Buying clothes after weight loss surgery is like shopping for a two-year-old toddler – but the opposite. You’re going to shed clothing faster than a snake sheds its skin. Bariatric clothing is a short-lived experience when you’re rapidly slimming down.

In time, most of your clothes will need to be replaced. But not so fast.

Remember, you just completed a life-altering surgery that will drastically affect your body, mainly get skinny. The clothes you get now won’t be around for the long run. Be smart with your purchases and look for adaptive clothing that can be easy to wear, comfortable, and adjustable.

Bought a belt after my weight loss surgery

Avoid splurging too soon

It’s tempting to buy an outfit that is perfect for you. Impulses are your enemy, and it’s best to wait and let your body stabilize. You’re going to lose roughly around 2-5 lbs per week. This will quickly increase within the first six months since your excess weight loss will decrease between 40 and 50 percent. Those jeans you just bought a month ago will not fit without a good belt.

Re-shop your closet

Re-shop your closet and reinvent your wardrobe

An excellent way to save some money is by first re-exploring your closet. Chances are you may already have some smaller fitting clothes stashed away somewhere. Nothing better than seeing progress with your own clothes.

essential clothing

Stick with the bare essentials

Think of it this way – all the clothes you buy within the first year post-op, be prepared to throw them away. To avoid wasting money on top of the environmental impact, go to a thrift store, a consignment shop, a local Facebook group, or a garage sale. Whether buying or bartering for your temporary bariatric clothing, aim for comfortable, flexible, and easy-to-wear outfits.

Basic Wardrobe Essentials:

  1. T-shirts
  2. Hoodies
  3. Shoes
  4. Socks
  5. Underwear
  6. Sweatpants
  7. Waist adjustable pants (i.e., chinos or jeans with slight stretch)

Thrift and consignment

Explore thrift and consignment stores

Thrift stores offer a great variety of clothing for a fraction of the cost. It is easy to get lost and buy more than what you need but remember, it is only temporary clothing for now. Stick to clothes that can easily adjust to your changing body.
Consignment stores are similar to thrift stores, but they typically carry better selections. They are also priced higher than thrifts stores, but you can sell your oversized clothes for better fitting wardrobes. This is an excellent way to get rid of those loose, baggy clothes and make some money while doing it.

Top 7 places to find bariatric clothing

  1. Hand me downs (friends, family)
  2. Thrift (Savers, Goodwill, Salvation Army)
  3. Consignment Stores (Mercari, Poshmark, Let Go)
  4. Local Community Sales (Garage Sales, Offer up, Facebook marketplace)
  5. Discount Clothing Stores (Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Wal-Mart)
  6. Online (Amazon, Overstock, 6pm)
  7. Retail (Target, Costco, Khols, American Eagle)

Buy your current size

Buy your “current” size

As much as we like to consider how much weight we will lose, it is best to live in the present. Don’t shop for the future. Instead, focus on buying clothes that will make your recovery much more comfortable and look for versatile pieces of clothing that could easily be adjusted to extend its lifetime. The weight will drop, no doubt about it, but let your body stabilize first for the next couple of months. You’ll thank yourself for waiting on building that new closet.

Final Words

Don’t worry about getting the latest designer brands or jumping on the current trend. You want to be comfy for the next couple of months. Remember, you will lose weight consistently and quickly. Try to buy clothes that shape and mold with you while your body changes. The basics are versatile, practical, and typically affordable if you need new clothes.

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