Well here it goes my story. I started this process over a year ago. I have almost all of my clearances just a couple more to go. But I haven't done them cuz I'm scared. Scared of the surgery scared of what it's gonna be like after the surgery? Also I have had a really hard time quitting smoking! That's been the hardest part for me in this whole process. I just know this is what I have to do to help get me back to being healthy, but I'm just scared! Anyone else out there share what I'm feeling, or been where I am right now? Ill take any and all advice at this point. I've decided to have the surgery but just have to get up the courage to actually do it.

Do you want to smoke or do you want to live? That's the question I had to ask myself. I actually found quitting caffeine harder than quitting smoking. I just set the smokes down and walked away. It was that simple...and that hard not to go buy another pack.

I didn't even think of the caffeine! I drink at least 7 cups of coffee a day between what I have in the morning when I'm getting the kids ready for school and then what I have at work in the afternoon.

I think maybe you should know that we are all terrified at one point or another! This is surgery and a forced change in lifestyle for a long time. I am sorry but you should stop smoking anyway! Its just so bad for you and I am sure that lung cancer is waaay scarier than this surgery! Maybe you should sit down and really think about what you want for yourself and why it is really scaring you!

In my opinion, this is where seeing a therapist is so important in preparing for this surgery. I saw a therapist for a year before I was ready for surgery. She helped me work through the reasons why I ate my way to nearly dead, helped me develop tools to deal with my food addiction, and so many other issues, problems that stood in the way of me learning to love myself and deal with my fears about the sugery. I continue to see her now. I had my surgery May 17, 2012 and despite serious complications, I consider this the second best thing I have ever done for myself. The best has to be having the courage to begin therapy. Without it , I don't believe I would would have been successful with the surgery, and don't know if I would have even had the courage to have the surgery. I lost 54 pounds pre surgery and have lost 82 pounds post surgery, for a total of 136 pounds. I plan to lose another 60 - 80 pounds and know that I will make it to my goal. Both therapy and sleeve surgery have given me back my life. I encourage you to go for it. You are worth it!

I started the process to have the surgery 3 yrs ago! I was struggling with quitting smoking, also! I finally quit smoking for good in may 2012, but it took me another 3 months to lose those last 5 pounds the surgeon required to schedule my surgery. I finally had my surgery Oct 23,2012 and all those sacrifices were definately worth it! I'm still struggling with food cravings, but your new body makes it impossible to give in to those!

Thank you everyone for ur words of encouragement! I know this is something that I HAVE to do. I went and saw my cardiologist today and he's gonna give me something to help quit smoking and to help with the cravings. So I think once that is all done I should be good to go!!!!