MorningGlory

Thanks for the replies everyone! I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and encouragement with me! I will go shopping again soon, and this time I'll try different stores and sizes, etc. Good to know I'm not alone in this shopping frustration! : )

I was sleeved almost 7 months ago. I am thankful to have had no complications, and I have lost over 100 pounds. I have avoided going shopping for new clothes, with the exception of scrubs (I'm a nurse) and a couple pairs of jeans, because shopping has always been such a depressing and traumatic experience. Last week, I finally gave in and went shopping because the clothes I was wearing were beginning to look ridiculous from being too big. I currently weigh 192 pounds, am 5'8" tall, take after my father with wide shoulders and big feet (thanks dad! LOL!). I still have about 25 pounds I'd like to lose. As I faced the dreaded dressing room, I had hopes this experience would be better than those I've had in the past. I was so disappointed to find that, even with this huge weight lose, I still wear a 1X-2X shirt. I have no illusions that I'm a tiny person, or ever will be, I was just so hopeful of being able to shop in the "regular" side of the store for once in my life. I know this may sound trivial to some, but it really threw me off track for an entire week. I had been absolutely abiding by my nutrition plan since the second I came out of surgery . . . and then, after this shopping experience, I kind of "lost my mind" for a few days. I've been very depressed and upset, and worst of all, I've eaten junk for 3 days! What the heck happened to me? I am disappointed that I let myself get derailed so easily! I got up this morning, determined to get myself straightened out, exercised, and am eating appropriately. I am struggling to keep my perspective and know that no matter what size the tag in the shirt says, I am healthier and happier than I was 7 months ago. Truthfully, it is hard, especially as a woman I think, to let go of stereotypes and accept and embrace yourself (all of yourself) fully. Do I still want to be able to shop in the "normal" size clothes? Yes, I do. Will I ever be able to? I don't know, maybe, maybe not. I have to be able to accept that if I don't ever wear a "L" instead of 1X, then that is okay. I have decided to replace the negative thoughts I've had with positive ones and move on. I struggle every day, as I know many of your do. Just wanted to share what I've been experiencing. Thanks!

Congratulations on trying something new! You inspire me! I guarantee you that you also inspired someone else in that class too!

I'm a nurse in an ICU too and was sleeved October 25th. I was off for 4 weeks because of the 20 pound limitation. I made out fine going back to work. The worse thing is the TIREDNESS!! The 12 hour shifts are kicking my butt! Keeping my fingers crossed that this gets better in a few months! Good Luck!

Yes! You are not alone in your exhaustion! I was sleeved on 10/25 and I haven't gotten my energy back yet either. In fact, I still am having frequent episodes of being a little light headed, which is really annoying. From what everyone here has said, you do get some of your energy back eventually, so I'm hoping it's sooner than later! Good luck!

Surgery Date: October 25, 2013

HW: 308

SW: 292

CW: 255

On my way!