Nerva Harrison

Ok, I've been reading a lot about how the horrendous waiting period surrounding the surgery is a great time to educate yourself, to start a regular exercise routine to better prepare you physically for surgery, to handle emotional eating, to learn to eat mindfully, etc...but I'm going to be really honest with you all: the more I read about how different my life will have to be after surgery, I'm seriously considering taking this first 1 month of my 4-6 month waiting period to truly enjoy all the things I'm going to have to give up. I figure that still gives me 3-5 months to be a "good student"...not to mention the fact that I won't even find out if insurance has approved the procedure until after all the months of waiting, tests, classes, and appointments! Any thoughts? Ok, at the very least did anyone of you do something similar and not live to regret it?

Hi, I'm sorry if this has been expressed in another thread, but I could really use some advice and was hoping you all might be able to help. My doctor today told me that based on my medical history (morbid obesity, cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, etc..) he strongly recommended I pursue this surgery. It had already been approved by my insurance last year, but I had to postpone it and was hoping that I could lose the weight on my own in the meanwhile. I haven't lost it and that's way he'd like me to re-pursue the surgery. I'm not against it...I just feel very disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to do it on my own...and that it seems like he doesn't feel I'm going to be able to do it on my own. I really hate to say it, but I feel like a bit of a loser when I think of all those other people who have been successfully able to lose a lot of weight on their own. Has anyone else gone through similar feelings? thanks for any help, Nerva

Thank you again, everyone; your insight is much appreciated! I didn't know to expect such a warm, supportive, and welcoming community here...I honestly feel like I couldn't have come to a better place.

Wow, I didn't expect responses so quickly and truly thank you all for your feedback. For what it's worth, my decision is made: I went into his office knowing that I would do whatever he suggested, whatever it would take to have a healthier chance at life. I'm done with the yo-yo dieting for good. I was just surprised at my own initial disappointment in his suggestion...especially since I knew it was a strong possibility before I went into his office. I guess (rather naively) I thought he would say something like "You know what? You've been trying so hard lately, let's give diet and exercise a try for another year or 2 and see where you end up?" Realistically looking back now, I recognize that I've been struggling with my weight with him for over a decade now and he's just trying to offer what he thinks is in my best interests...he's not trying to knock my efforts at diet & exercise. So, again I thank you all so much for offering me your perspectives and I'll try to embrace what good things may lie ahead. thank you all!!