The importance of BEFORE and DURING photographs

[Wendell Edwards 73]

Most people who are morbidly obese do not like having their picture taken. They avoid the camera because the photographs don't lie.

That fact can be put to good use before and during your weight loss. Simply put, the best way to document weight loss is not a scale graph of pounds lost, or a size chart of inches lost.

The best way to document weight loss is to take photographs before and during the process.

I advise people setting out on this journey to take three initial pictures.

The recommendations that I give are these:

1. Take three views, front, side and back (That means you need a automatic timer camera or a friend to help you)

2. Take the pictures in the same place every time. A doorway is a great choice, because it helps put a known quantity into the picture. Other good places are in front of a fireplace or another known point of reference.

3. Take the pictures while wearing form-fitting clothes. A swimsuit is IDEAL.

4. Take the pictures with the same camera, and make sure you are standing the same distance from the camera every time. That's why a doorway helps. You can line yourself up in the doorway and use a measuring tape to find the distance to the camera.

5. Take that same set of pictures every month. Front, back and side views. Wear the same clothes and make sure the distance to the camera is the same.

6. Have the "Before" pictures printed out, and tape them to your refrigerator.

7. Have the latest set of pictures printed out, and tape those next to the "Before" pictures.

In doing this, you mind has irrefutable PROOF that what you are doing IS WORKING.

People frequently do NOT "See" their weight loss, and they become frustrated, perhaps by a scale weight that is not moving, even though their body size is reducing at an amazing rate.

This is a great way to "See" your weight loss.

The best way to document weight loss is to take photographs before and during the process.

My before & during photographs are at the link in my signature.

[carol422 0]

Thanks for the tip Wendell! I was thinking about the same thing for my future journey. I've learned so many things from this site and look forward to learning many more things before I actually have my surgery. Keep up the good work!

[juno610 1]

Yes, take pictures! I completely forgot to take official pics right before surgery, and now I'm disappointed that I don't have them.

[neveragain 9]

I did actually take a picture before, but it's really crappy. I need to take more!!!!!!!

[TracyinKS 7]

GREAT GREAT GREAT reminder!

I take all mine in my bed room... set the camera on top of the Chest of drawers and stand in front of my closet door.....

Same distance, same background, same camera! Which reminds me.... its time for me to take new ones!

[chiquis1 0]

woooh wendell you look great congratulations! i will start taking pictures today. thanks

[stefgray 0]

I agree! I do monthly pictures and send them to my mom and dad so that they can see my progress. It's a great way to share with people who don't see you regularly as well as a great reminder for yourself!