Question:
Question for those who have lost significant weight already......

I'm 4 days away from surgery. This question is for those who have had surgery. If you could go back in time and take pictures of yourself, what pictures would you take? I am not asking if you would take pictures in the buff, I mean more like would you photograph yourself with friends, or in certain clothing, or with the dog? I know that when I have my surgery, and then begin losing the weight I will undoubtedly wish I had taken different or more pictures. Anyone wish to share?    — Colleen O. (posted on January 28, 2010)


January 28, 2010
I took monthly pictures, front and side. The one thing I wish I had done with each month picture though, is to record my weight along with each picture. I just recently did a small picture album starting with pictures at the time of my consultation, day of surgery, and monthly after that. It is really cool to see the progression.
   — Dawn A.

January 28, 2010
I take pics of just me in certain outfits. Side shots and frontal shots. Eventhough my outfits are different each month, the change is amazing. I'm about to be 6 months post op and 110lbs lost forever You definitely want some before, during, and after pics...Congratulations and good luck!
   — C. Barnes

January 28, 2010
Good advice given here. I am one year, five months and 26 days post RNY. I have lost a total of 171 pounds form my highest weight, and 2 ft. 2 inches from my waist, and still am needing the skin removal surgery. I think if I lose another 30 pounds and have the surgery, I will be all I want to be. :) As for your question,I would pick my biggest pants and shirt, and take the pics, record the weight and date, then save them for the day you are at your goal, then snap a shot of yourself in them and record the weight and date. Take pics as you progress and of your activities with friends and family now,and as you are able and increase your activities photograph yourself exploring the new avenues you find opening up as well as new friends you find on your journey. I would also get a journal or diary and write in it as you go...sharing the victories and setbacks and what caused them and how you felt. It is, after all a journey to rediscover and reinvent yourself. If you are ever discouraged and wanting to go back you will have the pictures and the journal to re-inspire you to carry on and NEVER go back. God bless you and good luck on your journal.
   — Dusty Ray Vaughn

January 28, 2010
Taking pics of yourself in a doorway is good for perspective.
   — elimeno

January 28, 2010
My husband took a picture of me the night before my surgery which was on the 26th of October. He takes my picture every 26th of the month since and I'm able to have Side by Side pics. He takes one from my front, side and back. I've been wearing the same clothes in every picture, but now that my clothes is getting WAY TOO BIG, I'll have to improvise. I'll probably wear the same colours, but something that's actually my size now.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 28, 2010
I am lucky enough to have a friend that takes photos for a living. I did before pictures with each of my kids and by myself. I did front, back, side, and face. Then I did my 6 month pictures I wore the outfit I did the side, back and front in. My friend was able to put the before and 6 month pictures side by side. I was shocked at the differents in the pictures. To be honest I was a little shacken up by the differents. I even cried when I saw the pictures. I new I had lost weight and changed a little just not that much. It took my a few days to get over the change and really see myself the way other people were seeing me. I've posted the picture on my frig and look at it everyday. I will never get rid of the outfit I wore for my before pictures. It is a great reminder of how far I have come. You will find that you take more pictures and don't mind being in pictures as you lose weight. Good luck with your surgery. Have a great day.
   — dsquire

January 28, 2010
I didnt take many pictures as I was still embarrassed to even have my picture taken. But I think you should measure yourself, everything.... Meaning even your arms, thighs, calves, as well as the normal waist, bust, and hips. I wish I had done this in the very beginning. It sunk in more seeing the inch difference than looking at a picture. We are still so messed up with what we think we look like pictures don't always sink in right away. Good luck to you!!
   — ToniLee

January 28, 2010
I took before pictures, then every month for about 6 months, then every few months. I also took measurements every few weeks - I have lost 2'5" off my hips alone! Although the pictures show a lot, the numbers are totally shocking. I have taken the tape measure and held it out to where it used to measure on me and was shocked to see a whole other person would fit in there! Best of luck! And do keep up your OH blog page - it is amazing to go back and read some of the things going through your mind and remind yourself of where you have come from!
   — Wendy M.

January 29, 2010
I am 22 months out from having my sleeve. I have lost 134 lbs, which is half my original body weight. I am so thnkful that I took pictures the night before my surgery. It is a potent reminder of where I do NOT EVER want to be again. My husband took my pics, front and side, with me wearing a pair of jeans that I wore all the time. We then took pictures monthly on the anniversary of my surgery, with me wearing the jeans and showing them getting larger and larger. At ten months I was able to fit both of my legs into one leg of the jeans. I still have those jeans and will never get rid of them. I would suggest you keep one item of clothing that fits you now and take a pic wearing it. You will be amazed at the change.
   — corky1057

January 29, 2010
Before surgery, I had my partner take pictures of me front, both sides, and from the back in my bra and panties. I recorded my weight and the date on the back of the pics. Then, I took pictures every 25 pounds....in my bra and panties again. Oh, I also took pics in regular clothing at the same intervals, so I could show my friends, but it's the bra and panties pics that I am so amazed by.... and that I've shown to a very few people who are considering surgery but are concerned about the "loose skin" thing. I am 56 years old, 5'7 1/2" tall, almost 11 months out, and have lost 135 pounds and am 3 pounds from my surgeon's goal weight for me, and 13 pounds from my own goal. I have gone from a women's size 28 to just yesterday finding out that I fit in my daughter's size 10 designer jeans!! I've also gone from a size 48D bra, to a size 36DD, and from a size 12 panty to a size 6.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

January 29, 2010
I took pics infront of my refrigerator..showed how big I was next to it..front and side...did it every month.
   — gpcmist

January 29, 2010
THATS EXCELLENT. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING BEDORE PICS. MY SURGERY IS SCHEDULED FOR 2/22/10. 1 WEEK AFTER MY BIRTHDAY! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE "NEW" ME!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK EVERYONE!!
   — geigerpitbulls81

January 31, 2010
Great answers. I went ahead and took pictures at an area in my kitchen which will put me in perspective. I get the surgery tomorrow, so I'm on clear liquids today. Very excited. I have a great husband-can't see anything going wrong. Hope the weight comes off quickly. I'm not scared at all. I feel like I'm taking a huge step toward my future. Thanks for everything guys!
   — Colleen O.

February 1, 2010
take pictures with friends and pets and do take some naked.. you will marvel in the change.. family pictures like groups. things like that.. enjoy the ride ,, its great. im so happy now.
   — momofbignick




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