Picture woes...

Okay...so I still don't have a picture posted here. Two reasons for that. First, I am a computer idiot and can't seem to upload them. I use Yahoo, so maybe that explains things (?) Also, the other reason is a bit distressing. I have had very few pics taken of me during this journey. I have a few from about a month or so pre-op and then some every few months, but the last ones were taken back in February! I live with my mother, who has severe arthritis in her fingers and can't hold a camera. Plus, the few she took of me were from a seated position and I look like this amazon woman looking down at her. So that leaves me to ask (or shall I say beg) friends to take some. Apparently this is a major inconvenience (I say this with sarcasm) and have been made to feel like I am being vain! I don't know why my friends and family don't understand why I want to document this journey! So, today I had some quick pics taken after a support meeting...I was so disappointed! I still look huge!! I hover at about 210, so I know that's not petite...but I wasn't prepared to see the SAME person in the photo! I realize I have a body-image issue going on here and have been advised to take pics to see the difference. But now that I've seen myself, I'm even more discouraged! Anyone else feel this way? I know part of the problem was my clothes are too big on me. Although I'm an XL in tops, I still have to do plus-size in bottoms due to my excess lower belly skin, especially when I sit. So, if I stand I end up having sagging in the crotch...which we all know isn't very flattering. I guess I'm rambling here...what else is new? Any suggestions in dealing with friends who don't want to take pics for me? I can't afford professional pics... Thanks!

Hi Toni, It is very important to document your journey through pics. I look at my preop pics and cringe that I was so huge! I can't believe I actually thought I didn't look that bad. But looking at pics of me now compared to the ones preop, I see a very big difference. I am sure if you can get the right shots you will see a huge difference in yourself. If I lived closer, I would come take pics of you! I can't believe your friends won't do it. Have you explained to them that it's for documentation of your journey? Know anyone with a camera phone? I have even taken my own pics in the bathroom mirror. Not the best pics, but they will do in a pinch! And you could have your support group friends take pics too! I am sure they would be thrilled to do it! Take care sweetie and SMILE! Look how far you have come!!! Lori

Hi Toni.... I agree with Lori....documenting this journey is so very important. Did you compare your recent pics with the ones that were taken pre-op? Sometimes, if I don't put them side by side, I can't really see the difference. But once they are side by side...WOW..... I'm sure you look amazing. How do you feel? Sometimes I think that friends, that do not understand this process, tend to become envyous of us (especially, if they have a weight problem themselves)... I also feel that our thinner friends start to see the inner us. The person that no longer wants to be taken advantage of just to be accepted....& they don't know how to react to that. The surgery changes every aspect of us & our lives in a HUGE way.... We really have to embrace these changes as physically, we know the changes are for the better. Mentally, our minds hold on to all that negativity towards ourselves that we have built up over the years & it's really hard to convince ourselves that DAMMIT WE LOOK GREAT.... If your friends won't take the pictures, your support group friends will.... Take advantage of that. Remember how far you've come.... Celebrate Your Success thus far in your journey... You deserve to be proud of yourself. ((((HUGS)))) Tammy

Hi Toni, I know exactly what you are talking about. I have the same problem. I am much smaller on top then bottom so I wear some lrg to Xlrg in the top. Yet to fit at the waist I really need a 1X, but they are way too big in the bust area. Then I wear between a 20w to 14w and sometimes an 18 if it is stretchy in the bottoms. It is very frustrating when I read that many of our August friends are wearing 14, 16 and some are even smaller. It makes me feel like crying. I think what's wrong with me. Then I realize that at 293, I could hardly move and get around. I am proud of where I am but just want more faster...but, don't we all! Take care, Lori 293/203/135/130

Just wanted to say "thanks" for your never-ending support here. Whenever I find myself throwing a pity party, I know I can hop online and count on you guys! The August 05 peeps are the best! Tammy, you are so right...I THINK I'm still the same huge person in the pics, but then when I do a side-by-side comparison, I can really see a difference. Sometimes I just need the wake-up call, I guess. And Lori, you're such a sweetie...I wish we lived closer...you'd be awesome to hang out with! And you're right...I also used to think "gee, I'm not that big" when I saw pics of myself pre-op. Wow! I just dug up some photos taken Feb 05 and compared them to Feb 06 and what an amazing difference! I'm going to make it a point to take a bold step in my journey and just ask a friend to snap away...no apologies! Then...if only I could post them! Wouldn't it be nice? Toni Holding steady at 210!