Can't help with the question on bras but I can definitely relate on the issue of feeling weird when shopping. I recently started buying slacks in a size 36 waste. They're still rather tight on me (I'm currently somewhere around 38-39 so they fit but they're snug while my 42s are all rather loose and fall down without a belt). However, just this past summer, I was wearing a size 50 so it's really odd for me to be shopping in different kinds of stores than I used to...

I have been wearing a genie bra for a year now I think. I just couldn't find the right band with the right cup reasonable enough and these are so comfortable.

as far as panties I went to the manufacturing site of the brand I like fruit of the loom or Hanes they are comphy for me and im not out to impress its just me. Also I read an article on how to fit yourself too........I had no idea if your getting a wedge it means your panties are to big!!! I thought they were to small lol. I did manage to find a really good size it was freaky not having panty butt for a change. lol

Honey--if you are a size 10 then you ARE NOT A LANE BRYANT PATRON anymore. It is time to move on by. I recommend that you go to Victoria's Secret and get several different styles to try on in a variety of sizes. They likely have a style similar to the ones that you like. They are really cute, too!!

Adding on to this post, how do you know what size panty to get? When I was 93 pounds heavier, I think I wore a size12 or something like that. Panties are not the same sizes as normal clothes, so how do I know what size I wear? I buy the packages from Walmart and it's not like you can try them on (not that I would want to).

I highly recommend trying on clothes as therapy. It is a good way to see what fits and oohs good on your new body. Your body will continue to shift during the first year of maintenance and your clothing style will certainly change, too. Some of the best advice I got on pants is to make sure to buy them super-tight because they loosen up within 30 minutes (or so) of wear. If you buy them fitting comfortably, they will be falling off within an hour! It was quite an adjustment to buy clothes that were form-fitting. I was used to tents!

When I had lost most of the excess weight, but before I had plastics, I got to the point where I always wore a garment to hold in all the skin. Target and Kohls have girdle-type things you wear with your own bra.

@Soozque - Underwear sizes for women are strange!! This website has some great info. http://www.mycamila.com/sizechart.html

It took me quite a while to find my new favorite underwear and bras. Victoria's Secret is great for getting fitted, but unless you are at your target weight, I wouldn't spend that kind of money. Kohls has some good bras and a variety of underwear styles. Try to buy 1 or two of several styles to figure out which ones work best. I have different favorite styles for different situations... jeans, dress pants, dresses, hanging out around the house, working out, etc.

I wear size 2 pants and usually get small (size 5). I like medium in the VS cheeky panties.

If you have a fashionista friend, perhaps you could invite her to help you shop for clothes?

JJ

I have been struggling with the same issues. I recently got some panties with the help of my daughter (I also have frozen shoulders)
I don't have the funds to buy anything that doesn't fit, so my daughter had me try on the panties over my old ones. It was a great idea and I'm glad she suggested it because the first couple didn't work, but the last ones were great, & I got 2 pks.

I'm still having problems finding a bra, but mostly because of my shoulder problems. It's really hard when you have to have help just to get it on!!! Right now I just have one, and it's OK around, but the sisters are so shrunken up that I feel like I have to roll them up to tuck them, and then there is still room left over!!! LOL
Eventually I will have to have a fitting, but until I get my shoulders replaced there is no point....so time will tell.

I can now laugh at myself with all the bags & sags, but I am healthy, and happy about it!!!!!!!!

peg the genie bra goes on like a skirt you step into it and pull it up; I got the 3 pack at Burlington coat factory cheaper then Wal-Mart.......not sure how far that store area wise is out. I got them "temporary" when I was loosing because I had reached a weird size and I don't have Victoria secret or kohls kind of money. ( our kohls always looks like the post came in and did maneuvers in it anyway) I liked them so well I stayed with them. 3 colors very comfortable works for me. oh you don't get the shelf boobs with them either.

A wonderful problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. I am struggling with bras. Sarasota is right.... you are no longer a plus size patron. You need to explore new stores. I suggest you put on comfy clothes that are easy to remove, and go out for a whole day to a mall. Go by yourself. Leave your money and cards at home. This is not a day for purchase. Go into all the stores that you can, and try on clothes, tons of them. Different styles, sizes, brands. Bring your phone or camera and take pictures of yourself in the dressing room. You aren't buying so don't worry about price. You will begin to get a sense of what is right for you and why. Talk to sales people. They probably know your body better than you right now. Take those pictures home and analyze what you like and don't like and then show people you trust for opinions.

I did this with my daughter who was wearing a size 18 when she lost weight. She got stuck on not believing she could be a 12, never mind a 10 or 8. It was hard for her to accept! She is now at 5'1" and 124 pounds, a size 0. Sizes are weird and have more to do with body type than weight. Bra sizes included. Trust the sales people to help you.

Once you have learned what style, and cuts work for you, you CAN find those in your price range. Dont forget Goodwill, consignment, and places like TJMaxx.

Happy getting to know yourself day!

A good fitting bra is very important. I highly recommend going for a professional fitting and get a good fitting bra. It will make you mare comfortable and it will help your clothes to fit better.

Compression garments work wonders under you clothes as well.
Shelley

I recently went shopping for bras---I went to Kohls. I must have tried on 40 bras--NO JOKE! I started at a 44D and ended up buying 40B. They are very comfortable and I have some room to pull in the straps since I am only 3 months post op. Panties are another deal- i bought two sizes smaller but they still hang....I bought cheap ones though since I know I will be re-buying them soon enough. I have gone from a 22 pant to a 16. I also identify with being unsure of what size to wear and what style is right---I have not been this size in 12 yrs!! My son in law says I am wearing things too "hangy" and i need to get use to "closer" clothes...but I remind him it is a journey and I am working on the changes needed for my self image. GOOD LUCK!!

My dog likes to eat underwear, so I get the cheapest around... LOL

lol Seneca I had dogs who did that but they did not discriminate in the laundry basket they went after socks and bra's too. I miss those old boys. lol Im glad though my 2 yr old pup has not gotten to that.

start with underthings and get a wonderful flash back thanks senecagirl you just made my day so much nicer :)

This was kindsa not for the guys I guess but I see other guys replied. Ain't it great to have ALL your clothes too big!!!!!!!

I work outside a lot and have a real need for heavy long underwear. Of course 130 pounds lost they fall off! My wife sewed suspenders on them made from elastic strips. No one sees them and it works fine! I hope next winter to afford some new ones! LOL!

Katlin, I finally got a hamper with a lid. My dogs are pretty sneaky. They'll eat the seat out of my husband underwear and then put them back in the hamper.

I do the laundry, go to fold them and then realize there's a big hole in the back.

Though I will take mischievous dogs over Victoria Secret underwear any day :)

HAHAHA Senecagrl do you think your kids can teach my kids the trick of returning their toys? OMG do you think if you snuck a pair of the holey ones in hubby's dresser he would notice or put them on blindly?

while this thread is running............is it Victoria secret or JCPenney or ? that does the proper fitting and yet you don't have a obligation to buy? I swear I thought I went to JCP when I was young and really big. I just am playing with the idea of a good one for situations where I need to look tip top............or like a real lady boobs and all. lol