Scared to pursue surgery

I went through Ellis Bariatric Center upstate, but I am sure there are places closer to you that specialize.    Before I made my choice I googled local centers, reviewed them online, went to the orientations, looked again online for good or bad reviews and made my decision after I gathered enough info.  Ellis bariatric center has an online orientation that gives you a little bit on the center, the surgery, the surgeons etc which may be worth watching just to give you more info on the surgery.   Once you find a place/ Doctor, then there is a whole process you go through. I am double insured so my secondary insurance required 6 months of documented weight loss which was good to know as early as possible so you can do that while you do all the other tests. They can also recommend a psychologist that works with people pursuing this surgery and are familiar with where you need to be mentally and can get you there  :) 

When I started my journey, I went to my local hospital for blood work and happened to run into a woman who had her surgery with another Dr in the Ellis group and she told me my doctor had actually cancelled surgery on someone who did not lose the minimum required. That made me know I made the right choice, I don't want someone who would do the surgery on a person who is not compliant with the program  :)

I am a month and a half out from my surgery and I am losing weight. There are days I struggle with head hunger and have developed rules to follow if I feel it   i.e. I have to do 15 minutes of exercise before I can eat, I have to identify what is causing the head hunger and finally if I really can't fight it (hormonal hunger) I can only have one of my low cal/carb options ie SF Pudding, no more than 2 SF pieces of candy , 1/4 c almonds etc.    There are days when I feel the surgery working and even though what I cooked taste soooo good, I can not possibly eat any more (about 1/2 cup).

Good luck on your journey, I hope you find what you are looking for  :)

NYU langone weight management center. In had dr. Schwack he is amazing. 

with regards to your questions...

1. Surgery changes your stomach not your brain.  Surgery won't help head hunger.  You'll need will power to desk with that.  Eating when you're not hungry is not really an option anymore.  I'm not saying I'm perfect either but mindful eating should be one of your top priorities.  

2.  I believe you stated that you're working with a therapist? You need to learn ways to cope without food.  It isn't easy but it is doable.  I know because I went through the same thing.

3. Your appearance may suffer or it may not, what's important is being healthy and living a long life.

good luck I wish you all the best!  It isn't easy but it is worth it.

I'm using Dr Ferzli for my surgery next week, he's in Staten Island.  So far I'm very happy with him and everyone in his office.