a group of individuals from the fishing industry and the public that govern and manage the U.S. fish resources.

I start work at 6:00 am until 4:30 pm. I have three children ages 35, 35(twins) and- 40 . I enjoy motorcycle riding whenever I can I have a 2003 Honda Gold Wing motorcycle which I enjoy every moment I get to ride it. I walk 3-4 mile a day and go to the gym whenever I can fit it in (3-4 times a week.)

I like the fact that the team at New England Medical Center worked together. They all care about the patients as if we are one big family. They explained the whole procedure and always answered your questions. Unlike most doctors who don't your call, the doctors at the Tufts New England Medical Obesity Consult Center got right back to me. All of the patients and doctors worked together like a family.

I now feel like I am 20 again I have so much more energy now I never get tired. This weekend I shoveled the driveway three times. I never even used the snow blower. I shoveled for more than two hours each time and was fine — no aches. If I knew that I would feel this good after the weight loss I would have had the surgery years ago. ( I feel so good I feel a little guilty about feeling this good) This year I did something I haven't done before. I went on a motorcycle ride on New Years day.