So pretty in fact, that when you told me you were a weight loss blogger I thought it must be a yo-yo diet blog about 15 or so pounds that you just can't shake. I, of course, have since learned that was a crazy wrong impression- but as I had just drug my tired butt from a 7 hour car trip- crazy wrong impressions were par for the course.

You're absolutely lovely, darling. Deal with it... and tell me who cuts your hair.

PQ...you continue to amaze and inspire me. Thank you!

p.s. I have that exact same sweater you're wearing in the "before" photo.

Ah yes, it's from the Lane Bryant collection of either 2003 or 2004. I also had the blue one. They were nice. Too bad they didn't shrink with me. - PQ

I've been thinking about the eye surgery also and would be interested on your perspective of life without glasses. I think that glasses are something that I have been kind of hiding behind too.

"nothing sold at the makeup counter makes you glow like contentment." So true. Thanks for sharing your story with us--it's so inspiring to see someone who has been successful!

My opinion is that your glow is definitely radiating from the inside out. I think I'm going to print your then-and-now pictures and hang them on my refrigerator for inspiration. It's so much more motivating to see a real person – someone I sort of know and hope to meet someday – make the transition.

It's weird now you come to mention it but I've just realised that I too used to have bushy long brown curlyish hair when I was fat - now I've lost 114lbs, it's jaw length, shaped, swept back - not disimilar to yours in fact! It's the Fat Girl Makeover II (don't worry - I'm not stalking you - I live in England!).

I believe I also sport the PQ patented look of quiet contentment too! Bliss eh?

Lesley x

You have a very evident 'widow's peak' above your forehead in your 'before' picture that doesn't show up in the other one. At one time, those peaks were considered the very peak of beauty. I hope yours is still there!

Also, I've noticed that hair responds positively to attention (washing, brushing, braiding) and contentment, even when it hasn't seen a stylist in years.

Final comment: I'm finding that raising my rib cage as I walk has improved my posture - something I was trying and failing to do with all kinds of complicated actions - "tuck in your hips, hold your stomach in, throw your shoulders back..." yada, yada, yada.

I think that depends on your definition of "need." There's definitely loose skin, it just doesn't bother me that much. - PQ

Aww, thanks :) - PQ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WtpcvNJCUR8

OMG, there is a pole dancer with my Internet handle on YouTube. So weird. And actually, that does look like a lot of fun. Do you think my apartment complex will approve a pole installation in my living room? - PQ

And I see in this example you showed us the above is true yet again.

Thanks for posting ... you beautiful girl!!!

And yes, you are pretty, and you look confident and friendly and happy and full of the joys of life in your "after" pic. In your first pic you just look a little uncomfortable, which I remember well.

Of course, thin looks good, but your fat did not totally hide your attractive face then, and you still look like you...just a smaller version.

I found your Negative comments about your longer hair style incorrect for my personal taste. I think your longer hair was attractive, and while you look nice with shorter hair, you also look very good with long hair.

I also, did not find your glasses unattractive, but certainly being able to see without having to wear them during all of your current exercise... especially running...is a Great Plus.

You were pretty then, and you are pretty now.
You were just fatter then.

I'm glad you ditched your glasses too. You have really pretty eyes!

You can love yourself even if you're not pretty, Evang. I never said I didn't. - PQ

And I agree that getting rid of glasses was a good move. I remember once posting here that you should get contacts and you got a tad huffy and were like "Thanks but I don't need random internet trolls offering beauty advice." Which is true, but I still am glad to see I was right. ;)

It's not fat, it's all muscle :) - PQ

I'm pretty. I'm smart. I'm not good at sports and I can be snarky sometimes. It's all OK.

Isn't it funny that people will roll their eyes if you say anything good about yourself??

(And I have the same Lane Bryant sweater in blue-green, too!)