I've been there and from my experience all I can say is that if you have the will power to eat right, go to the gym and really dedicate yourself to lose the weight yourself then go for it. For me it was different because I thought I had the strength to do it myself after I was approved for surgery last year, but it was really just because I was afraid of the drastic change I was about to face and I still wasn't mentally or emotionally prepared.So Yeah, I ate right, went to the gym, lost some weight, but then I hit my plateau I couldn't lose anymore then gained it all back. again, that was just me. but now I'm one week out and to be honest getting the sleeve was the best thing that ever happened to me. It is a BIG change, but it's one I made to not only better myself, but my health as well. So if you feel like you can really do it on your own, then go for it. But if you're just scared and trying to find a reason not to, don't be scared. It'll be fine, you just have to make sure you mentally prepare and keep in mind that this is a tool. It's still hard work regardless, but you'll be healthier in the long run.

side note: I used to LOVE eating and I was always hungry. Now I'm not hungry whatsoever and I'm SO happy about that lol. I don't feel like a prisoner to food anymore, but again that's just me. I can't speak for anyone else or you. In the end it's about what you really want for yourself and what will make you happy and healthy.

Thanks blossom 12. I am over here a getting very nervous. I want to do this, but I'm scared to do this. I am afraid of the change. But I could never do this on my own. I've tried. I've been trying to lose weight since childhood and I just don't want to die this way. I am trying not to put too much on this. My surgery is in 3 days and I start my pre-op tonight. I hope that this is just pre-sleeve jitters?

Its the jitters sweetie and I understand it all too well. The night before I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking of the worst I was nervous I began doubting if this was going to be a good idea, but when I got on the table, I was positive. I thought about how much happier and healthier I was going to be, how this is going to improve my life for the better. Then I woke up happy and excited about my new life. Once you wake up you're going to feel silly for being nervous. I should know I was a mess of nerves lol Yes it'll be a big change, but it's a good one for you and your well being. But it is KEY to mentally prepare. you can't go back to those foods that were slowly killing you no matter how delicious it was. Yeah it was good but is it good enough to let it kill you? You have to be harsh with your mind and prepare it. Sorry I went on a rant there lol good luck with your surgery!!!!

I posted a similar question last week. What I had not considered was what sabotaged me every other time I lost weight, and that is STRESS. I've always yo-yo'd like all of us here, but had two particularly good weight loss episodes in the past that were totally undone when my wife and then my dad got sick. With the sleeve, I will have the tool I need to prevent binge eating. ANY weight loss surgery can be defeated by grazing and liquid calories, so the education part of this is still very important. I start my liquid diet this morning and am very comfortable with and excited about my decision to sleeve. That being said, you have to make the decision that is best for you, and I wish you the best of luck whatever you decide.

Blossom12 you have so hit the nail on the head for me! It's not that I don't want to be healthy...it's that I'm scared of the change...meaning am I being too drastic! But your quote "I thought I had the strength to do it myself after I was approved for surgery last year, but it was really just because I was afraid of the drastic change I was about to face and I still wasn't mentally or emotionally prepared" is mean exactly! I have the knowledge. I used to be an aerobics instructor and all! I was a plus size one though. But I was darn good! Now that I am getting ready to put myself through a more strict nutrition plan, I'm wondering if it will be too much. To be honest, I think it's more just me being afraid to not have the flexibile I have now if I want to have a piece of candy...or 1 or 2 fries, or whatever. I've seriously changed my eating since I've been on the new journey and now I just feel empowered and am worried that the non-flexibility that I will have for some time will be regretful. I have to say though that NO ONE in the videos I've watched or even reading the blogs on here has said they are sorry they have done it. I guess I just answered my own question. I am going to setup my time today! Please follow me on youtube thesleevedsinger