52 Y.o. Grandma, Four Kids, Years of Yo-yo Dieting, GW for 3 Years, but Super Flabby - Leesburg, VA

Wow, where to begin? I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I've been up and down so often since high school, that my skin was already compromised before I had four kids over nine years. I continued to ride the weight loss-gain roller coaster because I love to eat and am an emotional eater. It didn't take much stress to throw me into a binge cycle, which would last for years and result Iin significant weight gain. When I was 49, a switch seemed to have tripped in my brain. I didn't want to feel fat, ugly, lazy, and physically uncomfortable anymore. I am fairly active, even when overweight I walked at least three miles per day. I also have horses and other critters as well as a huge garden to tend. *But* I looked as if I sat around eating bon-bons all day. I wanted to feel young, free, and attractive again! I lost 80 pounds the old-fashioned way with diet and exercise. The exercise was easy because I really didn't have to change much. My eating habits were the big change! I began to feel discouraged and disappointed that my body did not reflect the hard work that I was doing. My tummy is super flabby and my breasts completely deflated. ???? I have maintained my goal weight for three years, so I started to seriously consider a MM. I interviewed three PS and found one who I like a lot. And now my surgery is scheduled for Monday the 15th, as in *three* days from now! I'm preparing for my recovery, picking up wound care items, front-closing tops and bras, slip on shoes, CG, easy to prep foods for the family, cleaning, organizing, making lists for the family, fill8ng scripts,etc. We're having a family meeting tomorrow to go over everybody's responsibilities. Sunday DH and I are driving up to Leesburg, staying at a hotel the night before surgery and the night after because I live in a rural area over an hour from the hospital. I was super nervous during the time I was getting my pre-op clearance from my PCP and then during my pre-op with the PS. Now, I am a little nervous, but I'm mostly excited. I know that the first few days will be tough, but it *will* be worth it I the end! My big concern is loss of fitness and the danger of weight gain during recovery, so I have planned some OP meals and snacks to gaurd against stress/comfort eating. Another worry that I have is if my family will keep up with the house and barn chores. I'm a bit of an OCPD germaphobe. ???? LOL WHEW! That's it for now. ????

Two days until the big day! I know that this sounds crazy, but I am super excited for this surgery! Of course, I am nervous, but only because of the unknown factor of how much pain I will have and how long my recovery will be.
Other than that, things are moving apace. Today will be another prep day of laundry, cleaning, and some cooking.

Ok, so I attempted some before pics in my poorly lighted bathroom, but they'll give you all an idea of the flab factor we're dealing with here. LOL