Last night for some reason I was feeling a bit down... I've said this many times to many folks - when this happens dig deep in your tool box and pull something out that will *fix* that mood. These are a few pics of me I took last night. This was my original size pants in the black (of course... lol) size 28W... I used to fit these at my heaviest, 330+ Lbs. They were even tight!! I refused to cross over into the 30's. My tops were a 3X, even sometimes a 4X (not as much) but still...

They are matched up against my "goal" jeans, size 8M. How did I not realize how large I really was? I've never been able to really recognize the true me, I still don't now. I might never, though I hope to someday.

Anyway I have redirected my new goal to a size 4M with those same style/cut jeans. After that I'm done... finish... even if I weigh 180 Lbs. In a few years when I have the excess skin removed, whatever doesn't fix itself in that time I'm sure that will be a few more pounds off anyway.

This is for all those who are pre-op, on the fence, not sure, just searching, or even feeling low due to stalling or whatever reason... it can and will happen for you! I have endured many stalls in my journey. I have gone weeks with little or no losses. My weight is coming of slow... but you know what (I've lost 75 Lbs in 8 months)? Something about me, I NEVER GIVE UP AND I NEVER GIVE IN!!! I am very close to goal and I FEEL LIKE I'M THERE ALREADY!!! Just a little fine tuning away.

Lotsa hugs and smiles, Irene.

Before/The Beginning:

Currently:

You have done brilliantly, and look amazing!!!

You make me wish I'd kept some old clothes, but every time I get a little room for manoeuvre I have a massive wardrobe purge (still can't really admit to myself how much I needed this surgery I guess).

Hope you are feeling brighter soon, and keep up the inspiring posts!!

You are so beautiful and such an inspiration to us all!!

Thanks for sharing!

Kelly

Absolutely wonderful! My friend told me today at work that I need to do something about my clothes lol. I am only 3 weeks post op and 5 weeks on the diet, and my clothes are hanging on me. I don't want to go shopping yet, soon but not quite yet. I am going to pick up two goal items though, a little black dress and a pair of size 6 jeans. I don't think that I have ever been a size six LOL. Thank you and all of the "vets" for making this journey so much more understandable and easy for all of us.

Absolutely wonderful! My friend told me today at work that I need to do something about my clothes lol. I am only 3 weeks post op and 5 weeks on the diet, and my clothes are hanging on me. I don't want to go shopping yet, soon but not quite yet. I am going to pick up two goal items though, a little black dress and a pair of size 6 jeans. I don't think that I have ever been a size six LOL. Thank you and all of the "vets" for making this journey so much more understandable and easy for all of us.

Those size sixes sound like a good plan! You get to be the vet next... it just keeps paying on down the line.

We should get together, when I get closer to goal, and we could both stand in your pants Or my big pants, LOL (30/32s). Isnt it crazy to think we use to fill those sizes out???

You have come so far! And look AMAZING!! Keep your head up gf, you have accomplished so much! :boink:

The pictures do tell the story. I was wearing 28's, too, but those pictures suprised me. I really was that big.

You look fantastic! Congrats on your hard work and great results!

Thanks everyone for the nice comments I just really wanted to show everyone, mostly myself that even when the brain is having a down moment the reality is something quite different. *I* was even in shock by seeing that picture. Especially with the one with my EX-Goal pants laying on top of my biggest size ever. Wow... it's really hard to imagine I used to have to wear those pants. It is also a reminder to myself on where I never want to be again too. I started to make my way back there, then I finally decided to get my sleeve. THANK GOODNESS FOR MY SLEEVE AND I THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO MANAGE TO GET ONE!!!

My life has changed so much. Today I am the woman I always wanted to be. Fit, healthy, happy, able to RUN A 5K... soon to be much much more, and my dream of being a skinny Bride is in the works too now. My Husband and I have often discussed renewing our vows, but I believe I am truly ready to make a commitment for it. I think by the time #20 rolls around, which will be December 9, 2015 I will be ready. Actually it would have to be Saturday 12/12/15, my Birthday. I doubt anyone can make a Wednesday Wedding. LOL My Sister in Law (my brothers Wife) has already proclaimed herself my Maid of Honor and will work with me on all the decisions. She did excellent on her own Wedding, so I don't doubt her abilities at all.

So I have a bit over 3 years to get to goal and to undergo all my post goal plastic surgeries... I'M READY!!!

PS, Sarah - YOU BETCHA!! That would SOOO Rock!!! :Banane25:

Wow Irene. You are true inspiration to all of us.

You look great girl!

I'm still amazed as I often go into my closet to put on a shirt (which I haven't been as good about replacing as my bottoms) and it will be so baggy on my. I don't feel like I've lost much weight or that there's a big difference, until I try on old clothes.

Good for YOU!

Renewing your vows is a really cool idea! I know so many brides who would love a "redo" on their special day but in a sexier dress! I hope you do it!

I love the picture of you standing in your old pants.... isn't that just mind-blowing? How much do you love your sleeve?!!!!

Fantastic photos. I sure hope you are feeling better now. I love how you laid the two pairs of jeans together like that. There is such an amazing difference and sometimes it is hard to tell. BTW you look super great in those jeans you have on in your last photo!! Really, wow congratulations!

Irene, I hope you're feeling better now. When you have down days please remember you're an inspiration! Since I've joined this site I've seen your posts and been so impressed with your progress, positivity and how helpful you are to other posters.

I've been having some down days lately - mainly because I feel so impatient - I want the weight gone now...! One of the things that helps me stay in check is reading posts from those further along on their journey such as yourself - so, thank you.

Take care.

size 8??!! Congrats! That is such an accomplishment. You are doing an amazing job.

I am confident in my sexuality to say... (wolf whistle) check out that ass !!! You made my day that much brighter.

I am confident in my sexuality to say... (wolf whistle) check out that ass !!! You made my day that much brighter.

HAHAAA!! So bright I gotta wear shades now!

Thanks everyone!! Yes I'm feeling much MUCH better!! Thanks to my awesome sleeve sisters and brothers. You make the ups and the downs so worth it. Muy muy mucho!!