SHOCK AND AWE! Taking before pics.... and surviving it!

I've been very private about my surgery only telling family and a few select close friends, but decided today to come our of the dark and finally post an "after" pic (even though my journey is not over, is it ever really?) but I thought it only fair as I've been creeping here for months and have gained so much from all the posters who have shared their journeys.

But back to the picture question, definitely take pics if only for your own viewing, as you'll regret not doing so. I look back so often at my pics to remind myself just how far I've come. It especially helps on days/weeks when things don't seem to be going as we'd hoped or planned.

My Fitness Pal has a great way to also track your journey with pics. It's amazing seeing them side by side.

Take the pics and decide later what and if you'd like to do anything with them.

Good luck on this amazing journey!

Hey bubbly2intoronto! ;-)

Welcome out of the dark and into the light! It took a lot of bravery to post an after pic... so kudos to you!!! I have taken the pics and now I'm just trying to get my courage up to use them in any potential documentary. The way I figure it... is how can I ask for honesty from others in this WLS journey... if I am not going to be honest myself.

I'm using Fitness Pal... and a new app called BARISTATIC (click here to view)

Welcome into the light my friend! You have much to be proud of and the world should welcome you with open arms!

Talk to you soon,

No, You are not alone. I took before photos as well along with keeping the largest sized Pants I wore prior to surgery. I need reminders of why I needed surgery to gain back control of my life.

Document away and do it without hesitation. It's amazing when you can look back and say "Wholly Crap!!"

Seeing my "BEFORE" pic... well.......Wholly Crap is right my friend!

Thank you for the feedback... it really helps knowing that I am not alone in the shock taking "BEFORE" pics! Your support and advice makes me sure I'm on the right track!

Thanks Wayne H!

I think most of us have body dysmorphia on both ends of the process. I also was shocked at how big I looked in my "before" photos...but then so was my hubby...he's like "that's not what you look like" my answer was "that is a photo of me."

I always thought I looked heavier in pictures than I really am. As I lost weight though it feels like things have flipped. it is not unusual when we lose weight to not really be able to see it. that is the importance of "before" pictures. it is for when you are saying "i've lost 70lbs and look the same" you take a picture and put them side by side and you can see the changes. The mirror will lie, the scale will lie. Photos are the best evidence. I now wear size 2/4 but still see a bigger me in the mirror. It has been photos of me that convinced me I am not and I need to maintain my weight.

Hey Travelher! ;-)

I quoted you this morning with the Social Worker (Tanya) in Guelph! The idea of body dysmorphia on both ends of the WLS journey is a unique observation. My house must be filled with lying mirrors.... or I must have a very interesting form of glaucoma... cause I most assuredly was not expecting that!

Thank you for the concept of body dysmorphia... before AND after.... it will help me remember to see what is REALLY there!

Congratulations on your success my friend.... and give that hubby an extra big hug from all of us....for being a sensitive soul!

You'll be happy for those before photos after, lol.

I didn't take specific photos but wish I would have. I do have photos and videos of how I looked before though, thanks to my camera happy family, lol.

Glad you're moving along nicely through the process, and that you like your team.

Hey Youtube Star!!! ;-)

Thank you for the advice.... on pics... and EVERYTHING else! Your Shrinking Kathy Youtube videos are beyond fun and entertaining! You give real life advice and tips on the WLS journey.... in a very human way!

As a multimedia guy.... I just can't help but laugh (in a totally respectful way) when you try and do 50 things all at once while holding the camera at the same time! I know you are on a fixed budget.... but maybe you can find one of these Joby Gorilla Pods or small tripods on kijiji for next to nothing. It'll save you a lot of frustration! ;-)

Keep up the great work Kathy... and I will definitely try your Premier Protein Coffee Creamer Idea!

LOL; thanks. I do have a tripod for my phone but my phone is old and the camera is awful so I usually just use my digital camera, which is a cheap replacement for the one that was stolen earlier this spring.

I need to save up for a better camera, and also spring for a new tripod. I have a really nice tripod in a box in the garage somewhere but can't find it.

I've been adding pumpkin pie spice to my decaf and premier protein and it's to die for, lol.

Thanks for the link to the Joby Gorilla pod; I'll have to get one.

Photos are key to motivate, inspire and face the truth as painful as it may be. I refused to have photos taken of me as I didn't want to know. My husband and I were on a vacation and he took a photo of me (I didn't know). When I got the photos back I came unglued at him for taking that photo? Why? Because I had to face I was 330 pounds and so fat I didn't even have a neck. It was HORRIFYING. It took 18 months before I had surgery.

There will be times when you are faced with one of the many head issues. Like looking in the mirror and not seeing the lost. I had lost over 100 pounds and just didn't see it in the mirror. However, when I lined up my before photo with the latest it was so clear how far I had come and it kept me going until goal, losing over 200 pounds.

Take the before and every month, in the same place, same clothes. Good Luck Everyone