Question:
Why am I not changing clothes sizes, even after 78 lbs. lost?!

I'm getting alittle frustrated here. Lots of people talk about rapidly dropping clothes sizes after surgery, but I'm still wearing the same clothes I wore pre-op. Granted, they are alittle loose on me, but not loose enough to go down a size. When am I going to go down at least one size??? My scale says I lost 78 lbs. but I'm starting to wonder if it's broken or something. I know we shouldn't compare ourselves to others because we're all different, but this is frustrating. Has anyone else had this happen to them? I guess the clothes size will go down eventually, but geez - 78 lbs. is alot of weight; one would think that would warrant a size or two down? I don't know, maybe its all the skin being left behind that's leaving alot of bulk, therefore filling out my clothes. Btw, I had rny (distal) 5/21/01, so about 13 weeks ago. I started at 375 lbs. & this morning I weighed in at 297 lbs. I must say, I am thrilled to finally be out of the 3's! That was my first goal, to get under 300 & I did it!!! That is if my scale is working properly; I still have a difficult time believing this weight loss. I still would like to loose another 130 lbs. or so.    — lalasmommy (posted on August 22, 2001)

August 22, 2001
My guess is your clothes are more than "a little" big. I bet the clothes you are wearing are 2-3 sizes too big. I experienced this too....it's a form of denial. Go into a store and try on clothing that is 3 sizes smaller....I found that when I was fat, 25lbs equalled a dress size. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I don't know if I'll ever see my self as I truly am. I'm down to a size 14/16 from a 30/32. But, I still pick out clothes that are too big! I've learned to try everything on in the store........it saves me from trekking back to the store to exchange things.
   — [Anonymous]

August 22, 2001
Instead of relying on what you have at home as a measurement, go to the store and try on some clothes. I would imagine that you will be surprised as to what size clothes you are actually able to wear. I did this at about 2 1/2 months post op and was so surprised to learn that I could wear a size 16 already. While I could still wear the clothes I had a home, I could then wear clothes that zipped and were more form fitting. Sitting at home in my baggy clothes, I didn't realize it. Go to the store and have fun!!
   — Shelley.

August 22, 2001
I am in exactly the same place as you! I have lost 70 pounds in the last two months, but I'm still wearing all of my clothes. I may find my dress shoulders slip down, or my suit jackets are a little less tight in my belly, but I don't think I could go down a size yet. However, I think much of this is because 1) I always wore baggy styled clothes purposely, so it just feels normal to me to have them baggy now, or 2) I wore a size that was not really correct for me in the first place. I wore a 26/28. It's funny, you'll find all sizes of people on this website say they wear that size. I think because it is the largest size that is easily accessible. But I should have probably had a larger size in form-fitting type clothes. So now, I fit correctly in my 26/28. I just haven't gotten out of it yet. Don't fear. That time is coming. I agree with the others that a trip to the store to try things on is a good idea.
   — Tracy L.

August 22, 2001
One thing that I have found that it take some time for the body to catch up with the scale, so don't be too discouaged- I agree with the the poster that said go to the store try on different clothes! Best of the luck to you, and great weight loss!!!! Take care..
   — [Anonymous]

August 22, 2001
I know exactly where you are coming from. I have the same clothes on now as I did 93lbs ago. The problem is that I had such big arms and all that has kinda gone south. Big upper thighs and now that is around my knees. I always pulled my undies up to my armpits and I still do. I like so many other large people wore clothes that were baggy. Still do. I guess it will have to be a tremendous difference before I actually change to a different style and size. My friend has lost 170+ and he is a big guy. He just the other day finally went and bought some new jogging pants and they were only a size smaller. It is just a matter of what you are used to wearing and what you still think you need to wear and how the weight is coming off your body. They are right about telling your doctor about depression. I have been taking prozac as this is quite a trip. Don't be so hard on yourself about clothes. Just let this happen naturally. Funny, I am telling you to do as I say not as I do as I have the same issues. Ha Ha. Debbie
   — Debbie S.

January 15, 2003
i didnt drop clothes sizes until i had lost 100 pounds. truth in fact was that the clothes i had been wearing before surgery were actually way too small-they had just stretched to accomodate my growing body, and at 100 pounds out, i had only dropped a couple of sizes. that was discouraging, but i used to wear a 4x, now i am in a size 12-14. But after loosing 180 pounds, i thought that i would at least be in a 10. i think after a tummy tuck though, i could wear a size 8.
   — Kimberly Novak