My name is Jen. I'm currently in the process of getting approved for WLS. I still have a couple more tests to do before they send in for my insurance approval. My problem is, now that I'm getting further into it, I'm freaking out a little. I'm not worried about the actual surgery itself.. I'm worried about failing. My whole life I have been over weight and on diets with very small and rare results. What if I fail at this also? that's my number one concern. My second is what if I succeed? I don't know what it is like to be a "normal" weight. All of my family, my friends, even myself.. only know me like this. I've read article after article and forums and you name it... and I never recall anyone having a fear of losing weight. I guess I feel strange because even though the thought of buying and fitting into "average" size clothing would be awesome, I'm not miserable being overweight. The number one reason I am trying to do this is to be healthy. Has anyone else felt this way??

Yes and I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better. I am 10 months out and I'm still afraid of failing. And I'm a little afraid of succeeding. Sometimes the attention can be a little uncomfortable. There's comfort in being invisible. The great selection of clothes do help with the fear of success. I recommend some shopping therapy.

Welcome, you are not alone It's a normal feeling. You are in the right place just keep posting and reading. I've learned a lot just reading on here.

P.S. Welcome to the site. It's a great resource to help you through all this. You will not regret getting this surgery. It really is amazing.

Thank you all so much... I've been so emotional lately, which is odd. I've tried to talk to family or friends but no one truly understands like people who are in or have been in this situation. To be perfectly honest, I'm not very the best at opening up and showing my feelings. That's why I've decided to join.

From what I have read we all feel this way or felt this way at some point. I am almost at the most weight I have ever lost and initially I didn't even feel like I was getting smaller, then all my clothes got too big. When the stall hit that everyone seems to have, I thought this is it I have failed...then the weight started coming off again. We have failed so many times we just expect to again but this is a wonderful tool and if used properly you WILL succeed. Just look at some of the long-termers here and you see it can be done.

I too have been overweight my whole life. I am finding I feel better and better as the weight comes off. I have no idea what I will look like at a more normal weight because I have never seen it. The more I lose the more excited I get about it. Things I have never seen before are happening...I have a small thigh gap, I can sit my laptop in my actual lap, my stomach doesn't touch the steering wheel anymore. Little victories will show you that it is possible to succeed.

Hang in there and have faith in your surgeon and your nutritionist. You can do great!

ive just started and i have the same fears mostly what happens if i lose all the weight will i still be me?

You will always be YOU on the inside ... Just the body you see in the mirror will change ...

This is such an exciting journey to be on !

We ALL get to meet the new body that will carry us around for the rest of our lives ...

What could be more exciting than that?

OK .. maybe fitting in an airplane seat with the arm rest DOWN ...

Maybe the airplane seatbelt fitting WITHOUT the extension ...

Actually fitting into those plastic white lawn chairs ... without fear of them buckling and you falling flat on your butt ...

Being able to actually walk around the WHOLE mall ...

Being able to enjoy decorating for the holidays without being grumpy because you're hurting so bad ... ( I'm looking forward to this!! )

There are so many little victories along the way ... SO much to look forward to ...

Best of luck !! You will succeed !

If HE brings you to it ... HE will bring you through it !

Not always me at all! I am also terrified of failure like every other weight loss attempt I have made. I am trying to focus on taking care of myself as a priority. You can do it, good luck with your journey!