I'm not to goal and I have been getting discouraged lately because I am still a chunky girl even with almost 40 lbs gone and I haven't seen much change or had folks seem to notice. Still, I was doing this for another thread in my regular forum and couldn't believe my before picture. It took forever to find one (I'm camera shy) but when I did I realize I had a distorted body image before, only it was opposite of what you'd think...I never really thought I was that big. Anyway, here are my pics. Also, another victory (non scale) was that I hosted a going away party for a friend and people were all picking on me for being the health nut. I was actually flattered because I used to get picked on for my brownie addiction...it's definitely a step up!

4th of July 05 at inlaws house...I'm in the black t-shirt. around 200 lbs, size 20. THE CUTIE IS MY SON!

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/825/dscn22517zz.jpg

Now at 169 and a size 14 ...maybe a 12 if it is cut big (16s in this pictures are hanging 3 or 4 inches too low in the crotch b/c they're baggy)

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/3890/dscn26374wy.jpg

WOW...so glad I did this. I am not where I want to be, but THANK GOD I AM NOT WHERE I WAS!

Congratulations! You look fantastic, and you can definitely see the difference. You've done a great job! I wish I had that type of distorted body image...it might coax me out of my jeans in hot weather!

Congrats!

Vanessa

Wow that is great! And yah it is GREAT to be picked on for being a health nut... LOL much better than for brownie addiction. You are really looking good!!!

Cute kid, too!

The shortest I will go in is capris and I am from the south and now live in HOUSTON...UGH! I may have thought I looked skinnier than I was back then, but I'd have to have been crazy not to FEEL the cottage cheese that has taken up residence on my thighs.

I'm thinking people notice and just aren't saying anything. I can so see a difference and you look great. Go 'head with your little waist.

Wow!!!

You look wonderful!! You are exactly why I'm here! I hope I can be as successful as you someday!

I think that you have a wonderful attitude, perhaps you aren't where you want to ultimately be. But you are a long ways away from what you were!

You're looking terrific! It is awesome that your friends consider you the health nut now. Just think of what a great influence you are on so many people. Plus, your a wonderful inspiration with the transformation you've made to your body! Good job.

You look goregous and so happy! Keep up the good work and congrats on the accomplishments!

I guess in one sense I am fortunate as I probably look better in shorts since my legs are little beanpoles compared to the rest of me... LOL probably a GOOD idea to draw the attention that direction! In my legs, thighs and butt I just need to lose weight overall and trim up. But oh boy, the TOP half is a mess! But I'll get it off if it is the last thing I do!!! LOL unfortunately this character looks kind of like ME.

Dairy... keep up the good work and let your friends make fun of you for being health minded all they want LOL... that is super!

You really look great! Congratulations!!

Your son is adorable.

You should be very proud of what you've accomplished. I have a distorted self image too. I don't see myself as big as I am. At least not when dressed. LOL! Seeing pictures really does help.

You look great!

Look at that waist!! And where the heck did your belly go?? You look amazing! Your hard work and dedication is paying off. (And your son is adorable!!!)

People closest to you won't see the weight loss. They see you every day. Those who see you sporadically will notice!!!

You can definitely see it in your face, you look great!