I'm very new to this forum, but have read some great threads. Today I stumbled on a thread that scared the hell out of me and is a complete refelction of why I have not been able to go thru with any sort of wls. I've looked into it for 3 years now, but I'm constantly haunted by the 1% of people where all goes wrong or at least one thing goes terribly wrong for them. My question is: How are those of you who have had or are already well on their way to having this wls able to take the leap of faith? I am genuienly a glass is full kind of girl and have a ton of moral support from my husband. I want this sooooo bad, but I'm just some damn scared that something can go wrong. My husband said well just becuase people get into devistating car accidents everyday some worse than others this doesn't hold you back from driving right. He's a smart one I tell you;) If there is anyone out there that could chime in on this I would appreciate it. I get so close to saying I'm just gonna do it but being that I REALLY want to know all aspect of this serious lifestyle change we are embarking on I get really scared by the 1%

I so needed to read this. Thanks for starting this topic.

Wow thanks for all the input..I knew from the minute I started reading a few threads here yesterday that I had found a community of people who get me, so naturally I signed up:) It's been a great support to have questions I have...answered. You have all said something to me that I can take from and I appreciate that truly. Tracy thanks for reminding me to keep things in perspective. I know that when I talk to my "real self" alone in my own thoughts and in my own heart, I want this I REALLY REALLY want this. I just need that girl to show up more often and stick around becuase the girl in me that is scared is also the girl who can't seem to loose weight on her own or manage working out either. That scared girl is the same one that I allow to self doubt and do the constant belittling and keep me in the same downward spiral on a daily basis for the most part of the day. I just need to stay in that space that sees me on the opposite end of this battle, running a marathon and being stronger and fitter than I was or at least as great as I was in the Army. Again thanks:)

WHAT??!! You were in the Army? If you went through boot camp, then you know how to face your fears because you have done it! You need to channel that girl! One thing that really helped me to get out of my own way and quiet the voices of self doubt and fear in my head was to write down all my WHYs. Make a list of all the things you hate about being overweight and the things that being overweight is keeping you from. List the reasons you want to lose weight and all the things you look forward to when you reach a healthy goal weight, like getting back to your Army level of fitness. Pull that out and read it whenever you feel yourself starting to get a little freaked out. It will really help to keep you focused on the things that are important and strengthen your resolve. I even brought it to the hospital with me. I don't remember if I ever pulled it out, but I was thinking I might need to remind myself why I was putting myself through this.

LOL Tracy! Yes I did the whole bootcamp thing in the Army and actually I was a pretty good soldier I was always there to encourage others and help others with their runs and ruck marches etc. somehwere between the Army, Motherhood and losing my Mother, I lost that girl inside of me. I guess I kinda felt like it was all too much... to many plates to spin at once and I couldn't keep them all going so the first one to crash down was me:( This whole surgery for me isn't about wether I think I'm worth it or deserve it..rather than I know I deserve I'm worth it and deserve it and it would benefit my entire life and those around me. I have taken a huge step in confronting that fear with the help of those of you that reply to my questions and those that share thier stories the good and the bad. Thanks again, you all have given me so much to think about and make me feel like I'm not completley crazy from saying yes then no then yes;)