*Lexie*

I submitted my starting weight and goal weight already. Today, I weighed in at 242. Thanks

What a great attitude. I think it's wise to expect to have to deal with those little emotional eating demons. If you expect it, it's not as tough.

Oh my gosh, so many things. I could probably write a book. Out of all the things, I think I most look forward to no longer avoiding activities because I'm self conscious. i.e. Going on vacation, going swimming, going to an amusement park, getting family photos taken, etc.

When I was pregnant, I promised myself that during labor, I would not scream or say "I can't do this". Seemed a little cliche and that baby is coming out one way or another so by golly you can and will do it. I was one of those lucky people which epidurals did not work on so I got to experience all those labor pains. I sweated a lot and said the F word once but I did not utter those forbidden words or scream. I knew I just had to get through the tough part and at the end I would get this amazing reward. I'm scheduled for surgery in a little less than 3 weeks and of course I'm nervous. I've read all the stories, good and bad. I have decided that I'm going to have the same attitude I had going into labor. I just need to get through the tough part and at the end will be another amazing reward. The pain and discomfort will not last forever. And what I am not going to do is question my choice for surgery. I know that is common but in every case I have read, it's been a fleeting feeling. There's no going back once I'm out of surgery so it doesn't do any good to think that way. And that's all I have to say about that. I will expect you all to keep me honest if I start complaining.

So exciting! Just make sure to ask for that "I don't give a crap" medicine straight away and then you won't have a care in the world. I plan to get that stuff in an IV for a good week prior to my surgery.

Wow, you are wise beyond your years. You have got the right attitude.

Wow, a 7 minute mile! Now that is amazing. I hope I get close to that one day.

final weigh in - 245lbs

My surgery is September 24th and I alternate between really excited and terrified. Some of the most amazing and memorable things we do are the most terrifying; Riding that big roller coaster, white Water rafting, skydiving, getting married, having children. This is going to be life changing and completely worth a few butterflies.

My official surgery date is September 24th. Is anyone else on the 24th?

Don't sweat the small the stuff. No one will remember in a day or two. Welcome and don't worry too much about loose skin. I have previously lost most of my weight and gotten down to around 155 (oh yes, I gained it all back thankyouverymuch which is why I'm here and getting surgery) and I had a little loose skin but it wasn't excessive or painful. And I didn't have any rashes or anything. It was nothing a little spanx couldn't fix. It's better to feel good, be healthy and look good in clothing.

I agree that you shouldn't have to work out that much to maintain. It feels like you're fighting to keep your head above Water and it's exhausting. This is a good choice and you don't have to tell anyone if you don't want to. Congrats! In a few weeks I'll be hitting that OR.

Good feedback on the gum. Not a fan of gum myself so I'll probably not chew it.

Congrats on making it through the first week. Sounds like it's the toughest. It's all downhill from here (little weight loss pun for you)!

So sorry you feel crummy. Hang in there and remember that this is temporary. Just like the flu, something you have to get through but will feel better. There does seem to be some magic around posting on here how bad you feel. Seems like every time I read a post like this, shortly after the person re-posts and says that they suddenly feel a lot better. A superstitious person would find a correlation between those completely unrelated things. Just sayin, you should probably listen to @@Comeflywithme, she's providing a lot saner advice than me. But I hope I at least made you smile. :-)

you are doing great! you just made me think of something though. I've heard this before about wanting to chew something. Would chewing gum help? Are we allowed to chew gum?

You look great! Such an inspiration.

The Labor Day Challenge helped me lose ther required pre-op weight that my doctor wants me to lose before surgery. I'll be getting surgery in the middle of this challenge so I think it's a great time to join again and set another goal. Starting weight - 245 My Halloween goal is 215.

246lbs. Probably won't hit my goal of 240 but I'm a lot closer than when we started this.

Best of luck today. Can't wait to hear how it went. Great advice @@Saramarie1023 I'm going to keep that in mind to help me through those first few months.

I Will Survive... Okay, just kidding. shake It Off by Taylor Swift

Thank you for sharing your story. You look so healthy. My post op goal is to run the Honolulu marathon in Dec 2015 so your post is so inspiring to me. You have reinforced everything I've been told by my dietitian.

That is so exciting! I hope I feel the same way. Did you have any nausea?

I want to join this kick a$$ September group! I just got my approval today and they are in the process of scheduling me for the week of 9/22. I am excited with a side of terrified (little food humor there...)

My surgery was approved today and my surgery date will be the week of September 22nd. I feel like Clark Griswold when he was about to jump in that pool.