Hello everyone out there! This is my very first post. I've been "cruising" the boards for a while now and tonight I felt like it was time to sign up. I'm a 34yr old mom of three (ages 8, 6 and 5) and I am in the final stages of the pre-op process. I have 1 more weigh-in next Monday and then my doc can finally submit my paperwork to Aetna. I started this process at 304 lbs with a BMI of 49. I'm down to 293, hoping to get to 284 before surgery. I'm not scared, at least not yet, instead all I can think about is, "this time next year...(fill in the blank)." Here's the list that keeps me going. What are yours?

This time next year:

1. I'll hopefully be 100 lbs lighter;

2. I'll be able to fit in normal size clothing (goodbye size 26-28);

3. I'll be able to work out for more than 30 minutes without dying;

4. My feet and back won't hurt all the time;

5. I won't be the fattest mom in my kids's class (which is the worst);

6. I won't dread going on an airplane;

7. I'll be able to shave my legs and clean myself without having to be a contortionist.

8. I'll be the same size I was when I met my husband (or close to it);

9. I'll fit in Ann Taylor, Lily Pulitzer and more;

10. I'll be happier and healthier for me and my family!!!

Edited December 30, 201411 yr by linzgraham

Great post! A year from now I hope to be at my goal weight.

Those and so much more! For me the year flew by. The saying goes, time flies when you're having fun. It has been fun on this journey. Easy, no,fun yes. Fun discovering what I have missed for 45 years.

Great goals! Good luck on the approval!

Love your post!

I can relate to a few of yours. My surgery is Jan 12th. Got the approval on the 19th of Dec. Currently, I am on my first date of pre-op diet and it is not easy to say the least. I hope to get stronger as the days go by.

My hopes for this time next year:

1. 100 lbs lighter

2. Can actually close the belt in the airplane and fit in the seat.

3. No more swollen legs and migraines

4. I can stop envying the runners and become one.

5. Better self esteem

6. Close my Lane Bryant and Avenue credit card because I won't need to shop in there anymore. And disregard the Dress Barn. It would be nice to shop at a normal place and not a place with the word "barn" in it. *sigh*

I have endurance, I can be very active if the mood is right. However, my self esteem is floored and that doesn't help at all.