I should have gone shopping sooner

I was rather lucky in that my favourite pairs of slacks before surgery were stretchy and a bit snug. That meant that I was able to wear them for a long time as I lost weight; they no longer needed to stretch, but they didn't become too baggy. To me, clothes shopping is a chore, so I wanted to put it off as long as I could so I wouldn't need to do it again soon. I added a drawstring to my favourite slacks so they wouldn't slide down to my knees as I walked. The waist ended up around my hips, but I didn't care. Plus, I was much more focused on the positive changes in my health and stamina than I was on my appearance.

So I put off shopping. But then one day I caught a look at myself in the mirror... I looked ridiculous. I knew my slacks were baggy, but I didn't realise that my top was threatening to fall off my shoulders. I looked like a kid playing dress-up.

So I finally did it. I went shopping and bought two new tops and two pairs of slacks. One of the slacks was exactly the same as I had before, but four sizes smaller. I was amazed at how good I looked. The baggy clothes were actually hiding how much weight I had lost! Clothes that fit made me look so much thinner. When people see me in my new clothes, I'm sure they will be shocked. I should have done this much sooner.

I lost all my excess weight (120lbs) in about 5 months and so had to buy new clothes every month. Goodwill and Walmart were invaluable for my purse!!!

I haven't worn loose clothing since my surgery because we all look better with well fitting clothes.

Congrats on your success and the new threads!!!!!

Yes, Wombat ... you SHOULD have gone shopping sooner. ;) But I'm glad you did it now!

And yes, baggy clothes make everyone look bigger than they really are.

Glad you have some new glad rags. Enjoy yourself. :)

I had some smaller clothes from years before RNY. I saved them, and I always had a hope they would fit one day. But my shape changed. So some of them that used to fit me, would be uncomfortable now, (too much space in hips, not enough fabric in the waste)

I made monthly trips to thrift stores or Ross, and I had limit on how much money on clothes I could spend per month. But I also had a sawing machine, and could do simple alterations as needed. That helped. As I was losing, I know I needed at least 3 work outfits, (mix and match) and the same amount of casual things. The casual things ,- were also my exercise things. Just ran a washing machine a couple of times a week.

I found thrift stores where they had itrns on sale, either "specific color if a tag) for $1 or $2, or 50% of some, already inexpensive items. $20 per month was a lot if money for stores like that.

I reached my goal in 7 months post op, and still lie to shop in some if the thrift stores. Some are much nicer, cleaner than others. But sometimes as I drive by, I stop to see if I can find something interesting. I cal that "my retail therapy". Costs less that time with real therapist, makes me happy, and I have "stuff" to bring home.

Plus it is easier to get rid of a shirt I get bored with if I paid $10 for it, and not a $100.

The typo "sawing machine" in your message gave me a chuckle. My slacks were so big that I would have needed to saw off a few inches from each side!

I am finding that some of my older clothes are fitting nicely, which is convenient.

I quite sympathize with the "hating shopping" although I think a lot of mine was because I hated trying clothes on when I always felt I looked "ugly" in them. I finally had to shop this past fall. I had absolutely nothing that fit, I had completely run out of the "sizes below". I actually kind of enjoyed the experience since when I looked in the mirror I liked what I saw so much more. My failing was trusting. I went determined to buy snug but chickened out so now I have pants that are too big by a lot. I do most of my shopping on line and just have my measurements available. Not fail safe though. I know I wear a small but I still talk myself into buying mediums! It's a mind thing.