I did not start near that weight, and if I was I would not have needed the VSG I am 5' 10" and was 338 at the start of my journey. Ok now that has been said and please don't think that I am being condescending because that is the farthest thing from my intention, I just wanted to let you know where I started! It is completely understandable that you are scared but trust me you will be fine in the end. You need to fasten your seatbelt my dear because this is going to be one heck of a ride! I am almost a year out and you can check my profile for the amount of weight that I have lost. I feel absolutely AMAZING and wish that I would have done this MUCH SOONER, if I did then there are several health issues that I would not have had to deal with! What I did to prepare myself is exactly what you are doing, searching boards, looking at Youtube videos and doing serious research online. Just know that there are things that you are going to have to give up like soda, but in the long run it will be more than worth the small and temporary discomfort that you will go through. Another way that I prepared myself was starting on a high protein and low carb diet. That will be essential to long term results, it will lead to long term results. Please do not sweat the procedure the worst time that I have had with it was the one week following surgery, after that it was smooth sailing! This is a process, and even though it is moving pretty fast you come out on the other side half the woman you are now and have a smile on your face that very few things will turn into a frown! Your confidence will increase, as your waistline decreases! Good luck and please report back with your progress!