Frustrated and Depressed

Hi Elizabeth,
I think we've all been there at one point or another.  I had a 13 month process from orientation to surgery and I can't even tell you how many times in that 13 months I started second guessing myself, sabatoging myself and just being depressed.  During that time, my back went out countless times from the weight, I started having migraines from stress and hormones and I had a major asthma attack which landed me in the emergency room.  I can remember thinking my day would never come and was it even worth it to continue to be dieting and taking off weight when I couldn't see the end.  I think the approval process is the hardest thing to go through and really tests your willpower and strength.  It's important to hang in there!  I swear, once you get to the point where you have your surgery, you will look back and think of this time you have to prepare as the best present you could have received.  In the months leading up to my surgery, I was able to give up sugar, lose 10% of my weight and change my eating habits so drastically that my post op lifestyle hasn't been that hard on me.  Good luck and keep us all posted.  I also find it helps being on the message boards and especially going to support groups.  Support groups are great because there are so many people there who are going through the same things as you are and they will really keep your head above water, particularly being in a situation where you're a single parent.