I just can't wrap my head around it...(it's about sizes and it's kinda long)

It's so fun coming here and reading the success stories like "I was in a size 26/28 and now I'm wearing a size 12!" Or 'I was in a 4X and I bought a Large today!" Yesterday my special-needs stepdaugher (who is 20, but as innocent as a 6 year old) came out of her room in a pretty, but low-cut scoop neck blouse someone had given her. Her clevage showed...she looked down and giggled and said, "Heady, (that's what she calls me) it's too too cold to wear this, it's like my bathing suit!" I told her that she could go change and we'd give it to Good Will. Well I looked at it and it was an XL and I thought...could I possibly, maybe, even remotely be able to wear an XL next year at this time...maybe I should save it for me (I'm not as well-endowd on top!). I've been in a 3X and 4X for years upon years. I cannot eveb begin imagine that I could ever get that small, ever! Did those of you who have lost a lot of weight and are now wearing much smaller sizes have trouble believing it before you had your surgery?

Hi Heather, I am 6 month post op today. Presurgery I was wearing 20/22 tight pants 1x / 2x tops ... Today I am in a size 10 jeans and a Medium top. I always knew this would work but I am amazed that only 6 months later I am in a size 10!!!! In a month or two I'll be in a single digit size ... that is going to be a jaw dropping moment for me when that happens. you will see for your self - it is an amazing journey. hugs, Britt

Heather woo hoo!!! You have got the VISION!!!!!!!! Go baby!!!! No looking back!

I love reading those stories too, there amazing. You should pick up Before & After by Susan Leach over on bariatriceating.com. It's really uplifting and has awesome recipes with our new pouches in mind! Well take care! Nicole

Keep it!!! You'll be wearin it for sure!!!!!!! For some reason, I have held onto a pair of GAP cut-off denim jean shorts, size 10 and my size 12 Levis. Those are what I want to be back into!!!

Whats weird is when I do laundry. I went from a 3-4X to a large top. When I take them out of the dryer, im like, are these mine lol!! SAVE a favorite old top and pant and compare them in 1 year. Take lots of before pics to!!

Heather: Yes body image distortion is common, it takes much longer for mny of us to 'wrap our brais' around our changing sizes. I was a 3-4X and went to 8-10 size NEVER have I remembered wearing single digit clothes! I agree frequent photos, looking at self in mirror for 10-15 min daiy najed to see the changes can help, it did me! We go thru life obese not looking at our bodies and hating them usually, embracing insted where we are and loving ourselves this moment helps as well. The brainis a slow orga to catch up w/ the body. Sometimes a belt and looking at how the niotches go down also helps taking measurements each month as wel. I shopped oib lus sizes long after I needed to others said what r u doing over there, it is still hard at almost 5 yrs out to pick up a pair of pants or a top and beleive they will fit.. Enjoy the wondersous journey w/ all its mysteries and ups/downs! I shoped chep at thrift stores and walmart as my sizes droppd so rapidly for 6 mo , I love the story one day I pbought 2 pair pants in walmart $10 each one black and one brown, the next day I tried them on I was out of 16 into 14 in 2 days!!! Be well. PS email me for a few articles I have on body image if u want, [email protected] (or anyone else who wants them) Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45 before Surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

I am so looking forward to the change!!!! Thank you for sharing.

I'm still flabbergasted after a year that I'm wearing size 10/12 pants and small/med tops. I started out at 326 so I wasn't even in 26s, but 3xs in pants. I didn't wear jeans for years and last summer was the first time I'd worn then in so long. I know it took a year to get here, but it feels like yesterday to me and I am loving it and I hope it never gets old! Good luck on your journey, Sue

Hi Heather, Yes--keep the size large--in fact--you may want to try it on in a year and find that it is WAY, WAY ,TOO BIG!!!!! I was wearing a size twenty-two---- now my size 6's and 8's are loose (sometimes I buy at discount stores and have to go up a size--but mostly I wear a six) ! You will not believe that you are going to get that thin--but IF you EXERCISE REGULARLY --and I mean at least three times a week--the pounds will come off --but the INCHES willreally melt away-- Don't shirk--start exercising NOW! even before the operation--I did and even though I haven't reached my goal weight --I wear a size six in most clothes (A size eight bathing suit ) Exercise! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! Just start walking at first then try a gym membership! I have a friend who has lost 199 pounds so far--she went from a size 36 to a size 8 (she just bought herself a pair of Calvin klien jeans --size 8) So hang in there--the exercise is what helped me and my girlfriend to really slim down That's the best advise I can give--do what your surgeon tells you to--eat right and exercise! You too will be a size small one day! Be Blessed, MarianSC 242.4/148/goal 130???