I am so scared

Thank you for the insight. All of the responses really helped to settle down my thoughts. Today was rough... so many thoughts, I have pretty much no one to talk to about it. I felt like any concerns I would raise would make my family feel anxiety too, and there are no support groups were I live, not that I've found, at least. My surgery is on the 20th of December, everyone just keeps saying "oh poor you, no Christmas celebration" or "well this is the end of the era". But then I feel Like I am so over this era. Of bullying, of guilt, of being eberessed. Once again thank you soo much. To all of the people *****sponded.

It's not the end of anything. It's the beginning of you actually living your life.

Next Christmas? You'll be physically able to eat whatever you want. Just like last year. Once healing is over we aren't restricted by any one thing. You may have bad reactions to sugar or fried foods but no one needs those for survival. More likely you'll fall somewhere in the happy medium. I'll eat a Christmas cookie for sure, but not a dozen. You'll find your groove too and you'll happier than you can probably imagine.

Pamper yourself a bit between now and surgery with non-food items. If you can't think of any, start a thread about non-food rewards. People have all kinds of suggestions and experiences as far as what works for them.

You can do this. We can do hard things.

I see your question marks but can't find the post.

When I said "it's not the end of anything" I was referring to your comments regarding "this being the end of an era". Which I (mistakenly?) read as referring to how your Christmas celebrations will be different in some way from now on. In reality the only Christmas that will be markedly different is this first one.

Because this year WILL be different, I proposed pampering yourself in some non-food ways

It was meant to encourage you that life will go on again once the surgery and healing time is firmly in your rear view mirror.

My apologies if I somehow misread, or misinterpreted.

Oh no, I thought I posted emoji and instead it just left question marks for some reason. Yeah I think it will be an adjustment for sure, but I think I will stay positive and imagine myself looking hot at the end of it all. All of the support, really got me into a more positive and calm state of mind.

I had surgery on December 16th, five years ago. I was on a two week liquid diet before and a two week liquid diet after. I call that December, "the month I didn't chew". And whenever I started to feel sad, like "everyone is pigging out on delicious food and I am sipping broth" I would remind myself that I have had MORE than my fair share of delicious, fatty, fried, sugary food. And I realized I was stronger than I thought, and I realized that the holidays are about spending time with family and friends.

This forum really is great. My friends and family were supportive but certainly didn't want to obsess over carbs and protein grams with me. This place was (is!) my saving grace.

A tip for you...I can't see your deleted comment but since Amy is apologizing if you misinterpreted her, try to have a bit of a thick skin on the forum (or anywhere on the internet). Sometimes things come across in the written word in a way they weren't meant...and sometimes people are ******** but hey, if you get to connect with 100 people who can relate to you and your surgery on here and a few of them rub you the wrong way, who cares, right? :) Some people deliver news more directly, but I have found that the people here (like Amy) who have been living life after weight loss surgery, often have awesome advice. (And for the record, Amy is super sweet).

Trust me, it sucks in the beginning if you post your menu and it's all mashed potatoes and applesauce and well-chewed crackers and things your surgeon said was ok...people will butt in here and say "hey, go with protein, have some greek yogurt, Light and Fit is the best brand with low carbs, try cottage cheese, don't eat the crackers". If you get offended and leave, you will be missing out on TONS of expertise on this site! So take all posts with a grain of salt - you will connect with some people, be annoyed by others, and maybe even really dislike one or two. But this is THE place for support!

No, Amy's advise was perfect and I am beyond greateful. I have put emoji of a heart and instead it just showed asquestion marks for some reason. I know have discovered the emoji in the top pannel I am so ready to learn. "The month I won't chew" will start in a couple of days for me I do aplreciate that after all of the years people like Amy has continuosly led the way and still cares to share. Thank you guys!

I know I was nervous the day before surgery because of normal surgery jitters, but I am pretty sure I was 100% excited from the second I realized my dream could come true. I visualized my new life and saw myself feeling pretty, and fit, and unashamed and I spent my time getting excited! I have not had one regret because my visions came true. I hope they will for you, too :)

I was scared going in to surgery 5 months ago. Terrified. I can't tell you how wonderful it has been for my life. Migraines- gone. Anger management issues- gone. Many anxieties- gone. My confidence is through the roof, and as a result my relationships with friends and family are stronger, and my professional life is better.

The food part is hard sometimes, but not nearly as hard as I was expecting. I find that I feel immense pride when I turn down the donuts at work or the desserts at a restaurant. People in my life have changed their eating habits because I've inspired them... can you imagine?!! It's wild. I play the game with my mind: Instead of allowing the sadness of depriving myself set in, I only allow the pride. I think you need to be quite mentally healthy, and honest with yourself, when you go into this surgery.

Good luck to you! :) You won't regret it.

I'm so glad you reached out for support here. This is a good place to get support and feedback from those who have gone through it (or are also on their way). I skimmed through the replies and everyone has given great feedback but I just wanted to reply and also state that you're not alone and that you are worth it.