As I've mentioned before (somewhere, probably in here) I am entering a Slimmer of the Year competition in an Australian slimming magazine. To do this I need 3 'before' and 3 'after' photos. I asked a friend at work to look for photos of me from a few years ago because I know she always has a camera at school functions.

Well, I just got this one from her and it really opened my eyes to how far I've come.



I have had some others, but this one kind of struck home because it shows MORE of me, and kinda spread out all over the place.

It is funny, but it has only been recently that I have been able to see myself as this...



... as I could still 'feel' the fat person inside (I kinda look at it like when someone can still feel a limb that has been removed... but I'm not sure if that explains it). I hadn't adjusted to the 'new me' for a long time and had just started to believe what I was seeing in pictures.

Then I look at this picture and I can remember quite clearly how it felt to be that large. I have a feeling that it is just a MEMORY though, and I'm closer to 'feeling' slimmer.

Anyway, just thought I'd post this 'before' shot, as it is by far the best I have so far.

I should get the competition entry sent off today, so fingers crossed!

Take care,

Zelma

there is no way you wont win!

Oh my gosh Zelma, you are amazing. You look like a totally different person. You've done an amazing job and you should be very proud of yourself. I know I'm proud of you. Wow! I've seen pics of you before but this shows a big difference.

I hope you win. I would be really surprised if you don't.

Yours is the most amazing transformation I've ever seen! You'll win for sure! You look MAHVELOUS!

Zelma, there is not a doubt in my mind that you'll win that competition!! What an amazing amazing transformation! You're right about that, most of the time we don't realize how big we are! (I'm only 11 pounds down from my highest weight, and I can't fathom how big I truly am!)

That is breathtaking! Congratulations!!

What a transformation! You look like a completely different person, you must be so proud of yourself. You’re a shoe in to win!

Zelma!!! Holy petolies, girl!! You look FABULOUS!!!

Wow! so impressive! best of luck with your contest however it turns out, you know you are a winner

i didn't even recognize you in your before and after.. just goes to show all those quitters that its not impossible! I complain, and according to the charts i only have about 30 pounds to loose. I can't fathom what a lifestyle change you must have had to make! You are an inspiration to all of us

Zelma-take all my compliments from your previous pics and triple them!!!! You are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us.

That is the most amazing before and after picture EVER!! You are sure to win!!

You HAVE TO WIN! Geez. What an big difference. You go girl!!!

Zelma, I've seen other pics of you, but this "before" photo does really show how far you've come. I'm amazed, it doesn't even look like you!

You look wonderful. Thank you for sharing your photos with us, you are such an inspiration to the rest of us. I agree with everybody else, how can you possibly not win?!

What an awesome job you have done!

Zelma - do you have a thread with tips on how you've achieved your weight loss? By the way, I'm impressed with your nice slim arms - that's an area I've been worried about never getting slim. Do you do any special arm exercises?