I'm feeling better emotionally after my freak-out this morning. I'm feeling like I can do this and not as scared about it. I'm looking forward to the new lifestyle again. Thanks everyone for all your advice and input. It is appreciated.

D.R. Potential Sleever

I found that having weight loss surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made. So good luck.

Since you are at the beginning of this process, I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.

2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.

3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

I've definitely had my 'freak-out' moments, too. I really feel like I've had a decades-long love affair with food and there was definite mourning period once I left the hospital. My Friday night favorites (pizza, hoagies, chips and dip) are not on my menu right now and it's really hard some days. I'm 4 weeks out today and down 30 pounds, so it's definitely all worth it. Good luck to you and don't be too hard on yourself for being anxious - it's normal!