I know this is a brave move on my part but here goes.... The first pic is of me last spring in Brazil (far left) (234 lbs). I was there visiting for a wedding and this pic was taken by my brazilian family and I didnt know it would eventually end up on Facebook! I was so embarrassed by it. I got tagged in it and it went all over my page and everyone saw it before I could get it taken down. Anyways.....The second and third pics are of me at the beach last week (147 lbs). I have a funny tan line on my belly that we all thought was hilarious. I do think there is quite a bit of difference that nearly 90 pounds makes! I am no supermodel but I thought I looked decent in a bikini, my first one in 22 years! I wore five different ones, one for every day at the beach! I was only a little bit self conscious in them. A huge leap for me!

You have done a fantastic job of toning yourself! You look wonderful!

I think you look fantastic!!! You need to send this pic to the Brazilion family so they can see the difference.

Wow, you look amazing. Thanks for the inspiration!

OMG! You look amazing! You are skinny! Yayyyyyyyyyy! Keep it up!

You look good. Keep up the good work.

You look great!!

I think you look fantastic!!! You need to send this pic to the Brazilion family so they can see the difference.

I just sent these pics to Karina in Brazil. I bet she will be more than a little surprised! Yay!

I wish there was a wolf whistle emoticon because these pics surely warrant it

GREAT job! I admit it, I'm jealous. I don't even look good in a two piece that covers everything because of all of my loose skin. I agree with Lissa, you did a great job toning. Here's a new exercise, pat yourself on the back...you deserve it and we don't do it enough!!

You must share how you toned everything. You look FANTASTIC!!!

You look fabulous! Congrats!

WOW! You look great! Let's see if those new pics don't get plastered all over Facebook!

As you may have noticed, my legs aren't really in the pics too much. I have problem loose skin on my belly, especially below the bikini line and my inner thighs. They sag pretty bad. I didn't allow them to be in the pictures. I figured it wouldn't make a difference if I wore a one piece or two because my legs are my issue for the most part and no bathing suit covers them so what the hell. I am looking into a belt lipectomy (lower body lift) this fall. It will cure a lot of my problem areas. I think I am a little flabby in the tummy but not as bad as it could have been. I walk three days a week and sometimes jog a little. I did a lot of zumba for a few months too. I really need to get back to doing more exercise to get these last few pounds off. Walking was my main exercise though. I have not worked out with weights, although I should. I do have a lot of flab on my arms but you can only tell it when they are parallel to the ground. Teehee. I am embarrassed to admit my lack of gym activity or working out. I just did the best I could and I enjoyed walking in the spring here in south Texas. Now, not so much. I will pick up the pace this week though because I am determined to be in the 130's!

Don't be embarrassed, it worked for you. We can only do what works for us, no shame in it!!

Wow, wow, wow! I appreciate how brave you are for posting your pictures - but it must come easier when you look SO AMAZING! I bet whats better is how you FEEL!

CONGRATULATIONS! Thanks for always being so inspiring!