Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

When did you stop buying new clothes?



Recommended Posts

Getting surgery in October. I’ve got some work events coming and my closet is pathetic right now. Would like to refresh it a little bit but I’ve got surgery coming up. I know the weight will take time to fall off but I’m in that weird area so not sure what to do. When did you stop buying clothes?

Bonus: if you’ve had the surgery, when did you need to start buying new clothes?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had to buy smaller clothes after 2 weeks because of the presurgical liquid diet (2 weeks), then I lost a lot immediately post surgery, and it hurt to much to put on any pants other than sweats.

I only bought sweats as I lost over the past year since I had kept all my smaller sizes from years back. I only just bought real clothes after 6 months out.

I didn't buy anything before surgery. 9 months later and I have given away my entire wardrobe, sizes 14-28, and am only buying 2 outfits for any given size while I wait to level out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was blowing through sizes so fast that I bought everything except for underwear at thrift stores (like Goodwill). Actually, I still get most of my clothes there, and I've been in maintenance for over five years!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I stopped pre-surgery and just put up with my fat clothes getting loose until they were really like wearing a tent. I had smaller clothes in my wardrobe from when I was smaller and/or had previously lost some weight, so I had a range of clothes to "move into" as the weight came off. Once those clothes started turning into tents, I bought second hand jeans and tops off Ebay and at op-shops/goodwill. I'm still doing that, but now that I'm almost at goal, I've bought a few items that should last me to my goal. If they look a little big, they're only one size different so I should get away with keeping them in rotation.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I lost about 60lbs I had to begin buying new clothes and wearing the old baggy stuff at home. When buying new stuff I'm naughty. I go into my local M & S store and try clothes on to see which size I fit now. I buy M & S items new from Ebay at a fraction of the cost. As I dont go out that much I can get away with 3 outfits and a dress for special occasions. My old stuff that does not fit anymore goes to a charity shop. I seem to be going down sizes quite quick so I am always on the look out for a bargain

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It really depends on your budget whether you should buy clothes. I mean it’s best to love the skin your in and of course that’s easier to do if you at least have clothes that fit you appropriately at every size. You will most likely drop a chunk of weight during pre op and then the first few pounds come of pretty quickly post op so if you buy new clothes you won’t be wearing them long. You may want to consider consignment or thrift stores for a while if you don’t want to invest a ton of money in clothing. But I say that we usually feel better about ourselves when we look our best so if the budget permits then buy a few outfits to carry you through and donate them or give to a friend when you are ready to size down.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had an array of sizes from years of loss and gains. Ranging from 4x-1x and 28-18.

I only bought very few things so far. I bought a few shirts just because they were cute and I could. I also bought 1 nice out fit for when I needed to dress up. (Which is now too big so I need another dressier outfit)

I am in my smallest jeans that I have on hand now, and still have shirts that will last through a bit more weight loss.

I try to only buy a few things because I know they won't fit very long. The problem I have now is that I am going to Florida in October and ALL of my summer clothes (other than some t shirts) are already on the looser side so I know they will be too big by October.

I am kind of stressed out about it because things fit me way different now and I HAVE to try things on, so finding summer clothes in Sept./October is going to be impossible in stores.

It is going to be a cycle of Amazon order and return, order and return until I find a few things that fit correctly for vacation. Including a bathing suit as my current one is already too big.

When I hit my goal I plan on a mega shopping spree. hehe

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, kcuster83 said:

I had an array of sizes from years of loss and gains. Ranging from 4x-1x and 28-18.

I only bought very few things so far. I bought a few shirts just because they were cute and I could. I also bought 1 nice out fit for when I needed to dress up. (Which is now too big so I need another dressier outfit)

I am in my smallest jeans that I have on hand now, and still have shirts that will last through a bit more weight loss.

I try to only buy a few things because I know they won't fit very long. The problem I have now is that I am going to Florida in October and ALL of my summer clothes (other than some t shirts) are already on the looser side so I know they will be too big by October.

I am kind of stressed out about it because things fit me way different now and I HAVE to try things on, so finding summer clothes in Sept./October is going to be impossible in stores.

It is going to be a cycle of Amazon order and return, order and return until I find a few things that fit correctly for vacation. Including a bathing suit as my current one is already too big.

When I hit my goal I plan on a mega shopping spree. hehe

Gotta love Amazon try before you buy option for a situation like that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Question: “When did you stop buying new clothes?”

My Answer: Never! 😂

With that said though, “New Clothes” purchases started its significant rise around 4 months (when i shrunk out of my horde of “skinny clothes” i kept over the years); peaked at about 1 year (omg i was a shopaholic around that time), and levelled off since then (i’ll be 4 yrs post in October).

If resources allow, i say there ain’t nothing wrong at all with getting some cute outfits that fit PROPERLY….looking good generally makes you FEEL good, which does wonders for your confidence, which makes all the difference with dealing with life in general (including weight loss/maintenance!)

Good Luck! ❤️

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That is a tough one with work events coming up, and surgery soon after. I wonder if you could find something on clearance, end of season? Or at a thrift shop?

I had saved a lot of clothes over the years and was able to get through the weight loss stages without buying too much. I really started to build my wardrobe again about seven months after surgery. Since then, I have lost maybe 12 more pounds.

A tip if you are female: dresses are more forgiving in changing sizes, than pants. For example, I have a short-sleeve size 2X dress with an elastic waist, that has fit me nicely with probably an 80 pound difference. I did have to stitch the arm holes tighter because they were too wide. Whereas pants will fall off if they are a size or two too big.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The Question: “When did you stop buying new clothes?”
My Answer: Never! [emoji23]
With that said though, “New Clothes” purchases started its significant rise around 4 months (when i shrunk out of my horde of “skinny clothes” i kept over the years); peaked at about 1 year (omg i was a shopaholic around that time), and levelled off since then (i’ll be 4 yrs post in October).
If resources allow, i say there ain’t nothing wrong at all with getting some cute outfits that fit PROPERLY….looking good generally makes you FEEL good, which does wonders for your confidence, which makes all the difference with dealing with life in general (including weight loss/maintenance!)
Good Luck! [emoji3590]
Ha ha ha I was gonna say the same thing. I'll NEVER stop buying new clothes! [emoji23]

I have been a pretty consistent size for the past 6 months or so though, so I don't HAVE to buy new stuff. But I still do. [emoji12]

Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On 8/16/2022 at 3:29 PM, Esi said:

That is a tough one with work events coming up, and surgery soon after. I wonder if you could find something on clearance, end of season? Or at a thrift shop?

I had saved a lot of clothes over the years and was able to get through the weight loss stages without buying too much. I really started to build my wardrobe again about seven months after surgery. Since then, I have lost maybe 12 more pounds.

A tip if you are female: dresses are more forgiving in changing sizes, than pants. For example, I have a short-sleeve size 2X dress with an elastic waist, that has fit me nicely with probably an 80 pound difference. I did have to stitch the arm holes tighter because they were too wide. Whereas pants will fall off if they are a size or two too big.

I am still wearing my elastic waisted skirts from before surgery. I have had to turn them up because not having a big bum and stomach anymore, they were sweeping the floor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would buy as little as possible pre-surgery. Like others have said, recommend clearance or thrift store.

I am 1.5 years post surgery. I bought clothes at every size. I found a store that sells Department store (Macys) close outs and sells them for $10. I was there constantly buying things as I lost weight. Became really friendly with the store clerk!

My weight has been constant for months now, but I have so much fun trying and buying clothes, I still get things, but only if I love them and they’re a good price. I went from a size 18 to now holding steady for over eight months as a size four. I’m hoping to have plastic surgery to remove my extra skin by the end of the year, so I treated myself to two pairs of post-surgery pants I hope to fit in later. I also bought a dress my husband thinks I’m too old for, just because I can!

Save your money now and enjoy the journey!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I totally get the dilemma of needing presentable clothes for work events while knowing your size will change dramatically soon. Before my own weight loss journey, I stuck to versatile, forgiving pieces like stretchy trousers and flowy tops to accommodate size changes. For events, I’d often invest in just one or two classic items from affordable stores or clearance racks. It helped me feel polished without breaking the bank.

If you’re into bags and accessories, though, they’re a great way to elevate any outfit, regardless of size changes. I’ve always loved browsing product roundups for timeless options like Coach bags and accessories. They make even simple outfits feel more put-together.

Edited by PorkChopExpress

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×