OT-Kinda.....Before & After

I have a very hard time looking at old pics of me. In fact, Johnny has never seen what I looked like pre-surgery, all the pics have been hidden away for years.  

I was so miserable and depressed all the time.  But I was going through the pics and I am finally starting to feel pround of myself. Here I am..... almost 5 years post op and am just now coming to terms with my new self. And I still have a long way to go. I constanltly still "feel" like that "fat" girl. It's hard to let those thoughts go. But I continue to work on it.

But thought I would share some before and after with people who understand and have already been there, are there, or are going through the same processes of understanding our new "selves".  This is sort of a vent and "letting" go for me and it's been a long time coming. Sharing these pics is a big deal to me and I just don't know why.........If you got through my ramble.....thanks.



Me about 6 years ago.......Pre-Op Of course.












And Now........

Wow.  Look what you have done for yourself.  Feel as proud as can be.  It is very difficult for me, also, to look at old photos.  But I think it is helpful to come to terms with our past selves and our new selves.

Arlene 

Jo - I know it's hard grasping the "new us" we were so used to the fluffy us! You have done a great job though and look teriffic! I like how your "now" comparison pic is a preggo pic! And little Riley sneaking in the corner there. You should be proud of your accomplishments! But we all so understand where you are coming from.

Congratulations on being able to face your old self Jo.  I am still so new that I have no choice but to see my former self.  I look down and all I see are chest and belly, but when I look in the mirror or find myself jogging on the treadmill, I realize that is the old me and so many things have changed already.

Keep on successing.  I, too, LOVE that you used a preggo pic as your "after" -- goes to show you what we can do!

First of all ......... you should be proud.

I'm a newbie who hopes to get a spot on the "loser's bench".  And to be honest, it's those before and after photos that kinda cemented me wanting to explore WLS.  It's friggin' amazing to see the changes.

Congrats!!

Wow !  What a transformation.  Thanks for sharing.  It really helps newbies like me to see success. 
Lisa

This was a great post for me because just yesterday I was wearing an outfit I felt really good in from Coldwater Creek - a place I could NEVER shop because their 3X fits like an XL at most stores, so it was totally out of the question for me, and when I look at the new picture I'm almost not sure it is me.

Then last night I received a gift in the mail from a friend we went on a cruise with 3 years ago - he's a professional photographer and had a book made up of our cruise. OMG when I opened it and saw how HUGE I was I almost couldn't believe it - and its not like I don't have old pictures of myself around - I have a couple on my desk that I look at all the time because they include all of my best friends.

But yes, that whole thing was a real eye-opener. Sometimes I feel like the 'new' Kathy but there are definitely times I feel like 'fat kathy' has come back. I don't know if that's something I'll ever get over?

But congratulations for facing your past and knowing that's where it is - in the past. And as much as I like the book my friend did I don't know how often I'll look at it because I can hardly bare to look at those pictures of myself.

Look at you!! You were always beautiful...but now you are just radiant!!!! Congratulations on all your success!!  It is hard to look at old photos--and for me there are so few because I never wanted my pic taken when I was at my heaviest!  But you did great and are maintaining a healthy lifestyle--you really are an inspiration!!!!

Much luv!!
Laura

Thanks everyone. Having such nice things said about me helps alot.

It's so hard to take a compliment. But I am going to swallow all the negative thoughts and just say....THANK YOU!

I AM PROUD, and am trying to remember that everyday instead of just occasionally.

Jo,

I commend you on not only the absolutely fantastic physical job you have done, but also this continuing mental part of the journey.  That in and of itself takes a lot of courage!

You look AWESOME!!!!!