More photos as promised: before and after--1 year
Again thanks to White Dove! And now I am making good on my promise. I had my one-year checkup two weeks ago. The surgeon's office took these before and after photos.
I have lost nearly 100 pounds. I keep getting within 1/2 pound of that important milestone. After that, I have (I think) another 20 pounds to go. Definitely it is harder work now--both physically and emotionally.
It is still very troubling to me to look at the "before" photos. I had not realized I had become so big. I also have some trouble looking at the "after" photos, because I see how much more I need to lose. I definitely have a skin-sag tummy/apron that pokes out. I had never imagined plastic surgery before, but I see it in my future, at least for that tummy area.
My husband and my sons have also expressed surprise at the "before" photos--they just did not think of me as that big. I am glad they saw me for me. But I know I faced much judgement from others--I felt it and experienced it.
I am so very grateful for the surgery. I feel like it is giving me back myself, and a chance to go forward in health and confidence if I stay mindful--which is an everyday thing. Life's stresses remain. But at least this stress is one I feel I have tools to deal with better now.
I would like to take/post some of the glam, rockin-it shots like so many of you on the site do. I definitely have some clothes that look trimmer than those in these after photos. But don't hold your breath. It took me a year to post any photos at all. 
One thing that made me laugh: I guess I really am the same person. Notice how I am wearing same color pants--same color shirt! I have branched out into some brighter colors and more fitted things. But not for the snowy cold day that was this appointment.
