Weight Loss - A Photo Perspective

I'm very proud of myself for keeping up with my gym routine.  Since the end of November, I've managed to get there at the very least 3 times a week, with the exception of the week between Christmas and New Years when I had the flu.  Even the days when dragging my ass there is the last thing I feel like doing, I still go and am glad I made myself.

I can see the progress I'm making because my body is changing.  It's a slow process - it's not the drastic weight loss I experienced between 2008 and 2010, but it's happening.  My arms are getting more toned, along with my legs.  My stamina has increased.  My clothes are starting, ever so slightly, to fit differently.  I've lost maybe between 5 and 7 pounds (which I think may be due to the fact that I have not replenished my stash of Bud Light since I ran out a month and a half ago.)

Last Thursday I concentrated on working my abs, something I've been avoiding because, let's face it - ab workouts suck.  But I gathered my courage, squashed my insecurities about looking silly laying on the bench and doing weighted crunches set to only 20 pounds, and did 5 sets of 10.  Go me.

Needless to say, when I sat up in bed this morning, my tummy muscles screamed a bit.  But it was a scream I was glad to hear.  No pain, no gain, right?

One of the reasons I decided to start focusing on my abs was having to lay on my side for an hour or so last Sunday while getting a new tattoo.  My shirt was pulled up and that belly of mine was exposed for the adorable tattoo artist to see.  "Don't judge me, I'm built for comfort, not speed!"  Sure, when I'm standing, my tummy is fine...curvy in a way that I don't mind.  Same with when I'm lying on my back.  I also realize that laying on our sides is unflattering for 99% of us.  But damn, I just want to be able to sit down while wearing a bikini without having to sit up so straight that I can't breathe.  

Let's put it into perspective....

This is my brother & I playing beer pong during his 21st birthday party, circa 2003.

At a friend's wedding, circa 2009.

After one of my eye procedures, June 2012.  

Summer 2012.

Another wedding, September 2012.  I've had this dress for 2 or 3 years and finally feel comfortable  enough to wear it.

New Years Eve, 2012.  Yes, I was a little drunk.