So, I had all last week off, part holidays, part vacation time I had to burn up or loose. I have been noticing the past few weeks that the "smaller" clothes I was wearing were now starting to look too big.

I'm not really a clothes hoarder in the traditional sense (some may disagree), but I have been UP and DOWN for sooooo many years that I started keeping all these various sizes. No, I don't have infinite closets. I actually put up closet dollies down in the basement held up from the ceiling. I actually have 3 of them. One dolly is 12' long, another about 6' and another about 4'. It's a combination of work clothes, everyday clothes, jackets and then my show outfits when I compete at horseshows.

Anyhoooo, I decided it was time to shed my bedroom closet and go "shopping" downstairs. I actually have some pretty nice things in the smaller sizes, so there wasn't really a need to pay money at the store. Then, yesterday a very good friend of mine who retired a couple of years ago offered to let me come raid her closet today for her work clothes since she doesn't need them anymore. I had to go to the store to buy some more hangers- LOTS of hangers. Some of the fun was some of her clothes were too big, but like me she had different sizes from times when she was thinner. How cool to be able to say, "I'm sorry but this is too big".

Some really nice blazers, blouses, sweater sets, dress shoes (we wear the same size shoe!). Also, when I was "shopping" in my basement, i was trying on some skirts and such and to my amazement several fit. I have not worn a skirt in several years because I didn't want people to actually "SEE" my legs and see the roundness of my fat calves. They are still bigger than I like, but I'm not one to wear short skirts anyways. But, I'm to the point where I am now willing to wear skirts again.

I actually got some panty hose today, something I haven't bought or worn in many many years (no need if I didn't wear skirts or dresses). I had no idea what size I would need to buy and so I looked at the sizing chart on the back and it said I should wear a size "B" pantyhose, not Q, not 1x, 2x, etc... Wow, talk about an amazing feeling!!!

After I got home from the store and my friends house, hanging up all my new clothes, I decided I should try on the new panty hose because I was still in a little disbelief that I could wear a size "B". Sure enough they fit....

I hadn't seen my friend in a couple of months and when she saw me her mouth just dropped. She was like WOW, you look amazing. Her young adult daughter was there and she says, "wow, you are so skinny". Of course, I'm not skinny, but compared to where I was, I'm a lot thinner. Talk about ego boosters!!!

It will be funny when I go back to work Tuesday and people start seeing me dressing so different. I have had a tendency to wear bigger clothes and didn't really spend a lot of time trying to dress super nice- just felt like it was a lost cause when I was so big.

What a way to start out 2012!!! 102# down in 6 months, and 10 days!!! wooot!! wooot!!!! Final goal, here I come!

That. Is. Awesome. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing such a happy story!

Wow what awesome news! You sure are saving tons of money since some people have to buy a whole new wardrobe. I'm the same way in thinking that because I'm so big it doesn't make any sense to dress up so don't have many nice oufits. I can't wait until nothing in my closet will fit anymore too!

Thank you and YES, I have saved a bunch of money. I just wasn't willing to let those smaller clothes go because psychologically it was like I would be giving up that I would never lose the weight to get back to those sizes again. Bonus is that I don't have to replace my whole wardrobe. Now, if I do buy something it can be just something special "because I want it". I have a pair of size 4/5 jeans that are brand new when I had gotten down just about as low as I am now thinking it would serve as a motivator/ reward for me to keep going. Sadly, I never reached that final goal then, but I still have the jeans and this time I will make it. What I'm not sure about is with all my loose skin is even if they should fit, they may not because of the excess skin. I'm not going to wig about it either way. Right now I'm wearing a size 10 in most pants, so we will just see what happens.

Wow what awesome news! You sure are saving tons of money since some people have to buy a whole new wardrobe. I'm the same way in thinking that because I'm so big it doesn't make any sense to dress up so don't have many nice oufits. I can't wait until nothing in my closet will fit anymore too!

Oh Happy Day!!! Congrats...Enjoy all the new looks! (both the ones you put together AND the ones you are sure to be gettin') lol You've done great. Happy New Year to you!!

I had no idea what size I would need to buy and so I looked at the sizing chart on the back and it said I should wear a size "B" pantyhose, not Q, not 1x, 2x, etc... Wow, talk about an amazing feeling!!!

I almost cried when I bought my first pair of post goal pany hose...I know exactly what you mean! Great job you are doing so wonderfully. Cant wait to read your GOAL post in a few short weeks.

This is wonderful - I am so proud and happy for you.

I know the feeling - it is great to be able to care enough about what you look like to want to dress nicely and look your best.

Just love this! Congratulations. Isn't it fun to see someone that hasn't seen you in a while? Enjoy every minute of your success because you've worked hard and earned it! Happy New Year!

You guys are all just awesome! I soooo love this site. I loved coming here when I was in the beginning /research stage, and have continued to find it such a great place having gone through the surgery. I think besides the WEALTH of information on here, is that everyone really tries to be so nice and supportive. There are some sites where people are just snarky or mean spirited. The support you guys give is just been so helpful to me and I know to others. Most of us who tend to become more introverted as we gain the weight tend to have a smaller circle of people they can confide in, especially if they are single like me. Having a place to go to either get the needed "kick in the pants" or just some support is so appreciated!

Thank you everyone for all your kind words!