My story (briefly) is that I've had the lap band since 2008. I lost from my all-time high of 297 to 180 and then regained up to 240 over the course of a few years.

I'm back in full force, eating well, taking care of myself, and excited about the progress I've made. Today, I weigh 202.

When I lost all of the weight the first time, uncertainty began setting in ...

...how do people see me now?

...where will I shop now that Lane Bryant clothes are getting too big?

...now that I'm smaller, what new things will I do?

The list goes on - and it's not important to me what the questions are (because, seriously, I could overthink anything given the opportunity). What does concern me is that feeling of new - the uncomfortable.

As I'm about to hit 199, I'm starting to feel uncomfortable. What is different this time, though, is that I see it coming - I know what is going on - and, for me, that is most of the struggle.

I'm looking for suggestions or stories about how you dealt with the discomfort - with the sudden changes. Or maybe you just breezed on through and there was no discomfort?

(Oh yeah, and do tell me where you shopped when you were "between sizes.")

xoxo

Glad you're back on board, or in this case, back on BAND. I'll only answer the second question. I shop at Dress Barn.... Why? On the Women's size side, you can try the 1X, on the Misses size side, you can try the XL. Same store.... Two departments. About your other question, maybe counseling (individual or group, like Overeaters Anonymous), could help you with your feeling that caused self-sabotage... Just a suggestion as I am not there yet. My weight loss woes have been that I'm either DIETING or NOT DIETING..... I'm going to try to get a lot of support on MAINTENANCE.

Congratulations on nearing Onederland but even more so on tuning in like this and examining your emotions. I have not lost enough to offer anything by way of experience but you have my best wishes and support. Know that you absolutely deserve all good things -- the weight loss, the healthy body, the new clothing and just feeling good. Some people have issues with attention -- the weight that kept us a little at a distance is disappearing and that layer of protection is no longer available to hide behind. You are doing beautifully and choosing your healthy self first and foremost. Thank yourself in the mirror for the amazing job you are doing. And I thank you for the inspiration -- hopefully right behind you into Onderland and the next goal soon to follow. One bit at a time......

I had/have body image issues and am seeing a therapist to help me with this. I didn't self sabotage...at least not yet. But I am super critical of myself and do not feel comfortable in my body. I don't see what everyone else does and now that I've made it to goal, I am working on learning to live this way for good and not find myself eating for the wrong reasons. Good luck and see if you can find support via a group or even one on one with a therapist.

I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and support.

I don't think I'm heading for a self-sabotage. I'm so aware of what is going on this time around. It is definitely related to body image issues - even at very near to 300 pounds, I really didn't see that I was so big. And now nearly 100 pounds lighter than that, and I have a difficult time seeing the loss.

It's crazy - what we do in our own minds.

I'm in a better place this time - perhaps just hyper-aware because I know what happened and why the first time around.

Dress Barn makes sense!

Glad you're back on board, or in this case, back on BAND. I'll only answer the second question. I shop at Dress Barn.... Why? On the Women's size side, you can try the 1X, on the Misses size side, you can try the XL. Same store.... Two departments. About your other question, maybe counseling (individual or group, like Overeaters Anonymous), could help you with your feeling that caused self-sabotage... Just a suggestion as I am not there yet. My weight loss woes have been that I'm either DIETING or NOT DIETING..... I'm going to try to get a lot of support on MAINTENANCE.

I love Dress Barn! I haven't been in there since losing all my weight, but it was a great "go to" place for nice clothes in plus sizes. I'll check out the OTHER side now

Edited March 18, 201412 yr by mrsto

I just made out like a bandit at Coldwater Creek's spring sale. I was a 2X before (their largest size, I think) and now two sizes down at XL. Their sizing is different from department stores. I like the way CC hangs everything together -- small right up to 2X and I find the quality of the clothing is very high. Great sales staff to go get other sizes or thing you may like, and the sale prices are ridiculous (one pretty top was $4.99, another $11, but then this season's stuff is very pricey). Well-stitched, etc. I also like J Jill but haven't been there in years. In a few months I will try that one, too, and also will see what Dress Barn has to offer. I am determined to have a couple of nice summer dresses for high school graduation, etc. Cottony billowy, pretty. Thanks for that suggestion!

Coldwater Creek is a place I've never shopped - always thought I was too big for there.

Another place that comes to mind is Talbot's.

I really really appreciate the practical suggestions.