I am a 41 year old mom of 3 boys (and a puppy!) sharing my life with my wonderful husband of over 15 years. I've struggled with weight for most of my life and have tried all the usual weight loss suspects, only to not lose much or quickly gain back any weight I had lost. I only recently "gave up" losing weight, 6 years post my youngest son's day of birth. Out of desperation, I began researching bariatric surgery, something I had never before considered.

I made a decision to pursue weight loss surgery and have never thought twice… even when I discovered my insurance would not pay. I am now a self-pay, pre-surgery patient scheduled for 10/8. I struggle with my self-pay status, not only because of the money required to pay for the surgery, but also because of the guilt I feel, taking away such an important safety net for my family. My husband is very supportive and just wants me to be happy. I am fortunate. I just wish this decision did not feel so selfish.

That's it. Bittersweet, really… So excited and ready for the surgery and inevitable changes, but apprehensive as one would expect. I so hope that I do this right and make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

Try to look at it this way - you aren't actually taking anything away from them. You are actually giving them a gift - YOU! I felt the selfish feeling too and I don't even have a husband and children. Totally normal. Just use the sacrifice as motivation to make sure you do this the right way - see a therapist, work with a NUT, exercise. All those things help immensely and are a recipe for success! Best Wishes!!

Welcome @@irishaggie I am having surgery 6 October in Virginia. I am nervous and have started my pre-op diet already. My thought for you is find the positive and focus on that There are a lot of positives that are an outcome of this surgery.

How much are you saving your family? Think about all the money your family might have to spend if you do not get this surgery.

Also how much is your time worth to you? Think about that worth and then think about all the extra time and things you will be able to do with your family.

Keep us posted on how things are going! There are a lot of great people on these forums.

I'm scheduled for late October and also self funding my surgery.

I worried about using the funds on myself......but I got past that really quickly when I realized how much of a burden my weight related problems are on my family.

Having your spouse being supportive is tremendous.

Workhard on the diet up to your surgery and good luck with everything.

Thank you for your responses and support… finding this website has been such a blessing. My pre-op diet starts this coming Thursday, the 24th. I've been trying to not succumb to the "last supper" mentality, but I'm failing miserably, lol… I keep thinking that I need to indulge before indulging is prohibited. I am hoping this is normal…?… I'm excited about the next month and the changes I will experience in the coming year. I love hearing about your success stories and look forward to sharing this journey with you all!