Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Downsizing & dress size



Recommended Posts

It has taken me a year and a half and -84lb to come down from a size 24 (us) to a size 18 (us). I am interested in finding out if this is pretty standard or if I am just a slow looser...as I think I am.

How long has it taken for you?

Does anyone know what weight figure (ie 18lb) relates to a new dress size or is it different for everybody.. I am trying to work out how long it will take me now to get to a size 12.

:funscale:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the dress sizes have something to do with our height, also the way the garment is cut. I've lost 103 lbs in 8 months; gone from a 28 to a 22 which doesn't feel like much of a change....but I'm short and big in the middle. I've got a long row ahead of me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh my gosh. Don't let the dress size get you down...100 lbs is a whole person. That's fantastic. I would worry about my skin not being able to keep up! B. Simoes

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It has taken me a year and a half and -84lb to come down from a size 24 (us) to a size 18 (us). I am interested in finding out if this is pretty standard or if I am just a slow looser...as I think I am.

How long has it taken for you?

Does anyone know what weight figure (ie 18lb) relates to a new dress size or is it different for everybody.. I am trying to work out how long it will take me now to get to a size 12.

Flabuless,

84 pounds in a year is 1.6 pounds a week. I personally think that is fantastic!! Could you have maintained a steady losing 1.6 pounds a week without the band and without falling off the wagon? I know there is no way I could. The most awesome thing about those 84 pounds is they are gone for good and you have no way to go but down!

Congratulations on such a successful first year!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am in a size 11/12 and I weigh 160. I am 5'4. I went from 232 size 22, to 160 size 11/12. I would be in an 8 but I have soooo much extra skin. ~Mandy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started a thread similar to yours about a month ago.

I got several responses and the bottom line, people say is that you have to lose a lot more weight to change sizes when you are in plus size clothes. For many people it was taking 40 or more lbs to go down a size.

Once you hit the size 16's and below around 10-15 lost brings you down another size.

I am always hearing about people saying "I lost 25 lbs and went down three sizes" I was getting very frustrated because I have lost 30 and in the same size. The difference is, I started at size 22 and they started at 16.

Hope this helps, good luck, you are doing fantastic:clap2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

yeah that makes a lot of sense about being in plus sizes and taking more weight to move down a size, I am in a 20 now and have been since 30 lbs ago. I gained 30 that is and still fit the 20, just a little snugger. When i was an 18 and lost 15lbs i dropped to a 16.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think it's true that the plus sizes take more weight loss to move down into another size...I am a little over 5'7" tall. I weighed 286 and wore a size 26 in pants. Now, I weigh 208 and wear a size 18 in pants. Here's where it gets confusing...at Target, I am just getting into their size 18's, which fit much tighter in the hips and thighs. On the other hand, some Bill Blass jeans in size 18 are very loose. I wear them, but I'm always yanking them up, and I'm about to give up with them.

So, size is a combination of height, weight, body shape, and manufacturer. How's that for a confusing bowl of spaghetti? Basically, I just try stuff on, and if it fits, I buy, regardless of what number is on the tag.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think that a lot of it depends upon your body shape. :) I am 5'6" and now weigh 179 lbs but I have broad shoulders and I like to wear loose tops; thus I still wear a 3x but I look a lot better in them now. I have lost a lot of weight off my gut and waist and my boobs now stick out farther than my potbelly. :D This is great! but I still take a fairly large pant size compared to some of the other women who post here because I am thick-waisted. I always was, even when I was thin. This is kind of a drag for me. The NSVs come slower for me but on the other hand my arms and legs are quite slender.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For me, and several women I know, there is a correlation to a point. It ook me a lot of weight to move down my first few sizes. Now a size is about 20 pounds, but when you wweight 150, 20 pounds is going to be a lot more than a size.

Why?

Think of things that have layers, like an onion. When you take off the first layer, you don't see much of a difference in size. Maybe even the next layer or two. But then you take off a layer and the onion is dramatically smaller. And then you get to the point where one layer is all that's left. We're kind of the same way. It's the fat we're losing relative to our body size.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the onion analogy. I never thought of it that way. I also didn't know about the plus size difference. I had finally come to the conclusion that I needed to get to regulars as quickly as possible because the women's were too big, but I wasn't changing sizes. I have smaller thighs and no rear. I carry all my weight in the middle. I now can wear regular 20's, but 1X fits as well. It just depends.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the bigger you are the longer it takes to see a difference in clothing sizes because plus sizes are roomier all around. I also think body shape plays a role. I started out at 255. I am 5'6 and a pear shape. My pants size is almost always a full size bigger than my shirts. I wore 20s or 2X in shirts and 22s or 2X's in bottoms. I am 185 now and wearing Larges in shirts and 14/16 in pants depending on how they are made. After I lost 25 lbs I was able to wear 20s in pants. For me it was about 25 lbs to change sizes initially. Once I hit a 16 it was about 15 lbs to change sizes but darned if those 15 lbs don't take longer to shed now!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah, agreed. I can tell you now that 10lb would take me from an Australian 16 to a 14, but those 10lb are the last and are taking longer than the previous 65!

I'd lost 15kg before people really noticed - that's well over 30lb.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I started a thread similar to yours about a month ago.

I got several responses and the bottom line, people say is that you have to lose a lot more weight to change sizes when you are in plus size clothes. For many people it was taking 40 or more lbs to go down a size.

Once you hit the size 16's and below around 10-15 lost brings you down another size.

I am always hearing about people saying "I lost 25 lbs and went down three sizes" I was getting very frustrated because I have lost 30 and in the same size. The difference is, I started at size 22 and they started at 16.

Hope this helps, good luck, you are doing fantastic:clap2:

This is very useful. I have lost 35 pound and still wear a 2x blouse. Something is wrong in the sizing world.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It seems to me that you can't shop by size anymore. In some clothes, I wear 16 pants, and in others 14. No one who weighs 185 pounds should wear a 14, but these are stretch jeans. I still wear a 2x top which is weird because I bought some old clothes on eBay and 18s fit perfectly. I got a Pendleton suit in a 20 which fits, but is a petite so the sleeves are too short. I just don't know what to get. I weigh 185 (and have for months). My hairdresser weighs 170 and wears clothes a lot smaller than mine. I just don't get it. I really wish they'd just have a universal size that fits everyone of that size. That would make shopping a lot easier. But since I buy clothes on eBay, I save money and get some nice stuff. I've only ordered two things that were too small and that's because they didn't give the measurement correctly, so I figure I haven't lost much money and I have gotten some stuff in size 18 that is wonderful. Go figure.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 2 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×