Dealing with fear

   I'm considering bariatric surgery and have done quite a bit of research.  I've learned that the surgery is just the first step and that afterwards, there will be many changes I will have to make in order for the weight loss to be successful.
    My history with weight loss has been dismal; lose 30, gain 40, etc., etc., etc., etc. I fear that despite my desire and willingness to do whatever it takes, my lack of control in making life style changes in the past will again be my downfall after wls. 
    I'm talking 40+ years of failures. I always start out highly motivated and committed to success but soon fall back into old, old, ingrained habits.  Anyone have any thoughts?   

I think most of us here totally understand what you are feeling. Many of us have felt the same!
WLS helps us physically lose weight. It helps us be successful in THAT part. However, while losing, it is up to us to work on the issues that contributed to us being obese in the first place.
I lost and gained weight all my life (ok, most of my adult life). I worried that WLS wouldnt work for me. I had the RNY Dec 08 and have lost all my excess weight. BUT, I am still working on the emotional issues I have with food. The surgery does not fix our head....just our stomach.
A good Bariatric program will help you with the Psychological issues surrounding our eating. Many times, psych is mandatory pre-op....Support groups may be mandatory pre-op too. Post op is the time for you to make yourself THE priority. Support groups are very helpful as you lose weight. Also, you should still have access to a Psychologist post op with a good Bariatric program.
The cause of obesity is not simply physical. It isnt all Psychological.
WLS fixes our stomach, not our heads. Only we can do that. And, it can be done.
Please continue to post here. I think we all understand a lot of what you are feeling. I know I felt the very same pre-op!
Leah

 Ditto everything Leah said We all have proven to ourselves over and over again that obesity is a real disease and diets are not the cure.  But WLS can be the tool that gives us the edge we need to a successful journey to better health.

Thank you so much for the thumbs up!  I haven't chosen a physician yet.  Why did you choose Dr. Keith?  I'm only an hour from Norman which would be good travel wise. 

 My insurance only approved Norman Regional for my surgery even though I live in the Tulsa area so they kinda chose for me. However, Dr. Keith is  a very skilled and reliable surgeon. He also has a great dietary team.  My only complaint is after surgery you mainly never get to see him again unless you have a major problem. Otherwise you are scheduled with his PA, Winter who I haven't really cared for. I also had to see her for my  last preop appt before surgery.  I still would recommend Dr. Keith and I am moving my continued followup care back to the Tulsa area. 

Leah, thank you so much for your encouraging and truthful words.  They help.

U r most welcome!