Slow day at the office - hope everyone is having a wonderful week -

After hearing many folks say - "I really don't have many before pictures because I hated getting mine taken" I realized that WOW - I don't either, because I dodge and also I am usually the one taking the pictures at many gatherings.

What is really even more upsetting is that when I was younger I have one photo of me before I had my daughter where I was healthy and fit and worked out all the time. I was this way for nearly 2 years and literally have one photo and one Christmas Video on VHS to remember that I can do this, because I did it before.

I will also be SMILING in my "before" pictures that I am taking now, because I look much better when I smile - so no solemn look on my before pictures - I am smiling because I can hardly contain myself that I am 19 days out until my surgery. I'm ready to stop dodging the camera and step out from behind it more often to join in the group shot!

So I took one yesterday at 20 days before - should I wait to do the next at 1 week before or 1 day before? After surgery I will probably make sure to AT least take pictures on the monthly date, along with those weekly weigh-in's where I have a milestone weight loss to go along with it.

Any other tips from those that have been there - wished they had done (fill in the blank) before they started their WLS journey?

Definitely take your measurements. I didn't start taking measurements until about 1 month post-op and SO wish I would have started pre-op. Seeing the inches go away will help motivate you when the scale stays the same. :-)

I also did pictures, I made it a point to set up regular sessions with a professional photographer. I've been taking them about once a month/every ten pounds. I didn't look at any of the pictures until I was 6 months out. WOW! What a difference this surgery makes! I look back at my pictures, and hardly recognize myself. Parts I didn't know could shrink have...my hands, wrists, neck...WOW! Definately take the pictures, and revel in the transformation, because you deserve it!!

Definitely take your measurements. I didn't start taking measurements until about 1 month post-op and SO wish I would have started pre-op. Seeing the inches go away will help motivate you when the scale stays the same. :-)

You are so right! I have that on my list now! I do have a journal from way back when with my measurements from 98-2005 when I would do weight watchers on and off again and it helped when the scale didn't move to see the inches go away! I will try to get that journal out to keep track! Thanks!!!!

I also did pictures, I made it a point to set up regular sessions with a professional photographer. I've been taking them about once a month/every ten pounds. I didn't look at any of the pictures until I was 6 months out. WOW! What a difference this surgery makes! I look back at my pictures, and hardly recognize myself. Parts I didn't know could shrink have...my hands, wrists, neck...WOW! Definately take the pictures, and revel in the transformation, because you deserve it!!

What a great idea, being a photographer myself, I have many friends that I do photo walks with. I may have to book one of them after I'm halfway to goal and again at goal! In the meantime I think I will do the self timer since I usually have sessions I squeeze in for clients out side my regular job where I'm behind the camera then the editing takes time.

Listen to me... Haha ducking behind again

Thank you for the idea for sure... Never would have booked a session for myself, but will defiantly do that in 2014.