OKCPirate

Thanks for all the encouragement. Tomorrow's the big day. After losing 16 pounds on the pre-opp diet I was really second guessing this decision. But I know the 16 pounds would be back on before New Year's without this. Many of the challenges I think I will face have been addressed in this topic and it seems manageable. I'm glad that I'm doing this before major health problems happen and I "have to do it." Can't wait to start dating again in a few months and do some before and after comparisons of the women who respond on Match.com. From what I understand, as you get closer to a healthier size, your confidence as well as energy improves...and women are highly attracted to confidence (not cockiness). This is one of my top eight reasons for doing this surgery. The top reason is still health. I see little yellow flags popping up, if I stay at this weight I'll either have heart troubles, knee problems or diabetes. So I am mentally prepared for a crappy few weeks, encouraged by some solid weight loss followed by learning a new normal. Looking forward to not being the fat sweaty guy.

I head Mexico Tuesday for surgery. My mom (a retired RN) is going to join me. Lost 14 pounds on the pre-op diet, had to give up drinking great wines and bourbons (some of my favorite joys) to get ready for this, but I am convinced that in January I am going to be very thankful I did this for me. I'm divorced, kids are out of the house, have a great career, but I want to be running and climbing mountains again, and it would be great to be comfortable in a plane seat again, be able to ride everything at an amusement park without having to worry I'll fit in the seats, and get off all the meds I've been slowly adding to overcome the effects of being obese. In short, I'm scared to death, but I have this vision of what will be possible next year, so I'm going forward with that hope. This isn't a magic wand, but it's a great tool.