doggiedaddy

@toasty… I think that is a wonderful analogy for this journey of ours and hopefully will help many of our friends and loved ones better understand the importance of the surgery and how it will change our lives for the better, in so many ways. I may have to borrow your analogy in my own struggle to impart the benefits of my surgery to people who question its value Thanks Toasty! Maybe I am a cynic or still so new to this (I am, unfortunately, self-pay so this transition has been fast and furious in some ways (and way too long in coming, in others!)), but I just think people who have never experienced the trials of an obese person, or those of someone they love, can ever really understand my decision to undergo WLS. Part of me wants to just curl up in a ball, even post-weight loss, and hide away from all the questioning eyes. I want to be "normal"… not the "cheery, chubby" woman I think everyone only sees or even the thinner, healthier woman that becomes the topic of conversations every time I step out into the neighborhood or go to one of my kids' school events. Hopefully, I will gain more confidence post surgery and not feel so defensive about it all… Is it unhealthy to want to be private in my decision? I don't plan to be dishonest about my method of weight loss, I just wish it would not be so "interesting" to those around me.

My surgery is scheduled for 10/8 in Houston… Love reading all your comments, so great to read I am not alone in my fears AND excitement! @edie091371… I feel like you are taking all the words out of my mouth, lol… so much of what you say is in sync with my own emotions over this major event in my life… It is so comforting to hear It also must be because you are a Texas girl, as well!! Where in Houston will you have your surgery?

Thank you for your responses and support… finding this website has been such a blessing. My pre-op diet starts this coming Thursday, the 24th. I've been trying to not succumb to the "last supper" mentality, but I'm failing miserably, lol… I keep thinking that I need to indulge before indulging is prohibited. I am hoping this is normal…?… I'm excited about the next month and the changes I will experience in the coming year. I love hearing about your success stories and look forward to sharing this journey with you all!

I am a 41 year old mom of 3 boys (and a puppy!) sharing my life with my wonderful husband of over 15 years. I've struggled with weight for most of my life and have tried all the usual weight loss suspects, only to not lose much or quickly gain back any weight I had lost. I only recently "gave up" losing weight, 6 years post my youngest son's day of birth. Out of desperation, I began researching bariatric surgery, something I had never before considered. I made a decision to pursue weight loss surgery and have never thought twice… even when I discovered my insurance would not pay. I am now a self-pay, pre-surgery patient scheduled for 10/8. I struggle with my self-pay status, not only because of the money required to pay for the surgery, but also because of the guilt I feel, taking away such an important safety net for my family. My husband is very supportive and just wants me to be happy. I am fortunate. I just wish this decision did not feel so selfish. That's it. Bittersweet, really… So excited and ready for the surgery and inevitable changes, but apprehensive as one would expect. I so hope that I do this right and make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

Thank you all for your responses and support… finding this website has been such a blessing. My pre-op diet starts this coming Thursday, the 24th. I've been trying to not succumb to the "last supper" mentality, but I'm failing miserably, lol… I keep thinking that I need to indulge before indulging is prohibited. I am hoping this is normal…?… I'm excited about the next month and the changes I will experience in the coming year. I love hearing about your success stories and look forward to sharing this journey with you all!