and thought I would share. I used to avoid getting my picture taken like the plague at my heaviest, but now I'm glad to have a couple to look back on. I can't call this a before and after because I'm not where I want to be yet, but the difference in how I look is kinda amazing to me!

One factor of course is that I didn't bother with things like taking much time on hair, makeup or jewelry. That has happened gradually, and I'm having fun with it now! The best part is how I feel - not just how I feel after climbing a flight of steps, etc, but how I feel that I actually belong amongst the other people in the world, how I feel desirable to my husband, how I feel like I have a right to be any dang place I want to be and can do just about any dang thing I want to do!

I definitely think you can feel all of those things at a higher weight, but I constantly struggled with self esteem. I'm discovering that it's got a lot less to do with how I look than how PROUD I am of myself for living my life in line with my goals, hopes, dreams for my family.

Don't mind the quality of the pictures - the before one is a pic of a pic, and I think taking a picture of yourself in the mirror is harder than it looks!

Oh man, I can't see the pic at work. I am in awe of your weight loss success though!!!

WOW!! Your photos really bring 'life" to the expression - "a picture is worth a 1000 words"!! Really inspiring -thanks so much for sharing - and Congratulations-L.

Incredible! You look amazing, what a transformation!! Keep it up.

WOW! - awesome success!!! You are such a LOSER!!!!

oh my freaking gosh!! SHANNON, you are AMAZING! Your pictures made me a little teary eyed!

I'm so proud of you, and glad that you're proud of yourself! Your story is amazing, and I love how much brighter your eyes look, and how your outlook on life has transformed!! Keep up the good work! I'll be rooting for ya!

Amazing! Great job. That is really inspiring.

WOW! I am at a loss for words.... That is just.... FAN FREAKING TASTIC! You look so amazing!

Amazing! There is so much difference, and you're beautiful in both pictures but in the recent one you are GLOWING! Your skin, your hair, everything looks so much different.

I'm jealous, I can't find a before pic. Like you, I avoided cameras like crazy.

Congrats You look great and I'm sure you feel great too. It's wonderful to see the reward of all your hard work.

wow!!! absolutely amazing progress

Great job!

Shannon, you look just wonderful; congratulations!!

WOW, you look great!...keep up the awesome job, you will be there in no time

your amazing!