Clothing/Book Exchange Event Synopsis

The clothing exchange is a bi-annual event held in May and November for women of all ages and sizes. Comprised mainly out of the plus-sized and weight loss surgery (WLS) communities, the clothing exchange enables larger women to meet and trade/donate items, thereby helping to offset the need to purchase new clothing, especially for those whom have had WLS and are losing weight rapidly.

As plus-size clothing tends to be more expensive, this twice yearly event gives larger women the opportunity to:

a) Recycle clothing that is no longer required or desired,
b) Obtain newer items to update current wardrobe, without the pressure of salespeople,
c) Provide a charitable service to the community by donating unclaimed items at the end of the event,
d) Meet like-minded women and engage in companionship without distractions from regular day to day life.

The Fall 2011 event was the first to incorporate book exchanging as well. Previously a separate event, it was determined that the same communities could meet to exchange books and literature at the same time.
While the event is listed as an "exchange", in actually, there is no onus on anyone to bring clothing or books to "trade". Unlike a true exchange where an item is swapped for another like item, this event focuses more on the 3 R's of a green planet philosophy.

This event has always been free to participants. Water and coffee, if available, is provided and sometimes light refreshments. Participants are welcome to bring healthy snacks to share if they wish, but again, there is no onus on anyone.

This event is alcohol and drug-free. Women are asked to leave children, pets and husbands at home (with the exception of helping drop off or pick up bags) to enable privacy for the women who wish to try on clothing. Women are also asked to only bring CLEAN ITEMS IN GOOD REPAIR.

Past events have proven to be well attended with the average number being around 20 women. This event was held annually but has since grown to bi-annually due to demand. Past donations have ranged from 3 to 32 large bags of clothing at the completion of event.

Sounds like you're doing great, I'm a little behind you but I know about the 100 pound hope it's like it's so close I can almost touch it. I'm so thankful for what I have achieved and know the battle will be to keep the weight off as time goes on as much as I'd still like to lose more.

I remember when they were throwing stats around at the hospital and said that the "surgery" would only help me to lose the first 80 lbs and the rest was on me.

But whether you're at the start of your journey and reach your stride, the health benefits make it all worthwhile.

Hi all,

I am new here. I've been reading your post, what a wealth of information.

That being said, I have been referred to Toronto West for an orientation. How long does it take for them to reach out with a date?

Thanks a bunch!

I was going to hit the gym today, but only slept 4 hours last night as I got sucked into a Youtube vortex. I am going to the mall with my work wife to hit up Sephora, so I'll easily get my 10,000 plus steps today.

Almost 2 weeks post op!!!! :)

Food:

2 premier protein

1 liter of water (it's the goal)

8oz of faux coffee (some of premier protein will be used as creamer)

Hopefully by the time I get to the soft food phase I can have set meals instead of sipping/grazing through out the day.

I will say that I've had zero complications (so far). I think I made recovery a lot scarier in my head than it ended up to be. The first two days, I admit, were horrible, but it's so much better on the other side. If you're feeling apprehensive about having surgery because of the recovery, don't let it detour you. Some may have pain and nausea longer than me, but it's not excruciating. Best decision of my life.