"Fat or thin, I always had good friends in my life," says Jim, who topped out at 370 lbs before taking part in St. Vincent's Bariatric program. "But at that weight I was having real difficulties. And there were other problems. My knee was so bad, there was practically no bone left." Jim pauses. "I couldn't exercise. I was out of work and angry most of the time."

It was his neighbor, John, who brought the ad for St. Vincent's program to his attention. Other friends pointed out an old picture of him on a motorcycle, sparking him to think of the healthy guy he could be. "I went to the seminar and met Tim (Dr. Ehrlich), a great guy," says Jim. "I went in for my Lap-Band, and when I came out of the anesthetic, my orthopedist was there telling me I was scheduled to get a titanium knee in a few months. "

Having lost 120 lbs and gained a 'bionic' knee, Jim thinks of himself as man with a complete do-over. "It was a little tough at first, and sometimes I plateau," he says. "But I feel good, and that's the payoff. And when someone from back in my 'dark days' doesn't recognize me, I'm glad those days are over with and that my new life is ahead of me now!"