My family had Christmas pics made Sunday and I got them back today. After looking through them alone I quickly realized that NONE of the ones that I am in will be posted for anyone to see UNTIL I lose some of this stupid weight! From day one of wanting to have this surgery I have wanted it for my health...but after seeing those pics and busting out in tears when I was trying to explain to my husband that they look horrible with me in them, (he was at work) I have decided that I want to be healthy AND in better shape! I have always been thick but now Im just a huge blob......*sigh* my surgery date can't get here soon enough! :'(

On a different note...I have a few good 'before' pics for my WLS album.

Pictures have always been tough for me as well. I always avoided them like the plague because they were the only things that could bring my self-confidence down. For me, it hasn't gotten better after surgery. I still avoid them like the plague and looking at old pics is tough. I wonder how I let myself get to that point. Now that I am three months out and there is a noticeable difference (even to me... i could never tell before) it is slightly easier because I *know* that i'll never be there again. I'm looking forward to being in a healthy weight range so that when I see pics I can know realistically that I am where I should be. I see pics right now and I think "well, it's an improvement but I still have a long ways to go".

I'm sorry to hear how much you hated your pics. I just wanted to let you know that you definitely aren't alone in feeling that way. It was a picture that started this whole process for me. I saw one and I made up my mind to just do it. I had already researched everything and knew that I was going to go with the sleeve, but I was still on the fence. It was the photo that sealed the deal. I can now look at that photo and say never again.

Leading up to the surgery was the most difficult time for me. Once I had my date I didn't want to wait! I was super excited and not nervous at all. It will be here before you know it!

They say pictures are worth a thousand words...well I was speechless. I knew I wanted the surgery but now I CANT WAIT!! I've never hated how I look as much as I do right now.

Good luck with your sleeve...can't wait to see some of your before/after pics! And maybe one day I'll post my dreaded before pic.

I have a photo of me from behind in a swimsuit as I'm picking up seashells. It makes me cringe everytime! Because of that photo and every other one taken, I had to do something to feel better about myself. Good for you for wanting a better life! I wish your sleeve journey lots of luck.

Thanks and I wish the best for you also! I've decided Im going to use these pics as motivation when Im down about not being able to eat like a maniac anymore!

I'm sorry u hated your photos.. they say the camera adds 10 pounds. I think its more like 20. But soon we will love the camera again..

I agree...20 sounds better!!

Oh I know how you feel. I feel awful because my husband has been begging me to take a family portrait and for the last several years I have refused. I hate how I look in pictures and it's not just my body, it's my face too. So I can't hide behind my kids in the pictures and have a pretty face. It's just too big. I hate it. I am glad that you are getting the sleeve. I am planning on getting mine very soon. I promised my husband a family portrait next year when I lose this weight. I remember being able to wear a size 8 when I was in my 20's but I haven't been under 200 lbs in 5 years. I've lost weight off and on but it always seems to come right back and this diet roller coaster is too much for me. I want to lose it permanently and one and for all and I plan on letting the sleeve be my tool in a true lifestyle change that means NO MORE roller coasters for me. I am going to lose it all and maintain it!

I know exactly what you're saying. I'm either hiding behind my kids or telling them to only take head and shoulder photos. Like you, I cannot wait to have my surgery in January. I'm sooo excited and wish it would get here sooner. We have not had a family photo since 1996, so I too have promised a family photo session this time next year! Keep in touch and let me know how you're doing on this journey.