Old Clothes

[rydersmama 804]

So, I've lost 65lbs and went through my closet and have 4 garbage bags full of clothes that no longer fit me. I want to take them to the donation box, but here's my issue...

I have kept every single stitch of clothing I've owned for about 10 years now. As my weight has gone up and down I've always had clothes that fit me. And I've never gotten rid of any of it so I'd have a backup when I'd gain the weight back.

So now these 4 bags sit there, and to be honest, I'm scared to get rid of them in case I screw up again and gain it all back.

I truly hope now I've had my surgery, I'll never need those clothes again, but there's that voice in the back of my head telling me to keep it all

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[reree6898 1,164]

I went through those same feelings and fears when I was first looking to get rid of clothes and it has been an amazing and freeing feeling to actually get rid of the clothes now. As I lose I have been purging my closet on a regular basis now because I had to learn to have the confidence in myself that I am not going to go back. I did not go through with all this just to fall back into what I was before.

[JenniferP1 75]

You're not alone! I work remotely from home and now realize how many of my clothes from the last couple of years are stretchy, comfy types that still fit me even though I've lost 66 lbs. I have started by throwing out a bra that got to loose and some undies that were literally falling off me. I'm looking forward to cleaning out my closets, but def keep procrastinating about it - I think for the reasons you mention. It does feel so awesome to get rid of stuff though!

[JenniferP1 75]

You're not alone! I work remotely from home and now realize how many of my clothes from the last couple of years are stretchy, comfy types that still fit me even though I've lost 66 lbs. I have started by throwing out a bra that got to loose and some undies that were literally falling off me. I'm looking forward to cleaning out my closets, but def keep procrastinating about it - I think for the reasons you mention. It does feel so awesome to get rid of stuff though!

[JamieLogical 8,684]

GET RID OF THEM! You will not needing them again and hanging onto them is a statement that you don't believe in yourself!

[JenniferP1 75]

You're not alone! I work remotely from home and now realize how many of my clothes from the last couple of years are stretchy, comfy types that still fit me even though I've lost 66 lbs. I have started by throwing out a bra that got to loose and some undies that were literally falling off me. I'm looking forward to cleaning out my closets, but def keep procrastinating about it - I think for the reasons you mention. It does feel so awesome to get rid of stuff though!

Edited March 4, 2016 by JenniferP1

[GibbsGirl 483]

http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/articles.html/_/support/say-goodbye-now-r583

I really liked this article.

[WorkinOnMe 596]

Totally went through the same feelings at first, however I discovered 2 things:

1. It was liberating to get rid of those clothes. I felt soooo much better after they were gone & I couldn't see them all anymore. I did keep a few remnants of my "old" self just to see how far I have come, but for the most part it all went. It was like a giant weight (pun intended) was lifted off of me!!!

2. I discovered that by keeping those old clothes I was GIVING MYSELF PERMISSION TO GO BACK! That's right, as long as I had those clothes I was mentally telling myself that if I gained it back it was okay because I had clothes to fit into. Once I got rid of it all, I worked twice as hard to make sure I DIDN'T go back ... in fact, I was more determined than ever to buy smaller and smaller sizes, not bigger.

Do yourself a favor & give them away as soon as you can. For me, the psychological hurdle was easier to get over once I did.

[ocgirl15 667]

I am in the same boat. I have clothes size 4 to size 16. (In a 12 2 1/2 post op). The positive is I won't have to buy much until I am in maintenance. Here's is my plan for the too big clothes. I AM donating them. When I get to goal (about a size 6 probably) I plan keep one size bigger for the common regain. So the 8s get to stay. I will still be happy and very healthy at an 8. Everything else goes! I want any regain beyond what is still a healthy range to be as expensive and humiliating as possible. Knowing there are big clothes on standby would just makes it all the easier to go back to unhealthy habits and an unhealthy weight. Surgery is not weight watchers or the rest of the fad diets. The sleeve WILLL work and I am 100% confident in myself and what I have learned this time. The big clothes go.... 16s are already enjoying their new home at good will! Going through the 14s this weekend!

[adrinanna 46]

You're not alone! I work remotely from home and now realize how many of my clothes from the last couple of years are stretchy, comfy types that still fit me even though I've lost 66 lbs. I have started by throwing out a bra that got to loose and some undies that were literally falling off me. I'm looking forward to cleaning out my closets, but def keep procrastinating about it - I think for the reasons you mention. It does feel so awesome to get rid of stuff though!

Hey Jennifer... I work from home but occasionally have to spend a week in the office like twice a year. I only need a few professional outfits. I am at the preliminary part of this process but I was wondering if you thought the process was easier working from home. What challenges did you face. I think my biggest fear is I plan dinners with friends to get out of the house... Going out to eat will be a social struggle so I am concerned of how to keep my sanity.

[mrslb5 333]

Let them go!!! I had over 20 bags I let them go never looked back now I enjoy shopping for new things that fit!!! After dropping over 120 I don't ever want those cloths back again!

[rydersmama 804]

You guys are all right. I have to go shopping tonight and will load them in the car and get rid of them. My security blanket will be officially gone! I'll let you know later after I did it. I'm so happy you all know how hard this is! It's a huge step for me to do this!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[rydersmama 804]

Well, all my old clothes are gone!! Thanks for the support!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[JenniferP1 75]

Hi Adrianna -- I think that working from home made it easier for me to stick to the plan better than if I was working at an office - no temptations, nobody questioning my eating habits, etc. I was sleeved 11/5/2015 and was pretty much a hermit this winter. That being said I am down 68 lbs, so am thrilled with my progress so far! I only bring foods into the house that are approved on my plan - so no slider foods, no processed foods, etc. I focus on high-protein. low (simple) carb, organic, GMO-free, vegetarian foods. My plan calls for 5 small high-protein meals per day, and I think it would be trickier for me to successfully accomplish this if working in an office. We also have almost no alcohol in the house any more -- I used to drink more than I should (was drinking way too many calories), and since surgery I've only sipped on a couple of random drinks when dining out socially. We go out for dinner occasionally but almost always for sushi, where I get sashimi (I will eat pescatarian when dining out). When I travel to my company's HQ, I bring Protein Bars and Vitamins (was bringing Protein Powder but never used it). Hotel offers eggs for Breakfast and I'm able to get some Beans and cheese at the cafe' for lunch. Dinners are a little trickier, but I typically order an app and find that most people don't really pay attention to what others are eating -- and if they do I just say "I had a big lunch." I know I'll be socializing and going out a lot more when summer comes, but I feel that following a strict plan at home for about 6-7 months prior to that will help me stay focused and on track. Glad to "meet" another remote professional!

You're not alone! I work remotely from home and now realize how many of my clothes from the last couple of years are stretchy, comfy types that still fit me even though I've lost 66 lbs. I have started by throwing out a bra that got to loose and some undies that were literally falling off me. I'm looking forward to cleaning out my closets, but def keep procrastinating about it - I think for the reasons you mention. It does feel so awesome to get rid of stuff though!

Hey Jennifer... I work from home but occasionally have to spend a week in the office like twice a year. I only need a few professional outfits. I am at the preliminary part of this process but I was wondering if you thought the process was easier working from home. What challenges did you face. I think my biggest fear is I plan dinners with friends to get out of the house... Going out to eat will be a social struggle so I am concerned of how to keep my sanity.