Oh boy! This was a toughie for me. I haven't liked my picture taken in a LONG time. If a picture got taken that I didn't like I would delete it immediately. In fact, I've been so embarrassed about how I look, I took down my wedding picture that I had on my desk at school, because I didn't look anything like the woman that married my husband. Each time someone reminded me of that, I became more and more ashamed. SO, I had to search far and wide for a few shots of me before my surgery and to be honest - they aren't the worst! - but they are all I have,

I've also taken a couple of head shots since my surgery, and posted those, too. I haven't been brave enough to take a body shot, but will have to soon. My fear had been that for some reason (even though logic says once you've removed 85% of your stomach you SHOULD lose weight) I wouldn't be successful and I'd have a horrible picture of myself (another to delete).

Well, I'm much more optimistic these days, so I'll have to fix that soon. In the meantime, I've added some pictures to my gallery.

I just wanted to share this with my new found, and much appreciated support group.

Thanks everyone.

Gorgeous!

You look GREAT!! I know just how u felt. My last pic was with my son at 4mos of age. He'll be 13 this year! Congrats and keep rockin' that sleeve! Hope to join u this summer.

You look awesome! It's posts like yours that get me excited and feeling very ready for my journey! Thanks!

You look AMAZING! I dare to say you dropped some years off your age along with the weight. Keep up the good work you are an inspiration to those of us waiting to be sleeved.

You look wonderful and much younger. Celebrate!!!

you look beautiful! congrats...but you were really pretty before, too!!

I agree with all above, you looked good before and you do look younger now. Great job!

You look awesome!

Wow, how exciting is that. You did us all a great service. I get my sleeve May 15, and cannot wait. Thank you so much!!!!

How long did you get your sleeve?

You look beautiful!!! Yay!!

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Christine & Giving it My All- When are your surgeries? Don't worry, walk a lot and sip slowly. You'll do great! Buffy - you too! enjoy the gift to yourself!! I got mine on March 27th (3weeks ago tomorrow).

Rdoactv - Pictures are a blessing and curse, aren't they? Now that you are going through this - don't wait; take 'um!

Dee, Robin, Cmullin, Niahri, Amy and Terry - Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your compliments. Sometimes they are hard to hear (read) and believe. Looking younger is pretty cool for me. I don't think I've ever been carded!

Good luck to us all, and thanks for the support. It sure goes a long way!

Wow. 3 weeks you look great! I agree you look younger too!

I agree... you do look younger... and is that the same cardy? Hmm? Need a smaller one me thinks...lol

Great job so far, keep up the good work!

Get some full body shots done (not to share if you don't want to) but I promise you that it is a great visual when you are getting smaller. I hated getting photographed too but I did and I am please that I now have the comparisions!! =]

Wow, not only have you lost weight but you are dropping years off your appearance! You look 10 years younger!