Ok, I'm almost 5 months out and have done very well with my sleeve. I've lost 80 lbs and am only 4 lbs away from my surgeon's goal. My question is this: I just bought new pants and they were a 32 waist. When I was last at this weight 20 years ago, I was not wearing 32 pants. I was probably 20 lbs less than I am now the last time I wore 32. It is no fluke of the brand of pants or something - I have to wear a belt with all the size 34 shorts I bought just a couple weeks ago. I'm not complaining, just trying to make sense of it.

The only explanation I can come up with has to do with how our bodies still go through changes even when the scale isn't moving, like when we're stuck in a stall. Maybe my body is actually smaller than what the scale says, and the weight is just waiting to be released? Any ideas?

The only logical explanation to me is is this: fat is less, muscle is more. The fat takes up more space for it's weight.

I lost inches many times while the scale remained the same.

If not for the excess skin I would be in sizes I wore when I was a teenager.

It is probably where you are carrying the weight. Especially when you are working out. Funny how are bodies are so different after the years.

The industry has also changed sizing.....Clothes are sized bigger now then they were 20 years ago.....We are in a world where people are much bigger then they used to be...And so manufacturers have upped the sizes so that they can continue selling their products....Example of this is France....They as a country are getting bigger due to the influence of the USA and CANADA.... What was a 0 is now a 2.....This may have something to do with the difference for you...

It is only a few companies that have kept the original charts of sizing.....

Also, is it the exact same brand? Different brands come in different sizes. Last year (before gaining 30 lbs back after my lapband slipped) I wore an 8 in most stores. I wore a 6 at Eddie Bauer (luv them for that!). And they range in the same store with styles also.

Great job man at your success and hard work. Super impressed with smacking down the weight in just 5 months. Fitting into size 32 is validation of being a success.

Want to share your secrets with everyone? I am sure they would appreciate it.

The industry has also changed sizing.....Clothes are sized bigger now then they were 20 years ago.....We are in a world where people are much bigger then they used to be...And so manufacturers have upped the sizes so that they can continue selling their products....Example of this is France....They as a country are getting bigger due to the influence of the USA and CANADA.... What was a 0 is now a 2.....This may have something to do with the difference for you...

It is only a few companies that have kept the original charts of sizing.....

Bingo! Vanity sizing...

I may be wrong, but I do not think vanity sizing applies to men's Levi jeans unless you consider specifically buying a skinny jean or a relaxed jean. A 32 is still a 32 as it was 15-20 years ago. I do find myself wearing some skinny jeans now only because I like a jean that fits right.

I may be wrong' date=' but I do not think vanity sizing applies to men's Levi jeans unless you consider specifically buying a skinny jean or a relaxed jean. A 32 is still a 32 as it was 15-20 years ago. I do find myself wearing some skinny jeans now only because I like a jean that fits right.[/quote']

You could be right.... I don't buy men's Levi's.

I do know my old Levi's and gap jeans are a "bigger" number than the new ones I have though. And they both fit.

Great job man at your success and hard work. Super impressed with smacking down the weight in just 5 months. Fitting into size 32 is validation of being a success.

Want to share your secrets with everyone? I am sure they would appreciate it.

Thanks! I don't really have any secrets, other than following my doctor's and nutritionist's advice. High Protein, low carbs. I use the elliptical machine a few times a week, and just recently started adding in some weights.