Letting go of my armour

[jackie's journey 18]

The time has come to purge my closet. Everything I own is officially way too big for me. This should be exciting, right? It's killing me to part with my big clothes!

Those clothes have covered my body up so well- they were my suit of armour. They protected me from ridicule and rejection. They helped me stay anonymous. No one could hurt me in my protective oh so covering up big clothes.

I'm scared of buying new clothes for my new size. It feels like I'm being exposed to the world! I have no protection!!

One thing is for sure.. my weight has made a mess of my brain or vice versa. Ugh.

[rte837 141]

This is all very understandable. Believe me; there will be a time when you rejoice. BTW; keep at least one of your largest outfits. It will blow you away later and you'll be glad you saved it. It it definitely a head game. You stated your view very nicely!

[esskay77 785]

The thing for me was how difficult it had been to find decent clothing that fit so I hate to give up the ones that I found and got me through the tough times!! lol. But, being scared means good things--if you're not scared, you're not growing (psychologically, not physically!!).

Enjoy!

[rte837 141]

I have had many plastic surgeries since my wt loss and STILL can't find clothes that fit. Not even underwear!! I'm short and still stocky and my waist is very high. You might want to consider having one or two of your favorites altered; that way you ease into it and still enjoy the clothes that helped you survive. It's worth the money. Good luck.

[Grateful_Love 114]

I've been thinking of getting a sewing machine because I do really love some of my clothes.

Maybe just an alteration here or there

[rte837 141]

I sew; but SUCK at altering! Make at least 1 professional adjustment a gift to yourself for your great progress. You'll be glad you did. Let me know how it works out.

[aelovelady 243]

I think it is great that you are so in tune to your feelings, but maybe you should see a therapist trained in eating issues to help you get through these feelings. You should look forward to buying new things and showing off your success! Good luck to you!

[jackie's journey 18]

Thanks for the feedback bariatric friends. Each one is very helpful!

[UnRuLyJuLiE 7]

It gets easier to purge, I just purged my closet for the 3rd time in as many months. I told the medical assistant my skinny clothes don't fit. She said you'll get there... No you don't understand they are 3 sizes to big!!

[Djmohr 6,965]

I have purged my closet 3 times since surgery. I have gone from a size 26 to a size 16. Last time I was in a 16 was in my 20's, I am 51.

I used to hate hate hate clothes shopping, now I love it! It is so much fun to buy regular clothes from regular stores, try them on and they fit!

Also I have had to replace all of my shoes, it was the first thing I had to replace. I have normal feet and ankles now and my wide width shoes were so sloppy they made my feet hurt.

I have still held on to a couple of items that I really love. I swim in them but plan to have them altered because I simply love them.

I believe the more weight you lose, the more comfortable you will be with purging your suit of armor.

[NewLife4Me7 110]

Since I've been losing weight so fast I shop at consignment shops or Goodwill.

Once I'm at my goal weight (17 lbs to go) I will shop for a new wardrobe.

[Dimka 4]

I had a long diet in 2007-2008 and i lost over 80 pounds, i cleaned my closet then and i swore to myself not to gain weight again but i did! I gained 110 pounds. Am now only 20 days post op but i don't want to think about cleaning my closet because am terrified of letting myself down again!

[Cupcake 801]

Wow I feel the same way I have severel clothes that I love and I have not yet cleaned my closet out, I plan on cleaning out my closet this coming weekend, I guess it is hard to get rid of clothes that you loved but also reminds me how big I truly was. But I am going to do it. Good luck everyone and keep me posted.