Well, I have a degree as a medical secretary, but hate working for doctors (some are real pains). I worked as front desk clerk at a local hotel until March of 2009, when I had to undergo surgery for a strangulated hernia, which developed complications requiring 5 additional surgeries and left me with an open wound the size of both fists side by side and about 1 inch deep. I spent almost the whole month in the hospital. Needless to say, it took a year and a half for the wound to close. I have had my ostomy reversal and abdominal wall rebuild. I am supposed to have skin removal, but I have decided as long as the spandex support (modified to support my belly skin) works, I will not have another surgery. With my history of complications, I say NO, NO, NO to surgery unless life threatening. Now they want to remove the right side of my thyroid. It doubled in size in six months, so the doctor says it has to come out. I cancelled the scheduled surgery, and began a regime of herbs, including kelp, spirolina, Maca, and most importantly Ojibwa, which, let me say loud and clear CURES CANCER!!! My thyroid levels are normal and it has decreased in the last month. Still they yell it's got to come out. You know my answer to that! My question to them was, "if my blood levels are normal and it's reduced in size, WHY would I want it to come out?" I plan to tackle my long term goal of reaching 185 pounds. I know I will still be fat, but from where I'm sitting, it sounds good to me.