Job Change/Insurance Change

I would call back vk and see if there is a waiting list. The got bumped way up for my gall bladder just being willing to go in on short notice 

A secure good paying job is what you need now. Get your challenges from being successful at your postop and go job hunting with your slim and healthy new body

I would do the surgery no if's and's or butts.  So in regards to your first post, I would stick in the job I don't like and get the surgery.  Now having ready all the posts I see you called your Surgeon's office and got surgery moved up to May 2nd, that's less than a month away. So I am still of the thoughts to keep surgery, and if between now and May 2nd you get offered a job you be straight up honest and say surgery is scheduled for May 2nd and I can start on XX XX date.  For me personally the surgery is more important.  You did say your current job is good, easy enough, good commute, paid well but you are not challenged.  Get the surgery and then as you feel better, get more energy take on more challenges in your current role, that is if you stay where you are.  That's what basically happened to me.  Just my two cents, but I am pro surgery first.  

Good luck, I know you have been waiting for this a long time now!

you may not really need surgery because your decision making process is not revealing how important it should be - really you are considering putting WLS off indefinitely for a voluntary job change.  second,  you might need to interview more to find the best match for you.  also with all the employ based fat discrim out there, you might get a much better job after you drop 50 pounds.  i am not indorsing the discrimination, but it is very active.

IMHO - suck up the job for 6 months - 3 months until surgery and for 3 months after surgery - you want a job that you can do easily as you negotiate the newness of post WLS life.

I understand what you're saying, I really do. I think part of this also hinges on the fact that I am the primary breadwinner in our family, and we have invested a lot of money (student loans) into my education. I feel like I should always be pushing to advance and make/do more.

So a quick update: Job #1 loved me and made an offer, but not enough money, and job #2 is pending an offer as well, but I don't think the benefits and money are going to be where I need to be either--so this may have all worked itself out.

I did think a lot last night about just what you mentioned above--about this being a voluntary job change and prioritizing WLS because it's what is best for ME. I have a lot of trouble putting myself first (ever), and I think what may be construed as a lack of commitment towards the WLS process is actually me putting myself last again. I've got to work on that.

Thanks Sharon!

Yes!! You MUST learn to put yourself first. I am 100% sure that this is what keeps me at goal 7.5 years after surgery.

WLS needs to be the most important thing in your life for, in my opinion, a person to make the behavioral changes needed for long term success - at least for a few months until you recover and work the kinks out.  Many issues will arise when you can no longer stuff your feelings or otherwise deal with issues through food - it is probably not the time to start a new job without a full understanding of the changes needed to be successful with WLS.

You only have ONE best opportunity with WLS - yes, there are possible revisions after a failed WLS, but the results are not anywhere new as good as the first surgery (I am not counting a lapband to WLS where results are more positve, because stats do not support a lapband as a viable long-term solution.)

If you are not ready to make it your single priority for some time, you may not see the results you hope for, and the stats say you are better off waiting until you are ready.  Here are the stats as best as I understand them:

4-5 year post-WLS

25% have gained everything back

~50% have kept off at least 50 pounds (usually significant regain after a 100+ pound loss - but med community considers 50 pounds, a medical success - ie your blood pressure, etc are usually improved).  I have not heard of one person on OH who lost 100 pounds and is happy after gaining only 50 of it back. 

~20-25% - are in normal/ overweight BMI range after 4 -5 years

These stats are better than not having WLS - only 3-5% have kept off appreciable weight after 5 years.

When you write:  "I think what may be construed as a lack of commitment towards the WLS process is actually me putting myself last again. I've got to work on that."

Putting yourself and your WLS last is not being construed as lack of commitment towards the WLS, it IS THE EPITOME of lack of commitment towards the WLS. If you cannot put it first, you risk grave complications. 

New job or no new job - IMHO - you need to do a lot more research and thinking about WLS before doing it.  What type of support can you count on from other family members? Can you ask for it? 

I wish you all the best, this was the best option for me, but everyone needs to make that decision for themselves.