Wednesday, February 8, 2012

I am NOT Photoshoped!

Well, today I had to face something new; being called fake. A fitness group (which is actually a pretty cool group) posted my picture from Pinterest to their site as a motivational thing. There were lots of nice comments, but a lot of really hurtful ones too. I was called a fake, a liar, and "nice try...photshop is a great tool"



::::::::::::The before pic was taken right after I had Jake, at 174.6lbs. The after was when I hit 125. I'm now 110, but I always said that if I made it to 125, I'd take a photo for Bob Harper and submit it. He published my photo & letter (which is why I'm on Pinterest!) and someone found it.:::::::::::::

Ouch. One guy called me "cocky" and said he was surprised I still had a wedding ring on in the "after" photo! What is wrong with these assholes? One guy said my boobs looked "off", so I must have used photoshop.

Really? So here I am, going on record, and stating that I am NOT photoshopped! Please...if I was going to photoshop myself, I'd make my boobs bigger in my after pic. Because seriously, going from a DD to an A cup really sucks. I can't choose where I lose weight. It's part of the process. For the man comparing my jewelry, I am wearing the same jewelry in both pictures, it's actually what I'm wearing now too. It's just my daily jewelry, and it tends to shift. And why wouldn't I still be married? Oh yeah, maybe because I love my husband. Go figure. And I am not "cocky", I'm confident. Learn the difference. The cameras are different in both pictures because my husband got me a new one for my birthday a month before that "after" picture. So what? It's the same room, same me, just a lot smaller. Why the hate? Are you so uncomfortable in your own skin that you have to bring ME down? Get a life, and don't put me down. Guess what? I cut my hair short and it's a different color now, so does that mean it's not me AGAIN? Please. Go look at my progression pictures and then try to talk smack. Better yet, pick up a kettle bell and try to keep up with me! I've got $10 that says you can't ;)

It was really hurtful reading those negative comments about myself, when all I've tried to do is help people through my own experience. So many people are where I was at, and I just want to help. People can be so mean. I'm letting it roll though. The site admin is pretty cool, and I talked to him for a bit tonight. I guess you can't win them all, hu? At least I can have my say here!

So anyways, believe me or not, it's not my concern. But I'm a pretty honest and real person. Which is why I started blogging in the first place. People need to know that doing what I did is absolutely possible! I can't win them all, but I just wanted to clear the air in case anyone else was wondering.

HarperGirl

44 comments

  1. I think that you look great! Losing weight has always been a battle for me and I know just how hard it can be to not only lose weight but keep that weight off. You are an online icon now, your name is out there and you have become exposed. And all for people to judge. It is an awful feeling when its just within the group of people who actually know you but when it becomes the world Im sure that its intensified significantly! People are assholes and always will be. You know that your weight loss was very much so real and so does everyone else who cares about you. Just remember that for everyone 1 asshole out there, there is 10 nice "non-asshole" behind them. Keep your chin up girl and be thankful that you dont have those assholes in your life everyday! :)

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  2. That's called jealous, Mandy. You look amazing and should be proud of where you are right now.

    Do you have an option to get email updates for your blog? I don't want to miss anything but don't get to check Google reader every day!

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  3. Don't give them another thought, dear. They are not worth your energy.

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  4. how awful! I got all kinda hateful comments when I lost all my weight. I think what you've done, truly work hard and loose weight the right way is something that takes dedication that negative people resent rather than try to emulate. You are incredible and I know hurtful comments can sting, but know that you have people who admire you and are inspired by you which outweighs those haters any day! Keep your head up! :)

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  5. You look fabulous!!!! Don't even sweat the haters, you have done an amazing job and you are a motivation to me!

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  6. Trolls will be trolls. If I were in your position, I'm sure I would feel just as hurt, but they wouldn't deserve my pain just as they don't deserve yours. You are amazing. An inspiration. You remind me so much of myself, and seeing how you went from a girl with a body much like mine now to the body that I find myself doubting I could ever have back is so encouraging - it makes me believe that anything is possible! Don't ever stop holding your head high! You have earned your confidence through sweat and tears, and no one should hold the power to diminish that.

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  7. I just found your blog via Primally Fit on Facebook. I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this nonsense! I do not see how they think you are Photoshopped...unless their eyes are being colored by JEALOUSY! Seriously, you look amazing! I missed your pic on the Bob Harper page, but I think it would help if he would do more than just share pics. Perhaps if people were able to come here and read your story they wouldn't be so mean and nasty. Or maybe I'm just naive and want to hope for the best! Anyway, can't wait to read more of your posts! :)

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  8. Hi, I just started following your blog and would like to get more insight from you. Would it be possible for you to msg. me?

    Thanks,
    Rose
    rosemarie338@hotmail.com

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  9. I saw your pictures on the page you mentioned that contained all the negative comments and was therefore inspired to look at your blog.

    I have found that when travelling along your weightloss/fitness journey that there are always the ones that would like to achieve what you have achieved and the dissapointment they feel in themselves for not achieving the same results comes out as negativity towards you. It is a weird thing that us humans do to each other. Why cant we celebrate others success instead of trying to bring them down???

    Anyway I think you have done fantastic and look amazing so keep up the good work. Thank you for the inspiration xx

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  10. oooh the old "wow you just strut around acting all full of yourself like everyone should be jealous of you" and the 'cocky' comment... LOVE IT!!!! *eyeroll* I'm getting that from someone really close to me and all I can think is "really?!" I have 100+lbs to go, wtf are they gonna say when I get that 100lbs off if 30# is already classified me a b&tch! LOL

    Ignore these twits. You look awesome and busted your ass to get where you are. If people don't like that you're confident, frak 'em.

    www.blackjaq.net/Jacqui/Blog <-- my journey thus far.

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    1. So true! I generally stay pretty small, compared to most individuals, and when I begin my process of getting it together after each baby I have had (only 2 so far) people get upset with me when I am loosing it so quickly because other's keep their baby weight on for years.

      People judge me for making my health important, it isn't about how good I look. So when they say, "You look fine! You should stop before you get too small." They don't realize I'm not going to appearance, I'm going for a long life.

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  11. Ignore them. There will always be people that say things just to hurt other people. You know what you did and be proud of it girl!!! Congratulations!

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  12. Mandy! Mandy! Mandy! Girl,I don't even know you but let me say how proud I am of you and that you should really be very proud of yourself.

    Weight loss is not easy.(I've lost 70 lbs so far and have 40 more to go.) Such hard work! For people to minimize the hard work you've done and accuse you of photoshopping your pics etc, is so disrespectful!
    You however have to hold your head up high and draw strength from your family and friends who truly love you.I am sure you have inspired many and will continue to do so.
    Don't just think that this is a "skinny phase" in your life.
    You can remain healthy and strong and at your desired weight range for as long as you choose to.Think about the inspiration you'll be for your kids when they're old enough to understand how hard you've fought to be healthy. Haters exist;Part of life.
    Don't waste your energy on them though.Keep it up and thank you for the motivation.

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  13. I think that you are SO inspiration. Seriously. What you did takes serious strength. One of the downsides about putting yourself out there (and being an amazing transition!) is that some negative people are going to be mean. Forget them. You have inspired so many more people that it more than makes up for it!

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  14. Mandy, I was wondering if you could add an e-mail subscription option to your blog. It is an easy widget to add right from the blogger layout page, and it will allow me to subscribe to you via e-mail. I'm trying to keep track of all my favorite blogs via e-mail since GFC is going to dissapear for a lot of people. :)

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  15. Great photo! I take it Bob was a big part of your journey? Good for you!

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  16. You totally rock! To hell with the miserable haters who having nothing better to do than imagine things to be pissy about. You're awesome and they're not, and that makes 'em mad.

    Thank you for sharing your journey!

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  17. You are on my Pintrest board and I follow your blog. You are AWESOME!Of course when you attract a certain number of "followers" you are going to get noticed by the realm of the ungodly (puppets).

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  18. Just found you through Pinterest. People are so cruel, ignore them & celebrate the fact that you are a strong, happy & beautiful person! Can't wait to follow your blog & find the inspiration to keep moving forward on my fitness goals.

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  19. Hey! I'm so glad that your blog showed up on Pinterest! I LOVE it! I just started my weight loss blog a few weeks ago. I hope to have the same success as you! I would love it if you checked it out! www.watchmeshrinkydink.blogspot.com

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  20. I want to say congratulations to you. Forget all those hurtful comments. I have lost 50 pounds. I started at 281 and am down to 230. Keep the positive comments, and let go of the others. You look great!!!!

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  21. i'm honestly so impressed...a nd a bit jealous

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  22. First of all. Amazing. I was browsing Pinterest when I saw this picture. A) you don't look photoshopped. B) people on the internet LOVE to hate anyone who seems to be having a better go at things than they are. I was trying to find information in your previous blogs because I need some help.

    I'm actually the girl who was pretty much always just the right size with minimal effort (Not super skinny but shapely at about 133 pounds and 5' 3"). After I graduated college I started gaining weight. I got to about 160 and just up and decided one day I was going to start running. I went back down to 137 within months.

    However, I am now back at about 194 pounds and find that I CAN'T run. My shins hurt so bad it feels like they are breaking and it hurts like that for days. My knees hurt, my hips hurt. I tried P90X and I can't take all the jumping around. I tried Jillian Michaels, which is just full of jumping jacks and jump rope which is probably worse than running.

    I want to live a happy, active and healthier life.

    I see you do the Bob Harper DVDs. What did you start out on because I want it. You should create a blog page dedicated to the videos and your reviews/experiences with them (and some links - ad money?) for people like me who feel lost, forlorn and forgotten. You make me feel like I can do this.

    Thank you :)

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  23. I found you through pinterest and I have one word for the haters: JEALOUS!!! You are an inspiration, thank you!

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  24. you are awesome and i really appreciate what you've posted.

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  25. Amazing - you go girl - I look forward to reading your blog.

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  26. You look awesome! People like to criticize others who are successful. Keep up the good work!

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  27. Just stumbled upon your blog from Eat Fat Get Fit and your interview there. :) Great stuff! I'm also doing an interview with him shortly.

    I wanted to say that I've become a little cocky. It's okay! Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. When you work your rear-end off (literally!), you have earned every right to be confident and appreciate your body. And DON'T apologize for who you have become... and who you still are and have always been.

    Kudos to you!

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  28. I LOVE... reading your post!!! I am dealing with the VERY same thing. I weighed 210 after delivering my son in 2009 I now weigh 124. My before and after pic. got blasted all over pinterest by someone so I had to see all of the negative things people were thinking.... I was photoshopped crap like that!! It sucks and its hurtful when you've worked your ass off to get where you are now... So I totally understand where your coming from!!! And great job on your transformation!! I'd love for you to check out my Facebook Fan Page: Goodbye Fat Hello Muscle
    Stop by and say HI.... I'd love it. :)

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  29. You look great! Congratulations. Please pass your tips as I've been struggling with my weith for over 10 years! I would love to hear your story and how you made it!

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  30. Girly, from somepne who lost 75 pounds...... you have every right TO BE COCKY IF YOU WANT!!! (Not that I think you look cocky- you look FABULOUS!!!!) Congratulations, I know it is hard work, day in and day out!!

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    Replies
    1. You're right she's not cocky at all, she earned it


      this is what I think about cocky...
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSaIpki6M8A&feature=plcp

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  31. Ehh, ignore all the losers! Sad they have to be jerks in the first place! Seriously... some people's momma's need to be slapped-- whatever happened to, "If you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all."?? Congrats on the weight loss!! I am your "before" so I am most definitely going to look for how you got to your "after"!

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  32. Wow I can't believe how mean people are! They obviously have nothing better to do then take time out of their day to be jerks!

    You look amazing! Such a big accomplishment!!!

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  33. I think that it is awesome to see how far you have come! I have never been skinny or even a little. I have trouble staying healthy and am absolutely not happy with where I am at now. I have tried dieting and working out and even played softball for 11 years. I just cannot lose weight. But it still makes me proud to see someone like you do so well because it gives me hope. For 6 years I have went from a size 11 to a size 19 and cannot shed any of it off... So, from my view, you are an inspiration!

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  34. Congratulations on your weight loss!!!! It's a big accomplishment, I've been trying to diet for years, I was up to like 175ish, now I'm around the 150's, & I'm still working on it. I get in these funks where I get lazy, where I wanna do it but I don't & I have to work on it. Also don't listen to the haters, some of them may have not reach their goal like you did. It worked for you & you look amazing. So tell all the haters... don't hate congratulate!!

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  35. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I had my daughter almost 3 months ago, and I know that it's going to take some time to feel "normal". But, because of you I know I can be a hot mom! Congratulations on reaching your goal!

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  36. I just found your blog so I'm a little behind, but I wanted to say, YOU GO GIRL! You tell 'em! Haha. I'm currently on my own journey to becoming healthy and I admire people, such as yourself, who put themselves out there and share their journey and the hard work it takes! I get so upset when I see (or hear) people saying someone must be photoshopped after they have put in all the hard work and effort to look the way they do. So... with that said... Thank you! Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your journey, thank you for standing up to the IDIOTS who say you are photoshopped, and thanks for being you. :) Oh and Congrats on making your goal! That is awesome! :D

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  37. You look beautiful completely real to me. I say you go girl!! People are just trying find any excuse not to get off their lazy butts and do the work you do to get to where you are. People who feel the need to bash some one on the Internet have issues of their own to work on. So don't be mad or hurt. You should feel sorry for them. Having that much hate must be hard to live with. Keep it up! You look great!

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  38. People are idiots, and the ones who are putting you down are really just making comments about themselves because they have low self esteem and it kills them to see someone who has been successful. Their hurtful remarks are no indication of you what so ever- just about them, and validating the fact that they aren't nice people all and have a LOT of evolving to do still. You've done well, you look amazing- don't let the jerks take the glory away from you :)

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  39. I found this picture on pinterest. It was a picture I've now added to my "thin-spiration" post (number 1) on my blog. #ThinThursday

    I've just started following.

    In relation to the post of people saying negative things, I think that people get jealous pretty easily. It's best to ignore them. You've achieved soo much. It's great and you look great too!

    You are now part of my motivation!

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  40. You GO!!! You are an inspiration for anyone who wants to lose weight and KEEP it OFF!

    Each step you took was remarkable and made you the person you are today.

    Congrats and keep it up!!!

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  41. you are amazing! who cares about jealous dumbasses? you should not! ;)

    i have similiar experience with haters on FB page. my tattoo artist put a pic of my tattoo on her wall (i'm from CZ and i have our first president on my back).. gosh, that was something. how stupid i am, how ugly it is.
    better not to read and just appreciate every positive and kind comment ;)

    keep going, you are such an inspiration!

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