As of today I am down 82lbs! Woohoo! That makes me want to do a happy dance. I am proud of the decission that I made to loose the weight and get healthy. It is not an easy journey, I have lost several friends that are just not comfortable in the way that I eat compared to the way that they eat. Not sure why the way that I eat is a problem for them. It has nothing to do with them. It has made me realize who my true friends are and how much that they love me no matter what. The hardest thing for me lately is going into my closet. It should be a happy place, but it is far from happy. I was in a 24W the day that I had surgery, now I am in a size 16. The problem witht that? I have nothing that fits. I have bought a couple of pair of jeans each time that I drop two sizes then just wear them until I can no longer hold them up. Some how I missed size 18 all together. Now NOTHING fits.... I went to get ready for church and realized I had no chruch clothes. I felt like I was going to have a breakdown in my closet. I feel like I have lost more than weight and friends. I feel like I have lost a part of me. I have always been confident in myself and who I am. Not so much lateley. I look in the mirror and the girl that I see there is just that. A girl. I have not been this size since I was in high school. I have never been a "woman" in this size body. I am not sure what to do with her. Hopefully this will pass. Hopefully things will get easier.

I'm having my sleeve in two weeks. Right now I cannot wait to get rid of my fat clothes!!!! I have anxiety over getting dressed everyday!!! I can't wait to get new clothes

JMCP, I am almost a year out from surgery and have lost 76 lbs. I'm currently in a size 0 (OMG!!! Didn't think I would EVER see that size, lol!!). Most of my adult life I've been around a size 18. I have enjoyed buying new clothes, I'm no longer trying to hide behind my clothes, but I've also held into some of my bigger things. In the beginning I shopped at the less expensive type places. Now that I'm at the size I'm going to be, I shop some of the higher end stores.

It's been a long, hard, exciting and mostly unbelievable journey for me. I went in having the expectation/goal of losing 50-55lbs. So when I dropped over 70lbs so quickly, I was somewhat amazed. It's been weird trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I am no longer the "fat girl" (hope that doesn't offend anyone, but that's what my bigger friends and I called ourselves). I have had the pleasure just recently of defending the "fat girls"!! One of my friends that has always been skinny, never over 120, was making fun of her mother-n-law (who is scheduled for surgery next week) saying she didn't need the surgery. She just needed to cut out certain foods. It was heated convo, but one I was glad I was able to have. Anyone who has never been obese, has no idea what it's like to lose, gain, lose and then gain more. So it's nice to be on this side now able to see both sides and defend those who are still struggling!!

Hope you have a VERY successful journey!! Good luck and keep us posted on how you do!!!

Hang in there. I am 3 months post op and have lost about 50lbs. I just took a trip to value village for some slacks and walked away with a pair of 9west shoes, a new pair of pants with tags, a new shirt and two pairs of leggings for $46. The best part they were three sizes smaller than before . Do you, do what feels good.

First, I want to congratulate each and every one of you on your sucess. I also would like to thank you for sharing your stories. I am 35 soon to be 36 with 1 son 18 about to graduate highschoool!!!! (YES YES YES!!!) I am pre surgery gastric sleeve. My surgery should be in Oct or end of Sept I was told. I am really new to this site and I am having the hardest time learning to use it. (I welcome any suggestions) I find it very helpful but can not go back certain forums that I really like or keep in touch with people. But any way let me get to the reason of the topic. You made this life changing decision because it was something you wanted/needed to do. It is scary, exciting and emotional and just like with any change in our lives there are different levels. I understand what you are saying about the clothes, but remember this is a NEW start for you, don't live in the past. Do something special for yourself! This is NOT easy! I've heard people say oh the surgery is the easy way out. I beg to differ there is a lot of work involved and this is something that will be for the rest of our lives. Have a big yard sale with your old clothes and new clothes as you continue to loose weight. Use the money as your personal clothing fund. I know how hard it is finding plus size clothes and yard sale w/plus size clothes would do well. Do a whole new make over to go along with your weight lose....New hair cut/color/mani/pedi make up. I am far from an expert, but I refuse to let people be the judge I have only one judge in my life. I know this is not and will not be easy but I am ready to give it my all. I've been through alot in my life personally and medically at young ages and had no choice. This time I have a choice and I am choosing to be happy and healthy. Anyone that can offer a newbie advice please I would love it. I am in VA but my surgery/surgeon is in SC. I will be traveling 1-2 times month for my support classes and appointments. My insurance requires the 6 months of weigh ins and Edoscopy and EKG and the surgeon requires 1 month prior to surgery of Opti-Fast Protein drink diet. The month prior to my surgery I plan to relocate temporary to a hotel until 1 month after surgery or travel every week 1 month prior to surgery and stay there 1 month after surgery.

Thank You and Best Wishes

Nika

Im three years out in june and I still shop at goodwill. Since Im smaller, I can afford to shop at the malls but dont be scared to shop the local goodwill or consignments.

I am with you, I'm only 5 months out but have lost 72 pounds. I was in a size 24 and now am in a size 12. It's so weird because you think getting dressed should be one of the most exciting parts of your day but for me it's very uncomfortable because well to be honest I don't even know how to dress at this size. I to was in high school last time I was this size and I don't want to dress like that again, lol. But I am excited also, it's like I get a new start. I can make and mold myself into whomever I want to be and I love that. It sure has turned into an amazing adventure I am excited to see where it takes me. I'm am sorry you have lost friends over this, I know how that feels. My family is still very angry with me for making the choice to have this surgey and when I eat around them they constantly mention how unhealthy they think my ratting habits are and don't want to listen to my explanation. Oh well is all I can say, my husband and I are both super happy with the results so far. They will come around, and if they don't oh well, other people will come into my life that can love me as I am. Good luck and remember your not alone on this journey!

Seems like you and I are pretty parallel. I just had my 5 months yesterday and I'm down 75lbs. I've been heavy since I hit puberty and before that I was tease for wearing glasses and being tall for a girl. However I agree, getting dressed feels weird. I recently went to a wedding where I reunited with my college friends and they were excited for me. They didn't see me at my heaviest but we're still supportive. My mom and sister are not. I've always been the heaviest of my sisters and now that I've caught up to them, she doesn't like it. My older sister thinks I'm her personal doll and loves that we can share almost all our clothes. I was a 22 the day of surgery, I'm now approaching 12 in some styles...I still don't believe it and hate getting the compliments. My dad and my 8 yr old daughter are very happy for

Me and that's good enough I guess. Does it ever feel better?

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You may not be sure what to do with "her," but I have a feel you will figure out how to be the best, confident you. Good luck! I hope your day is better.

I have lost 91 lbs and have lots of important work meetings (conventions) coming up. I still want to lose about 40 more lbs but I finally bit the bullet and bought some new clothes. Funny that I still shop at the same store (dress barn) only I no longer shop on the plus side. I just "replaced" my pants with smaller sized pants. The tops and dresses are more fun. I have also gotten a pair of black and a pair of nude peep toe pumps and sling backs. I just donated 3 big bags full of clothes and I probably have at least 3 more bags to sort and give (that doesn't even include all the suits which I have in a separate bin to give to dress for success). It's hard to let go of some of the stuff but SO liberating when you do. People REALLY notice that you have lost weight when you start wearing smaller clothes. The clutter of having all this stuff I don't need anymore makes it hard to find the stuff I do need. So the next three bagful a are happening next weekend. It really does make me feel LIGHTER and more accepting of my new and improved self.

Try Gwinnie bee...rent clothes

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