Well.. As sometimes happens, I had this post all typed out and then I lost it. Ain’t that the pits? :-/

I could call these progress shots, or I could call these goal shots as I am 9 lbs away and I am so happy that I feel like I am already a success story, Even though occasionally I still see “Fat Heather” in the mirror, I see her less and less with every passing day. I am only a week and a half away from my surgiversary and I think these are the first “progress pics” I have posted.

Let’s start with the stats.

I started this journey:

Weighing: 302.4 lbs

Wearing: Size 24W pants, 2X shirts

Waist: 50"

I am currently:

Weighing: 164.4 lbs

Wearing: Size 10 pants, M shirts (I think with a tuck I could wear an 8)

Waist: 25"

I have lost 5 ft. total from my bust, waist, and hips alone. I still have a nice, ample 34DD bust and my waist is 25 inches. I am so proud of this, let me tell you.

I also started married and am now divorced. Funny how that happens.

Anyway, enough jabbering before the pictures, but after I will share some NSVs I posted in another thread so maybe stick around to read those?

I guess I should start with those dreaded befores.. The first few in the dark bar are from either late July or early August of 2011 and the last is from September 2nd, 2011 with my sleeve sister on sleeve day.

Before:

Now for the afters (these are WAAAAY more fun!):

August 20th, 2012 (164.4 lbs)

August 4th, 2012 (Idk.. Maybe 170?)

Father's Day 2012 (183 lbs!)

About 25 lbs ago, I was carried around piggy back for the first time since childhood... All around my house. It was the most amazing feeling ever!

21 lbs ago, I got the courage to post the bathing suit picture 2 up on FACEBOOK!!

I can shop for panties and bras at VS..

I think I look my age more now (26), I think.

I wear my 4 and 5" heels with EASE!!

I can sit on my BF's lap and not ever worry about hurting him.

I have freaking defined collarbones! Not the scary kind, but defined and I love them.

I fit into EVERY chair, usually with room to set my purse next to me.. This is sometimes not the case.

I think by the time I hit goal and have my plastics, my measurements will be very, VERY close to 36-25-36.

Men ask for my number in bars and clubs.

I get carded more often.

Doors are opened more often.

I am 110% more confident at work.

Well, (in the words of Forrest, Forrest Gump) That's all I have to say about that! Thank you for reading and viewing and (possibly) commenting.

xxoo

Heather (GemInTheRough, soon to be JustAGem)

this is awesome!! congrats on all your success! you look amazing

So happy for you! congratulations

amazing!!!!!

AMAZING! You look great! And happy! How tall are you?

This is AMAZING!!!! you look terrific!!!

Just under 5' 8" according to doctor. I always use 5' 7.5".

Thank you everyone!

:DI'm sorry about your divorce. But I am very happy for you with your weight loss! WOOO HOOOO!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You look phenomenal! I'm on a really good pace and hope that I can match your success by my anniversary. I'm going to use you as inspiration to keep my focus

WOW! You look amazing and what a difference a year can make. I can't wait to be on the losers bench with you! Congratulations on your weightloss and journey thus far.

You look terrific! Congratulations!!!!

I am 6 months out and I started close to where you were. I'm trying to figure out what size I will be in six months because I'm going to the Caribbean for vacation. Your post is inspiring. Can I ask you, what is your excercise regimen? How much had you lost at your six month mark?

WOW! hell of a change in only a year. You look entirely different, and yes, MUCH younger. Fabulous. I can't wait to make a similar post next July.

OMG! This is an amazing transformation! You do look a lot younger and whey skinny! I love your skinniness!

On 03/09, which was about my 6 month mark, I weighed in at 214.6.. putting me 87.8 lbs down.

I have been training for a half marathon that I am SUPPOSED to be doing in January, but there are some things going on that are very likely going to prevent this. I was running 5 times a week, 40-60 minutes every morning. I would run as far as I could in 20 or 30 minutes and then find my way back, LOL. Also started training for the MS150. The left side of my left leg from my knee down has been numb for 2 months and when it started I cut down to 3 days a week running and last week my foot went numb causing me to trip over my toes. Ironically, I had two MRIs last week that are primarily testing to rule out MS, but the more likely culprit is idiopathic peripheral neuropathy.. These are in NO WAY connected to my sleeve. Just a really bad hand that I have been dealt at the moment. When I know what's up I will have to reassess. Honestly, I am just REALLY glad that this happened near the end of the loss phase and that I have a sleeve of steel that still has a pretty low capacity.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am 5'8 and I want to soooooo totally be you in 7 months!!any advice?