I've been staring at this picture for several minutes because it just so happens that I'm wearing similar outfits in both and it's easy to do a comparison. The problem is that I have no idea who either of these women are. Yes...I know they are both me, but I don't recognize either of them. I didn't see myself as fat when I was and I don't see myself as normal which I understand I clearly am.

I need to print this and bring it to my next therapy session. I'm still working on self image issues but it's like the weight loss journey...two steps forward and one step back.

It's so easy for me to see other posters before/after pics and know the difference between them but I can't see it with my own. I am still on this journey and likely will be for quite some time. Good thing we have a support group meeting today. This facilitator could use it.

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone.

What a transformation , you are inspiring Many people who just start and for us still trying to get there. Be proud and happy, your hard work paid off. You succeeded and feel like you took control of your life.. Carry on with your head up. Love the picture...

You've come a looong way keep up the great work I've lost like 75 since last sept almost a year and I'm

186 my goal is 160-50 but I'm

Also in therapy and you make me wanna Print ur pic as encouragement you look stunning! Best wishes!

Soooo pretty! Congrats on the new you!

wow , wow ,wow !!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE , YOU MUST BE SOOOO PROUD OF YOURSELF !

You look fab , well done . out of interest have you had to have many fills during your journey ?

my green zone still alludes me , not far off I think , thanks for sharing your success x

Liz,

How similar our minds are...... Never saw myself as FAT (327 pounds) and don't see myself for the size I am now. I'm not in therapy, but apparently I need to be! You look even thinner than you did in April. I'm so happy for you and PROUD of you! Tammie

What a beautiful transformation.

Liz,

How similar our minds are...... Never saw myself as FAT (327 pounds) and don't see myself for the size I am now. I'm not in therapy, but apparently I need to be! You look even thinner than you did in April. I'm so happy for you and PROUD of you! Tammie

Thanks Tammie. I just know that if I'm struggling with something, so are others. Yeah...I have lost more. Not even trying to lose more at this point, it's just coming off. At some point it will stop. I'm certainly not starving myself.

wow , wow ,wow !!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE , YOU MUST BE SOOOO PROUD OF YOURSELF !

You look fab , well done . out of interest have you had to have many fills during your journey ?

my green zone still alludes me , not far off I think , thanks for sharing your success x

Mine is a very unusual situation. I haven't had any fills. For whatever reason, I've had restriction from the beginning. Even my surgeon is very surprised...and I can tell you that this is not just willpower. I know that I have good restriction because if I eat too much, I don't feel so good and most of the time, I can keep myself at around 1,000 calories daily with virtually no real hunger in between meals.

Boy do you have a gorgeous smile, Liz. The kind that lights up a room! I know of your compassion from reading so many of your posts over this last year, and there it is in your eyes -- then and now. And you have purposeful hands -- the kind a painter likes to depict so something more is understood about the person when you notice the way they hold their fingers. I see a lot of intention there but of course I'm biased because I know what you have accomplished, how you grabbed a hold of your life and employed all your courage to go through joint replacement surgery. How you fought for that and lost the weight to make it happen, to get your life back. Your mobility. Your success. So I think in the "now" photo I see that courage and the pride of your having done all this, and gratitude. Joy. Let's face it, you're adorable, but the beauty of you is evident in both photos. You are definitely you. Look in the mirror at those beautiful eyes and thank yourself for everything it took to reclaim your health.

I think many of us struggle with being seen for who we are, with being loved and understood, and we're afraid of being judged. I try to tell myself "receive graciously" when I'm told nice things about myself because for whatever reason it is hard to hear those things -- and harder still to feel them. So many little girls were brought up to be seen and not heard and it was always about how pretty, not how smart or gifted. Plus the not getting carried away with one's self part -- as if there were ever any chance of that!

Just know you are lovely and worthy in both pictures but in the recent picture you are healthy and able to enjoy your life in a whole new way. I'm so happy for you! And I'm grateful for your posts -- you always get me thinking...

Boy do you have a gorgeous smile, Liz. The kind that lights up a room! I know of your compassion from reading so many of your posts over this last year, and there it is in your eyes -- then and now. And you have purposeful hands -- the kind a painter likes to depict so something more is understood about the person when you notice the way they hold their fingers. I see a lot of intention there but of course I'm biased because I know what you have accomplished, how you grabbed a hold of your life and employed all your courage to go through joint replacement surgery. How you fought for that and lost the weight to make it happen, to get your life back. Your mobility. Your success. So I think in the "now" photo I see that courage and the pride of your having done all this, and gratitude. Joy. Let's face it, you're adorable, but the beauty of you is evident in both photos. You are definitely you. Look in the mirror at those beautiful eyes and thank yourself for everything it took to reclaim your health.

I think many of us struggle with being seen for who we are, with being loved and understood, and we're afraid of being judged. I try to tell myself "receive graciously" when I'm told nice things about myself because for whatever reason it is hard to hear those things -- and harder still to feel them. So many little girls were brought up to be seen and not heard and it was always about how pretty, not how smart or gifted. Plus the not getting carried away with one's self part -- as if there were ever any chance of that!

Just know you are lovely and worthy in both pictures but in the recent picture you are healthy and able to enjoy your life in a whole new way. I'm so happy for you! And I'm grateful for your posts -- you always get me thinking...

I'm speechless. What a lovely post. I'm so grateful to know so many wonderful people via this forum. Thanks Bandista. You have surely made my day.

I have some issues too but is in the opposite direction I never saw myself fat, I thought I was normal until one day I got into a zumba class there was mirrors all over and I was looking at someone that I didn't recognized but it was me. I was moving at the sound of the music but the person in the mirror was struggling. That day I decide to stop eating my life out. Down the line it was the first step in my journey of becoming healthy. I learned how to love the fat me now i am seeing the real me and I love her more. If you like to read I would like to recommend a book that help me tremendously. The name of the book is "The Power is Within Me" the author is Louise Hay. She also have it in audio books if you don't like to read. Love, peace and harmony!