Finding My Style Before and After Weight Loss Surgery

Note from a fellow bariatric patient…

I hate to admit it, but I tend to be vain. I also love fashion. As someone who was a chubby child, a heavy teenager, and an obese adult, I was always envious of the skinny, “pretty girls” who wore attractive clothes. The “husky” section of the store, where I had to shop, never had cute things. My confidence took another hit because my mother often insisted I buy clothes on sale, saying, “You wouldn’t look good in them anyway.”

Even as an adult, with full control over my purchases, I often settled for clothes simply because they fit (which was rare when I weighed 330 pounds) rather than buying pieces that made a fashion statement. Dressing rooms became my least favorite places, filled with disappointment as clothes were often too small or unflattering. Shopping felt like a chore. Online shopping was no better—it was nearly impossible to predict what size would fit or cover my rolls of fat, which was always my main goal. More often than not, I ended up buying oversized clothes that only made me look bigger.

Dressy occasions were the most challenging. Cocktail dresses and gowns were often sleeveless, had plunging necklines, or featured low backs—none of which helped when I was trying to hide as much fat as possible. Formal events left me feeling frumpy, no matter how much I spent on my outfit.

How I Transitioned My Style After Surgery

Weight loss surgery didn’t change things overnight. I had a considerable amount of weight to lose, so in the beginning, I stuck to thrift stores. This was a practical choice since my size changed quickly, but it also allowed me to explore new styles without breaking the bank. Shopping secondhand was an empowering experience—I could experiment with different looks and develop a sense of my new, thinner self.

Once I reached my goal weight and my size stabilized, I began to truly enjoy fashion. It was a joy to explore different brands, trends, and fits—something I hadn’t done before. Here are five things I’ve come to love about dressing after surgery, along with tips for others navigating this journey:

1. I have more options: Many of the nicer brands and stores cater primarily to smaller sizes, offering a wider variety of styles and trendy items. Now, I can confidently shop in stores that once felt off-limits. For example, I can walk into Victoria’s Secret without feeling like I don’t belong. Tip: Don’t be afraid to explore stores you might have avoided in the past—you might find styles that boost your confidence.
2. Things fit better: Most clothing is designed with thinner bodies in mind, so my more “normal” size makes finding items that fit well much easier. I’ve also discovered the joy of wearing belts as a fashion accessory. Tip: Invest in a few key pieces, like tailored jeans or a great jacket, to build a versatile wardrobe.
3. I get great bargains: Now that I’m smaller than the average person (I wear size 8 pants—or size 6 if I don’t want to breathe), I often find amazing deals on clothing. Tip: Watch for sales and clearance racks in your new size. You’ll be surprised by how much you can save while still looking stylish.
4. I like feeling pretty: I don’t look great every day, but every so often, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and feel pleased with the woman looking back. It’s a big shift from the years I spent avoiding mirrors entirely. Tip: Embrace those moments of self-love. Find a few outfits that make you feel confident and celebrate how far you’ve come.
5. I have more confidence: As I feel better about how I look, my confidence has naturally grown. That said, there are still days when I’m not thrilled with my body, and I can be self-critical. I’ve also had to learn to manage normal weight fluctuations without beating myself up. Tip: Give yourself grace. Celebrate your progress and focus on maintaining healthy habits rather than striving for perfection.

Final Advice: Wear What Motivates You

Lastly, I now have an incentive to maintain my weight. The tighter clothing I wear lets me know when I’ve put on a few pounds, which I work to take off right away. And I’ve made a promise to myself: I’m never going back to sweatpants again!

Whether you’re pre-surgery, post-surgery, or somewhere in between, remember that fashion is a tool you can use to express yourself and build confidence at every stage of your journey. Explore, experiment, and, most importantly, have fun finding a style that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Sincerely,

—Your bariatric friend