Question:
Post Op Fashion Tips

My twin sister and I have both lost over 100 lbs and like a lot of postops are learning to dress in normal sizes for the first time EVER. It is quite a challenge but fun never-the-less but are wasting a lot of money and making some mistakes along the way. I would like to ask for help from all you who have been there/done that. What mistakes have you made? For instance, I tend to keep going to Plus sizes when I don't really need to and buying those knit big shirts which look horrible on me now. I bought a pair of heels for a wedding and they were huge on me because I bought them a month ago. They flopped around on me and I almost tripped in them! I thought I looked pretty good in my denium shorts but saw myself in a full length mirror and was surprised how my knees were still droopy. Ugh. Most of all, I am hesitant to try new things and when I do, I am happy most of the time but I don't trust my judgement! I did learn to GET RID of the big baggy clothes. I was hanging onto them and it is very pleasant and cleansing to either give them away or throw them away. My closet is looking better too! The biggest surpise of all is when men "check me out". I get embarrassed and wonder "what is the matter with me. Is my zipper unzipped or something?" Wierd. I am not saying I am "all that" but I guess 100 lbs lost creates a new woman. Have you had any new experiences with clothes you can share? Thanks!    — Mylou52 (posted on September 2, 2002)

September 2, 2002
Oh, my gosh! I thought it was just me with the zipper thing. I just had to laugh. I've only lost, oh about 50 so far but my tummy tuck gave me a new much nicer figure and I love wearing my nice looking (4+ sizes smaller) jeans! I just couldn't resist popping in here because everytime I get checked out by these younger guys (like 19 or 20 and I'm 30!) I always feel like I have to check my zipper or figure out if something is not right with how I look! So funny! And yes, with dropping weight so fast in the last 3 months I've had to just put away those baggy clothes. I'm always so sure when I look at the clothes I wear now, that they are too small and I also don't trust my own judgement. I have to have my mom look me over when I try on something for an honest opinion. I need an honest, trusted opinion from someone who knows how I am and is on the conservative side. That opinion and PICTURES are the only ways I know to help me achieve a flattering fit that really is, not just what my scewed vision interprets.
   — Shelly S.

September 2, 2002
Or lettuce on my teeth? Yes! The old familiar, "What's wrong with me?" On clothes. First, I shopped at thrift stores & garage sales. I went thru the sizes too fast. I got some GREAT stuff that is still among my faves. Don't get me started on the great deals! Most of the party dresses on my site were $25 or less. What I did wrong. I didn't know who I was or what I looked like (still not all that skilled at it), so my criteria was buying was: does it fit? Does it fit my body, my legs, my bottom.... But after I got them home, I found does it fit ME? My personality? My lifestyle? The image I think I project (slutty, prudish, housewifey, professional, country gal) or would like to project? THAT was what I didn't know. So, I ended up with some lovely things that simply weren't right for ME. But they technically "fit". And a few things I bought "because I can", like some size 2's. AND being an apple, I spent my life hiding my tummy. I had no zipper pants, only elastic waists. Now I have NO elastic waists. I preferred a blousy style to a tunuc style top. No more blousy (as in having a band to tuck it under the massive tummy?) tops. I'm STILL purging things that "fit", but are just not me.
   — vitalady

September 2, 2002
When you go shopping, bring a good friend with you-a normal weighted friend who has never been fat, one who will tell you the truth. I have been hitting all the thrift/consignment shops in the area (My God, they have great values!! Brand name clothes at a fraction of the original cost). Good friends will tell you the truth. Sometimes just because we fit into clothes, does not mean that it looks good on you. Comfort is another consideration. I still am not comfortable tucking a shirt into my pants (non-elastic waist band pants). Its a new feeling and I suppose I'll work into that comfort factor. My friend told me it looked good on me, though, so I have started wearing it that way on occasion. all in due time...
   — Cindy R.

September 3, 2002
Oh god, can I relate to this question! I soooo want a pair overalls - but after trying on pair after pair after pair at different stores, no way. Even with 82 lbs. lost. I find that I too am buying what fits - trying to stay with staple-stuff like khaki pants, demin skirts, etc, things I know I will get a lot of wear out of. I've also bought some special stuff too, but on the cheap. I shop at Marshall's, AJ Wright, TJ MAxx, clearance racks everywhere, eBay, etc. I also found some nice Liz Claiborne stuff at Ocean State Job Lot - a local discounter - for $8. $8!!!! WOW! I'm also learnign to keep the receipts on everything, and tags on too, until I am absolutely sure that I like the item, it fits, and that I'll wear it. Hope this helps! And *enjoy* the guys checking you out - it's supposed to feel good!!!
   — Sarah C.

September 3, 2002
One time, I went to an anniversary party and wore some old small clothes that I was able to get into and thought I looked great until I saw a picture of myself afterwards and they just hung on me. They went by-by right away. I love fitted and slim looking clothes. Always wear tucked in blouses, etc. That is what I like and feel good in. I do most of my shopping in the thrift stores now and have gotten some fantastic outfits. I always ask other customer opinions while I have it on. If I get good ones, and I like, I buy. I don't really have but one or two bad choices and most are because they are uncomfortable after getting them home.
   — Elizabeth K.

September 3, 2002
Dressing post op can be a definite challange. I am always inclined to grab the larger size..only to have to send someone back for the size smaller. Are you still losing weight? I am...so what I do is I try on the size I currently am...bring in the next size smaller...and if my current size is even a little big - I buy the smaller size knowing 1. it will fit soon and 2. it will look good because most likely I liked the current size. (hope that makes sense) I'd rather have to wait a few weeks and get to wear something a bit longer than buy something that fits perfectly and only get to wear it for a few weeks. I hit the clearance racks at the dept stores. I find that designer clothes fit MUCH better than and last longer than clothing from places like Walmart or Target. You can find great bargains on the clearance racks. I also have a $$ limit. I don't spend more than $20...especially on pants...I find I shrink out of pants quicker. Shorts...I find that women's shorts are too short for my yucky legs...plus have you noticed that a lot of jeans and shorts are LOW RIDERS? SO...I buy men's shorts...if you look, you will find ones that look unisex...Old Navy is great for that. You just have to find the right waist size...and try them on.
   — Ilene M.