Explain something to me?

[BigDaddyJoe 246]

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?

[gmanbat 5,889]

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.

[sueBhoney 13]

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.

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

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.....

[marfar7 1,528]

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.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

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.

[No game 14,436]

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...

[Fiddleman 4,376]

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.

[No game 14,436]

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.

[BigDaddyJoe 246]

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.