Before pics

martin_leeann

I haven't taken a pic that shows anything lower than the neck in a long time. Looking at these pics brings tears to my eyes and I ask myself, "how did I let myself get to this point!" I turn 39 next Wednesday, 5/20 and I'm believing this is going to be my year of change. I struggle with a panic disorder as well as depression at times. Living in fear, sadness, guilt, and shame is not the life God intends for me or you to live. I can do this! You can do this! Believe in yourself and each other ❤️

Emilia777

Hey, I didn’t even have the courage to take before pics! You’re right on track to getting back to where you want to be: take it slow, stick to the program, don’t beat yourself up for less-than-great days, and you will see results I wish you all the best!

martin_leeann

Thank you @Emilia777 Good luck to you too!!

Trueray

Man, I'm really proud of you for this and I don't even know you. Most people wouldn't even do this. I know you'll do great and hit your goal in no time. Rooting for you!

kgullison

I was empowered by your post! I have a similar body and feel the same as you! We are similar age, I am 43, and maybe we can help motivate each other!

martin_leeann

Thank you @Trueray I appreciate it

martin_leeann

@kgullison thanks honey! I sent you a friend request!

jpaulie

That takes courage, more than I have. Speaks well to your future success. Keep us posted! If you want to add me please do. I will read your diary and help where I can.

pmk1969

Wow how awesome...I have hidden from a Camera for 10 years now. Seriously my 12 year old son always says nobody would know he even has a Mother anymore because even my Facebook profile Pic is me holding him at 2 years old. Your confidence is inspiring...really it is...You will have great success!!!

martin_leeann

Thanks ya'll!

missindependent633

Wow you goooo girl !! I started at 16st 7 back in 2012 - dropped to 11st 4 ... Im now back at 14st & im trying to get back on my fitness journey to reach my target of 11st again !! You're beautiful though dont ever let anyone tell you otherwise!!!

gemmi33

Hey, you have so much courage facing your fears the way you have, well done you and I wish you so much luck. I'm nearly 36 and hate what I see in the mirror.. So I'm going to try and turn it around starting from today. Feel free to add me, I could to with some motivation buddy's myself x

martin_leeann

You 2 ladies are fabulous!!! Thank ya'll so much!!!

TylerNorris57

I think you look amazing in the before pics

martin_leeann

That's sweet of you to say @TylerNorris57 Thank you ☺️

TylerNorris57

no problem glad I made your day!

thomasvega_tv

You absolutely rock @martin_leeann... that is so damn brave... I have my b4s but I only have shown them twice and privately at that... you are an inspiration.

martin_leeann

@thomasvega_tv thank you honey! Add me if you'd like. I don't know about an inspiration...but I felt it was something I needed to do.

dalansteiner

I know the feeling of hating to look in the mirror because I see someone disgusting to look at. I have felt that way for years now.

It has a lot to do with how I used to look and how far I have fallen off. My wife tried to tell me for years that she thought I was still handsome, but I just didn't/ couldn't/ wouldn't believe her.

In 30 days a promising amount of weight has come off, and I definitely see a difference in the mirror, but I am definitely getting greedy for more. The original goal was 22 lbs, but now that I am making progress I want to go way beyond that number. Am I setting myself up for failure? Hard to tell at this point. I just know I like the little change I have seen and now want to see big change.

Having said all that, let me say this: your pics do not show an ugly fat pig, they show a pretty woman who has maybe put on a few pounds. Only you know how different you look from before, so to you, by way of contrast, it may look like you let yourself go. I am simply trying to tell you that body image can be a cruel and unforgiving taskmaster, and you may want to go a LOT easier on yourself instead of listening to the voice in your head that wants you to vomit when you look in the mirror now.

By all means, use the app, hit the gym, watch your macros, and rejoice when you see progress. I am sure you have decided on a sane and healthy final weight goal, and I hope you get there. Just don't get your self worth from how you look. Get it from how you feel.

martin_leeann

Thank you @dalansteiner I wish you all the best on your fitness journey.

Megandarae

I'll be 39 soon, too! Your before pics are very similar to mine. I'm getting back on the wagon after gaining back the 30 lbs I previously lost using MFP. I'm very disappointed in myself but I'm determined. We can do this!!!

martin_leeann

We can do this @Megandarae ! I'm with you all the way!!

kbirk13

You rock. But your b4s are better than of our agters! Lol! But it's a personal thing. It's about how you ne ed d to be in your own skin to feel healthy and confident. Got a feelung you're gonna knock it out of the ball park girl. Good luck.

martin_leeann

@kbirk13 thanks doll! I sent you a FR.

Takes2long

I'll be 46 in July and I can relate to your pictures. I have 25 to lose and it's been such a struggle!! It certainly takes courage to post those pictures. It's not how others see us, it's how we see ourselves. And thats a tough one to overcome. We are so very hard on ourselves and say things in our head that we would never, ever say to anyone else. Take it slow, you might have a few slip ups. Just recognize them and move on. It's not worth wasting your energy on something thats already done. Enjoy the compliments that you get for your hard work