Now and Then photos ... sobering.

I haven't posted any new photos in a while. I guess, I'm not seeing that much of change anymore. I decided to ask my dear husband to take some photos of me yesterday. I tried to remember the one I had him take when I submitted my application to the program at Duke. I remember wanting to cry when I saw them. I'm just standing normally in the photos. Not sucking it in or sticking it out. I had some shots that showed my nasty arms and I had him take front, side and back shots. At any rate, we did a reasonable retake and even I have to say that the changes are astonishing. I put together the photos as montage so that you could see the front, side and back views of the before and after.

When I had the before's done believe it or not, I had already lost about 20 lbs. I weighed about 243 and was wearing a size 22W or a 2/3X. My ring size was a 9.5 and I was wearing a 9.5 wide shoe. I wore size 10/11 panty and size 44B bra.

Now, I weigh 154. I generally wear a misses 6/8 in my pants and a 10/12 in my tops or dresses. My ring size is a 6-3/4. I wear a size 8.5 med width shoe. I wear a size 6 panty and a size 36/38C bra.

My diabetes is resolved and I am no longer on meds to control it.

I just saw my brother today for the first time since late summer. He was astounded. He kept staring at me. He apologized and said that it's just so hard to get used to seeing me thin. A good thing, but it will take some getting used to. I have not been a "normal" size for most of my life. It will take some getting used to for all of us. I have to admit, I still have a hard time with it. I have to admit I'm pleased, but still somewhat surprised when I see the slender me looking back at me when I see my reflection in a mirror or a window, so I absolutely understand his comment.

There is a part of me that worries that this is just a passing thing. That like so many times before, I'll wake up to reality and I'll be fat again. I'm working on it and I hope that I'm able to use this hard one tool to keep it off for good. I'm working on my workbook from the "Beck Diet Solution". I think it's helping. I sure hope so.

It sure is sobering. Before I had my WLS we had a girls night out at Lake Norman and my girl friend that had WLS back in 1999 look several picture of me in my PJ's. We went up to there condo at the lake today and she had the pictures with her. She told me to bring the same PJ's with me so she could take new pictures. Wow! what a difference in just 2 months.  When I get the pictures, I'll see if I can have someone scan them into my profile, if possible. Anyways, you have done a great job with the tool and you should be very proud of youself! Reenie

Reenie -

Thanks for your lovely comments. I look forward to seeing your before, during and after photos. I think it really helps to see the unvarnished truth ... which is what my before photos are. I'm not sucking it in or standing behind someone, it's just all of me ... and there sure was a lot me. Now, I see why my poor arms, legs, rear and tummy sag the way the do.

Thanks again and I wish you continued success.

Barb

Barb, As sobering as it is, aren't you so glad you have the pictures to compare to?  I know what you mean about taking time to get used to the comments.  I saw a friend yesterday who said a few times, "Wow, you almost look like a different person.  You just look great!"  I love hearing it, and I know it's true, but it does feel odd.  I'm just not used to so many compliments.  I guess it'll just take time.  You hit the nail on the head with worrying that it's a passing thing.  I ordered the Beck Diet Solution today.  After you started talking about it, I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I think it will be a good thing for me too.

Deb -

First let me tell you how delighted I am to have met you and to now consider you a friend. You are always so very kind and supportive. I'm just delighted to know you.

There are times when people compliment me and I almost don't know what to say. Often, when people tell me that I don't even look like the same person, I want to shout out "Oh! But I am!" From my eyes looking out at the world I am the very same person ... maybe that's part of what scares me. I'm afraid that I'm the same person who has tried and failed so many times before. I know that others fail and I'm afraid that I will too, again. I'm hoping that the "Beck Diet Solution" will help me succeed, along with the pouch.

I hope to see you sometime soon.

Your friend,

Barb

Barb, I'm having an emotional week, and am now in tears.  I'm so blessed.  I hoped this surgery would help me get healthy and look good, but I never even considered that it would also bring new friends into my life.  Thanks for the kind words! Your friend too,

Barb,
I just looked at your photos you put up... WOW what a change!!! I know its hard to think this is a temporary thing but it is NOT! You have come a long way and you look brilliant!!!!

Hugs,
Darcie

Darcie -

Thanks so much for your ever warm, supportive comments. I truly appreciate them.

I hope that you are right. I'm working on making it so.

Barb

To me Barb you are the incredible shrinking woman. So you have earned the title of a super hero LOL.                                       Annie

Annie -

Thank you! You are a super hero in my book. I can't imagine accomplishing all that you have and continue to.

Thank you for your constant support. I appreciate it very much.

Barb