Question:
I am 280 size 18 top and bottom, I know of people my weight that wear

size 24. How is it possible I can be a size 18 at 280 and some people are a 24 or larger at the same weight. I can even squeeze into jeans that are 16 if they stretch. People dont believe I weigh what I do, I am very shapely and look like I weigh much less. I have lost over 60 lbs and then I was only a 24. I think the scale is starting to really slow, I am 3 months postop. Could I just be gaining more muscle and look much slimmer. This is weird and kind of scares me.    — Lisa G. (posted on September 25, 2003)

September 25, 2003
I am 5'6" and weighed 292, I wore a size 18! it all depends how you carry it!
   — nicole79

September 25, 2003
I am 5' 8" and I weigh 247 I wear a size 24 I can't squeeze my fat gut/hip area in a smaller size... but the legs (thigh area not calf so much) just swim on me... I'd love to be in an 18! I am jealous!!
   — MF

September 25, 2003
I was 250 in a size 22-24. And now 100 lbs. lighter, I wear a 10-12 where most my weight wear 6 and 8. Bummer for me, but I feel great so it really doesn't matter. I am an apple and I think that has something to do with it. I also am finding out that I am big boned with wide ribs and hips.
   — Cheri M.

September 25, 2003
Height, body shape, age and how tight your skin is and how it shrinks are all things that factor in. I lost down to 240 in 1995 and I could wear 18 pants and 14/16/18 tops. These fit me for a good 20 lbs above that weight too, but were getting snug. I am at 273 now and I am wearing 22/20 pants and 1X or 18 tops. I am very close to that same weight yet clothes that I could have worn at this weight back then do not fit now. Being 8 years older and having stretched my skin out by 200 lbs again, I'm sure has all factored into this change. I definitely have more skin than I ever remember last time. I think things shrunk better then. <p>You obvisouly have considerable muscle mass which is heavier but give you a more toned shapely body. Don't complain is all I can say. I also find it hard to believe that I can pretty much wear the same size clothes as my mom who weighs almost 60 lbs less. Something to be said for being on the tall side.
   — zoedogcbr

September 25, 2003
This just goes to show how different we all are! I am 254 lbs, 5'7" and I'm wearing a 20. My legs could probably wear a size 16! I'm like the previous poster that when I wear the size that fits my hips and waist, the pant legs just flap in the breeze on me. :) You're doing great and I would love to be in an 18! (and will be shortly!) :) Congrats on your weight loss! :)
   — Cheryl M.

September 25, 2003
How tall are you Lisa? I am 6' and now weigh 253 and I wear 16w or 18w depending on how things are made. I started before wls at 368 and was wearing 26w at the time. Unfortunately I have stabilized at 19 months post op at this weight and I am finding it hard to drop any more weight. Guess I could live the rest of my life at this size because I do feel that my shape is not bad at all.
   — SARose61

September 26, 2003
Height and age makes your sizes vary. I weigh what I did at 17 (275). But I was a 20 then. Now I am a 24.
   — mrsmyranow

September 26, 2003
When i was 260 were i started at i wore over a size 20 I am 5'3 and now I am down to 175 and can wear a size 14 when iwas 175 long time ago i wore a tight 16 So i do not under stand this how i can get into a 1 now but i love it
   — wildbrat