Humiliated by Before Pictures??

I'm a bit of a lurker here -- and amazed that everyone freely posts their pictures -- particularly the before shots. I am so humiliated by my before pictures! Although I'm very happy with my results -- I don't get any pride from seeing how far I've come. I just prefer to forget the past. Do you think keeping those "before" shots are important to keep in the forefront of my mind to remain successful? --- I'm ashamed that I ever let myself go to begin with. Wondering if anyone else feels this way? Julie

Oh yes, I have been ashamed of getting this way in the first place BUT my attitude is adjusting and I am proud that I took the step that would get my life and health back on track! I have very few before before pictures cause I wouldn't get in front of a camera unless absolutely necessary! But after reading on here how hard it can be to realize that you have lost weight, I decided to bite the bullet and start a pictorial journey as well. I get the boost I need from looking at my current before and after, especially on the days when I still feel like a beached whale emotionally! If I could scan the pic from my Credit Card into my computer without messing either one up I would. It was ghastly! I want it to remind myself how far I had let myself go and how far I have come. A reminder to follow the rules of my pouch and to be careful for the rest of my life...cause I sure don't want to get back to that again! When I feel cravings for things I shouldn't have, I either think or look at the pics and the cravings go away....mostly. I have now lost an Obese woman that stands 5'2" And I have a couple of kids left to lose! CarolynK

Some before pictures are so much more humiliating than others. My wife is definately more sensitive about her before pictures than I am. I just came across a picture taken at a wedding one year before my surgery, and the change in my appearance was so dramatic that people who don't know me well might have a hard time picking me out of a line-up. That said, when I was heavy I didn't hide in a box...I didn't live in shame... There should be no reason to hide from your old self now either. Let it give you a sense of accomplishment in how far you've come!