Why?

Why am I having such a hard time letting go of my old clothes? They are definitely too big on me now & I don't need them, but the thought of getting rid of them or giving them away gives me a kind of panicky feeling. I know its a head issue. Didn't expect this to be a problem. Also I dread so much going to the thrift shops & stores to get smaller clothes, because I don't know whats gonna fit right & I have to try everything on. I didn't expect that to be a problem either, I figured I would be all excited to go find new clothes. I just have to do it & hopefully it gets easier as I progress.

It took me a while too. I don't know why but now - I'm 7mos out - it's fun and actually exciting. I would just say be gentle with yourself. You are doing a great job! Before clothes used to be such a pain in the neck but it does get to be fun. I hope that helps a little.

I don't know about you, but I've lost and gained so many times in the past that it's hard to believe that maybe this time I won't gain again. In the past I held onto my "fat" clothes because I just knew I would need them again and clothes are expensive--esp in the larger sizes! I also hate trying on clothes so I'm right there with you. I'm excited to be in smaller sizes, but I still don't like getting nekkid at the mall (or anywhere else)!

I have no real advice for you but tons of commiseration. I know I need to let go of my regain fears, but I also know it's a process and nothing is going to happen overnight. At some point I'll run out of closet space and have no choice but to get rid of the bigger clothes.

Good luck!

It took me 6 months and losing 100 pounds to be able to get rid of my big clothes. I rewarded my first 100 by remodeling my closet. I tore everything out, painted it, and installed a new closet system. No way my big ole clothes were going back in there. 

One thing I did do was save one shirt and one pants of my largest size - for comparison.  Then I donated because I just felt there is hardly ever anything at Goodwill for plus size people.  That helped lessen feeling like I should keep the clothes. 

GET RID OF THEM ALL!!!!

I had the same problem.  For me, though I did not openly admit it, I felt I would one day need them again.  I had real anxiety about cleaning my closet.  My daughter was in my room one day as I was S L O W L Y beginning to clear things out.  She pulled out a pair a pants I bought post op that I could no longer wear that were waaaay too big, and she said, "what about these."  I started stammering trying to give a good excuse then finally said, "I might need those again."  She snapped back "all the more reason to get rid of them...you will NOT need them again, and you CANNOT think that way."  It was a really stressful thing to do.   It was the best thing I could have done for myself too.  You need to do it.  You are creating a new you.

PS...I agree with the poster who said keep one shirt and pant.  I did the same thing as a reminder.

Over a year out and I just started getting excied about trying on and buying clothes...I really love the thrift shopping...found so many gorgeous, almost new, name brand clothing....$75 jeans for $3!  I have an overflowing closet right now cause I love it so much:)

Its scary throwing that stuff out. I think like a lot of people ive lost and regained so many times there is that little part of my brain that said what if you gain it back? I think I threw out all my big clothes after about the 4th month out. Since then I have steadily gotten rid of clothes as they no longer fit. Now Im at a point that I pass my clothes to a couple family members so absolutely no waste. GO SHOPPING! I always hated it but now I must confess I LOVE it! It's so exciting discovering that I fit into a smaller size or that I can wear certain silhouettes that never looked good before. I even bought a mini skirt and a couple cute dresses and those are things I never ever wore before. Test the waters and as time goes on you may find you enjoy it but either way you better get used to it cause you will find once you start dropping sizes it goes quick for a good while.

I like to buy clothes, so my closet has been overflowing for years. I was so excited the weekend before my surgery to pack up everything, except for a few of my smaller items - just to have space in my closet! Now I'm going to have a yard sale this weekend to get a fund started for my new, smaller wardrobe!