Am so excited yet very scared. I just got my surgery date after a year now. April 21st here at our local military hospital. I have a great surgeon and staff. I'd love support to help ease my mind. Am I making the right decision for me?

That is a question that each of us must answer for ourselves. We all have our own background with regards to our relationship with food. Myself, I knew my dieting history as I had tried many times to make the lifestyle changes required to maintain the losses of whatever diet I had been on. I believe my failure with making those changes stemmed from never addressing the mental reasons why I abused food. Perhaps if I had done that work, I may have never landed on the doorstep of WLS, but alas, it was only through my WLS I was able to do this work.

When people ask me if they should have WLS, I always ask them if they have attempted to make the changes at least 3 times in their lives. Really earnest attempts at not only dieting, but maintaining that lifestyle. IMO, WLS should be the last stop on the block. It is not a decision to be made lightly and certainly is not the easy way.

For me, it has been a life-saving procedure. I know where I was going and I felt so powerless after many, many failed attempts. I have discovered I am a stronger person as I have had to confront the reasons (and continue to) I abuse food. I have a great outlook on my life now with new energy and vigor.

Good luck with your journey. Continue to read and be prepared for the ride of your life!

CONGRATS TO YOU!!!.... my date is april 2nd... and i feel the same that you do just remember why you wanted this to begin with and think of all the stuff you did to get to where you are now only you can decide if this is right for you good luck to you!!! and this site has amazing support and advice to offer you

Welcome to the website. Most of us who have had or is going to have the sleeve is fearful of the surgery. Any surgery is a bit scary..but I thunk it scarier knowing we are making the decision to have this surgery. Think of the times that u tried to lose weight.. How u felt when you gained it back. And the whole vicious cycle starting over again and again. I was exhausted from this insanity. I had to find hope somehow. I starting seeing a psychiatrist months before I had the surgery. So I had time to talk it over with someone who understood eating disorders. I.e. Binge eating. After the surgery..I am so much more aware of mental hunger vs physical hunger. I evaluate my feelings ,such as stress, anxiety, sadness before i take a bite that will sabotage me. And most of he time I prevail by knowing what I committèd myself to eat that day based on guidelines given by my doctor, rest when I am tired, and analyzing why I may be feeling anxious . I did mourn my best friend ..food ...about a week after surgery. Reality set in., once ii accepted the fact that this will be a new way of life for me.. I never looked back.

Thank you all for such kind and motivating words of encouragement. I hope no one took my statement as my asking if this is right for me lol. I just meant that's what I have been asking myself lol. I have told my parents who are also overweight however their support is quite lacking. It's very sad to me that I can find support from complete strangers on a daily basis but not from my own family. However any support is greatly appreciated regardless of where it's coming from. I believe it's mostly a mental thing for me. If I believe I can do it then I know it will happen. My husband is a soldier of 16 years so I know he will push me once he knows I am able to handle it. I have my beautiful daughters to thrive on as well so honestly I am feeling pretty blessed. Thank you for helping me help myself lol.

My date is April 9th and im scared, I posted my fears, nobody reposnded I guess it was too much to address, but were all unique and different. We fear for different reasons, we our healing process will be different, and ourweight loss, post op...years down the line will all be different, but what we all share is the heart, and ability to be brave enough to take this step because we want a better LIFE!! Im pretty new to this site, but not too weight, meds, anxiety and all the.pounds bring along with it!

Melinda - I did not see your post but I am here to vent to if you need someone. I am dealing with my emotions a lot better now that I have do e a yon more research and just said bump it lol. I am doing this no matter what and that's it lol. Then my fears started to fade. Mind you it didn't happen over night. Try and search for a Facebook page called Sassy Sleevers. I joined it and adore those people. They're from all over and give so much support. They're wonderful and sound like some peoe who could help you out too. Good luck hun.