So I found a pic of me exactly 1 year ago at a tight size 16 and 245lbs in an XXL shirt or a big XL shirt. I started exercise and eating clean on June 15 of 2011 and took a pic of me today! I'm down to a size 14 and a large shirt and I never thought 1 size would make a difference! In my mind I was like oh it's only 1 size, it's only 1 size no big deal....well it is a big deal! It took almost 35lbs of weight loss to get down a size! I'm just so happy that I'm starting to look taller. I'm only 5"3 so the weight (especially around my mid section) made me look shorter than I was! Looking back at pics I couldn't believe I was that big, I was in total denial about it! I'm also posting a pic of me in 2009 at 255lbs in a tight 18! (10lbs less my highest weight) I've been slowly chipping away at this since 2009 but really got serious this past June.

I guess I get frustrated cause I see the pics and the changes and think to myself I don't have to keep going but that's a lie I tell myself I believe to stay fat! I have a LONG way to go and I want to lose another 75lbs, I have always hid my weight pretty good (well so I thought until I hit 255lbs!) but the size I am now has been my norm for the most part. I have to push through this mindset, weight loss is such a psychological journey for me! Everyone tells me I look fine now but that's only 33% of my goal completed! It frustrates me when so many people tell me to stop! I believe I have come to a place that I am finally going to just listen to me for once and get to goal!

Thanks for looking and reading! This site has really been helping me!

Oh my gosh!! What a huge difference that size made! You look great! What a super encouragement! We started about the same weight, and I have lost only about 20 lbs, but I am down from a tight 18 to a comfortable 16. One of the things that I keep thinking is that I was really closer to a 20 than an 18, I was just wearing clothes that were too small, so for me it's not one size, it's more like almost 2. You do carry weight really well- even at your highest I would not have guessed 255!! What an amazing transformation in only a few months!

Wow, there is a big difference there, congrats! I agree, you do carry your weight well, I certainly didn't look that good around 200lbs and I'm 3 inches taller than you!

Keep up the good work. Remind yourself of all those amazing health benefits that you're getting from eating healthy and lifting. It's not just about looking good but also living a long healthy, and happy life.

You look FANTASTIC! You and I have a lot in common when it comes to friends and others saying you look great! You don't even need to lose anymore (They will NEVER get it). It's about your health and being fit!

If you think that's a difference, wait til you hit 50-55lbs, you won't even recognize yourself! And after that, every 10lbs you notice a difference. You look AMAZING and I for one will be following your progress and cheering you on all the way!

Sidebar: I totallly know what you're talking about when it comes to being short and that weight around the midsection making you look shorter. LOL I had that too! But the reason we can laugh at it is because...we are getting rid of it!

Wow! What a difference!! Congratulations to you!!!

Yes congratulations! It's good to be proud of yourself for all the steps you are taking on your longer journey.

Congrats to you ..You look awesome...