Hey, there. I found BariatricPal by way of the Big Book of Roux en Y. I am currently pre-op and in the process of determining if I want to commit to this extreme change in lifestyle. My surgery date is set for July 7, pending approval of insurance and pre-ops. As of right now, I am 90% sure that I want the surgery.

I have an an all-or-nothing type personality, but I'm not the type to push the envelope or take risks. When I commit to a diet and exercise, I give it my all; unfortunately, as proven by the many diets I have failed, my all isn't good enough. As far as a healthy lifestyle goes, I am either "on" or "off," but my biggest problem is that when I'm off, my eating habits are extreme - my diet consists of fast food, ice cream and pastries. I think the reason for the extreme off behavior is that I haven't found a good enough tangible reason to NOT go to extremes. "Tangible" is the key word there - yes, I may be shortening my life and yes, I may be missing out on a better quality of life, but those reasons are so hypothetical when most days I'm tired and hungry after a long day at work and I want something that is convenient and tastes good; uh, what do you know, there's McDonalds, perfect, won't even have any dishes to do! - unfortunately, at that point in time the fast tasty food is much more tangible than trying to live healthy.

The surgery will give me the very tangible reason I need stop acting out on impulse desires. For me, knowing I'm going to get sick and run the risk of a rupture is much more tangible than the thought that maybe I'll live longer and maybe I'll have a better quality of life. I am a cautiously optimistic person by nature.

I welcome any thoughts anyone may have about me, my reasons for the journey and/or the journey.

Welcome aboard! I am a pre op. I've officially been on this journey for nearly a year, with several unofficial years of research and consideration before that.

I've completed nearly all my insurance requirements including six months of classes. Now I'm just waiting for final approval and the last pre op appointments. The closer I get to surgery the more positive I am that this is the right course for me.

The only change has been in my choice of surgery. I went into this 100% positive I wanted the sleeve. But now, I'm leaning towards the bypass, only saving final determination until I can discuss it with the surgeon.

However you found your way here I'm sure you'll find many friends who are on the same path, working towards the same goal. So again, welcome!

Edited May 25, 201511 yr by The Candidate

The best thing you can do for yourself is commit to eating better before your surgery. You should also start logging what you eat get some kind of app that allows you to log your food. Start moving and don't stop! You will find that you can still eat some of your food down falls after surgery with no consequences so I found an independent counselor who worked with Bariatric patients outside of the program I went thru to work on what lead me to fall off the wagon & eat wrong.

I wish you the best of luck this has been the best thing I have ever done for myself, and it is definitely only going to continue. Because after this tool there are no more highs & lows of the diet roller coaster offers you don't want to mess up this chance you have given yourself.

Thank you, The Candidate and InspirationMySon. I appreciate that you reached out to me with your thoughts. It's nice to feel like I'm part of the group!