Clothes shopping question with operation in the near future.

[jcs2005]

I should be receiving bariatric surgery by the last half of May and first half of June ( I have some other health conditions that require me to have the surgery so they can surgically correct another problem that is causing me moderate to severe pain) but I even if I wasn't I know I need new clothes this year for he summer season and I am not sure how to plan for this. After your surgery were you able to get your favorite pieces tailored once you had lost significant weight? In your experience, how many sizes did you drop in say...4 to 6 weeks? I had a baby last year that left me with a ventral hernia that takes up approximately 50% of my abdomen so most jeans or regular button up pants are painful to wear. After I had my daughter. I bought one size down in pants and capri's from the maternity story that are comfortable and not too loose. I may have to do that again, but Maternity clothes are just so gosh darn expensive, especially for plus size women.

Anyway, any examples, suggestions, tips, or other information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

-Jen

 

[fkrebs]

Welcom JCS2005, This is a great group of people and someone will know much better than I do, how to answer your questions. I lost about 2 inches in the first 4 weeks. What type of surgery are you having? I had the RNY or Gastric Bypass. That will make a difference as each surgery has different results in the beginning. Again welcome to a great board.

Frank

 

[Javajoy]

Jan,

Welcome to the Forum. I also had a large ventral hernia repaired but the repair did not last in my case so sometime in the future I will no doubt need it again. (that will be number three). I lost weight much slower than those with RNY or sleeve but this is what I did. 1. watch for sales at major department stores.- I found some great items in a name brand at 70% off and sometimes I cut out a coupon for an additional 10 - 15- or 20 % off. I stick to just a few colors like brown, blue and black for the time being and brighten them up with pretty tops. I also used some things like shorts and summer items for around the house by going to Walmart, target, and Kmart and hitting their sales. 2. Check with your Center and see if they have a clothing exchange closet. 3. Get familiar with your second hand stores. I found a lovely outfit for summer in a brand I like at Salvation Army thrift stores for $4.00 and a pair of jeans I can wear for $4.99 at Goodwill. Don't count on two pairs of pants off the same rack fitting equally. Try everything on so you don't waste any of your clothing dollars. I started in a 22-24 and am down to a 20 in jeans, and a 16-18 in pants depending on the cut, and a 16 in a dress. I have to hem everything just about. If you sew you can alter some things easily for the interim times by putting in darts or taking in the side seams. Also, check yard sales because many people sell their clothes as they lose weight (or gain it for that matter). I always keep one nice black dress and black pants outfit for just in case. If you work and need clothes of a professional nature try some of the better used clothing stores - then as you lose you can resell them. The funniest thing was that I had about six pairs of pants that I wore when I weighed 200 pounds. I had gained to 244 pounds and I thought that when I got back to 200 pounds I could wear all those pants. WRONG! My body shape had completely changed and they did not fit at all. I went straight from a 22 (at 200 pounds) to an 18. I guess it is all the protein we have to eat. Even now when I do not lose weight my shape changes. Hope this helps some. Good luck as you continue on this journey. Joy