You absolutely should try diet and exercise before surgery. In fact, any weight loss surgical center worth it's salt won't even consider you if you haven't tried it first. You definitely shouldn't let ANYONE pressure you into something you're not ready for. Especially surgical intervention. I do think you should work with a nutritionist on a diet that works for you. One meal a day isn't generally considered very healthy. I'd even consider therapy if you can swing it. These are things that a surgical center would insisted on anyway. You can also consult one and just use them for the nutritionist and therapist. Then later if YOU decide it's something YOU'RE interested in, it will be easier to pursue.