seems like a dream

I so long to be one of the before and afters. As long as I can remember I always felt i had a healthy woman inside of me. But I would let food win and I would binge and eat crap food then feel like crap (exhausted, yucky, fatigued, worn down, nauseous ) I long for the day I use food for fuel and not comfort. You all are so inspiring and I'm praying I get approved for surgery and get to be an after and get to feel and see the healthy me that has always been hiding. I just hope this all becomes a reality. For some reason I fear I will be stuck in this hell with addiction to food forever.

Good luck on your approval. I know insurance can make things difficult, so I hope for the best for you. It is a big step in the right direction.

I'm crossing my fingers for you! Just remember that surgery is just a tool to help with your addiction, the rest of it is all in your head. Good luck on your journey, and yes, waiting for insurance approval is part of the journey!

Please work to find a therapist to work with as well. The surgery will change your stomach, but it won't change your brain - a therapist can help with the second part of the equation.

Surgery will NOT cure you of a food addiction.

You can still eat crap food after WLS, and you can still binge.

Use this time while your waiting for approval to start changing some behaviors. Like GoneGirl, Julie and Gwen posted, find a good therapist that you feel comfortable with and work on the mental part now. Start logging every bite you eat in a food journal like MyFitnessPal. If you were given the post op food plan from your surgeon, study it and know it. If you haven't received it yet, research online. Ask a lot of questions, OH is a wonderful resource and everyone is amazingly supportive. Hang in there, you will be a "before and after" before you know it!

thank you all for supportive words. I started seeing a therapist 3 weeks ago to help me with the transition and getting to the core of why I eat for comfort and helping me with other coping techniques instead of food.

I agree - Don't wait - Start building good habits now. I started tracking everything I ate and doing more exercise the day after my first consult with the surgeon and nutritionist. I have lost 20 pounds and surgery is still 10 days away. I am already feeling better/stronger/healthier and clothing fits looser. And surgery will be safer with less weight. Good luck!