Hey there,

I know what you mean extactly-- I haven't had a similar situation, but I honestly was never thin even to have clothes to look at for inspiration. I was chubby my whole life with everyone telling me I'm fat and needed to loose weight, even when I got up to the point where I was just a little chubby.

It hurts to know that the one thing that showed you were thin are gone, but just remember that you will be that thin again once you get the lap band (or look at pictures of yourself when you were that weight or mybe look in store windows of what you want to wear when you get down to that weight)!

I was 246 lbs before I was banded and, within one month and one week of recieving the band, have lost 32.5 lbs without even trying. Self control gets so easy after you get it. I eat 1/3 of what I used to eat and I ate A LOT. An example Trust me, this lap band will work as long as you follow what your doctor says. Also, I have started this diet and maybe it'll work for you as well once you get passed the mushy food diet (Not that bad either). I have taken wheat completely out of my diet because (especially bread and pasta) expands in your stomach so you may be unable to get the rich protien that you need. Keep drinking milk, eating dairy, get protien and lots of water. Veggies are not mandatory so lots of meat and high-protien products and water. It has worked wonders for me! Maybe even start to know why you wait? You'll eat more now, but if you eat pasta and bread they are really bad for you. I loved pasta and don't miss it at all!

It takes months to get all the referals. It is a tough process, but worth it in the end.

Everyone is dfferent, but I garranty you will have success!

Trust me,

Natalie

I know it's not the same, but I went out and bought a pair of pants a couple months ago that were too small for me, knowing I'd fit into them soon enough. I try them on every once in a while, this morning as a matter of fact. It gives something extra to look forward to.

I myself got rid of my thin clothes last year. Now when I decided to get banded - I was so mad at myself. What I chose to do was just celebrate my change & a new future. I went to my first appointment on May 24th. I had to not only go through lots of pre-op stuff (meet with nurse couple times, dietitian, exercise specialist, surgeon - I had to also go through many bi weekly calls with my insurance). I went from May to August losing 16 pounds before they would even schedule my surgery. I too felt SO impatient and wanted surgery the day I made the decision. But what I learned those 3 months was that I was not ready May 24th. I had to start making diet changes in May, June & July so that I could naturally lose 16 pounds. I took that time to get rid of all the food that would not be in the plan for me once banded. I also started exercising. I joined curves & got involved there. By the time I finished my phone calls with insurance & got approval - I had lost almost 20 pounds. In those 3 months I totally got off pop, fast food and started eating so much better. I even went from a size 24 pant to a 22. Boy was that a feeling of victory. When it came time for my surgery - I was ready.

What I learned in the 'waiting process' is meant to provide tools for us - successful tools. We have to make big changes with the lap band. We have to change. The band won't do it for us. I saw my neighbor go through RNY about 7 years ago. She didn't quite lose all her weight. The sad thing is she gained every bit of it back & more. I knew when I went in to request this - I would NOT let that happen to me.

Look towards the future & how your life, body & health will change. You will 'celebrate' purchasing new & stylish clothes as your body changes. Don't mourn the loss of smaller clothes. Instead - embrace a new lifestyle with healthy eating. Take the time you have preparing for surgery & exercise, eat healthy & learn about the changes ahead. It will make your weeks after surgery so much better. My exercising ahead of the game & losing weight - has made me feel 'normal' today & not post surgical - day 6 after having lap band and hernia repair. You would never know I had surgery. other than I am on liquids for another week, then puree, soft. Its a process & I am SO grateful for the band - I cherished & embraced the waiting. During that time - I joined 2 support groups at my hospital. Those support groups helped the waiting be more bearable.

All the best to you. Java.

I'm right there too, I've always been heavy to the point where I have no sense of fashion, clothes were just clothes to cover myself. No make up. But once I made my decision to get banded, I have been buying smaller clothes and hanging in separate closet.FIlled a make up band, letting my hair grow longer than I ever have, instead of the cut of shower shampoo and go. So once Im ready I will have. Good Luck sister, look ahead not back! Your mom meant well, but you know better..

I've been talking about this very topic for weeks in therapy... I have thin clothes in my closet, and wonder if, after I'm banded, should I keep my fat clothes... What I'm coming up with is that maybe it isn't so good to live in the past or the future, and maybe it's best to focus on where you are at the moment and what you need. I don't know if it's helpful to use our past or our future as a "measuring stick" to see if we're being successful or a failure. Either way, I wish you all the best to a speedy thin!!!

Well I have to say that getting rid of my fat clothes was very therapeutic for me. I have held on to various sizes in my closet for years and I finally drew a line in the sand and declared that I would never need those clothes again. I spent a day going through everything and giving it all away. I had thousands of dollars worth of clothes but it felt absolutely wonderfull to give them all away. I am so enjoying shopping to re-stock the closet too. I am still not at my goal weight so I am trying not to go overboard but i must say it is hard. Shopping becomes addictive when you can finally buy anything you want because it all looks good on you now. Going from a tight size 20 to a 12 makes you want to give those old clothes away. Dont worry about the past, just forge ahead into a wonderful future.