New pics - NOT circus fat (y'all convinced me)

I guess that's one place it's good to be an underachiever...

I'd love to see YOUR photos some day.

There is a current picture of me on my profile, but I don't have any "before" pictures.  I refused to allow myself to be photographed when I was circus fat.

Kix

Been there and seen it - now we need to get you to stand closer to the camera!

i can see the difference! you're making significant progress -- and without surgery that is especially impressive!

i think you're doing great. and, i had trouble seeing the difference in my appearance for a long, long time...even now, i'm not sure that what i see in the mirror is what other people see when looking at me. it's very difficult to make that adjustment.

keep up the good work!

deb

The photo was a shock to me - I hadn't seen myself full body in years. All I could see was that I was still really big.

I've gotten so used to seeing your "after" photos, that it amazes me to look back at your "befores".  Thanks for the encouragement.

I agree with Kix - you do not qualify as "circus fat"!!!  And I can see the difference in your pictures - the 70 pound loss really shows.  I know it's hard to see it yourself sometimes, but trust me that it's noticeable to the rest of the world! 

Congrats on being down 70 pounds as a non-op; that reflects a big commitment on your part, and I commend you for that. 

I can relate to the problem w/ needing to quit smoking; it's a challenge.  I'm more of a social smoker, but had a stressful summer so had been smoking a lot more.  Had to give it up though because it's a big problem for plastic surgery, esp. the tummy work I have coming up in a couple weeks.  Every time I want a cigarette, I tell myself that I want a flat belly even more and I pop a couple pieces of gum in my mouth.  I should have bought stock in Wrigley given how much gum I've been chewing...

Good luck on your continuing journey -

Kellie

OK, OK, I give in. I'm not circus fat. In my head I still think of myself that way, though. Small children still point and whisper. I wish I did not have so much self-loathing about my size.

On the smoking, I'm glad you are quitting for your plastics, as I know it is a big issue with healing. I haven't done the gum thing in years - good suggestion.

Thanks for your encouragement - you are one of my inspirations.

I think you look great, you can see a big difference in the photos!

I love the hair style.

Thanks Jan. I like my hair here too. Then again, it helps the contrast that my before pics were self-snaps taken with very bad weekend hair...

My stylist says if the gray wasn't coming in so nicely streaky he would be on me to color it - genetic luck, I guess.

Patty your looking good.
I still picture myself as 470.It is hard when you mess with your identity.Keep up the good work.