Make-Over Should Come With The Plan

Dec 26, 2011

I have been looking at those darn B & A pictures again.  I am wondering how far back some of them go because so many people look like they are caught in the 1980's!  I realize that a sense of fashion or style does not come naturally to everyone, nor does everyone care how they look, but seriously, some people do need a little help with dressing in ways that reveal the new them in classy and more modern ways.  Having wore up to size 6 and 7X in my pre-op life, I still always managed to find nice clothes and had hairstyles that were of the moment.  I always got complemented.  When I was at my post-op stages, I just easily transitioned into clothes that flattered my new sizes and my body.  I had to get a gentle kick in the butt from my best friend, though.  One day, while out shopping, I was walking ahead of her.  She stopped me and she said, "I am only telling you this for your own good.  Stop wearing clothes like that.  Do not let me see you in "safe" clothes anymore, clothes like you used to wear because you had no choice.  What you are wearing makes you still look too big and you are not even close to that size."  I realized she was right.  I'm thankful now for a mom who used to also gently guide me into wearing clothes that enhanced and flattered me and was also honest enough to tell me if something looked unflattering. As a teacher, my students always compliment me on my hair, make-up, accessories and outfits.  Now, please do not take this as I am superficial.  Far from it.  Some of it, the hair, make-up and nails, comes from my obese days when I wanted people to notice everything but my body!  Who can't relate to that?!  But I began to find my style as soon as I got back to 3X and lower.  And I notice how many of us "Post-Ops" sport those jeans!!!  I owned my first pair at 44 years of age and, believe me, I strutted them with all my stuff!  I am not trying to be rude, but then I also see some Post-Op pics that really belong on a whole other site.  Sad that some think slutty is sexy and that they could hardly wait to take sleazy pictures.  As a woman, I will say that "sexy" and "sex appeal" are so much more than putting it all out there.  Insecurity is behind that, lack of confidence that a man will like, want, desire you for anything else other than your body.  A real woman has so much more to offer than cleavage and buns hanging out.  Truly, it is hard to figure out how to dress in "normal" clothes after probably years of being grateful for finding much of anything with style to fit.  And it is also hard to admit that you just might really be pretty or handsome and it is okay to spend time on your grooming and hair and make-up.  I have cleaned out my closet 9 times since my GB surgery.  Some things were brand new.  Let it all go!!! Hold on to nothing.  And it is feasible to buy great, quality clothing at the off-price stores.  Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, and all of those places have great looks at very reasonable prices.  Study magazines and catalogs.  Try things on.  Find YOUR look, YOUR style and be okay that you, too, can look great and get complimented.  Maybe "Fashion Make-Over" sessions/seminars should be included in the whole WLS process, as it really is a total life change and a physical transformation. Maybe some of the surgical centers, doctors, etc. will consider adding something like that to their post-op plans.  Happy Shopping, fellow transformations!

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