Trish Jarrell, RN, Clinical Manager of Bariatric and Metabolic Services, discusses her personal shopping experiences after bariatric surgery. She shares tips for making your clothes last a bit longer as well as some exciting news about a new store opening in the Lowcountry.
Although it has been nine years since I had bariatric surgery, I can still clearly remember some of the challenges and triumphs I faced in the first year. I felt triumphant as I saw my body shrinking and my health improving, but as my body became thinner I found it challenging to afford new clothing. My clothing size was changing about every six weeks, and because my starting weight was almost four-hundred pounds, I still needed plus-sized clothing for over a year after my surgery. Plus sized apparel is expensive, and since I worked in an office setting, I needed business dress which is even more expensive - a double whammy! I needed an affordable solution because I simply wasn’t able to spend a couple hundred dollars every month for clothes I would be wearing for such a short time.
I did find some items in my closet that I’d not worn in some time that “fit again” and networked with a couple of ladies from my support group that were a little ahead of me that passed on some of their items. I also found a good tailor who could alter some of the clothing and make them last a few weeks longer. While that was still an expense, it was a less than buying new clothes. I also had some good finds at places like Goodwill.
As I grew smaller I found I could go into consignment shops to purchase clothes. The one thing I longed for was a plus sized consignment shop in the area and now it looks like I’m getting my wish. I saw an article in the Post & Courier about a new shop opening in Mount Pleasant’s Village Pointe Shopping Center called Victoria's Curvacious Consignments. I spoke with the manager, and right now they are accepting designer clothes and top mall brand clothes in sizes 16 and over for consignment. They will be opening for sales on February 21. I don’t generally endorse a business, but this is one that’s been a long time coming. Give them a try and let us know what you think. Please also share if you are aware of other consignment stores that specialize in plus sizes.
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