u/soap-gh0st

hello!!
this is a bit of an awkward question I'm sure but I'm at a bit of a loss. other garments are easier; pants i can belt, shirts just get bigger. I've found that my undies as I've lost weight just start falling off underneath the other clothes and get really really uncomfy (literally got my panties in a bunch, lmao). i used to just wear boxers but as I've gotten smaller they ride up and down and go everywhere and I'm wondering if less fabric might help?

how have you all managed/dealt with undergarments as you've lost weight? are there any cuts that are easier for y'all?
I can't really afford buying a new set of undies every time i drop a size so any recommendations for brands that last long-term & can be taken in would be great

Hello!!

So as my title states, I wound up in the ICU for a week post-op. this PROBABLY won't happen to you, i have a few medical conditions that make me predisposed to this sorta thing and even then it was hella unlikely.

I had surgery on 6/1 and was released from the hospital on 6/7 (yesterday!). I needed two blood transfusions and constant care during the first part of the week, over the weekend I was moved to a general ward once my labs stabled and after observation for two nights i was released into my family's care. I have a check up with my surgeon tomorrow, which is usually the one week post op visit and will be deeply funny cause it'd only be 46 hours from my release.

I had the absolute most wonderful time in both the ICU and the surgical ward because I've never met nurses, techs, and doctors who were so kind, considerate, and attentive. they never once made me feel like i was stupid or dramatic, and they were incredibly competent with making sure my condition didn't worsen. if you're in northern Colorado, USA, I HIGHLY recommend the UCHealth in Longmont.

but yeah! a little hiccup on the way but now I'm home and ready to get to work (: slowly and safely, finally tolerating a full liquid diet and came off the oxy just fine. I sure do miss the saline IV though!

I had an eating disorder in my youth so I've been very careful and mindful of how I'm approaching this surgery and weight loss overall (under the guidance of my therapist, an ED specialist, + my surgical team).
This includes not checking my weight myself (weigh ins with my doc so they can ensure I'm making progress, i just don't see the number and don't weigh at home), not counting calories (I can measure, weigh, and track the nutrients and work based off a guide by my dietitian: ie my protein shake has 1g sugar, 30g protein, and 5g fibre, no idea the caloric intake -- i eat the same things every week too with a pre-approved "menu"), and not measuring myself with a measuring tape (i use lengths of yarn & clothes, no numbers/tags). It's definitely a unique journey, one that I equate to navigating a submarine without windows but with a radar, map, and compass.

On the point, though, my therapist has me keeping an ongoing checklist for wins that I'm looking forward to! I'd love to hear some of yours as well.

🌟 Generally less pain and better mobility; I have a lot of difficulty when it comes to moving and comfort and am looking forward to less strain!
🌟 Easier time finding clothes that fit me; I'm looking forward to no longer worrying if a store will carry my size!
✨ similarly, I love crochet and sewing and look forward to not having to heavily modify patterns to fit me🥲
✨ also, getting access to braces to help stabilize my joints as well as compression garments. I'm extremely hypermobile and it's a pain to get wrist/knee/etc splints and braces that actually fit and help. Custom ones take forever and require a lot of jumping through hoops.
🌟 Getting a new wheelchair! Once I'm under 300lbs I qualify for a new wheelchair that has all the bells and whistles; it'll recline and elevate my legs, have power assistance, and the wheels/frame will be custom built to my body so I can self-ambulate! plus I get to pick custom colors, I'm thinking either purple or red (:
🌟 maybe TMI, but being able to wipe after the restroom without dislocating my shoulder would be nice🥲
🌟 not needing to use a seatbelt extender anywhere!
🌟 being able to ride rollercoasters, ride in cars, sit in planes and other public transport without being too big for the seats
🌟 Easier time exercising!! I used to be extremely athletic but with the extra weight and bulk it's so hard to do things like sit ups or bridges.
🌟 The doctors say a lot of my chronic health issues could get better or go away entirely at a lower weight -- ex: my migraines, GERD, fatigue/sleep issues, etc.
🌟 Getting to have a whole new wardrobe that fits me and my new style! I recently went through and donated everything that doesn't currently fit me, so I'll get to make and thrift clothes that I'm actually excited for.

I'm going to update this list with more things that come to mind, but yeah!