~*~ Melissa ~*~

Bummer. Missed it by 20 minutes.

Thanks for joining and commenting, Laura! Congrats on your decision and I'll definitely be thinking about you come July 10th. You'll have to keep me posted on the surgery, as well as the new journey I am definitely worried about loose skin but am already searching for specific exercises to target the areas of concern when I'm allowed to resume working out post-surgery. Weight lifting will be an important focus. Every person is different-- I have seen (on this site, particularly) some individuals who are my size or larger and only needed a breast augmentation while others had a Tummy Tuck, breast augmentation, and had excess skin removed on their arms and legs. I'm going to give it my best for two years post-surgery and see where I end up. I'm sure I'll be just as insecure with the loose skin as I am being overweight so it's another hurdle I'll have to address when the time is right.

So sorry to hear! I completely understand your stress at work as all previous management at my placement was just replaced with new folks. Things are going terrible-- they refuse to talk to those of us who have been around and know key things on how to keep things running smoothly and are never around, whether it's taking vacation time or stepping out of the office to run errands. Previous management NEVER did that. Take your stress and anger caused by your boss out on the treadmill. I have been doing so lately and have been seeing wonderful results before even beginning my liquid diet

Oh my goodness! Thank you SO much for all of the wonderful advice. I can't thank you all enough for taking time to answer my blog. I spent the evening writing and organizing everything in a notebook so I can review and have with me during the recovery process. Thanks again. I owe you all the world and more <3

Congratulations!!!

Thanks for the helpful information, ladies! @MinaT: SOOOO many helpful tips and suggestions... WOW! I was never big into coffee but pop/soda is a habit that needs to be broken. I usually drink up to 20 ounces per day - eek! After reading your post this morning, I decided to take my remaining cans and donate them by placing in the breakroom at work. Instead, I grabbed a crystal light lemonade packet and sipped on that throughout the afternoon. Who knew how good 5 calories and 0 grams of sugar could taste!? @Kathy: Thanks for the advice and support! Congrats on all your hard work over the last 6 months. You're almost there!!

I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND! My procedure is scheduled for July 19th and I'm becoming more and more impatient. By next summer, you'll be strutting your stuff across Washington

True inspiration right there. You look amazing!