Question:
Can I ever wear normal clothes?

I'm 23. I went to the mall with a thin friend today, and we were looking at halters, tube tops, sun dresses, bathing suits, and t-shirts. I'm having surgery in two weeks, and want to know from long-term post ops if it's really frustrating going shopping? Can you wear somewhat normal clothes, or do you still have to cover up b/c of stretch marks and flabby skin. Do you have to dress frumpy? My arms, shoulders and stomach have stretch marks. It would be a shame to be thin and 24 and STILL not be able to wear BEBE or Guess!    — Phoebe J. (posted on April 14, 2002)

April 13, 2002
HI Phoebe, well I am about 11 mos post op and down in "normal" sizes now. And NO, I certainly do NOT dress frumpy (anymore!!!!!!!!!LOL!!) Yes, I have some plastic surgery to do (TT, inner thigh and arms) and I have some stretch marks too but I mean, I am wearing some really nice clothes that hide, very well, the "problem areas" I have still. I guess it's just gonna depend on how much you have to lose, the elasticity of your skin, etc. . . I've seen some pretty awesome pics in the gallery of post-ops in bikinis, etc!!! Stretch marks are pretty easily disguised with tanning (self/sunless or other). I understand how you feel! I felt the same way, and altho I'm not 24 anymore (34 now) I definately feel like I am 24 and I was heavy at your age and missed out on all those "girly" clothes. Just remember, you're always gonna look and feel better after you lose this weight!! So what if you can't wear that little tiny bikini and look just like your skinny friend?? You're gonna look damn good in other things (and maybe the bikini too!!) I have a skinny friend too that I used to shop with alot, and would sigh over all the cute clothes she could wear, but you know, skinny people have their problems too and she could still find something to complain about about herself! I say be realistic in your goals, embrace who you are now, and know that the best is yet to come!!! Good luck on your journey! Blessings,
   — ChristiMNB

April 14, 2002
Hi there - 11 months out here and I have went from 334lbs to 202lbs - I am sitting here in shorts and a halter top - underneath I have my bikini and am ready to go out and work on my tan....that seems to work a bit on the stretch marks....I am planning on looking into a tummy tuck and breat lift after losing a little bit more - but by no means do I have to hide anything....after surgery just plan on keeping up the exercise adn the tan :) goodluck to you
   — Sharon Jones

April 14, 2002
I'm lots older than you and buy sexy, cool clothes now. I was a 28 pants and am now a 8-10.If I had the guts, I could wear a 2 piece. Everyone firms up differently, but I think you being 23 will firm up much better than most of us. Good Luck and do that dream window shopping now, because you'll be able to real shopping soon!
   — ZZ S.

April 14, 2002
I love Liz Claiborne and Gloria Vanderbilt. Although my batwings and hips/legs look terrible, there are soo many fashionable clothes that do cover the hanging skin. Just started shopping at the GAP. I won't wear tank tops but there are some cute t-shirts that I wear. as for swim suits??? Well, I wear em but won't look in the mirror LOL. I wear size 10/12 dress and sm/med blouse and there is a whole new shopping experience out there. Good luck, work with what you have. Rita
   — vt_rita

April 14, 2002
Hi. I'm still pre-op but I can talk about stretch marks. I had really icky stretch marks in jr high/middle school but they have almost faded into oblivion. I'm 30 and keep really good care of my skin by using sun block year-round, using good soap with major moisturizers and by using lotions without mineral oil or alcohol. You would be surprized how well you can conceal skin flaws with a little magic work! I have been known to use Dermablend or whatever it is called to hide my tattoo and scars! I plan on wearing a belly t at some point in my life!!!!! You will be able to wear what you want when you feel comfortable doing so! I'm going to get rid of all my fat clothes as soon as possible! You will be just fine and you will look great in BEBE and Guess!!! Congratulations!!!!!
   — jenn2002

April 14, 2002
When I first lost my wt, I still had a huge belly. Apple body, so skinny legs & arms, huge, immense tummy. I could wear snug leggings but had to wear tops that gathered under my "bag". Once gone, I can wear normal clothes. Tiny jeans that zip, crop tops that come far enough to hide my scar (which isn't bad), cute dresses & skirts. Too bad I'm old so I'd look silly in the way cute hip huggers & stuff,. but I'll take what I can get!
   — vitalady