At the time, I had been on my diet for about five weeks and had lost a decent amount of weight - close to 20 pounds. I remember being so excited when the bike finally came in, and I had my husband take pictures of me standing proudly with my sweet new bike. I uploaded them to the computer, fully intending to post them on my blog. And then I got the shock of my life - I was huge! Still! But how could that be - I had lost nearly 20 pounds! I was wearing new, smaller clothes - a 2X top and size 22 capris - how in the world could I look so ginormous?!?
Let me tell you, it was a tad depressing to see just how big I was and to realize that I had a long, long way to go. But I'm here to tell you, change can happen. It may not be quick, and it may not be easy, but making those lifestyle changes - eating healthy foods in moderate portions and adding exercise to your life - will eventually make a difference. I'm ready to show you the picture from June 2008 now...
And for comparison, here I am just over a year later - still not "there" yet, but a hell of a lot closer! Wearing a size M top and size 12 capris - and feeling pretty good about myself!
To everyone out there, no matter how much you have to lose, how big you are...YOU CAN DO IT!!!
You look great.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to you.
Wow, that is quite a difference. Makes me a little uncomfortable to admit that after losing about 115 lbs, I'm down to your start size. I only hope I'll see a size 12 some day!
ReplyDeleteoh,and the pink cruiser? I'm all about that myself!
Aside from the amazing weight loss, you also look 10-15 years younger.
ReplyDeleteWow! I want to see that change in 1 year. I would love to wear a size 12. I was so happy to go from a 28 to a 22. I can't imagine what a 12 would feel like--its been 15 years!
ReplyDeleteWow--congratulations. It's amazing how losing weight also seems to take off the years. You look great and such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLove the bike and you look awesome. Congratulations.
ReplyDeletewow.
ReplyDeleteboth.
you look fanTIZtastic and I totally and entirely and WHOLLY COVET your bike.
entirely.
Wow - what a difference a year makes! Congrats on all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteBathing suit-wise, I've shopped at LandsEnd, goggled Delta Burke stuff which brought me to a site I can't remember (but I don't know if that label makes them as small as size 12!!!!!), LL Bean (very limited underwire if that's what you're looking for), and aerinrose.com......and still no luck. I hope you find something. The trip sounds wonderful!
You look ah-maz-ing!!!! Seriously. And that bike is totally cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat you have there is a before and after picture that will make people's chins drop. Your journey this past year has paid off - you look so happy, confident & beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWowie! You look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAnd the bike is rad.
You should send a link to this post to the Hawaiian Electra Cruiser bicycle manufacturer. You could be their model and spokesperson. I would be amazed if they didn't want to use you in their ad campaign!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the inspiration! You look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing accomplishment! I surprise myself sometimes when I am feeling strong and fit, then look in the mirror and realized...still 100 pounds to go. It is a harsh reality, but maybe in a year I will have great pictures to post!!!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! Well done! and I love the bike! :)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, jaw-dropping difference! You look so good and SO much happier!!
ReplyDeleteTotally jealous of the bike too! You are an inspiration my dear!
You did THAT in a year? Gawd. I'm in awe. And with I had stuck with it so I could be your twin, cuz right now I look like you did a year ago. Daunting reality check for this woman.
ReplyDeleteWay to go!
You now look like your own thinner- and YOUNGER!!!- sister!
ReplyDeleteLook how amazing and awesome you are! You look fantastic. And the bike is incredible. WOW.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you. You must feel SO GOOD.
WOW. Thank you for sharing that, what a great dose of inspiration! You look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the bike! =)
Wow ! You look amazing ! Congrats !
ReplyDeleteHoly crap, girl. You look fantstic. You've melted away. Wow.
ReplyDeleteAh, to wear size 12. I'd be so happy.
LOVE that bike so much. I mean really love.
You're doing so great. Such an inspiration.
Your before and after photos are so inspirational - you are looking great! And I love the bike.
ReplyDeleteWho is that skinny chick with the bike?? Girl, you look so great!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's all about lifestyle changes! I hope you don't mind, I mentioned your post yesterday in my blog today with a link to your blog. That post really made me think!
KEEP INSPIRING ME!!!
Holy cow, what an amazing difference in a year’s time, Shelley! Huge congrats to you on a fabulous job. You look so much younger--as if you could be your own daughter.
ReplyDeleteOnce I get back into a size 12 I’ll be in heaven (well, not literally, I hope! LOL)
--Susan
As they already said - you look fantastic. And I love that the before is a smiling happy you too! Great job - definitely inspirational!
ReplyDeleteYou are a hot momma - before and after! :D
ReplyDeleteLove that bike!!!
You look great! (And I bet you feel great, too!) I had the same experience -- getting disappointed with how I looked after I already lost a fair amount of weight.
ReplyDeleteI love your bike!!! Mine is pink too but I could not afford the Electra. You look fab Shelley and I agree you look A LOT younger.
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference! You look great. Old pictures make me cringe, too - which I don't think is really a good thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd you do look younger!
You're such a winner--you deserve a bell! And maybe some cool streamers! Congrats, ya big Winna'
ReplyDeleteAWESOME...well done and congrats..hugs Khris in Oz
ReplyDeleteShelley - you're beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDon't let old pictures make you cringe. You wouldn't be you now, without all the parts that had gone before.
You look great! And I absolutely love your bike!
ReplyDeleteI love your bike and you look great!
ReplyDeleteWohoo! You look great...
ReplyDeleteI just saw this post today and omg! SO CUTE. That bike is adorable!
ReplyDeleteAnd you look so awesome in the after pic! Good job!