Hello everyone. Tomorrow is my first consultation with the surgeon. I have a 10 page application I have to turn in, which includes my "story."

This is kind of long, but if you're bored, feel free to read it and let me know your thoughts.... If I should make edits... etc.

I'm on the lower end of acceptable BMI for insurance coverage, and I'm so nervous that they won't approve me....

Here goes:

I've struggled with my weight all my life. As I've gotten older it's gotten harder and harder to lose pounds or inches. The last few years I've been trying really hard, dieting is much as I can, and exercising as much as I can. Unfortunately it seems my metabolism has slowed to a crawl, and my hunger is ever-present. I've been going to exercise classes, but I can't keep up with the rest of the class. My feet hurt, my hips too, and my knees ache and sometimes want to give out. And this doesn't even speak to my low endurance and fatigue. Over the years my romantic relationships have suffered... On top of my aches and pains, and my negative body image, and exhaustion, my libido has become almost non-existent. My fiancée has put up with this for years, but he shouldn't have to "put up" with this type of problem... We are building a life together... One we should both be thrilled with and not one that will "make do." Aside from my relationships with others, my relationship with myself has never been easy. I sometimes feel a total disconnect with my body. Despite the fact that I've been overweight for most of my life, it's still hard for me to accept that there are things that I want to do but my body won't allow me to do. I'm not talking extreme sports or winning medals, I'm not competitive in the slightest. I just want to enjoy life... I want to go on hikes, I want to ride my bike long distances, I want to swim, I want to dance all night at my wedding... I want to be a healthy, active, happy, strong role model for my soon-to-be stepdaughter. I hate that I'm usually too tired to play with her, that I get too worn out on bike rides, and my body hurts too much for the active moments we should be sharing. And I hate that as hard as I try to steer her towards a life of self love and body positivity, that I'm sure she can see in my eyes that I can't practice what I preach.

I know that weight-loss surgery won't fix all my problems.. But I know that it will be an incredibly helpful tool. And I know that the progress that I'll make because of this tool, will only make me work harder. I'm happy to work hard... My ultimate goal is to work hard... in order to be able to work harder. I just need a little help along the way.

Sounds good to me. My first consultation is tomorrow also. I'm so excited.

I think you expressed yourself very well, showing how the extra weight has negatively affected your life, and also that you understand surgery isn't a quick fix, but rather a tool to help you regain your health and mobility.

If you work hard and remain true to your goals, you will definitely be that positive role model for your step daughter.

Best of luck and wishes!

It sounds great to me.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. It helps to ease some of the anxiety!