EMOTIONAL SHOPPING TRIP

I went to Dillards today to buy something to wear and got all emotional. I had to ask for a tissue to wipe my eyes because I was wandering all over the different ladies departments looking for something to wear and not knowing where to go. It hit me between the eyes that I kept going to the plus sizes because I have for years. But I don't wear those sizes anymore. So I felt like a stranger to smaller sizes and didn't feel comfortable. I wound up finding some slacks in a size 14 (used to wear 22's) and I put them on a rack by a register and left the store. I'll go back again and see if I can purchase them another time. This was weird. Alice From Dallas 11/10/05 285/200/?

I'm the same way. I wander around department stores not knowing where to go. I have had to shop because my son is getting married and there have been two showers so far. It seems almost like being on another planet! Today I got into a size 12 pants! I don't remember the last time I could wear something that small!

I can totally relate to you. Isn't this bizarre??? I always said that when I got out of the plus sizes I'd walk by the department and spit on the floor! I hadn't been shopping for a very long time - just wearing baggy clothes. I walked into the store and didn't know where to go. I was so overwhelmed by all the choices and I didn't know what to buy or even where to start looking. I'm sure I looked like a deer in the headlights. I thought I would go crazy with all the choices and go on a buying frenzy - but I sure didn't. I'm getting better, however. I have absolutely no spring clothes - so I went to Kohl's for their spring sale and bought some tops and 2 pairs of pants. It really was fun. SIZE 12!!!! I haven't worn that size for 20 years! I looked at the pants on the hangar and was sure that they wouldn't fit. Then, the amazing part is that I put them on, zipped them up - and they looked great! It feels good - just takes a little time getting used to. Mary B. 240/170/150

Oh Alice your story made me want to cry. It is definately something to get use to. I'm loving it. It felt so good putting on the size 12's on sunday. I never thought i'd see that size again. I still look in the mirror and see a fat girl. But I also see one that isn't as fat as before. I'm only 5'0" tall. So I know I have a ways to go. I'd like to lose at least another 35 lbs or so. I get a lot of compliments which is really weird for me. As of this morning i'm 156 lbs. That is 66 lbs lost since surgery and 99 lbs lost since my highest weight. You will get use to wearing smaller sizes. You just have to learn to love yourself now. I had such low self esteem for so long. I'm just now feeling a little better about myself. I worked hard to get here. Yes I did have the surgery but it's still hard work. You deserve to feel good about yourself. We all do! We should all be proud of our accomplishments! Don't be afraid to go back to the store. Go with your head held high because you deserve to be in the smaller size sections as much as the next person. Good luck and God bless! ~Angel 222/156/120

Oh Alice, Change is so strange isn't it? You know how comfortable you felt in the plus size section of the store - that's how you will eventually feel in the "svelt" section. Next time you go, take a friend with you. Be prepared for the possibility that you might be emotional and I bet you'll end up having a fine time. Even though our bodies are changing our heads are still the same. It will take time to adjust. You'll just have to live with the fact that you're slim and beautiful!! Keep your chin up and go get something that makes you feel like the knockout that you are! xoxo Debbie

Thank you all for your comforting words. You all mean the world to me. If I didn't have you to bounce things off I would think I was crazy. Anyway you all keep up the good work. And I'll work on my shopping skills. Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/200/?

Well I went shopping again today!!! I found some bargains. I went to Dillards in Willow Bend!!! Found some darling things (size 16) so I got 4 pants and 4 shirts. I'm set for a while. Had my dh with me and he was a big help in keeping me going. I tried some 14's but they were too tight. I got each item for about $22 and they are nice. I have to be flexible and look nice in my business. So I didn't want to spend a bunch of money (like I have it). But I could only wear those jeans so many places. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!! Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/200/?

Hi, Alice I just went thru this trip, I have been a size 24/26 for about 4 years. I had to go shopping to buy something that fit, I was fine when I started I went directly to the Plus sizes, I pulled an 20, tried it on....to big, ok I said to myself I must be in a size 18, pulled it, tried it on....to big, ok, let me try a 16 pulled it, tried it on....a little big, ok, lets try a 14, a little snug, so I bought it, All the time I was trying clothes on I was wondering who was playing a trick on me, I still can not belive that I can fit my body into a 14 and an xl shirt, I think I could wear a lg but I like my shirts big...I am trying to change that but it will take time...I still see that VERY FAT person in the mirror....The thing about it is, I keep going BACK to the plus sizes. I hope this changes sooooooooon!! Thanks for listening to me. Tina

Tina I can so relate to what you said. I finally bought some clothes in the 1X size though I also tried on a 14 and while snug I could zip it up and button it. My head hasn't caught up with my weight loss I guess. I can't remember when I've been able to wear "normal" clothes. I just got down to 198 and I haven't been that low since 1985. But I'm willing to try to get used to it. Thanks for writing. xoxo Alice Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/198/?