So I don't know what is going on with me, but this week I have been so depressed. My surgery date is March 20th but I have been feeling really low about my body and being single. I am trying to stay positive but it just crept up on me this week and it is a battle. My weight has always been an issue for me and now I am making the conscious decision to make changes in my life. I am so anxious for me to sit on the losers bench, but I want to be happy now and not depressed about things that will change soon! In a few months I will start losing weight, and feeling better about myself...but this feeling now is for the birds! I have been praying and any encouraging words will be great for this supportive group!

I'm feeling you! I got depressed over the past month as I am getting closer to my date. For me it is anxiety related depression. This is going to be a major change in my life. Who am I going to be when I go through this process? I have always said "When I lose weight I'm going to......" Well, now I have to be in control of my life. I can't blame being fat...I can't create comfort with food. Now I am responsible for creating the life I was meant to lead. That is some heavy s***t to bear! It is far to overwhelming for me to handle by myself.

I have to make a commitment to taking care of myself because that is where depression hits me most of all. I get the dishes washed...I take a shower...if something happens at work I stand up for myself....I make sure my clothes are clean and in good shape....brush teeth...use deodorant....all the self-care stuff.

Try watching stand up comedy on youtube. What makes you happy? Try to find things that make you smile.

Well first, I'll say congratulations on your decision to take care of yourself in this way. This is not an easy decision. I think sometimes the 'intrinsic value' that society and 'our' culture puts on the diet and exercise mentality is easy to internalize. It's easy to feel like 'well I 'should' be able to this on my own.' The truth is for most of us, if that were possible it would have been done already. Staying in that place can be depressing. But the bottom line this is a life changing decision. It's empowering. This is an opportunity to rebuild, create an even more authentic identity for yourself. Is there a counselor/therapist that specializes in bariatric patients? You can do this!