flattered or insulted???

My local curves asked me if I had any size 28 "fat pants" left. They want me to bring them in and stencil "bye bye fat pants" on the butt and then hang them outside on a flagpole! Since I'm now in 18's, should I be flattered or should I be completely insulted??? I have the pants...I haven't been able to bring myself to give/throw away/sell any of my old clothes yet. I spent lots of time and $$$ on my wardrobe and I'm having a hard time giving it up....even if I can't ever wear any of it again. I'm not sure what I think about hanging "my old butt" up on a flagpole..... ALSO..... even though I take ground flaxseed AND biotin....I'm losing hair by the handful. I'm afraid to bru**** I'm afraid to wa**** It's REALLY bad. I'm going to have to cut it soon it's getting so thin. My husband says I have a small bald spot on the top of my head!. Why oh why is this happening? I get enough protein. I take my supplements. It's got to be a physical reaction to losing my dad. I can't think of why else it would be happening. I loathe short hair on me. I have naturally curly hair and when it's short I look like little orphan Annie. There's got to be something else I can do? Anyone???? Sheryl 292/212/160

I don't think I could do that. First of all, hanging my large pants up in front of all to see would embarrass me. Second, it implies that Curves is primarily responsible for the loss which is misleading advertising for them, and third, I think it's insensitive to others that wear a 28 and perhaps have worked very hard to get there. The stencil seems a bit of extra mean. Just my 2 cents....Also, I traded a huge amount of clothing recently (and literally stood at the counter staring at my beautiful former wardrobe, gripping the counter, trying not to cry) but found that it really is fun to get other things! Try trading a few pieces at a local resale shop and see what else you can find. I promise that you won't wear your 28s again and someone else needs them more than you do. Sorry, no tips on hair. I have the same problem and haven't heard anything new to help out. Sounds like you are doing everything you can.

Sheryl, I don't think I would want my pants flying high either. I am sure Curves means well and wants to encourage others, but it does imply that Curves is responsible for your weight loss. Well I am sure it helps the WLS was the major influence in your weight loss. The hair loss is normal as an after effect of the surgery and the reduced calories. I had thin hair to begin with and the fact that it is getting even thinner is very nerve racking. So here I am getting thinner and looking better and going bald!! My nutritionalist told me to take Biotin and Zinc to help with the hair loss, but from others who are a year out this is normal and will start to come back in 4 - 6 months. Maybe, I will start a scarf fad! Mary L 306-202-130

Sheryl I agree with everyone else. I wouldn't want my size 28's flying and I do have them They are very personal to me. I can't part with them yet. I still need that reminders. I just shopped Friday in the normal size clothes. Curves is very up and I love it. But this past Friday the owner was telling everyone in the circuit that someone just was measured and lost 18 inches. It was so crowded and I wasn't ready to share that. I feel like I apologize to the people because I had WLS. It is a psychological dilemma I am dealing with. No one could believe the inches in one month and then she added them to my tape on the wall so everyone figured out it was me but I was embarrassed. Some of these women have worked out just as hard as me and they maybe have lost 8-15 inches in 3 months. I am not doing it the easy way but I feel like I am apologizing, does that make sense. Jane

Hi Sheryl, I agree with you & everyone else on the pants up the flag pole thing. It just isn't the nicest thing to do to your old pants. I like the resale idea. You have $$ invested in your wardrobe. Exchange them, let someone else who needs them have them & you can get something you like even better. The hair, the hair, the hair. I am having the same problem. In addition to the biotin & flaxseed (I'm also taking them) I have also found Biotin shampoo at Target. I just bought it so I don't know if it helps. Also my sister is a hairstylist. She said you do need to keep it clean and when you are shampooing gently massage your scalp. The anethesia started this (at least thats what they say) I went under 5 times in a month so I'm sure that doesn't help my cause. Hang in there, it will grow back. -Dawn M.

Could you please tell me what brand the biotin shampoo you bought is...my hair is also failling out...it's slowed down, but still falling out and I'm trying any and everything to help it not fall out lol. Thanks Elizabeth 267~200~140

Sheryl~ I too think curves is trying to get people to think that you have lost the weight and inches there so they can increase their business and show success with their program. I would be mortified if someone asked me to stencil and hang my fat pants out on a flag pole where everyone could see it! I think that's wonderful that you are in 18's now I know where you are coming from about the old clothes..I just went through that issue. I know it's hard to give them up..but you need to let that part of you go. It's a new you! I hope I don't go bald either..makes me wonder though. I have a couple of wigs but I don't have the courage to wear them yet. Take care and have a good week! Bridgett

Quite frankly I'm disgusted that they would even suggest something like that. That's so degrading. Don't do it.

Hi Sheryl, Your Curves is trying to capitalize on your weight loss. While I wouldn't actually be insulted, I sure as shootin' wouldn't fly my fat pants on their flagpole. You did a lot more than just go to Curves to lose the weight you've lost. As far as making the most out of the clothes that no longer fit you -- I have been sending my clothing to other board members for the postage. I'll never wear them again. Other board members have done the same for me, without profit. I also know many people who have listed their clothes on eBay and received fair compensation for them. When the time is right, you'll figure it out. The hair thing... I get all my protein. I take all my vitamins, flax and biotin. I eat good food nearly all the time. I am not under any stress at all. My life is calm and I am not depressed or in mourning. I am losing my hair by the hand full. I am getting very thin in front and on top of my head. I have to clean my brush after every time I brush my hair and I clog the drain every time I wa**** I'm going to be 5 months out from surgery on March 3. I think this hair loss just goes with the territory. It happens to some of us and not to others. We win the booby prize. I am also reluctant to cut my hair due to the Little Orphan Annie effect. If you hear of what else to do, let me know too. Cheryl 240/160/140