Hi all! My name is Chris, and last summer I was on 3FC a lot... I find I go in spurts, mainly spending time here during the summer. I am a teacher, so the school year keeps me busy and mostly in my routine, but with the approaching summer, I am back!

Here is the link to my first post when I joined last summer: Me!

I have survived most of this school year with so many accomplishments.

My 5th grader, who has never cared about school, passed his state testing, and I am (mostly) confidant about sending him off to middle school.

I am down to 190 pounds, for a total so far of -160 pounds!

Due to better posture, I have "grown" 1/2"!

I tried on and BOUGHT a size MEDIUM dress and it was THISCLOSE to fitting! (A little tight in the chest)

I have been able to add some carbs (mainly fruits, nuts, honey) into my diet, and have take out almost all processed stuff and grains.

The big news...

February 14, 2013 I went to a plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck and breast lift. At 208 pounds, he told me in 30+ years of practice he has NEVER had anyone lose and maintain that much weight loss on their own. He told me that if I had the surgery that day, he would be taking off 10 - 12 pounds of loose skin! I told him I could not have the surgery until June, due to work, and asked "THE QUESTION":

Me: "Now, I don't want to look like JLo, but I want to be able to put on a 2 piece swimsuit, and walk on the beach with confidence. How much do I need to weigh going into surgery?"

Surgeon: "Well, you will have scars that show (I have to get an anchor incision due to how I carry my weight)..."

Me: "Yea, whatever, I don't care about a scar... I'll have a story to tell when people ask about it. I want to wear a 2 piece, and need a point of reference, cuz last time I weighed this, I was in 9th or 10th grade."

Surgeon: "Well, if you had the surgery today, you would be thrilled with the results, but to get what you want, aim for 180."

Me: "Yes sir! 180 by June 6th. Got it."

Not sure I'll quite make 180, but I will be close! I've also started Crossfit, so I know fat is melting, muscle building, which means I can weigh more and look better!

I hope to stick around and get support and read others' stories about skin removal, lifts, and recovery. I'm just counting the days at this point... 5 weeks, 3 days to go!

Welcome back and good luck on your journey!!

Congrats on your loss so far!!!