I hope it's ok that I started this thread, but I am too excited not to. I have been doing some comparison from when I very first started losing weight (1/1/04) to now and I am amazed. Maybe because I see myself everyday I don't see the difference, but the tape measure does not lie:

Jan 01, 2004
Weight: 246
Measurements
Bust: 53
Waist: 50
Hips: 54
Arms: 15
Thighs: 28
% Body Fat: 50%
Lean Weight: 123lbs
Fat Weight:123lbs

May 03, 2005
Weight: 211
Measurements
Bust: 50 (down 3 inches)
Waist: 45 (down 5 inches)
Hips: 48 (down 6 inches)
Arms: 12.5 (down 2.5 inches)
Thighs: 23 (down 5 inches)
% Body Fat: 31 (down 19%!!)
Lean Weight: 145.59 (up 22.59lbs)
Fat Weight: 65.41 (down 57.99lbs)

I just find it so hard to believe and even comprehend! But it FOR SURE has given me a huge extra boost of motivation! I have before pics, so I will have to take some currents pics so maybe I can compare and actually see the difference with my own eyes

Way to go!!!!

I bet there will be a huge difference in those pictures and I know there has got to be a big difference in the way you feel. I wish I would have measured at the beginning, but I will tonight so I can measure inches from now on. Keep up the great work!!

WTG Shelby. That is some loss in a year. 19% BF is awesome.

Willow, that is just amazing...58 lbs of fat. Way to go!!!
I'm sure the difference is not only in the way you look but also the way you feel.

My non-scale victory has come in my blood glucose levels. Five weeks ago my fasting bg was running from 144 - 153. Today I had a 96 fasting level!

What wonderful results, Shelby - good for you!

Its so true what you say about not really noticing the difference in yourself as each day goes by, even though 35lbs. is a very significant amount (try going to the grocery store and putting 35 one pound butter blocks in your cart and looking at how much fat is gone!).

Yes, let's see those before and after pics so you can spread all that motivation around!

Nice job with the blood glucose, Sea! Looking better from weight loss is one thing, but feeling better and knowing you're healthier is the best bonus, isn't it!

Great job, Willowgirl. You are an encourager for the rest of us!

Well, I just took some current pics and when I was editing them I was thinking that I coulnd't see a difference. Then I put the pics side by side and wow, I can see the difference now:

http://mindcritic.dyndns.org/shelby/...fter_35lbs.jpg

http://mindcritic.dyndns.org/shelby/...fter_35lbs.jpg

Wow, I love seeing before and afters!

That must really motivate you! You've done a great job, congrats!

And congrats, sea, on the glucose, I agree knowing the health level is getting better and better is a huge deal.

For me, now I've finished going to the gym for my first month and I'm still loving it. It's made a huge difference with my mood, I feel much more positive in general. I feel stronger too, I've been using the resistance machines. Getting a few muscles in the ol' arms, heh heh.

Shelby, that is sooooo awesome!!!

The side view is incredible, I can really see the difference

I think I'd better take some before pics of myself too, I've already started losing but I want to be able to look at them later and go...WOW.

Thanks so much for posting those!

((hugs))
Linda

Ooh... thanks for posting the piccies, Shelby. You look great.

My nonscale victory this month (so far) is that I was able to button a size 14. They were tight and I can't wear them and be comfortable, but I was able to button them. For me that was a big deal.

Keep up the great work everyone!

Wow you all ~ those are some great accomplishments.

Shelby ~ your pictures are great ~ way to go.

Sea ~ I'm glad for you that your blood sugar level is better ~ that has got to help you feel better ~ physically and peace of mind too.

dragonwoman ~ glad for you with your milestone ~ month of gym visits ~ glad it has helped your mood and all.

Soccergirl ~ congrats on being able to button that size 14 ~ way to go.

For the first time in 6 years i went for a bike ride. At first i was thinking i`d be terribly rusted. However I was able to do 25 km over 1.5 hour....and not feel exhausted...

Lance Armstrong, here i come!!!!

Way to go Frenchie!!