I'm Sitting in the dressing room at Dress Barn crying for what seems like no good reason. I'm seeing friends tonight -I haven't seen some for several years. They watched me balloon up over 6+ years. Over the last few years I just stopped seeing them.

I've lost over 40 lbs since my surgery 6 weeks ago. My clothes are loose so I went to get a new outfit for tonight. From size 24 originally, I grabbed for the 22. Too big. Grabbed the 20. Too big. Grabbed the 18- fit but tons of room. 16 it is. Wtf. Why am I crying? My top sizes went from generous 3x to 1x and could likely go to an XL.

I should be dancing in the aisles. Why the hell am I stuck in this dressing room crying???

Happy tears? Grieving for the woman who had surgery? A combination?

Who knows. Obviously you have some very strong feelings. That is ok. You are allowed.

Congratulations on the weight loss by the way.

I would guess hormones. Congratulations!!

Perhaps because you are making progress after struggling prior to surgery? You are happy for yourself as well? I agree with the hormones thing too.

Whatever the reason, wipe those tears away and be beautiful!

I suspect seeing this obvious sign of your amazing progress was a little bit of a catharsis for you. I had a similar experience... I cried because for so many years I didn't believe this would ever really happen to me. I accepted my fatness and my fate a long time ago, and seeing that I could change and get my life and body back - well, it was pretty emotional for me too. You deserve to be happy and have success! We all do!

Thanks all. I literally called my mom to the store lol. Have to love moms! I ended up only buying one top and pants. Trying on more was too hard. I think you're right Cervidae. Cathartic. So much emotion built up in the years of being overweight and thinking I would never see my old self again. I was SURE ( probably like so many) I would be the one person this would not work for in the end.

I've decided to indulge myself for the rest of the day- getting a mani pedi now followed by a massage.

Want to look and feel my best tonight. The biggest shocker will come from my cousin. We grew up together, literally next door, went to school together, and now we still live very close and our kids have grown up together. I never told her about the surgery and purposefully haven't seen her since Christmas- which is when my journey started. She can be very judgmental. Never towards me, but usually I tell her to knock it off. This should be a fun one....

Thanks for allowing me to vent. I know you all know how important the support on this site is for each of us.

Hormones. You fat cells stored not only fat but also chemicals and hormones. As you lose weight, you release these hormones into your system and it can flood the system. By drinking fluids, especially filtered Water, you can flush these from your system through your kidneys. Eventually as you reach your lower weight, this will dissipate somewhat. So try and stay calm and remember hydrate.