Question:
WHAT SIZE SHOULD I PURCHASE

I had open RNY on 9/23 down 53 pounds. The store that I shop at has all of their summer clothes on clearance for $ 4.99. I will be going on a cruise in April and I have been trying to plan ahead as far as my wardrobe (shorts and tops). I was wondering what size clothing I should purchase for the cruise. Prior to WLS I wore a size 32 in jeans, I went shopping yesterday and tried on a size 26 jeans and they were a snug fit across the mid section. I was thinking about picking up 22/24. Do you guys think this size calculation is right or should I go 20/22?    — TEDDI T. (posted on December 23, 2002)

December 22, 2002
You can never tell I actually skipped over a couple of sizes (16 and 12 never fit me well--went straight to 14 and 10). $5 is pretty cheap. Maybe you could buy a few in each size then have them for running around the house even if the bigger size is too large on the cruise. If you're lucky, NONE of them will fit by then and you'll have to buy ALL new stuff! LOL
   — ctyst

December 22, 2002
I went through the sizes pretty fast. I started a size 24 and at seven months post op I now wear a size 4. I didn't think that was ever even possible. You may find that by April you might be much smaller than you could even hope!
   — Linda A.

December 22, 2002
I'd say go for the smaller size. If you get the larger size and it's too large you can't wear it anyway...at least if the smaller size is a little too snug you'll get to wear it a little later on in the summer and your money won't be wasted. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -142
   — KimBo36

December 23, 2002
This is a tough one as this is 3-4 months off. You would likely be in the 20 range but might even find yourself in the 18. Maybe go for the 18 and go for a little looser style clothes or look for 20's that seem to be able to be easily altered so you could take in a seam or 2. When I lost a lot of weight before I lost about 2 sizes per month. At 240 I wore a 16-18 on top and 18-20 on bottom, I'm 5'9. It really comes down to how your weight is distributed. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

December 23, 2002
I say bag the planning ahead thing and save your money. In March, go to Kmart, Walmart or Target and buy clothes then. Or use the clothing exchange on this site or even try a Goodwill center. That sale sounds fantastic but these are extenuating circumstances. I would suggest that you buy now if you are allowed to return the items months from now when cruise time comes or if there is someone in your family that you can give them to as a gift should they turn out to be too big. Have fun!
   — Yolanda J.

December 24, 2002
hi there, :) its so hard to say for sure but i bet 20 22 would be too big. your body changes so so fast. i made the mistake this summer of buying all the 3 xs in sight as i was so excited to fit in them but alot of htem i never even wore cuz they got too big too quick. i started at 370 and honestly couldnt even wear jeans and i was in anywhere from an 6 to 8 x top. im now in 16 to 14 jeans depending and im in a large shirt. i had surgery feb 8 02 so you do change fast!!!! i bought 2 x and xl for this winter thinking theyd be just right but nope too big!! be careful in choosing and good luck to you! :)
   — carrie M.