Nervous about posting, but I think I have a before/after

anskaggs

I'm nervous about this, but I think it's finally time for me to post my before/after photos. I get a little embarrassed when people say that I've lost weight because I feel like that means I was really big when I started, since I can't tell too much of a difference.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid in June after gaining around 15 pounds really quickly. I had always stayed around the same weight year after year so I knew there was something wrong. I'd stick to my 1200 calorie diet and not lose an ounce, sometimes even gain. Hair falling out, always forgetting things, absolutely no energy. I didn't want to go out, let alone exercise. I'm not completely regulated yet, but I'm getting where I need to be.

I joined a weight loss group at work and really started tracking and trying to stay under my calorie limits. To make it easy on myself and to keep myself from getting discouraged, I had three calorie goals. I figured up my maintenance calories, my mid-way loss, and my regular loss. During the week I would try to stick under the lowest goal, but if I had an off day, I'd be sure to stay in my mid-way. And on the weekends when I'd go out to eat, I made sure to stay under maintenance. I felt like I still had cheat days, but nothing to make me gain.

Anyway, I can see the scale moving, and I hit two goals already, but I still feel like I look the same. I think most of it comes from I never saw myself as bigger since I gained it so fast. But this morning I took a picture and I realized I've come a pretty long way.

I'm 5'3", started at around 161 lbs, and I'm now somewhere around 138. I can tell I've lost since I've last weighed, but I don't own a scale so it's only a guess. I wanted to go a little lower, but I think I need to focus more on toning now since I did this without exercising hardly at all. Also, all my clothes are too big now, so hopefully you can tell a difference regardless.

Before


Before again


And this morning:

shad1018

Congrats!!!! You look so healthy and beautiful. I think your before pics look pretty too.

lucyinthesky2007

Great job! I can definitly tell you've lost. You look great!

rachie590

Nothing to be nervous about!! Great story and the pics tell even more!

LMRoses

You're just beautiful Congratulations on the loss, you look really healthy! Love your style also xx

flyersrule17a

I most definitely see a HUGE difference. I also have hypothyroidism and gained 30 lbs before we figured out what was wrong. I also had no energy, large amounts of hair falling out, etc. I am now regulated but just started my journey to lose weight. I have a total of about 60 left to lose. Congrats, you look amazing.

IvanaSamuel

You were beautiful then as you are now! Congratulations...YOU GO GIRL!!!8-)

songbirdtree

Awesome progress!! You're really pretty!

anskaggs

Thank you everyone!

I most definitely see a HUGE difference. I also have hypothyroidism and gained 30 lbs before we figured out what was wrong. I also had no energy, large amounts of hair falling out, etc. I am now regulated but just started my journey to lose weight. I have a total of about 60 left to lose. Congrats, you look amazing.

There's hope I promise! I know it can be frustrating. I think I caught mine earlier than most people. I only gained 15-20 pounds that can attribute to it, but the depression and hair falling out (my eyebrows were the worst!) came first for me.

klindema

Congrats- you look wonderful! Good before as well I also have hypothyroidism, and it is soooo hard sometimes and takes a lot of dedication to lose, so I wanted to tell you GREAT JOB!!!

adavis59

Wow! You have done an amazing job! You look great.

mjkpe

You do look fantastic. Also there is a group for those with hypothyiod issues here. You may want to check it out and join. (And this is for all the others who did not know of it).

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

deadmittens

Holy crap! You look amazing!

WingMan380

You are a beautiful young lady and your efforts have for sure paid off for you

05saleengirl

Congrats!!! I've got hypo myself and its no fun, makes things 10xs harder too!

katiedidit1

I can see a big difference! Great job and great idea on the calorie goals I may have to use that.

Also I really hope you get that dress altered that you were wearing in the first pic so you can wear it again this coming summer, it's adorable!

anskaggs

I can see a big difference! Great job and great idea on the calorie goals I may have to use that.

Also I really hope you get that dress altered that you were wearing in the first pic so you can wear it again this coming summer, it's adorable!

The different calorie goals really did help me! I think it's one of the big reasons I was able to stick with it.

DebraYvonne

beautiful! congratulations!

HananYako30

Congratulations

mel_d1000

you look amazing, keep up the hard work!

anskaggs

Thanks everyone! I took one today in clothes that actually fit. I need to work on my arms.

fittiephd

I see a huge difference!!! Good for you for posting, you look fantastic I can understand what you mean by saying that since you gained it so fast you didn't really think of yourself as large. But maybe that's good, no bad feelings about how your body ever looked! Think of it as a positive, you look great now, and that's what's important!

Michshellars

I think you're looking great and you can definitely notice a big difference, congrats!!! Hope you are feeling good too :-)

AthenaErr

Big difference! You look really great.

FitSid

you have definitely lost weight! and look amazing! Congratulations!

xxxMumof2xxx

Well done, you look great & really healthy!

terracotti

whoa, you're 138 and yet look 120-125. so envious. congrats!

zannyzanzanzibar

Wow, that's a huge difference!! Congrats, you look amazing! I'm really happy for you

ModerationAndDetermination

I think weight loss support groups are great! It's a great way to stay motivated and encourage others. Thanks for sharing your story, you look great by the way! Kudos to a job well done!

thesarahsundae

Congratulations!!

dmpizza

Wow