Re: Morbidly Obese.
LQ, I don't know that there is ANYTHING harder than losing weight and getting fit. I admire your commitment.
Perhaps you could save up for the surgery if it is that central to your happiness and quality of life?
Pauline asked about exercise. You can tone your muscles beneath the skin, but not the skin itself. Surgery is the only option, but it comes with health risks.
My cousin had bariatric surgery, and though she lost weight, it affected her ability to absorb calcium, which resulted in terrible osteoporosis. She has experienced a bone break almost every time she has fallen since, which now restricts many of the activities that she had hoped to regain from the surgery. Anyone considering this surgery should be well-educated on possible malnutrition issues that can follow due to the body's adjustment and poor nutrient absorbing. Digestion, absorption, and gut bacteria can all be seriously affected.