Just something to throw out there at all of you losers!!

As we are all losing weight, pretty rapidly, we need clothing that doesn't cost a fortune!

Goodwill (or places like it) is a GREAT place to get CHEAP clothes...

I got 2 pairs of jeans and a pair of shorts for a grand total of $14.50 the other day.

Granted they don't fit YET.. but they will...

one pair of jeans was $3.50...

Be prepared to have to look through everything since there is basically no organization... other than sorted by color for tops and pants other than jeans...

ALL jeans are lumped together in no particular sizing order...

at least that is how it is at the ones I went to..

I am so with you on the thrift shops! I have been regularly checking the local thrift stores and buying clothes that I love in various sizes. I have been doing this for over 6 months and have a nice collection built up now. I have sorted the clothes by sizes and boxed them by sizes. I stack the boxes with the smallest size on the bottom and the biggest on top. It makes it easier as I drop sizes so I don't have to dig through looking for the next size I need. Sorting the different sizes into individual boxes has also helped me to know how much I have for each size and which sizes I need to concentrate on. I can't seem to imagine getting below a size 12 so I have very few things below that size. I figure once I start getting closer to a size 12, I will start shopping for smaller sizes if I feel I have a good chance of needing them. Thrift stores are definitely a WLS patient's treasure chest!

Luvin Life - that's great that you're so organized! I could (should!) probably do the same thing in my own closet with clothes I already own. They vary from size 8 to 18 with all of the fluctuations I've had. It would help me to know what's where so I don't miss a great outfit because I didn't find it in time.

I also found the Forever 21 near me has a great plus size section where I found lots of nice fitting, stylish, and CHEAP clothes!

My favorite jeans pre-surgery were Old Navy Diva boot cut dark rinse. I started out in size 20 and when they were on sale for $19.99, I bought two pairs each in sizes 18, 16, 14, 12, 10 and 8. On average I lasted in each size about two months so I feel I got my money's worth. I used to stare at those size 8's and they seemed so tiny at the time. I couldn't imagine ever fitting into them. Now those size 8's are fitting me perfectly! My wardrobe has been quite limited the past year since surgery. I tend to live in jeans so those and a few shirts to swap out we're all I needed. Now that I'm at goal I'm investing more money in expensive pieces.

I found Goodwill great for casual things, and such good deals. Then I looked hard to find a good consignment shop that carries BOTH plus size (so i can turn the things in that are too big in those sizes) and ladies sizes for my current weight. I looked especially for one that advertised labels and professional clothes, so I get to shop 'the good stuff' with my consignment money there, and jeans, tshirts etc at the Goodwill places.

The most important thing about shopping ahead for smaller sizes is to only buy clothes you absolutely LOVE! There are so many clothes you can buy at thrift stores and you only get to wear these clothes for a limited amount of time. Make sure you buy things you love and something you feel you will live in for the short time you wear it. It isn't any fun to get to a new size if you aren't excited about the new clothes you finally get to wear.

The most important thing about shopping ahead for smaller sizes is to only buy clothes you absolutely LOVE! There are so many clothes you can buy at thrift stores and you only get to wear these clothes for a limited amount of time. Make sure you buy things you love and something you feel you will live in for the short time you wear it. It isn't any fun to get to a new size if you aren't excited about the new clothes you finally get to wear.

You are so right on that one! I'd also say not to buy too much ahead for another reason - for me I use the fun of shopping for something that fits me in-the-moment as a reward for losing another chunk of weight. A non-food reward! I look for those where I can, and like the feeling of celebrating my hard work - even if i don't buy anything, just going and trying on things that now fit feels rewarding. I seriously never thought this much or spent this much time on clothes in all my life! Feels so silly to do so now, but also so good.

I also find clearance racks are good choices too, especially at places that give you "money" to use in the future. I found 3 pairs of pants at kohl's for about 25 dollars. I know it's a little more expensive than goodwill but I also thought it was a good choice, especially for work clothes.

eBay. I've purchased cloths in near new condition that retail for over $100, for $9 - $15 including shipping (most cases). Since most folks selling used cloths on eBay do so as a business, most I've found also accept returns.

i am struggling! I feel like i am tossing clothes every month. I literally have no spring or summer clothes. And getting dressed is now very frustrating. I go to my closet and just want to cry. Don't get me wrong, i LOVE that i have lost over 80lbs and am now a small 10, but it makes getting dressed hard. The clothes I bought when i was a 12 are now getting to be too big and arent flattering. I am nervous about buying more clothes because i dont know how small I am going to get. sigh..what to do

I can really relate @MOSunshine ! I"m in the same boat, but my loss has now slowed enough that my clothes are 'lasting longer' size wise. And while it sounds to all the rest of the world like a great problem to have, or they roll their eyes and completely disregard the frustration we have over this - it's still a real issue to deal with, so good for you speaking up and putting it into words. I"m down about 115 now, and work in a religious setting so the next four days are the height of the whole year, with different services on every day (plus one tonight!). Looking in my closet this evening about what to wear each of the next four days was really frustrating and irritating. I tried things on and these things I used to LOVE (Eileen Fisher taupe silk artistically-cut kimono!) now hangs sack-like on me and drops at the shoulders. My go-to really nice thing is now heading for the Consignment-store-closet in the guest room until I can get over there again. Argh!! I'll be fine, and wear something presentable, but i liked knowing I had collected a few really good pieces. Now like you I hesitate to invest in them until I know how much smaller i'll get, and I'm not finding things quite as nice as that (on the conservative side) even at the higher end consignment stores. So - thanks for letting me crash the whining party and join in! We're allowed, even if it IS a good thing that's causing the rant.

Maybe it would be a good idea to set up "clothing swaps" with other local WLS patients. Then you can trade in your "too bigs" for something smaller, and everybody wins (except maybe those in the small sizes - but at least they can contribute their "too bigs" to the community!). Just a thought!