Question:
Why is my weight /size ratio much lower than when I gained the weight?

I had open RNY on April 22, 2002 and now 4 months later I am down 72 pounds. I currently weigh about 220 pounds and feel awesome. Here's my question, though, and I would like a medical explanation for it. On my way up the scale, I probably was sliding into 20's and 22's when I hit 220 pounds; however, I just bought a size 16 skirt w/ a 14/16 blouse and a size 18 skirt w/ a size 16/18 blouse--both of which fit me now. How is this possible? Have I depleted my bones or something? BTW, my doctor did not recommend a calcium supplement; however, about 2 weeks ago I began taking one on my own. I'm not complaining about the smaller sizes; however, I am concerned that there is such a disparity between the way up and the way down. Thanks for your help.    — Cheryl A. (posted on August 27, 2002)

August 27, 2002
And I have the exact OPPOSITE problem. I have lost 50 pounds and my clothes still fit. The heck!!!
   — Karen F.

August 27, 2002
That's a good question! I am convinced that as Americans have gotten heavier, manufacturers are cutting clothes bigger and slapping smaller sizes on 'em. The real test would be finding clothes you actually wore on the "way up" at 220 to see how those fit you now. I lost and regained close to 80 pounds within two years of having WLS, and as I move down the scale, I still have all those clothes. They still fit at the weights I remember them fitting at. But, I also bought a 14/16 shirt recently that fit, even though I'm wearing 18s in everything else. I think it's the clothes labeling, not us!<P>And good call on the calcium. A good surgeon isn't necessarily a nutritionist. Good luck!
   — Suzy C.

August 27, 2002
Have you been working out? If so, you may have more muscle mass. A pound of muscle takes up less space than a pound of fat. You could weigh the same as you did on your way up, but actually be smaller. If so, this is a great thing. You're probably stronger too.
   — Amber L.

August 27, 2002
I read an article on this. It said the clothing manufacturers were putting smaller size labels in clothes so the young girls wouldn't be so tempted to diet to be a size 0. The 8's that I wear now are really closer to a 12. I kinda beleive this because I wore a size 7 when I got married and I weighed about 15 pounds less than I do now. Plus I was young and firm and that is not the case now. LOL
   — lablady_29

August 27, 2002
I am currently wearing 12's.....And at this weight on the way up.....i was in a 14. I still have some of the jeans from before and they barely fit. So yes, the manufacturers are making clothes bigger. :)
   — RebeccaP

August 27, 2002
I believe the manufactures are making clothes bigger these days. I have an old pair of pants size 18's, actually I have a few pairs of pants that size which I kept, I bought these in the early 90's. After wls, when I got down to a size 18 again, I thought they would fit but they were still tight, when I got to a 16 they fit perfectly now I am a 14 and they are big. I believe the sizes changed around 2 sizes so, a size 16 now use to be a 18 then. and so on. Does this make sense? If you have an old pair of pants or know someone that does take them and compare them to a new version of pants with the same size, this may help you a bit better.
   — Deanna Wise