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)

You look absolutely fantasic and gorgeous. You are an inspiration!

You look amazing! Thanks for sharing and giving us some inspiration!! Congratulations =)

You look amazing! Congratulations! I can't wait to have collar bones show again! And how cool is that, that you can shop at VS! Awesome!

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing!

All I can say is what a beautiful transformation.

Simply FABULOUS !!!!!! My surgery is 8/27 I can't wait for my transformation .

Living My Live Like Its Golden.......Smooches

Wow, you really look great! Congrats!

Congratulations! Definitely inspirational !!

Sorry to hear about your leg. Wishing you a speedy recovery! What a difference a day makes, that is ~345 days! You look fabulous!

I must add that I now wear an 8 pant and I think with my tuck, I will fit a 6 comfortably.

You are such a inspiration!!!! Thanks so much for sharing;)

Awesome! What an amazing transformation! I am at about the same starting weight and am hoping for great results like yours! I am getting my band removed in 2 weeks and will be sleeved on 12/10.

You look wonderful! Congrats!

did u have a lot of loose skin?

You look fantastic!!!!!!!