New shopping addiction

It's snowy, (off and on) - I'm bored and want to go shopping again.  The clothes thing is beginning to be a problem.  It's hard for me to believe that it is actually ME that can't stop buying clothes.  I have spent my entire life HATING to shop for clothes; now I can't even go into Walmart for laundry detergent without coming out with $40.00 worth of clothes.  This has been going on since I hit the mall for the after Christmas sales.  I'm at the point where just about everything I try on fits and looks good.  (What doesn't fit is usually too big!!)  It's like a drug; every time I try something on, I get a blast of endorphins!  I actually have trouble leaving the store.  It's wonderful and concerning at the same time.  I really have overspent on clothes that I don't need.  I really can't afford all this expense - I have bills from Christmas and winter heating costs to deal with.  I need to stop shopping for a while, but the stores are calling my name in much the same way that food used to call me from the fridge!  For those who are farther out than me; did you go through this too, and will it pass?  Is there a "Shoppers Anonymous?" for formerly fat girls?

Anne-Marie

WOW!  I just looked at your pics!  WOW! 

I can't wait for the time that I'll enjoy clothes shopping!!!!       Maybe you can just buy the clothes, leave the tags on, throw the bag  into the trunk, and then the next week, bring them back (unworn), and pick out different ones!  Always using the same $$ - buyreturn/buy/return, etc.!  It would satisfy your urge to shop.  And if you really really like one of the items and want to wear it , you'd have to go out to the car and get the piece!     Susan

Thanks, Susan,
I actually like to wear the clothes too, and I'm a bit of a pack rat, so I'd never bring them back.  (I even have a hard time parting with stuff that doesn't fit any more!)  I really do have to stop spending money right now!  I might put my charge card in a cup of water and freeze it!

I have to make myself not go shopping. I think I will then drive the other way.

Like today, I drove home after church rather than go shopping. I felt a great urge to go. I also have money...not to burn.

I was thinking...it is snowy, cold, slippery...you do not want to go from this now warm car into a store, and back to the cold car.

Then, again, I had my 7 year old grandson who was staying over. It would have been a total distraction to shop for clothes with him!

I spent three Saturdays out of six at St Vincent de Paul last fall. I would get out of work and shop until they came around to say we are closing!

I have all the sweaters I need, I have enough pants in size 12 and now can wear the 10s I bought ahead of time.

No need to shop.

I think this new addiction is just that so we need to follow a twelve step program...start with asking God to help us.

After all, you do have to pay those bills and heat your home.


Linda

Hi Linda,
I'm glad I'm not alone! Yes - it does feel like it could become an addiction --  I haven't gotten to a point of spending ALL the money that I need for bills; just now it's more that I'm spending money on clothes I know I don't need.  And I think I'm doing it just for the rush I get out of putting stuff on and seeing that it fits and I can wear it.  I've actually decided to try to avoid the temptations, and stop browsing in stores.  Luckily, I do have a very busy life, and the only real time I have to shop is on weekends.  If I plan more weekend stuff to do, I should be OK.  Asking God for help is always a great way to start!

Hi Anne-Marie...I think it is normal. For years you purchased clothing and yet never felt fully satisfied or complete in them. Now the clothes complete you. Although we are all moved to having this surgery for health reasons....we all do certainly like the fringe benefit of having clothes that fit well and look stylish. Clothes we pick out instead of pick off the size 3x rack.

I am ok for clothes now, but when I had lost all that weight with the band..I ,too, like you... NEEDED to shop. And with out NewEngland weather...we need all sorts of clothes!!    (I'm on your side!!)

I do know here in Needham we have a couple of consignment shops. I brought my clothes but got squat on them, but I did pick up here and there some very stylish pieces at a bargain.  Then my mission turned not from just clothes..but to stylish clothes at a cheepola price tag.

Soon, you will have rounded out the four seasons and you will have enough clothes. But for now...enjoy and relish in the moment  !!!   (hide the bags if you must!!)

Joanie

Hi Ann-Marie,

I fear I will run into this same issue after my surgery.  Fortunately (and I pray this doesn't change), I RARELY pay full price and LOVE the rush of a great deal.  I am currently in a 20W pre-surgery and last week I hit Kohl's clearance rack and bought 6 tops, 4 dresses and a pair of capri's in size 12 and larges all for $49.  One of the dresses was originally $79.

I folded them up and tucked them away and I look forward to wearing them sooner than later.

Maybe you can start looking for the great deal that is fashionable and fabulous thus helping your new "addiction" and your wallet.

Hope this help,
Brenda

Brenda - that's a great idea buying them ahead!  I looked at winter coats for next year (at Kohls),  but am going to wait till their just a little cheaper later on in the winter!    They were still too $$ for me right now!       I did drop off clothes at a consignment store near me, and shopped there also for coats - the nice one I liked was actually too big at a size "large" - it must have been an expensive one previously, because it was priced at $50 at the consignment store!

Susan

Brenda,

Would you like me to save my size 8's for you?  You'll be in them before you know it!

~Kendra

Hey Kendra,

Yes Please, but I hoestly cannott see myself in an 8.  I cannot ever remember a time that I ever was in an 8 or a 10.  I think I went from Jr's to 12's and I haven't been in those since the early 90's.

OMG!  Single digits are an unknown for me.

I'll be thrilled if I get there, but right now I'm aspiring to be a healthy 12.