i'm having trouble putting in a picture as my avatar. it keeps saying that it is not a valid jpg or gif. any ideas?

No help here, Fulfig.

Supersized - you look MAH-velous! What a pretty bunch of women we have here!

Karen - I'm completely jealous of your legs. :)

Thanks everyone for the compliments. It really helps keep me going even though I hate the latest picture! I see myself completely different than what everyone else see's and that's an issue I need to work on... I think.

Kim--I'm barely 5'1". I think 120lbs. would make me feel good, but I would be completely satisfied if I were to only get down to 130-135. 120-125lbs was about what I weighed when I first started gaining weight.....emotional relationship brought me into a depression state of mind and I just didn't care about taking care of my body. And the weight gain came on fast! 50lbs w/in a year!! (more like 6-7months!) Wish it only took that long to lose it all!

Off to school I go!
Marti

Hi Marti -

I've been dying to ask - where in Oregon are you? It seems there are several of us that live in the Portland area. AND one of my chihuahuas looks just like the one in your avatar. How strange is that?

Your pictures look great. You have my envy. :D

Marti you should great about yourself. You are beautiful! I put my weight on about as rapidly as you did. I've just held onto it for about 6 years. The last time I was this size was about 3 - 3.5 years ago. It is so hard to get if off. I used to be an emotional eater. If I was really happy or really sad I would eat. I just love to eat all kinds of foods....especially dairy and carbs.

Thanks for all of your compliments ladies. You've provided me with a big smile. Like Marti, you're kind words and support keep me going.

Thanks for the link Deb. I'll try it out.

SP, I finally found paint last night. I had overlooked it in all my frustration. You should post your pics over here as well.

Jina, send us a bigger pic of you.

I would love to see pics of the rest of you as well. Come on gals, bring em on. :D

I can't seem to get my picture to post correctly.........:s:

StarPrincess--

I live south of you. I just moved to Cottage Grove. Know that place? Small town.

And I also have to add that your picture is fantastic. You look great. And I absolutely LOVE that coat!! Been wanting to get one for myself!!

Ok... I'm having issues w/this atkins... I'm going to post what they are later.

karen--i wanted to bump this up to compare how you have changed. i don't know where the minivan picture is though. just like star in her before and after pics, you look great in all of yours too.