Question:
I seem to be much bigger than most at this weight

I am 4 months post op today. I have lost a total of 70 pounds putting me at 207. Everybody else I have seen at this weight is in a size 18 or so pants. I am still in a 22. They are lose but still, they are NOT 18's!!! My goal was to purchase a dress off a "normal" rack for my husband's Christmas party on Dec. 14th. Will I get there? Any advice? Help! I'm begining to feel like a HUGE failure!    — Tiffany S. (posted on November 11, 2002)

November 11, 2002
I know what you don't want to hear is everyone is different, but it is true. You have lost 70lbs in 4 months!!!!!! That is amazing, and there is NO way you are a failure. I'm the opposite, I have smaller clothes, but I weigh a lot more than anyone thinks. At 265 I was in a size 22. At 145lbs, I was in a size 5. Don't feel bad, your body will catch up with your weight, keep up the great work!
   — Kami C.

November 11, 2002
I know the feeling! I started at 260#, wearing W 24/26, 2x-3x. I had to drop below 200# to get to size 20. Am now at 164# but stuck in size 14 ( my saggy tummy and thighs won't let me get in a size 12 pants!). I don't know how these people can be 170# in size 10 clothes! Guess it must depend on your height and how you carry your weight (I'm only 5'3").
   — LLinderman

November 11, 2002
Hi: I am so glad you asked this question. I feel the same way as you. I am 5'4". I see people who weigh my 140 goal weight who are in a size 4/6. When I weighed that I never wore less than a 12. I guess if you carry most of your weight in the bust area, you can wear a smaller size jeans. Congratulations on the loss of 70 pounds. That is so wonderful. When you were at that weight before, what size did you wear? I know exactly what you mean about buying off the rack. But I do think that a dress with an a-line skirt, if you have a hip problem like I do, is the way to go. You can definitely get a smaller size that way. That's what I always do. Stay away from straight skirts or form fitted, and go for the flared skirt. Please give this a try. I bet you will be pleasantly surprised. Love Grace
   — Grace H.

November 11, 2002
I am right there with you. I am 5'4. I started at 294 and was in a size 30. I am now 213 and have JUST gotten into 20s. There are many people in my support group who weigh more but are a few inches taller and are way past me in sizes. It's the height and also I carry a lot of my weight in my belly. I used to be pretty big chested but it seems like I've lost a lot more in my breasts as compared to my tummy. I also have more of a pear shape. It is frustrating, but you have to remember how far you have come. 70 lbs in 4 months is incredible. Weight watchers could never have done that for you!
   — sheltie

November 11, 2002
I know how you feel, I'm only 5ft. and I weigh 255(last time I checked) I tell my sister, Take a beach ball to the mall and find an outfit that looks good on it. Impossible. I need to get down really low, probably 125lbs. because I am so short, I'm having surgery Jan. 20, it can't come soon enough! Hang in there, Kelly*
   — Kelly* P.

November 11, 2002
I know how you feel. I have lost 140lbs, down to 265 but I still wear a 22/24 while others that weigh more than me are wearing 18s! I think it has to do with body type. I carry most of my weight below where a belt should be! I could probably wear an 18 if my stomach wasn't so big and hangy. Try on designer 18s, designer brands size their clothes bigger so people think they wear a smaller size and are happy. An 18 at Target or WalMart is not the same 18 that Nordstrom, Ann Taylor, etc carry. Lane Bryant seems to be pretty true to size while Tommy Hilfiger sizes are small.
   — jenn2002

November 12, 2002
I feel so much better knowing there are others out there like me. I thought I was alone. It took FOREVER for the clothing sizes to move down. And I now weigh 149 and in 10's and some 12's. I see many at my weight wearing 6's and 8's. My hips are wide and I assume I am big boned at 5'6" because I still wear larger sizes at this weight. Guess I'll never be petite and small. I think that the size difference could also be because I am an apple. And the waist is where a lot of the size matters. Also, you may be surprised to find that you CAN fit into a smaller size than your 22's that you are still wearing. If you haven't already, take a trip to the mall and try on different sizes from different stores. Some clothing manufacturers size their clothing differently. Hope you make your Christmas goal!
   — Cheri M.

November 14, 2002
I've always been bigger for my weight than many people. As a preop I was 281 lbs and in a size 32; now at five months out I am 199 and in a size 22. I'm 5'4 and tend to carry more weight below the waist. I can understand your being anxious to get to "regular" sizes, but we're lucky that plus sizes have come a long way in recent years. I'm deliriously happy at being in normal plus sizes and not super sizes, it's widened my choices incredibly. Just keep on doing what you're doing, you'll get there!
   — Celia A.