Clothes Shopping!

Well, it's time to go back to work with a vengence, and since none of my old clothes can be worn, I hit some of the summer clearance sales. I figured that would get me through to the after-Christmas sales, at least. Anyway, it was so exciting! Not just being able to buy 18s for the first time in YEARS, (Does anyone else remember being young and wondering how anyone could "let themselves go" to the point of wearing an 18?), but buying something that doesn't hang down in the crotch area! Also, since I've lost weight from the top of my head down, my shoulders are smaller and the XL's are a little big through the shoulders. I'm also wearing tops that don't necessarily completely cover my butt! I think this little trip - I really didn't buy much - has renewed my enthusiasm about the whole package deal that comes with WLS. I've finally started a Pilates class, too. I have to admit that I'm really sore from it. Anyway, I just wanted to share and "ring my own bell" for once. The folks who've not had WLS just don't understand the emotional roller coster that goes with it, or how I could be excited about buying 18's. I'm finally coming off this plateau, it seems. I'm crediting strawberries for the renewed weight loss. After 3 stagnant weeks, I remembered how, on Atkins, strawberries renewed the ketosis process. Since Thursday, I've lost 4 more pounds! It could have just been time, but who knows? My doctor encourages us to eat all the fruits and veggies we can get in, so it's a "win-win" solution for me. I'll keep you updated on the progress. Good luck all of you Junebugs out there! Kristie

Kristi, Isn't it great!!!!! I am now shopping for 18's too, down from 24-26's. Congradulations that is great!!!!!!! Candy

I bought a couple of tops 2 weeks ago at size 1x. I have hated trying on clothes for so long that I just bought them and brought them home. They fit perfectly and I was very happy. Since I have always been bigger on the bottom, I wasn't sure after another 2 weeks if I'd lost enough to buy a size 18 pants (I was a steady size 22 for at least 15 years). But I went downtown shopping to Off 5th (Sax [spelling??] 5th Ave's outlet store). They were having a 50% and 70% off sale. I found a pair of size 18, fully lined, beautiful dress slacks that were exactly the right length for my 5'3" frame (probably why they were on sale) and a pair of XL terry jogging slacks in the petite dept. I took them to the register and the clerk asked me if I wanted to try them on. I told her I didn't need to but didn't explain further. She rolled her eyes The reason I didn't try them on was because I knew that since they were the right length, if they were too small, they wouldn't be for long. I spent a total of $30 on these two really beautiful items. When I got home they fit to a tee. I was so excited. It is funny though because when I was 28 years old (I'm 50 now), I panicked when I got up to a size 18 and lost 50 lbs because I thought that meant I was really huge. Oh, perspective... Anyway, I am very excited that it is down, down, down from here. I am going to do everything I can not to waste this gift Anyway, good for us, huh?? Jo

Isn't it the greatest feeling?! Keep up the good work! Kristie

I am so happy for youPliates are great for the abdomon and overall muscle tone. I have been swimming and walking on the treadmill. I really need to do my Winsor Pilates DVD. I have not done it post op. You have motivated me and I am planning on pilates tomorrow. I return to work on 8-15-05. What is the ketosis process? joni

Joni, Watch out! The Windsor Pilates DVD is much more intense that the regular work out class. I would suggest that you don't try to keep up with the intensity or number of reps on that video at first. I was really sore for the first three days after my class, and it was pretty mellow. Still hard for me, but nothing like the video. Ketosis is the process in which your body burns its fat for fuel. The by product of ketosis cause bad breath and such. There are urine dip sticks you can buy in the vitamin section of any drug store to know whether you are in ketosis. It's really something you learn about and experience with Atkins, but I think its good info for anyone losing weight, especially as much as we will! Sorry to take so long to respond. Our internet (and phone) have been out all weekend due to storms. Good Luck, Kristie

That is so exciting. I can't wait to get to an 18! I have some time to go still. I think I could fit into a 22 but not ready to shop yet! I really need to though. Can you tell me about the strawberries? This is the first I am hearing of this. I know what Ketosis is and I know I am out! Have a great week! Shelley 298/257.5/135

Shelly, if you'll pay for shipping, I will send enough 22W's to get you through work for a while. I have slacks and blazers out the waazoo! But, unfortunately they slide right down over my hips when I try them on. My tops for work I'm still wearing, although they are a bit large too. I can make them last a little longer. You can email me privately and let me know! Kristie

Forgot to mention strawberries. On Atkins, when you fall out of ketosis, certain foods like strawberries and nuts tend to kick start it again. I think it has something to do with a higher fat/carb component that tells your body you aren't in starvation anymore. I just know it has worked in the past! Good luck, Kristie

I have not yet shopped---been home with a bum hip since surgery. But when I went back to the hospital last week for my ulcer, (the same hosp as the WLS), I brought the same pants with me that I had worn there before WLS. On Friday when I was discharged from ulcer stay,I put them on and walked to the nurse's station to show them how baggy they were, and as I walked away from them to the elevator, they started falling down! I gained my weight all at once from a series of injuries in the last 4 years. Therefore, I have 2 pairs of slacks in size 2X, nurse uniforms in size 2X (which are like pajamas now), 1 pair of jeans in size 9, and the rest of my clothes are size 5. It will be quite awhile before I see 5 again (now 196), so I decided I'm going to go to the thrift stores to buy "interim" clothing. That way, when I toss it out, I wont' feel so bad. Or, since I quilt, maybe I can cut 'em up and make a "fatty quilt" to remind me of times gone by. On second thought, do I REEEAAAALLLY want to be reminded of being fat???? I'll have to think about that one...