Question:
after losing a significant amount of weight have you been able to wear normal shoes?

I have severe arthritis in my knees and for many years have only been able to wear well-cushioned athletic shoes. I would love to be able to wear some of the cute new styles after I lose weight. Does anyone have experience in this matter?    — [Anonymous] (posted on July 7, 2001)

July 7, 2001
YES!!!My mother-in-law bought me a VERY expensive pair of shoes at Christmas and I could not wear them at all. Now they are too big, but I wear them anyway. I can go anywhere and buy any shoes that I want. I am so glad that I do not have to order special wide widths through Lane Bryant or Roman's any longer. My problem wasn't my knees, it was severe edema. Since my surgery in April, My hands and feet are swell free. I can now buy the size I need, not two sizes larger. LOL I hope this helps.
   — Tere F.

July 7, 2001
I've always had a hard time with shoes because my feet are long and wide, but not fat. In heels, I would get lower back pain, leg pain and foot pain. I also have an arthritic knee that has been greatly relieved by WLS. I seem to have lost about a 1/2 a size, I think, because my foot isn't flattened so much anymore. Now, I can wear 3-4 inch chunky heels all day with absolutely no problem. Start with a chunky heel because it distributes the weight more evenly. Then learn how to walk in them - because this can be tricky after years of tennis shoes.
   — Allie B.

July 7, 2001
My feet were the first thing that changed. They got a lot skinnier. I had my "dress shoes" on one day (well cushioned styleless d width flats) and I walked right out of them! I became shoe obsessed . When I was down to 220 I was able to buy fashion boots , can't even tell you how fashionable I felt then! It's a real kick to be able to wear something other than those well padded tennis type shoes , you will thoroughly enjoy the experience, I know I haven't been right since!!!LOL!!
   — Rose A.

July 7, 2001
I had a lot of foot pain from bearing all the extra weight. A few weeks after my surgery, I was walking into church and walked right out of my shoes! I always had to buy the extra wide and now buy regular width. Its great! I even can wear a reasonable heel(2 inches). Its actually fun to shoe shop!
   — Debbie J.