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:

Wow! You are amazing!!! Do you have alot of excess skin? My surgeons asks us in our post op checkups how are skin is and if we are getting sores or other issues from it. He says that insurance will cover the procedure if there is some kind of issue.

Wow! You are amazing!!! Do you have alot of excess skin? My surgeons asks us in our post op checkups how are skin is and if we are getting sores or other issues from it. He says that insurance will cover the procedure if there is some kind of issue.

It's not so bad really. I mean it's not tight like a 20 year old either, but I'm not 20... On the serious side though, it's something I can live with and keep covered up until I get around to getting it fixed. I can hide excess skin but I can't hide fat!!! I don't have any issues like that where I get sores in folds or anything like that. I don't really have folds... just in places it looks like that deflated balloon look. I imagine some of it will go away on it's own too.

That's good. I have heard that it can take a year after weight loss for skin to fully shrink up.

Wow! What a difference! Look great in those jeans.

Wow...truly amazing! What an accomplishment! I was getting ready to donate my size 24 black pants but now I think I'll save them so that one day I can take a similar picture. You are such an inspiration!!

SOOOOOO AWESOME GIRL!! DIVA FOR PRESIDENT

holy moly those are some fantastic pictures!!!! You have come so far... (by now you reached goal so, woohoo!).

Wow girl- those are amazing pics!! Your posts are always so real and inspiring. I think I'm going to pull out a piar of old jeans from the Goodwill pile and save them for a "down in the dumps day"- what a fabulous idea! As much as it feels good to get rid of those clothes- it probably will feel even better to do what you did!

Thanks for always posting such great stories, advice, and ideas! You are AMAZING!! Hope you are feeling better now!

You look incredible.

Thanks for the positive reinforcement to all of us = you are an inspiration! xxx

I know everyone had said it but i wanted to say it also: you are truly an inspiration. thank you for posting this pictures. i need to keep a pair of pants also to remind myself in the future of how far i've come.

Thank you so much for sharing those pics - I'm so inspired by you. And have learned so much from your posts since I"ve been on the board. Congrats, you deserve the best!

Awww *smiles* you all have made my day!!! Big hugs to all of you, and I also wanted to say that all of you inspire me every single day. Together we will make our goals and dreams reality! I have not made goal yet... LOL I do still have 30 Lbs to go. And boy am I having to earn those now!!! WOWWW!!! But, regardless I know I'll get there.

xoxo

Holy Moly! those pictures are just wonderful! You make me smile!!!!!

Awww *smiles* you all have made my day!!! Big hugs to all of you, and I also wanted to say that all of you inspire me every single day. Together we will make our goals and dreams reality! I have not made goal yet... LOL I do still have 30 Lbs to go. And boy am I having to earn those now!!! WOWWW!!! But, regardless I know I'll get there.

xoxo

Thanks for sharing this...I am truly inspired and I wish I could have my surgery tomorrow!!!! I so pissed I have waited so long!! Im ready to LIVE!!!!!!!!!!