Hi Dani!!! Yes, you will learn to post on the forum as a newbie on step at a time. I have never posted to a forum until recently and have found it to be fun. It is good that you are looking at options for weight loss. I think that doing as much research as you can so that you are comfortable is key. I knew I as ready when I said to myself, "if I don't do it, I will regret it"! However, everyone is different and I don't feel surgery needs to be rushed into. Give yourself time to think, ponder, ask questions, etc..
I hear ya in the fashionable department. I feel so plain when I dress for work. I just don't feel comfortable in my clothes as I am trying to wear what I have until surgery (things are a little snug). Currently, I have only one pair of Jeans that fit. That makes me sad because I love to dress jeans up or down. Some of the things that don't fit me anymore, I donated. I thought as I lose weight I can start new. Of course there are some cute clothes one cannot part with.
Knowing that you are an emotional eater and drinker is a step in the right direction. At least you are mindful of what your life is like for you. I guess we all need to look at the different reasons as to why we over eat or drink. Counseling can help, but that can be costly at times. Bookstores are full of self help books, but which one do you chose? I think deep down we all know why we over indulge. With the band, one cannot over eat. A person has to be careful.
I feel I have done so much "homework" with regards to having Dr. Ortiz do my surgery. I have zero reservations about going out of the country. I have to as I am not heavy enough to have the surgery done in the states. Besides, my insurance wouldn't cover it anyway. I first saw Dr. Ortiz featured on Oprah as she had a young lady on named Cassie who was a patient of his. I liked what she had to say, I bought Dr. Ortiz's book, contacted other people who had the procedure done by him, etc.. and I was convinced he was my guy and TJ was my place. I am a little nervous, but that is normal. Other than a few butterfly's in my tummy, I am ready and cannot wait till May 8th! I wish you well on your journey to deciding what is right for your and I hope you find emotional peace.
Take care and enjoy the added space in your closet.