I haven’t even had surgery yet, but I’ve been dropping a few pounds from all the pre-op changes.I went shopping today and actually had to size down and it felt strange.

I'm curious if anyone else feel awkward or unsure when buying smaller clothes for the first time? Or did you fully enjoy that moment?

Would love to hear how you handled it.

Heya!

Whilst it was definitely a nice experience, it was one that felt strange for me! I didn't quite believe I could fit into the smaller sizes, so was constantly sizing up when I didn't need to.

Even now, I am sure I need to go down a size but I don't think I am prepared to make that leap! Just feels really strange!

I am however really excited about the access to new styles, the fact I can shop in "normal" places now, and generally enjoy shopping a bit more now!

it is sooooo wierd! I remember going to American Eagle and finding pants...then having to ask the associate for a size 4 and I was so embarrassed thinking that she was looking at me like I was crazy asking for that size. I still think of myself larger

25 minutes ago, AmberFL said:

it is sooooo wierd! I remember going to American Eagle and finding pants...then having to ask the associate for a size 4 and I was so embarrassed thinking that she was looking at me like I was crazy asking for that size. I still think of myself larger

I had a very similar experience! I bought something online in a medium based on a size chart, only to find that vanity sizing had done me in. I actually needed a small in that brand. I still felt like the sales clerk was judging me for asking for a small.

On another note, the vanity sizing thing is so frustrating!

I know women's sizing is the same, but I have found in men's sizes if you pick the size that's supposed to fit based on actual measurements a size chart, it's almost always too big. This wasn't an issue when I was obese because I probably wanted my clothes baggy. Now that I'm smaller, having a decent fit is more important, so I almost always pick the next smaller size of everything, and in some things have to go even smaller.

in the early years, i spent/wasted alot of time returning online purchases because i kept buying stuff i thought would fit me, but was really just too big. i'm 7 yrs post op this year, and i've since learned to check the measurements associated with the sizes before i buy. i'm used to ordering xs/xxs now. but before it used to blow my mind that i would fit into these tiny sizes. as with all things, give it some time and you'll get used to it as it becomes your new normal.

happy shopping!! ❤️

16 hours ago, Bypass2Freedom said:

Heya!

Whilst it was definitely a nice experience, it was one that felt strange for me! I didn't quite believe I could fit into the smaller sizes, so was constantly sizing up when I didn't need to.

Even now, I am sure I need to go down a size but I don't think I am prepared to make that leap! Just feels really strange!

I am however really excited about the access to new styles, the fact I can shop in "normal" places now, and generally enjoy shopping a bit more now!

It definitely feels weird at first but being able to try new styles and shop in regular stores is a big deal. Enjoy that feeling, you've earned it!

10 hours ago, AmberFL said:

it is sooooo wierd! I remember going to American Eagle and finding pants...then having to ask the associate for a size 4 and I was so embarrassed thinking that she was looking at me like I was crazy asking for that size. I still think of myself larger

I’ve had moments like that too, where the size on the tag doesn’t match what I see in the mirror. You’re definitely not alone.

Edited July 2, 20251 yr by JamalR93

6 hours ago, ms.sss said:

in the early years, i spent/wasted alot of time returning online purchases because i kept buying stuff i thought would fit me, but was really just too big. i'm 7 yrs post op this year, and i've since learned to check the measurements associated with the sizes before i buy. i'm used to ordering xs/xxs now. but before it used to blow my mind that i would fit into these tiny sizes. as with all things, give it some time and you'll get used to it as it becomes your new normal.

happy shopping!! ❤️

Thanks for sharing! Still getting used to the sizing shift, and I really appreciate the encouragement.

I'm only 15 months post-op but I totally relate to this weird feeling! I went from a size 22 to a 16 and I still grab the bigger sizes first out of habit. Last month I was shopping for work clothes and kept holding up shirts thinking "there's no way this will fit" but then it did. It's like my brain hasn't caught up with my body yet.

I was never big (sans the past 3 years prior to WLS where I had a bad injury that caused the weight gain), was in shape most of my adulthood.

However, what feels so weird is fitting into my 10 year old's clothes, buying off the children's section, buying smaller shoes (yep, my feet dropped a whole size), and looking at pants I'd be sure wouldn't go past my knees that would end up fitting perfectly. I've never been an XXS, and this still weirds me out.

I'm still really new at this stuff, but when your friend tells you that you need a smaller swimming suit, you need to pay attention. My boobs went flying last week, and I bought a size smaller, too big, bought another the next size smaller, fits! Is it strange and unnerving, you betcha!!!

1 hour ago, WendyJane said:

My boobs went flying last week

?? this is hilarious! Glad you got a new suit! Boobies contained! LOL

18 hours ago, EmilyFlowers said:

I'm only 15 months post-op but I totally relate to this weird feeling! I went from a size 22 to a 16 and I still grab the bigger sizes first out of habit. Last month I was shopping for work clothes and kept holding up shirts thinking "there's no way this will fit" but then it did. It's like my brain hasn't caught up with my body yet.

I get it, it takes time for the mind to catch up, but you’re definitely not the only one going through it.

14 hours ago, Lilia_90 said:

I was never big (sans the past 3 years prior to WLS where I had a bad injury that caused the weight gain), was in shape most of my adulthood.

However, what feels so weird is fitting into my 10 year old's clothes, buying off the children's section, buying smaller shoes (yep, my feet dropped a whole size), and looking at pants I'd be sure wouldn't go past my knees that would end up fitting perfectly. I've never been an XXS, and this still weirds me out.

That's incredible! I've heard of feet shrinking but still find it weird. I get how it feels strange but I think you're doing great.

2 hours ago, WendyJane said:

My boobs went flying last week.

LOL! Good thing you got a suit that actually fits now!

I still find it odd. I am a smaller size now than I have ever been in my life and I'm only 8 months post op so (hopefully) will lose more.

Even my bike helmet is too big now and I have to get a new one! I never expected to be a size 14