New Newbie

I am at a crossroads. I am looking into bariatric surgery, have an appointment for my first consultation and started doing a low carb also. A lot of the patients were doing low carb after the surgery, so I was thinking, what if I can get the results without surgery? looking at pictures of those who've done low carb and those who had surgery, the low carbers didn't look so....flabby? I may be fat, but I am kinda vain - i dont want to lose anymore than necessary!! I like my hair, I like my shape - I am like a Big Mac looking to be a cheeseburger - can I keep my buns please? LOL! Smaller is good, but flat is not.

Seriously, I am scared of the implications of surgery. you cant go back. My husband did it, and it was GREAT for him, I encourage him and tell him how good he looks. I am not sure it is the right path for me, but hey, if nothing else works - if this doesnt work at least I'll know I really tried before going under the knife. I did phentermine, slim fast (aka slim slow or not at all), fasting, crazy workouts, cabbage diet, veggie diet, everything before six diet, mostly water diet, positive thinking diet, and enough with the diets. I want to change, need something I can live with and have stuck with it so far. Since Monday I've lost 4 pounds, which is pretty cool, but I'm not jumping over the moon because I want to stick with it. So I'm here....I'm new....and I think I am ready for this.
SO...here is everything out on the table:
Height: 5'10"
Starting Weight: 306
Starting Date: July 7, 2008
First Goal: 290
Overall Goal: 200?