42 lbs doesn't look like much...

StacySkinny

...When you start out at nearly 400 lbs.

I've seen some update photos where people have lost 20 pounds and thier difference is amazing. But I've lost over 50 lbs and can't really tell a difference when I look at photos of me then and now. It's a little depressing but I think when you start out weighing as much as I did then it takes a HUGE weight loss before it's even really noticeable.

It's ok though. I can FEEL a difference and my clothes are definitely a lot looser - particularly my jeans.

Anyway, even though there isn't much difference I thought I'd post my update photos. Unfortunately I took my "before" photos after I'd already lost almost 10 lbs. lol So the "before" photo here is of me nearly 10 lbs lighter than my starting weight.



Starting weight: 385 lbs. (4-25-2010)
Current weight: 334 lbs. (9-17-2010)
Goal weight: 140 lbs.

So far I've lost 51 lbs but I still need to do that about 4 more times before reaching goal weight - I have a LONG way to go.

I have worked hard for the past five months to get where I am at and do hope there are some clear visible differences soon. Even people who hadn't seen me in months still can't tell I'm losing weight. lol

Anyway, has anyone else experienced this? Losing a lot of weight and it still not being really noticeable?

truecaligirl

Actually, it is noticeable. Your hands, arms, face and side of your stomach look smaller. Keep it up. It takes time.

Lauris83

yea, ur neck arms and waist look smaller

StacySkinny

Really? I think maybe I'm just standing a little farther back in the second one. I hope you're right though.

Wendybirduk

Oh you can definitely see a difference! Look at your neck, arms and sides! You may not see much of a difference but you see yourself everyday!

Keep going hun and keep posting those piccies coz we can see the difference even if you can't!

Well done and keep it going! You are doing great!

pink_and_shiny

A) Nice camera

You've DEFINITELY made progress. Your neck is slimmer. Your shoulders are less rounded. Your arms, waist, and hips have slimmed down. I can even tell that you've lost in your tummy - look at the way your shirt drapes on the before picture. Now look at the draping on your current picture - the fabric doesn't curve out as much! It's flowing on down, baby!

Something you might consider, and I know it is going to sound indescribably scary, but pick a swimsuit, or a bra and panties, and take pictures in those. And then, in 20 more pounds, wear that same outfit. Seeing yourself sans clothing is intimidating, I know, but I'm sure is also going to give you one hell of an adrenaline rush when you realize it isn't just your clothes fitting better, it is you fitting yourself better.

HealthyChanges2010

...When you start out at nearly 400 lbs.

I've seen some update photos where people have lost 20 pounds and thier difference is amazing. But I've lost over 50 lbs and can't really tell a difference when I look at photos of me then and now. It's a little depressing but I think when you start out weighing as much as I did then it takes a HUGE weight loss before it's even really noticeable.

It's ok though. I can FEEL a difference and my clothes are definitely a lot looser - particularly my jeans.

Anyway, even though there isn't much difference I thought I'd post my update photos. Unfortunately I took my "before" photos after I'd already lost almost 10 lbs. lol So the "before" photo here is of me nearly 10 lbs lighter than my starting weight.



Starting weight: 385 lbs. (4-25-2010)
Current weight: 334 lbs. (9-17-2010)
Goal weight: 140 lbs.

So far I've lost 51 lbs but I still need to do that about 4 more times before reaching goal weight - I have a LONG way to go.

I have worked hard for the past five months to get where I am at and do hope there are some clear visible differences soon. Even people who hadn't seen me in months still can't tell I'm losing weight. lol

Anyway, has anyone else experienced this? Losing a lot of weight and it still not being really noticeable?

Here's where I see the changes... neck, hands, chest, fingers, arms, stomach, hips, ......hm, that's the body parts I see in the photo, so all in all...I DEFINITELY see a huge change

Sometimes ppl at work or friends don't say anything for any number of reasons... I've had ppl over the years say something to me, be all excited, I'd gain some back, well, then what are they to say, they say nothing and don't say anything next time I lose for good. lol Maybe after 5 years of keeping it off ppl might comment to me more, I dunno. I'm doing it for me, so seeing me naked and in form fitting clothes thrills me far more than others right now.

I think you're worked hard and it's noticable Stacy!:smooched:

subtilty

Firstly... Well done!! 42lbs is a fantastic loss Keep going!

I can see major changes!! Your face and chin is completely different and thinner, your arms have lost a couple of inches.. Even look at your fingers they are a bit thinner too. Obviously wearing Black and then Black.. your not going to see anything major body wise.. you need to wear light colours or how already recommended, as scary as it sounds.. underwear/swimsuit to really see the differences. x

goohan

i agree i think you look thinner

Equilibrium

It is noticeable -- look at how much door there is behind you on the 'now' photo!

Chikorita

Actually, it is noticeable. Your hands, arms, face and side of your stomach look smaller. Keep it up. It takes time.

Definitely noticeable. We can't see but I bet it shows in your face too.
Also, I think wearing black it is harder to see any differences.
Do NOT give up.
You are doing really well!

jeanineadele

That's whats so nice about the scale. Losing it slow and healthy you may not notice it but the scale tells the truth. I think losing 40 pounds is a huge accomplishment that you should really be proud of. Your an inspiration!

ambercole

YEP! I can see it too!!! Your neck and arms are much smaller now. Wait!!!! Hold the phone!!!! Is that muscle definition in your forearms that I see????? Hmmmmm...... Great job girl! Keep up the good work!

Shawna_831

Oh Hun...look at your arms! That right there shows big time. Because you started out higher than some it will not show as much right away. What you don't see is the years you just added to your life. The fact that your risk for diabetes just went down. The fact that I know you feel better about yourself now! You are awesome so don't let this get you down at all. It's a long trip but make it fun and it'll go by faster.

renae5

HELLO??? Are we looking at he same pictures? You are doing an Awesome job, don't be so down on yourself... be proud of everyone of those pounds gone!!! Look at hose pics again, camera looks the same size and so does the door so those are the "controls" however, your arms have shrunk considerably and I can see Way more of the door... so you are shrinking pretty rapidly, too!! I am Proud of you... Keep up the Great Work... You Are Worth It!!!

StacySkinny

Thank you all for the wonderful feedback! I'm so glad that you guys can notice a difference *even if I can't* lol. I will definitely keep up the work I've been doing. I have no intention of giving this up - this is a lifestyle change, not a diet. I'm really looking forward to some major changes, and though they haven't happened yet, I know they are coming.

Thanks for all the encouragement you guys! You've put a huge smile on my face!

*big hugs*

lulabellewoowoo

I notice muscular definition in your arm. We are our own worst critics. But your profile picture is gorgeous too. I love your sassy look. Keep going strong.

LainMac

You look sleeker. Maybe people think you are wearing foundation garments ~the after picture looks like you are wearing "Spanx" or some other body shaper. Keep up the good work.

Magenta15

definitely noticable. but i do think the black clothing makes it harder to see! also try taking a side/profile pic you might notice other things from that angle too! like if the bootay has shrunk, or tummy or the girls

fantastic keep at it!

ickybella

Look how much smaller your arms and neck are! My neck is where I first noticed weight loss too, but I'm a little jealous because my arms are not getting any smaller. Great job! Anyway, other people will see it before you do. We're harder on ourselves than other people. Just trust this throng of comments.

championnfl

Just wanted to drop a note and tell you,should be proud of yourself! It takes a lot of effort and courage to not give up and do something for yourself and your future.Enjoy the journey ,as long as you keep going the finish line will come.[promise] You can tell a differance,always harder when looking at yourself then it is for others to notice! I know you will make it!!!!!!:drinker:

LastFighter

I noticed it a lot in your neck.... keep your head and keep moving forward you will reach your goal.

sarahliftsUP

We are our own worst critics. You can definitely see the difference.

Have a look at this:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/114527-depressed-because-you-ve-only-lost-a-few-pounds

I think you will have a new appreciation for the 42 pound loss!

aprilgicker

I have had a few friends lose a lot of weight. and they all noticed the same thing. but I noticed that their arms and neck were smaller, which was confirmed by the measurements. If you look at your picture carefully you can see the same thing. They are the last place your body will store energy so this is the first to get smaller "noticeably"
Hope this helps

randilea

I don't know what you are talking about...I can definitely tell a difference. I think because we still have the picture in our head of what we looked at day in and day out it is hard to see past that. I here a lot of stories about people that lose a bunch of weight and look fantastic but still see the "fat girl" when they look in the mirror. We are our own worst enemy sometimes. Keep up the great work and you yourself will one day wake up and notice just how well all your hard work is paying off.

Congrats on your weight loss so far and I hope I can be as much of a support for you on your journey as you have been for me thus far.:flowerforyou:

NotAllWhoWanderAreLost

I definitely see it! Your neck for starters and your forearms! Go ahead and measure with a paper held up to your screen: everything is bigger in the before photo EXCEPT the door and camera! People will start commenting soon, i am sure! And, for what its worth, i didnt take 'before' photos either (still havent and i have lost 31 pounds!) .... The idea of taking a pic in undies sounds mighty frightening (and not internet share-worthy!! LOL!!!), but it would be nice to have for our own personal viewing so we can see how far we have come.... I just might do that myself!

LotusF1ower

...When you start out at nearly 400 lbs.

I've seen some update photos where people have lost 20 pounds and thier difference is amazing. But I've lost over 50 lbs and can't really tell a difference when I look at photos of me then and now. It's a little depressing but I think when you start out weighing as much as I did then it takes a HUGE weight loss before it's even really noticeable.

It's ok though. I can FEEL a difference and my clothes are definitely a lot looser - particularly my jeans.

Anyway, even though there isn't much difference I thought I'd post my update photos. Unfortunately I took my "before" photos after I'd already lost almost 10 lbs. lol So the "before" photo here is of me nearly 10 lbs lighter than my starting weight.



Starting weight: 385 lbs. (4-25-2010)
Current weight: 334 lbs. (9-17-2010)
Goal weight: 140 lbs.

So far I've lost 51 lbs but I still need to do that about 4 more times before reaching goal weight - I have a LONG way to go.

I have worked hard for the past five months to get where I am at and do hope there are some clear visible differences soon. Even people who hadn't seen me in months still can't tell I'm losing weight. lol

Anyway, has anyone else experienced this? Losing a lot of weight and it still not being really noticeable?

I can see the difference, especially in your neck and the person who pointed out about the door gap behind you, is totally correct. In the after photo, you are standing more to your left anyway, but it still shows a big gap that was not there in the before photo, that means your hips have definitely lost some!

The reason some people, who lose, say, 20lbs, show a big loss whereas you not so much is all to do with percentages.

You have lost a total, so far, of 13% of your body weight. However, a person who weighs 150lbs and loses 13% of their body weight will lose 20lbs and on their frame it will notice in the way you are speaking about. The smaller the body in the first place, the more the noticeable difference.

You are well on your way to your goal providing you do not give up. What a massive weightloss you have had so far - OVER 50lbs!!!! For crying out loud, that is not to be sniffed at!!!! Continue and the weight can do nothing but fall off, seriously.

Get down to your goal, post your story and be that inspiration that you will be, because believe me, when you reach your goal, people won't just notice the difference, they won't even recognise you!

I take my hat off to you to be honest. You have a lot of courage, don't let it go to waste, keep going and make sure you take periodic photos everytime you drop 10-15lbs to keep so that you can look back and compare.

:flowerforyou:

MissingMinnesota

The first thing I noticed was your forearms are smaller and your neck is much slimmer. Your waist looks smoother so it is noticeable. It is hard for people that see you day to day to notice the difference. Great job and keep up the good work.

exercisemom2010

I can see the changes too!

For myself, it's hard to see the changes on me too. But I can feel them in my clothes! When I can wear a 22 and not a 28, that's a BIG deal. I think it's hard for me to see the changes because I have so much more to lose. I know once I get to the 90-100 mark, I'll notice! But until then, I'm just loving the pants change! My shirts are a little smaller but I don't like to wear them that way. I like when my shirts are a little baggy.

grover0ca

Actually, it is noticeable. Your hands, arms, face and side of your stomach look smaller. Keep it up. It takes time.

this was my thought exactly!

busymom74

You can definitly tell!! Your arms are a lot smaller and so is your neck and down your sides! Good job! Keep it up and in no time you'll be at your goal!! :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: