Total agreement with Ethel.
Whilst I am not a fattist, and admittedly enjoy some flesh on the female frame, the key is simple if you want to lose weight.
Unless there is a major thyroid problem (of which most can be treated) large people are large purely because of lifestyle.
To be large is a personal choice. Yes, there probably is a fat gene as I know people who do no exercise, eat takeaways and are very slim. But all it means is a person who has a tendancy to be fat, just has to try a little harder.
I am not a dietician, and I have no scientific qualifications at all, but I can swear but whatever is mighty that if you follow my regime to the letter, you will be your ideal weight one day. And guess what, I don't make millions from the internet.
If you want my simple steps then I shall write them down for you, but I think you know the answer already, don't you?
All it takes is will power. And trust me, I am 16 stone, so I am no slim jim myself.
And as for gastric bypass surgery. I beg you, do not even consider it private or state paid.