Today, I thought I'd write myself a list to remind myself why I'm doing this - it is like a list of the simple pleasures that I can look forward to. Hopefully, I'll be able to refer to this list when I need some encouragement to keep going.

So, here goes - I am doing my damndest to lose weight so that I am:

• able to move around more easily and to feel more comfortable sitting, standing, walking, etc.
  
• not needing to make an effort to get up from a chair, from the bed, etc.
  
• able to throw the basketball around with my niece and nephews and not get winded right away
  
• able to get down on the floor and play with my 3-year old nephew
  
• able to climb a couple of flights of stairs and not feel puffed out at the top
  
• able to ride my bike around the park without difficulty and without needing to feel self-conscious
  
• feeling more energetic
  
• more comfortable sitting in an economy seat on a plane
  
• more comfortable sitting at concerts, the theatre, the footy, etc
  
• not encroaching on other people's territory when sitting on a plane, in a theatre, at the footy, etc. and therefore not having to feel bad when they look at me with that "you're disgusting" looks on their faces
  
• able to keep up with others when walking somewhere in a group
  
• able to get that exhilarated feeling when I dance and dance and dance
  
• not having to dread the next school reunion
  
• able to play 18 holes of golf with friends
  
• snoring less and getting all the health benefits that follow as a consequence
  
• not getting swollen feet each time I fly anywhere
  
• going to live a longer life
  
• able to cut my toenails without difficulty
  
• able to stand and prepare a meal for friends and do the dishes without getting a sore back
  
• able to tie my shoelaces without effort
  
• not having to go to the fat people's section/shop to buy clothes
  
• able to wear heels and still feel my feet
  
• able to buy rings to fit my fingers
  
• able to find a bangle that will fit my wrist
  
• feeling attractive
  
• able to get into sexual positions that are currently not possible!
  

I'm sure there's more I could add to this list - if anyone has suggestions, please let me know!

Happy to say that I did get a couple of replies to my intro post so am feeling better today!

In fact, today I am feeling very positive about the prospect of embarking this whole journey.

Am thinking about Veal (who was the first person to respond to my introductory post) getting her lap band inserted today - hope she's feeling fantastic soon.

Have ordered Optislim for the pre-op and post-op weeks. Am leaning heavily toward starting the optislim at the same time as my partner but maybe just replacing breakfast and the evening meal until two weeks before my surgery.

Pharmagirl, when is your surgery scheduled? I just had mine Friday, March 13th, and I'm really excited! Down 6 lbs already!

By the way - Love the list! I can relate to pretty much every point you've made! How about adding - I don't want to be the only fat girl at the family reunion this year! Good luck and keep us posted on your success!