Lurker - thing I like best about you guys...

OK, I have been lurking in these forums (fora?) for several weeks. I like the success stories, and the before and after pictures are great. But even more than the fact that everyone is happy with the way they look as they shed pounds, I love the what the photos reveal about the way that people feel about themselves in these pictures. Any of us who have struggled with weight know the feeling of hiding behind clothing, friends or anything else we can get our hands on in pictures. Those are the "before" pictures. The "after" (or "during") pics show so much confidence. Even people who still want to lose a lot more weight show so much more confidence that it is palpable in their face. You can see the self-loathing slip away with the poundage. What a great thing it is for a person to believe in him or herself.

I am lucky that I never let myself get too-too heavy (although I was considered "obese" on the ridiculous BMI charts). I am using the MFP tools. I lost 10-15 from my all time high, and continue to drop through exercise and keeping track of food consumption.

You are all an inspiration.

Thanks!