Question:
When is the big transition in pants size?? I am still waiting!!!!

Hi all!! I was just wondering when you all really started to shrink out of your pants? I had surgery 3 months ago, and have lost 68lbs, And all my tops are getting big, but I have only gone down one pants size??? I am stuck in a big 18. I am so afraid I will be stuck looking like an eggplant!!! Has this happened to anyone? and how long did it take to shrink down? I pretty much eat by the book, Only I tried some chinese on Christmas eve and I will NEVER do that again, you know what I mean! I also made a delicious no sugar added cheesecake-low fat, if you want the recipe just ask. I would really appreciate some feedback on this, and would also like to know what and how much I should eat in a day at this point(3 months post-op). THANKS GUYS!!! Lauren    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 27, 2000)

December 27, 2000
Hi Lauren. I am 5 months post op, 63 pounds and 3 sizes down - depending on who makes what. It does seem that I am losing more on top, until I look back at my measurement spreadsheet and find I've lost 6.5" in my bust, but 8" each off my waist and hips. My theory (I've always have theories and disclaimers!) is that gravity, age, childbearing, etc. all makes a difference on were everything settles. So, I'm at 214 now and wearing some 22 jeans that just fit and some stretch 18 jeans, yet I remember being at 200 and wearing all 16 jeans, so I share your frustration. It might help to chalk it up to different manufacturers having different sizes. In anycase, before all this I couldn't get my 24's on and refused to buy 26's. Perhaps some exercise could help tone you up! Good luck to you and congrats on a great loss.
   — Allie B.

December 27, 2000
Hi Lauren. I too thought like you. I thought that I would never change sizes.But all of a sudden the sizes started dropping. I started in a size 32 and now 6 months and 110 lbs later I am in a 18, I still have 60 lbs to go to be at goal.Good luck to you, be patient, it will happen
   — STAR W.

December 27, 2000
Hi Lauren. I too thought like you. I thought that I would never change sizes.But all of a sudden the sizes started dropping. I started in a size 32 and now 6 months and 110 lbs later I am in a 18, I still have 60 lbs to go to be at goal.Good luck to you, be patient, it will happen
   — STAR W.

December 27, 2000
Hi there. I wanted to tell you not to be frustrated about going down in sizes. I recently found out that in the last few years, manufacturers have been making clothing smaller than before. What was a size 12 before if now a 14 which means that it's just that much harder for us to get into that size 12 because it's really like a 10 was 10 years ago. Also, I have no idea how old you are but I found out one other thing. 22 years ago I weighed 120 and was in a 'tight' size 10. Now, at 113 pounds, I am in a true size 3. I sincerely think that our weight shifts as age comes into play. Last time I lost weight those 22 years ago, I still had hips that could kill. Today, I am thinking of looking for "butt pads" for my bottom because I have no bottom now. It's flat. I also have no chest anymore. But, as I was losing the 165 pounds, my butt was still larger than everything else until the final 20 pounds. Then it seemed to all come off there. Hang in there it will all work out.
   — Barbara H.

December 27, 2000
I'm with you!! I'm 10 weeks postop, and have lost about 50 lbs. My tops have gotten fairly loose, but for the better part my pants still fit fine...I will say that the area between my breasts and waist above my waist seems to be shrinking, but my stomach and hips seem as big as always. Go figure!
   — tlg6056

December 28, 2000
Hello, years ago before I got obese I used to lift weights for contests and workout all the time. At least my education and knowledge of that lifestyle paid off. Women lose from top to bottem. If you filled a rubber glove up and turned it upside down that is how women lose weight. They keep their general body shape as they lose weight and it comes off everywhere. Your body will keep the same shape but be overall smaller as you lose weight, then when you get small enough it begins taking the excess weight from the areas that can spare it. Just wish I had used what I knew so I did not have to get obese :) I am excited...Good luck
   — [Anonymous]

December 16, 2001
I am now 6 months post op and lost about 100 lbs. I went from a 20-22 to a 12-14 in that time and hope to lose another 35 pounds by summer. I think we all lose first where ever we gain first. For me it was face and neck as immediately everyone noticed that the puffiness in my face was the first thing to go. You can't really make a generalization about where you will lose first as we have to compare what body type/shape we inherit from our family, however if you can find a relative who is normal weight and they have a similar body type, that is what you will look like when you get done. Don't fret during the process as it all works out in time. Enjoy the process and each success you reach! Don't forget to chart it, as it will encourage you when you are feeling less than successful! Good luck!
   — Lorelie C.