Just got my insurance approval, and my scheduled date. June 26 is the big day. I will be doing a two week liquid diet starting on June 12. I have to say leading up to this point it didn't really feel real. Now it has hit me like a bag of cement and I am feeling extremely nervous, I guess that is normal. It feels like I am closing a Chapter in my life. As excited as I am about staring a new one, I still feel extremely nervous about the change. The next few weeks feel like a "last Hurrah", doing the things that I enjoy doing I will not be able to do again, and I have to get them done now. Eating at my favorite restaurant, having my favorite beer (I know these are some of the things that got me overweight to begin with) will be a thing of the past.

I have not told many people that I am having this surgery as I feel almost ashamed that it has come to this. I have tried many times to change my life but have always been unsuccessful. Outside of my wife, and parents, and my HR dept I have not told anyone. I do not know how to tell others or if I even want to. Has anyone else felt this way?

I look forward to being healthy for myself and my wife and my kids, that is what I am clinging to over the next few weeks. I am excited about being about to do more physical activities, and not having to buy a second airline seat, or that second concert ticket. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and as distant as it seems I am excited to get there.

Rant Over

Congratulations! Try to keep a positive attitude. It will get harder before it gets easier, but you can do this.

Yay Steve - That’s so wonderful - so glad for you.

Yes it is an emotional roller coaster. Food just like any other drug can control our lives and we just have to move on from those things that are hurting us. Just keep doing what your doing - looking at the (non food) positives like the being able to move better, less pain, less medications, etc. Look at us. We are Irish and I have to give up bread and potatoes. OMG.... - but I know it will be so worth it. Gosh I can't wait to fit in the tub again. LOL

I too am excited about the idea of being able to move better. Just to do my own toes, work in my own garden without spending the whole next couple day recuperating from it. It will be so worth it, you will see. Find new interests – bowling, hiking, hunting – things that don’t relate to food. Like I love painting, crochet, and gardening. I’m putting a lot of focus into these things and not so much on the culinary stuff. All it has done is make me miserable like I’m sure it has you.

I too was a bit ashamed to tell people. Like I failed or something.. taking the easy way out. I’ve gotten so over that. I’ve tried for 20 years to deal with my weight with many programs, diets, exercise routines and stuff. I have to say I really did try. So the heck with what others say. You’re doing this for YOU and your family. Losing the weight to be healthy and prolong life to be with your family What ever the reason. What people say doesn’t matter. I haven’t announced like all out, but most people I know, know. I don’t miss work and it was really hard to explain the taking 2 week off so most my coworker know too. But no one has been negative at all. Actually way opposite.

Please do keep us updated on your progress.

My surgery date is July 12th so same as you sooo nervous but ready to get on with this new chapter in my life. Praying for you and a more healthier and active future.

GrInS