I've been wanting to post my Before pictures for a long time and since I have decided to try to maintain my current weight rather than losing any more, now seems as good a time as any.

I started my journey in August 2005. At first, I was just exercising and my goal was to just get a little healthier and in shape. I didn't really start trying to lose weight until November 2005. At that time I began limiting my calories. That's pretty much the program I've stuck with: exercise and counting calories.

My starting weight was 150. I got down to around 120 lbs by June 2006. I got down to my current weight, around 115 lbs by August 2006. I was trying to lose a few more lbs, then gained a few over the holidays, lost them again, gained again over 2007 holidays, lost them again, and have now decided to try to maintain at around 115.

I can't figure out how to get the pictures to appear in my post instead of in a row at the bottom, so I'm doing this in two posts. This one is my before pictures, next will be my after pictures.

Picture #1 was taken around 1999. I was not at my highest weight, despite how puffy I look. I think I was wearing a lot of layers because I'd guess that I weighed around 140 in this picture.

Picture #2 was taken around 2001. I'd guess that I weigh around 145.

Picture #3 is at my highest weight, about one month before I started this whole life change. I weighed 150.

Ok, now for the after pics. Look how much more fitted all of my clothing has gotten--I must have lost 5 lbs in clothing alone!

Pictures #1 and 2 were taken around August 2006. My weight was around 114. Please remember the camera adds five pounds, apparently all of them in my upper arms in pic #2 . Sorry pic #2 is blurry; it's the only side view I have.

Picture #3 was taken last fall. I think my weight was around 112, which is the lowest I've managed to reach. Those are the same shorts that I was wearing in my third before pic. I loved those shorts. At 150 lbs, I was never happy with how I looked in shorts but that pair at least provided a lot of coverage .

Picture #4 was taken in October 2007. Not sure of my weight because it was taken when I was on vacation after a week-long conference and eating off-plan. Probably around 118 lbs. But I still look a lot better than I did at 150 lbs. I probably weigh a little less now, but not so much that you'd really be able to notice the difference in pictures.

Blue, what a difference! You look radiant! And it's so inspiring to have you around 3FC blessing us with your maintainer's wisdom. Thank you so much for posting.

Wow! It's not just your weight that changed. You appear so much younger and happier now, and with your updated wardrobe too - it looks like you lost years as well as pounds! Many congrats.

Barbara, you do look wonderful, so trim and slim (and yes, younger!). It's so nice to see befores and afters of you. Congratulations!

Thanks for sharing. Wow! That's quite a change.

You look great. What an inspiration!

Wow! You look great!

Although, I admit I thought you looked fine in your "before" pics, too,

Barbara,
Thanks for sharing these.
You do look amazing!

Barbara, wow! I always wondered how you could have been heavy at 150 pounds, but you're such a tiny little thing that now I see! What a difference! And I agree that you lost quite a number of years along with the weight.

Honestly, I think you're gorgeous and right where you should be now, so your decision to maintain is a wise one. Love the big shorts photo!!

Barbara, so good to see pics of you.

You know where I've come from 150 lbs, your starting weight, just ain't all that bad . But of course I see a HUGE difference. Tremendous in fact. I'm sure along with seeing that difference, there is also a huge change in how you FEEL and of course all the health benefits that comes along with being at a healthy weight and that is the most important thing.

You look absolutely radiant. Years younger. And confident. And of course gorgeous. You also look incredibly fit and oh so healthy. LOVE that look!!! So slender and content. Content - yeah, that's the word I think I'm looking for. It's a look that comes along with knowing that you have done "right" by your body. And you my dear, most certainly have.

You look great! So tiny!!!

I love that picture of you on the rock, it looks so carefree and fun.

you look amazing!

Wow, Blue, you look amazing. I love the pic of you on the rock. Look at you: not an ounce of fat anywhere! You should be thrilled. I know I'm thrilled for you!
Thanks for sharing your photos.
Pam

Thanks for sharing, Barbara. (and you showed off your tattoo, too!) You've done a great job--congratulations!