Clothes Frustration

Hello everyone- Although it's exciting that I started out in size 26 and am now a size 18/20 it's also a bit frustrating. I'm constantly buying clothes because nothing fits. Does anyone else share my frustration? I just cleaned out my closet and I have bags and bags of size 22/24/26 clothes to give away. I'm buying 18/20's now which is cool because I have not been an 18/20 in years! In fact, this Saturday I had on a dress that was a 14/16! How awesome is that? But it is also expensive to keep buying new clothes! How are you guys handling the rapid changes in your clothing size? Tisha

Thrift Stores and Prayers. I went from a 32 to currently 18/20 and I still do the same thing walk into the closet and try on three outfits before I find what I am going to wear. Only this time it is not because things are too tight but to baggy. DH does not seem to understand that the feeling that I am experiencieng are the same about clothes not fitting. Oh well, I have a few friend who have gone before me so I have some hand me downs from them that is working too. My suggestion is to try the thrift stores and hang in there. Blessings! -Gerriann 95 pounds gone forever! 341/246/199

I've been walking around in baggies! For the first time since surgery I bought some clothes, 3 pairs of pants and 3 shirts. Most were on clearance. I know it isn't much, but it's a start for me! Valena Lap RNY 5/3/2004, -78

Tisha, I really think I'm in some kind of denial...before surgery I suffered from reverse anorexia...I never saw myself as fat as I really was...I still see the same body in the mirror only know I'm 50 lbs lighter and have gone from a tight 28 to 18/20...I had to ask the sales person if the clothes I was trying on was too tight...I have NO clue what my body actually looks like. It makes shopping really difficult. Congratulations on how well your doing...I found some T-shirts at Walmart for $3.00 and a pair of capris for $3.00 too...good luck shopping! Michelle

Michelle, I am the same way. People ask me if I feel any different. I tell them I feel great. But, I am still the same person as when I was bigger. Chrystal

Oh man do I feel your pain!! I went to the local Salvation Army this weekend and I hit paydirt!! LOL! I started out in a 22... I bought 5 pairs of pants size 12 eeekkkk.... and 5 tops for $30.00. Its so hard to spend alot of money on clothes when you know your not going to be in them long! My problem is that I still have a hard time believing I really am not a 22 anymore and I gravitate twords the plus size section.. I almost feel as if I don't belong in the regular misses section.... lol!! Anyway good luck in your quest from new clothes!! Aimee -70 pounds forever!

I feel your pain... but what a great problem to have! Part of my challenge too is that I teach/present to executives and need to have somewhat of a professional appearance as well. (And new suits are just too expensive) I found that going to Goodwill the last weekend of the month is my saving grace. The prices then are 1/2 off. I bought a beautiful coral suit for $3.00. In addition, I wash and hang clothes that are too big for me and take them to the consignment shops (I have 2 that I frequent). Typically, if one shop does not take the clothing, the other will. Then, I can use my earnings from the thrift shop to buy something the next size down. When I buy clothes, I try to get the stretchy fabrics so that I will be able to wear them longer. In addition, if I see something at a great price, but it may be 2-3 sizes smaller, I have gone ahead and picked it up in advance and put it in my closet in the guest bedroom. An example is a wonderful Brooks Brothers lined jacket in a size 14... only $2.50! (I am sure that it was originally closer to $100) I too have gone from a size 28 to a size 18/20... and 16 is not far away. What a blessing to not have to be buying larger clothing. Yes, it is a challenge, but an awfully fun one to have! Deb -80 pounds DS surgery on May 4, 2004

Tisha, it's hard. My mom had stored some things of mine as I grew out of them. She always believed that I would eventually lose weight, so I have some stuff to work with. For other items, I have had to shop. Last week, I was forced to buy new uniforms. Some times, I find myself between sizes.....that is hard too. I look sloppy in the larger size and can't even close the zipper on the next smaller size. But, I just keep reminding myself that this is temporary and we'll get there. I think you're progress is awesome! I can't wait until I am in sizes as small as you are wearing already. Cheryl 316/249/150ish

So far I haven't bought any new clothes. My clothes are big, and some are too big to wear, so I just keep wearing clothes that are big. I am fortunate enough to have kept some of my clothes that were smaller, so I have a few things that I am just getting into. When I need to shop, I will be looking for clearance items or shopping at the thrift stores until I am happy with my weight. So far, at a size 18, I don't want to shop. Maybe when I get to a size 10 I will. Tricia

Ok, first I just want to say boo hooo! LOL! Isn't it so exciting to be worrying about how BIG your clothes are getting?! Then I want to say LANE BRYANT! They have a huge sale going right now on all of there clearance! Congrats girl keep up the great work! Jessica -73 lbs.