Question:
Fun Magical Moment to Share
Today I was at the mall and I walked by Lane Bryant. There was a huge sale going on, 80% off tons of stuff in the store. I found myself excited, all ready to shop. I walked inside, stopped, looked around, and then it hit me...I CAN'T shop there anymore! My fiance and I paused to laugh aloud. We must've looked like loons. But we didn't pause there for long. I rushed away and bought a pair of size 12 pants from Banana Republic, a sweater from the Gap, and some frilly panties from Victoria Secret. It was one of the funnest shopping days of my life. Only four and a half months out and BYE BYE to Lane Bryant. Hooray! Do you have any magic moments to share. I just love hearing them! Keeps me motivated! XOXO Jen — jenpatalano (posted on January 18, 2004)
January 18, 2004
Oh Jen, what a wonderfully fun experience for you. Thanks for sharing it
with us. I had glamour shots done with my husband this weekend. In one he
had on a white button down shirt and he looked so sexy. I had them take a
couple of shots of him by himself so I'd have a good picture for my desk at
work. Then, the lady taking pictures said - why don't we put the white boa
on you and take some shots of you together. I said "It won't match
what I'm wearing". She said I didn't need for it to match my outfit
because they were just going to pull my bra straps down and drape the boa
around me. I was horrified because I never want to show these
"football player" shoulders and batwings. Everyone in the room
kept saying "Do it - Do it!" (It was a WLS support group event
and lots of our patients were having glamour shots done) So I finally
agreed and we had some pictures made like that. Once the pictures were
finished I turned around and looked at Wade and put my hand on his chest
and he looked down at me and we both laughed. The photographer snapped a
picture at that moment. When we looked at the proofs that one was awesome.
I felt pretty - no batwings or wide shoulders - and if you look at the
expressions on our faces I think it's easy to see that even after 22 years
together we're still in love. It was like magic. I'd never felt pretty in
that way before and I'll remember it forever. Best wishes to you!
— ronascott
January 18, 2004
I just love hearing stories like this! To hear of the new lives people are
experiencing just motivates me to the max. ;) Buying clothes is sooooo
much fun now - in fact, it's WAY more fun than I can afford! I have a fun
story to contribute too. I had my RNY last May 23rd, have lost 100 pounds.
I'm only 10 pounds from goal now, which is really exciting. One of the
things I've really enjoyed is being able to wear a regular pair of jeans
again instead of the "stretch" ones. So my husband and I were
shopping the other day and were looking at my favorite jeans - Levi's. I
held up a couple of pair and said I was going to try them on, but my
husband said they were going to be way too big (they were 9/10's and
11/12's, which I was wearing up until a month ago). I said I couldn't fit
into anything smaller and we had a debate over what size was appropriate!
To humor him, I finally agreed to try on a size 7/8, and just for fun I
took a size 5/6 along with me. Well wouldn't you know ... the 7/8 fit
PERFECTLY, even a little loose! And even though the 5/6 were a little snug,
I could still pull them all the way on AND zip and button them without
having to suck in my gut and feel like I was strangling! It was amazing!
I ended up buying BOTH pair so I could wear the 7/8 now and the 5/6 in
another month (I've been losing about 10-15 pounds a month so I should be
at goal by the end of February ... YES!!!!). This new life is such a
miracle and I still can't believe I actually made it. I was thin most of
my life until I had kids ... I never knew until now how much I took for
granted being a thin person. It is wonderful to get a second chance! MORE
STORIES PLEASE! Jody :) Open RNY 5/23/03 235/135/125
— MomBear2Cubs
January 18, 2004
This is really fun... ok, I think the moment I put on a pair of size 6
jeans and they fit... that was the moment for me, even though I'm still 15
pounds from my personal goal. That makes me realize that I may be in a 4
by then! You know I don't see too many size 4's but I'm determined to look
for them. This has been the most exciting journey, and having you all to
share it with has made it even more exciting and wonderful. Thanks for
sharing your experience with us and letting us share as well! Be blessed!
Lisa A Lap RNY 5/13/03 291/166/150
— Happy I.
January 18, 2004
I put on my wedding dress!!! I am now more than 10 pounds less than i was
when I wore it 14 years ago. I never thought that would ever happen. I
have had the lane Bryant experience, too. I go in with my friend, and
still shop with her so as not to flaunt my success, helping her make
decisions for herself. I just look at the accessories while she's online.
I never thought I'd get to the point that I COULDN'T shop somewhere because
of size not price!! I can shop in the regular stores on the sale rack. I
can look through the racks or ask for a size 6 or 8 or a medium and no one
looks at me like I'm not supposed to be there in the store. I now sit in
the movies with my pocketbook on the seat next to me. Wow!! Room to
spare! Funny thing is that some of these things just happen so casually
without planning, and then out of the blue it hits me that I never could
have done it pre-op. There are even times that I can share sweats with my
11 year old son---how about that!!But the most interesting thing is how I
am treated---much nicer, with more repect. People seem more polite, and
just treat me like I'm "someone". Talk about an awakening. I
never realized that this was happeeeening til I began to notice the
difference when most of my weight was off. Life is wonderful!!!
— Fixnmyself
January 18, 2004
I had an open rny 12/23/02, last August I put my wedding dress on and it
was too big! I was married 30 years in November! I was shocked! I am so
happy for you...keep up the good work. I am amazed now when I sit down in
chairs with arms at the doctors office, hairdressers etc. I couldnt even
fit before now I have lots of room! Best wishes to you!
— debmi
January 19, 2004
My most fun moment so far happened this weekend. I sat in a regular chair
with my little 4 year old grandson beside me. Before, I didn't even fit
comfortably in the chair by myself. I heard him telling someone at church
yesterday, "That's my nana and she's gettin skinnier" What a
treat!
— SCbabe B.
January 19, 2004
I related so well to your experience. I receive many catalogues ie Romans,
Lane Bryant, Silouttes. All were so needed in the past. For me 11 months
ago prior to surgery it was extremely difficult to go to a store and shop.
Shopping at home with a cataglogue, not having to walk into a mall (walking
was so difficult) was the best. Now, I cannot wait to shop in the mall. I
practically run through it and yes I too have passed Lane Bryant and it has
been the dream for so many years not to have to shop in any of those stores
and it has come true. I throw the catalogues away immediately. I don't have
to limit my shopping to just a few stores. I am free and able to shop
anywhere I want to.. Boy do I understand your joy lol. Congrats
— MaxineB
January 19, 2004
I have had several magical moments from being able to buy a pretty frilly
bra to a thong and not worrying about it disappearing, being able to wear
my letterman's jacket from high school, to being able to practice softball
with my kids. But I think the biggest kick I got was the other day when I
tried on a pair of my husband's levi's and they FIT!!!! :oD I was jumping
around the room like a lunatic. He was asleep and he woke up and asked me
what was going on. I told him and then he proceeds to tell me to get his
D#@*! jeans off...lol. Then I had to wear his belt yesterday with some
jeans that were too big. He asked me what was next, his underwear? I told
him, no, I liked pretty underwear...lol. It was classic. I never thought in
my entire life that that would happen. I love it!!!!! :o)
— dixieb
January 19, 2004
Oh, I remember how every little accomplishment was such a major event for
me - My surgery was 16 months ago and I went from a size 24 to a size 2.
Shopping is now a whole lot more fun. My biggest moments were buying
regular sized pantyhose, not going into the plus sizes, and wrapping a
regular sized towel around me and actually covering everything up for the
first time in my life!!!!!! The funniest was several months back when I
was buying a pair of Levi's - I was mostly in a size 14, but decided to try
on a size 12. It was too big, so I asked my husband for a size 10. I
guess he got worried when I didn't come out for a long time and finally
knocked on the door. I was on my cell phone calling everyone I knew to
tell them I had a pair of size 10 Levi's on!!!!! I still have days that
I'm amazed - caught a glimpse of myself the other day and didn't realize
it was me. My first thought was, "I wish I was as skinny as that
girl." Then I realized 'that girl' was ME!!!!! Talk about
amazing!!!! Good luck and keep up the good work!!!!!!! Open RNY 9/12/02
282/118
— redheadtedd
January 19, 2004
Don't you love it!?!?! Here's mine....Last November (2002) I was shopping
in a local mall and I walked into the Casual Corner store, and attached was
there plus-size "sister" store August Max. Well, I was looking
around in CC, and then saw a scarf in August Max that I liked and walked
in. The sales lady looked at me and said "Honey, nothing in here will
fit you, it's a plus size store, unless your shopping for someone
else." I looked at her, then looked behind me to see who she was
talking to, and it dawned on me that she was talking to ME. I just said
"Oh, I was just looking at the scarves" and she smiled and walked
away. I think the smile on my face after I figured out it was me she was
talking to didn't go away for about 2 weeks. It was great!
— lily1968
January 19, 2004
There are already lots of magical moments for me, and I'm only 4+ months
out. The best, though, is like your story, not being able to shop in Lane
Bryant anymore. I'm amazed that I can now wear "regular" sizes!
I just went under 200 pounds for the first time in 25 years, and it's an
incredible feeling. I never thought my weight would get this low again!
It was fun the first time I went shopping after having lost a good bit of
weight. I didn't have to shop right away because 2 friends of mine who are
post-ops gave me a bunch of clothes and I wore them for a while before
shopping. Anyway, I went into Fashion Bug, and went to the plus size side
of the store, and started trying on some sweaters and pants. Everything I
picked at first was too big, and I just couldn't believe that I was wearing
a 14/16 from Fashion Bug! This is such a great time in my life - thanks
all for sharing your stories, and for the original poster. These are so
motivating! Lap RNY, 9/11/03, 254/192/???
— Carlita
January 19, 2004
These are great to remember and appreciate! I remember sitting in the
recliner and realize the dog was sitting beside me and not on me - for the
first time there was extra room in the chair. Another one was wearing one
of my husbands sweatshirts (they now fit me) and my son saying "that
shirt must be daddy's because it's too big for you". I am ready for
many more of these moments!
— Laura B.
January 19, 2004
Since I was 11 years old, I wanted a pair of tall leather black boots that
go all the way up to my knees and zips. My mom always told me I couldn't
get any because of the size of my calves. Well, I wore a pair to church
yesterday that I bought last weekend. What a feeling to have something I
have wanted for 38 years! And not only that -- they look GOOD on me! And
just for fun, after I got home, (I wore nearly black nylons with them) I
took off my skirt and put on spandex workout shorts and pulled them way up
like 'hot pants' and strutted out in front of my husband. He laughed
because this was so out of character for me, but after that, the look on
his face was classic!!! After a few suggestive remarks, he gave me a big
hug and told me how proud he is of me. I am having the time of my life!
(206/129/110)
— pjnick
January 19, 2004
my husband open me an account at lane bryant several years ago, and a few
months ago he called them and closed it. they ask him why and he told the
lady on the phone,"my wife isnt fat anymore," she was silent for
a few moments and the burst out laughing, just on of my fun moments since
WLS.
— terri R.
January 19, 2004
I think the best moment for me was when I was out riding my horse. It had
just snowed and she still had her metal shoes on. SO when we got to
pavement to ride, a couple of us got off our horses to get the packed snow
out of the hooves. Well, it dawned on me that I wouldn't be able to get
back up because the saddle would slide all the way and I would be
embarrassed. SO I looked for a hill to get up by and found one. Well I gave
all my effort to try and get up and I almost went over the other side of
the saddle. when you don't have all that weight, it is alot easier to
"fly". Now I don't look for that hill and I am able to get up
with alot less effort. This was definitely one of the best moments for me.
6/27/03 292/193/165
— horserider0146
January 19, 2004
I love this question! There have been so many moments for me! Wearing
knee high black boots for the first time in my life (I am 49!), buying
size 4 pants, shopping at Victoria's Secret just to name a few. Probably
one of the most memorable was having our first ever family portrait taken
before Christmas. My children are 16 and 20 and I have been married for
26.5 years and I am no longer hiding from cameras, as a matter of fact I
love them now!!! I jokingly tell my husband that it is hard to take a bad
picture of me these days!! (I say jokingly, but deep inside I believe
it!!) Miracles do happen! 252/122
— sherry H.
January 20, 2004
One magical moment after another. I've finally met a wonderful man
(totally magical moment) and wouldn't you know it, I'm at lunch today,
waiting for my food when a different gorgeous man asked me if I'd like to
join him for lunch! I was blown away and couldn't take the grin off my
face when I politely declined his invitation. This kind of thing hasn't
happened to me in 20 years! It's fantastic!
— [Deactivated Member]
January 20, 2004
Great post! Two of my awesome moments are the time I was hanging out with
friends and went to hop up to sit on the kitchen counter and caught so much
air because I jumped with so much force, and landed with a painful thud!
When I was 270 it took a good strong push to sit up there, now that I'm 128
pounds lighter I dont need all that force! But the best thing is when my
sister came out from out of state to help me right after surgery in Feb 03,
and left afer a week. I just picked her up at the airport last week and I
said Hello to her and she looked at me with a blank stare for a couple
seconds until she realized it was me! Incredible moment!
— BRENDA R.
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