Before Picture

No. I have some that I can look at but I have avoided this. I used to try that throughout my previous weight loss journeys - thought negative reinforcement would help. It didn't change the outcome.

Do people think it helps?

Carry a before picture with me? Why in the name of all that is unholy would I do that? To the best of my knowledge, not a single picture still exists. Not if I could help it.

I know how huge I was. I don't need the reminder.

I feel the same way! Some exist somewhere but I am hoping I never see them again. I will never forget!

Not intentionally anyway. I had my drivers license renewed in Jan of 2009 so I was barely a month postop. My newest license was issued in 2013 so that looks like the "me" that I am now.

I have the monthly progress pic I took starting from surgery day till about a year out. Also made a few comparison pics from certain special events (ie- Christmas then vs Christmas now) along the way. They are stored on my Dropbox acct.

I don't show them to anyone. (Except on here occasionally) IMO people asking to see the before and afters are looking for me to prove it. Reason #101 I don't talk about my surgery. I owe no explanations, proof etc.

There are pics I have from before that I love, ie my wedding photos, or some I took with the kids-- because it shows I lived life despite of the weight. I'm not trying to erase that portion of my life, all of it makes me who I am.

I have a folder in the pictures on my phone. But it's less about carrying it with me and more about the fact I've just nabbed them for reference as they've come up in Facebook memories. So, yeah I guess I do? I also post comparisons a lot on Instagram anyway. I feel like on Instagram people opt into seeing a ton of photos. I do not barrage them with vain photos on Facebook.

I have a picture taken with my phone every month when I have my appointment with my surgeon, so I have them on my phone. I occasionally look at them to see the difference.

I have seen people who bring out their pre-op picture to enjoy the gasps of amazement from others in the room.

They beam as others exclaim they cannot believe how thin they were now.

They need to get over themselves.

My exact thoughts. I would never pull out a before picture for the amusement of relative strangers. And I'd be insulted to be asked for one.

Sort of - my work ID badge photo is before - it's just a head shot and not very clear. I don't think anyone ever looks at it. It expires July 2019 so I guess I'll be carrying a before photo with me until then. But it's definitely not a conscious thing I do. I do however have a before pic on my dresser in the bedroom. Serves as a sad reminder.