Progress Photos

I think it’s important to share my “before” pictures because it’s so important to look back and realize how far I’ve come.  I’m working on getting to the “after” pictures.  Until then, we’ll just refer to these as progress shots. :)




This golf shot was taken at the height of my heaviness, and I was still trying to enjoy life…but wow..it’s so much easier over 100 pounds lighter.
This photo was taken on the Hudson River. I’m pretty sure I was over 400 pounds at that point, but I can’t be sure…
This photo is from January 2009.
It was cold and blistery in NY at that time, but I couldn’t button my coat. And I couldn’t buy a bigger one because the store didn’t sell bigger ones.
This one is from February of 2009 – shortly before I would decide that enough is enough. I had just been asked to move from the regular seating at a show in Vegas to the “champagne circle” because I’d be “more comfortable there.” Indeed, I was though it didn’t keep me from fighting back tears on the inside.
This photo was at my dining room table. I used to love hiding in big sweaters, but now I enjoy summer too.  I am not yet at my goal, but I no longer worry about doing my best to hide behind the table.
A full body shot which was rare before the beginning of this journey.
This photo is from the day I broke my foot.  The doctor wanted to give me a walker because I was too heavy to use crutches, but I refused.  I took the crutches and put a lot more weight on my foot than I should have.
Here’s a photo from Fall 2009 – a few months into my weight-loss.
December 2009 with Dad – almost 9 months into my journey…
See the black coat that I couldn’t button before? This photo is from March 2010.  The coat was bigger than it needed to be by then.
And this is from June 2010. I’m a big fan of full body shots now because they’ll be so important to me later. :)

Here’s another recent photo from late June…I have a long road, but I already feel like a healthy, fit person.  And my body is slowly catching up with my mind…;)

And a recent full body shot from July 2010.
Feeling smaller…
It’s so much easier to get around without all of the added weight! I can’t imagine how great I’ll feel when I reach my ultimate goal.

My body still has a lot of shrinking to do, but I can see some major changes so far.  More importantly, I can feel incredible changes so far.  Some days are easy, and some are a struggle, but if I had known how much I could enjoy this journey I would have started much sooner.

Stay tuned because smaller photos are coming…;)

{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }

Susie June 5, 2011 at 6:48 pm

Im so proud of you I love the pic u look great well I have a ? to ask u I just found out that Im diabetic is there anything I can do on weight watchers for diabetes .

Thank u and talk to i soon

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Doreen June 12, 2011 at 12:29 pm

Love your pictures. Keep going strong. Good luck to you!

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Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey June 13, 2011 at 7:23 pm

Amazing progress! Seriously, amazing. Good for you.

I just found your site today, and have been looking around… glad I found you. :)

~

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susan may June 13, 2011 at 8:34 pm

You look like a model. I to struggle with my weight. Keep up the good work. I know that it is a tough journey, but it looks like one that you are conquering. I had lost 40 pounds last year and turned around and put it back on. I cannot get to motivated with the 100 degree days. I am going to read all that you write in hopes that it will get me motivated again. Thanks Susan

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Tanya June 15, 2011 at 6:56 pm

Awesome pictures Kenlie! You are such a beautiful girl. Keep up the awesome work – you are such an inspiration to me! I also struggle with the whole iwannaloveexercisebutamnotjustthereyet thing… :-(

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Dani June 16, 2011 at 12:02 am

Wow! Not only do you look younger and healthier, you look infinitely happier through the progress photos! Great work! What an inspiration to us all. ^^

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Hyla June 17, 2011 at 8:15 am

My body still has a lot of shrinking to do, but I can see some major changes so far.  More importantly, I can feel incredible changes so far.  Some days are easy, and some are a struggle, but if I had known how much I could enjoy this journey I would have started much sooner.

This is so true for me as well!

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Nayara June 17, 2011 at 9:44 am

Wow! It’s impressionant! And I’m happy for you.
It’s abig difference, and it’s amazing.
But please, be carefull. Do not loose too weigh, for don’t getting sick
Please, I’m asking for you, stop on a healthy ‘point’. Do not be obsessed for loosing wheigh when you get. Focus on health.
Kisses and hugs.
Good luck.

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lynne allard June 20, 2011 at 4:25 pm

You look fabulous! You should seriously think about modelling – you are extremely photogenic! Love following your blog – thx for sharing!

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Dana July 5, 2011 at 2:59 pm

You look wonderful, so glad to have found your site! :)

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Tamara July 18, 2011 at 10:32 pm

You look amazing! I cannot wait to read more of your story. Congratulations on your successes!

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Amanda July 21, 2011 at 11:59 am

Love the pictures and progress. You are obviously doing fantastic!

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Jill July 26, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Oh wow, I’m inspired. truly. I sometimes feel like I don’t deserve to be at my best, like I don’t deserve to be thin….. Its a psychological thing, I know. I got really good at knowing how to take a picture that flatters me the best. I don’t have very many full body pictures either. I’ve lost about 20 pounds, but I’m not feeling comfortable in my skin yet. I still see a fat girl at size 18.

My first little goal is to fit into my size 16 pants. Pants I used to wear. I had to give my smaller size 14 to my mom. I haven’t worn them in over 10 years. I have never been a size 12. I think that’s my ultimate goal, size 12. I’m not sure what’s after that. I never thought that far. I don’t think I can be thinner than a 12.

Seeing your smiling face on those pictures I can feel the pride and enthusiasm coming out from your successes. I want pictures like that. I’ll be back! I’m loving your blog. Keep on girl!

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Karen August 1, 2011 at 5:46 pm

Awesome progress!! Just started reading your blog today. You’re doing great!!

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Kristine August 7, 2011 at 5:59 pm

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your journey. I started my weight loss journey a year ago and I down a little over 100lbs. The highest weight I have recorded was 386, but I know I hit much closer to 400 before I started. I am starting to feel physically smaller and people are really noticing my weight loss, although I still have a long journey in front of me. I am gain much support from your blog! Thank you again for taking the time to keep a blog, its very supportive and gives me inspiration!!

Yours,
Kristine

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Wendy August 18, 2011 at 9:31 am

Hi Kenlie
I came across your blog a few weeks ago! I love reading new posts. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the world. You are truly an inspiration!

Cheers,
W

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cecille August 26, 2011 at 6:03 pm

I thought about you today when I saw a friend post about SW and their new flights to/from Atlanta. I came to check on you and just to let you know Im soo proud of you — looking really great :)

My Bill is 425 lbs, the greatest man in the world. I fell inlove with him 9 years ago, and I still an so inlove with him.

Take care!

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amy Miller-Lewis September 19, 2011 at 1:10 am

Congratulations! You are so inspiring. I need to start shrinking, too….lol Keep it up :o )

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Sarah September 28, 2011 at 10:04 pm

You are amazing! It is awesome how much younger you look now, and how happy you look! I am on a journey myself, but just seeing your photos and reading your story is inspiration to keep going!

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Nicole October 4, 2011 at 10:40 am

You were beautiful before but you are radiant now! You look so happy and the happiness & light in your eyes is contagious!
I want to know you in real life. :)

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Stacey November 11, 2011 at 11:59 am

You look absolutely fabulous! Keep up the great work!

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Cheri November 11, 2011 at 12:27 pm

I read your post on SparkPeople and you really motivated me. And nearly made me cry a few times. You are a beautiful woman! Keep smiling and stay motivated!

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Elaine November 11, 2011 at 1:09 pm

You are so beautiful! Wow, what a great smile especially! I’m so glad I found your blog (through Spark people – another great site) because I too have a similar challenge in the amount of weight I need to lose. However, I am going to remember you as my inspiration when I have a hard time getting motivated to exercise. I’ve used my weight as an excuse not to move but of course that only makes it worse. Thank you for sharing your journey, and I’m rooting for the both of us!

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Chris November 11, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Thanks for sharing the journey – BTW: you’re gorgeous!

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Dorothy Y. Pepper November 11, 2011 at 7:17 pm

I came to your blog from over at SparkPeople.com. I’m amazed at what you’ve accomplished! I know you will keep going until you reach your goal weight! I agree with you that we have to get it straight in our head before we can really stick with a major lifestyle change.
I wish you success in this journey you have started and I know you will be so happy when you arrive at your destination! May I say you have a beautiful smile!!

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kim amstutz November 13, 2011 at 6:08 am

Love your beautiful smile EVERY time! you are becoming as beautiful on the outside as your already are on the inside. Blessings to you as you continue on your journey!

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Colleen November 14, 2011 at 11:39 am

Hi Kenlie,
Let me just say YOU ARE GORGEOUS, just cute as a button!! I’m so happy for you that you’ve committed yourself to a new life style. It is a very hard thing to do. I can never figure out why I can do other things in my life but losing weight always is so difficult. Keep up the great work, I will keep following you. Read your story on Sparkpeople and then checked out your website. Can’t wait to see more pics!

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Laura November 14, 2011 at 10:10 pm

Thank you thank you!
Being vaulnerable is so hard because of the risk that comes with it, and for you to remain open and tender in the midst of hurt is a great feat. Your story is so encouraging as I struggle to whip up the motivation and courage to get rid of the 60 pounds I need to lose. I’ve accomplished a lot in my life, so it’s amazing that losing weight scares me so much…I think it’s the thought of failure. Thank you for pushing me forward.

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Carol-Anne November 18, 2011 at 8:02 am

Your blog is very inspiring and will be a big help to me on my weight loss journey. Know that you are making a wonderful positive change in the world by being a role model to others who are struggling, too. So glad I found you.

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Teresa November 18, 2011 at 9:56 am

Hi Kenlie!

I too like many who have commented found your blog on SparkPeople. Your story encourages me too because I have 150 pounds to lose. I so connected with what you said about how your body needs time to catch up with your mind. I was actually just thinking that yesterday as I was looking at myself in the mirror, that what I see in the mirror is not a reflection of who I am on the inside & I have to be patient & work hard until all the effort I am putting forth starts being reflected in the mirror. That’s not easy some days but as you say its a journey…Thanks for giving me the inspiration to keep going…May God richly bless you in your journey!!

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julie Legardeur December 10, 2011 at 1:09 pm

Thank you so much for sharing those photos, you look so happy and beautiful! It really shows me that it is worth all the effort. I almost have 10 pounds lost and knows that the only way for me is to keep on going! Your blog is very motivating!

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Beckie January 9, 2012 at 11:03 pm

Wow! You’ve come a log way… I hope you realize that even at your heaviest, you have been beautiful all along!!! You have such a warm smile :-)

Anyway, keep up the great work…. you’re such an inspiration!!!

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Kristie Wenzrel January 31, 2012 at 12:41 pm

Just wanted to say CONGRATS on your weightloss you are just beautiful! I have just began my journey and I pray everyday that I can actually do it this time. Its a never ending battle for me I know but I have got to get healthy. Life is to short to miss out on the fun stuff just because I enjoy food to much. Thank you for keeping me motivated.

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Tabby February 15, 2012 at 10:47 pm

You CAN do it, Kristie. I don’t know about you, but I’m not overweight because I enjoy food too much, but because I’ve substituted food for other things in my life that I didn’t know how to deal with, like sadness and anger and other emotions. Contact me if you want some encouragement! I’m working on weight loss, too. :)

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Melissa February 9, 2012 at 12:55 pm

Just Beautiful!! I hope to get there one day myself!! Very inspiring thanks for sharing your life and your words!

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Tabby February 15, 2012 at 10:44 pm

I love your bright and beautiful smile. What an inspiration you are to so many of us. Thank you for sharing your journey.

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