lap band costs not accounted for....

[ValleyGirl]

I know it's a GOOD problem to have, but I am BROKE having to buy a whole new wardrobe. It really adds up...new bras and panties (these couldn't wait until goal, my underwear were actually falling off, lol!), new pyjamas, new coats, casual clothes, work clothes, exercise clothes, bathing suit, etc etc etc.

If you are on a tight-budget like I am, put money asside for this stuff before surgery. I didn't and now I'm having to blow my budget every few weeks. Husband is thrilled, haha! I know I should wait for a big shopping spree when I'm at goal, but I just can't stand ill-fitting cothes. If you need a pick-me-up, put on clothes that fit you properly- wearing the old baggy ones makes you look much bigger.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining....it's just something the newbies need to think about. Some would say money for a tummy-tuck should be accounted for too but I'm REALLY hoping I won't need one because A... it just looks way too painful and B... there's no way I could afford it right now. I made the decision to go from full time to part-time a few years ago so I could raise my kids myself but that means not a lot of "extras" now:(

Sabrina:)

[AngelaAnn]

I totally agree with everything you're saying--I just gave half my closet away to my Grandma for her lawnbowling rummage sale. And I tried on everything before I put it in the bag to make sure. The clothes just look soooo frumpy when they hang. Question: did your heart burn ever go away? It was so weird. The minute I started my TOM, it went away and my band loosened up. Right now, it's a bit too loose, but better than too tight any day in my opinion! Congrats on the new clothes! I'm going to have to buy a new bra or two soon as my boobs--they are a-deflating. Back to a B cup for me.

[ValleyGirl]

Heartburn went away after a couple days. I've been feeling really good! I can eat almost anything in small quantities (the way I think it should be) and even though I'm not always making the best choices, I'm still losing. I'm so happy right now! Thanks for checking up on me.

Sabrina:)

[Smiley]

Check out the goodwill stores. If you are choosy you can get some good clothes there for just a few dollars a piece. This is what I did while I was in the midst of changing sizes. I will always go back there to get my work out shirts. I got Eddie Bauer t-shirts that run about $20 brand new in the store for $1.99 and there was absolutely nothing wrong with them. I will also suggest shopping during the off season. Dress Barn and Kohl's both have clearance racks going at the present time. Some of the stuff Kohl's on clearance is short sleeved or 3/4 length. They sold this stuff all winter and now have it on clearance. I would have froze to death in it during the winter, but all about buying it now that I can get a brand new top for around $8. Dress Barn clearance items are 70% off. I got a short sleeved sweater there yesterday for $7.50.

I will be feeling your pain when I get my credit card bills, but I did plan on spending part of my income tax refund on clothes, so at least I will be able to pull it out of savings. Normally I am excited to wear any new outfit I purchase, but I have purchased so much lately that I can't even remember what my new stuff looks like.

[JazzyJude]

I do between what Smiley does, going to the goodwill/thrift stores and alterating my own clothes. I am saving OODLES of dollars this way. We are having a Kohl store coming in where Mervyn's use to be...so waiting for that to open. I can't see buying outer clothes now before goal. I am losing inches more than weight first. Yes, some items I would spend to buy, such as the underclothes, the bras, panties, etc, or just things I can't alterate. I am finding even my shoes are looser, so I did buy 2 Sketchers (totally LOVE them!) and a real cute heeled sandals for summer, for going out dancing in!

This is what I am doing, saving $$ for clothes and extras. I have, what I've dubbed, 'Healthy Keg' jar for my 'mad cash' for whatever I need the money for. I start off with a $1 a day and whatever I have left over on Friday. So, from Saturday to Friday, I would put $7 (a dollar for each day) plus whatever extra I had in my pocket/purse on Friday, in the jar. This is my 'mad money' for when I am ready to buy something pertaining to my weight loss only...as an incentive or to reward my success thus far. Since my surgery last Oct, to date, I have a savings of $634.78, after I bought 2 Sketchers tennies, pair of pants, and THE little black dress. My panties and bras, and the other necessary items were paid from my biweekly paycheck.

It's quite interesting for me to see how much I am actually saving on my own...and it's a game I am playing with myself with an idea of "saving". A dollar a day doesn't seem much, but I saved over $200 right there!

Just an idea...Jazzy!!