Old Navy gets a clue ... and so do I

[hiddenmuse]

Yes, Virginia, we do have actual figures...

This is causing a lively discussion in the ww_users community, with people discussing whether or not Old Navy is enabling the obesity epidemic by carrying Plus Sizes.

I threw in my 2 cents by saying that I was happy to see that they were doing this - especially since right now, I'm getting to be too small for most plus-size clothing stores, but still too big for the "regular" clothing stores.

While there were some people grumbling about how the availability of plus-size clothes at mainstream outlets would prevent people from doing anything about their weight, I expressed my gratitude at being able to actually shop at Old Navy, and finding decent, affordable clothes that fit. The fact that they have Plus Sizes makes it even better, because now I can buy their blouses - and they will actually fit in the arms and chest!


In the interest of full disclosure, I will say where I was, where I am, and where I hope to be, eventually: Before I joined Weight Watchers, I was probably close to 280 lbs., and wearing a size 22/24. Now - about 3 1/2 months into the Program - I am about 240 lbs., and wearing a size 18/20. My goal is to get down to 150 lbs. - no idea what the clothing size will be at that time. I don't care if I'm in a 10 or an 8, or even a 6. All I care about is that I am healthy (or, healthier than I have been in the past) and happy.


People go on about "getting into One-derland" (getting their weight below 200), and the excitement over wearing clothes that don't have an X in the size. Sure, those are big accomplishments - and things that I am looking forward to reaching at some point. Right now, I am focusing on continuing towards getting healthy. If I can cut back on my blood pressure medicine - or even eliminate my need for it altogether - that would be a wonderful goal to accomplish. If I can do something about my joint pain - short of surgery - that would be terrific.


I like looking at myself in the mirror and being impressed with how much better I'm looking, compared to how I was, once upon a time.

Comments

[mom-o-cass.livejournal.com]

Dear Carly,
you're pretty!
Thank you for the news about Old Navy finally getting clothes i can feel comfy in. i fit into the size 20's they rarely have in stock, but it will be awesome to have a real plus-size selection!
i'm totally with you and i feel the same way about the accomplishments we have made so far and i wish you continued success!

:)
jenne

[rachel7moon.livejournal.com]

Congrats hon -

Your doing wonderful :)

[among-the-waves.livejournal.com]

While there were some people grumbling about how the availability of plus-size clothes at mainstream outlets would prevent people from doing anything about their weight,

Grrrr! That's so dumb! If you don't have flattering clothes, you won't go out as much. And if you don't go out and get moving, you'll never lose weight. Plus, some people *can't* lose weight (due to screwy metabolisms). And some people are OK with being heavier. I think that feeling better about the way you look is better motivation toward being healthy and active (whether or not that involves losing weight).

[nakedjester.livejournal.com]

That's what we like to call "flawed logic". It's not the same as McDonald's carrying "supersize gallon drinks", Purchasing and wearing plus-sized clothes does not make you plus-sized. Purchasing and drinking gallon sodas will help you on your way to a plus-size.

I can't believe people would actually use that as an argument.

UGH!

Then again, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[cyndal.livejournal.com]

I've always appreciated going into old navy and not fleeing the store crying because the size 10 is for a size 6 and also for carrying a size above 13. I can still remember the time I went to the express to buy jeans and they told me they didn't have my size in anything I wanted.

So the logic is if we limit the amount of clothing available to plus size women...we'll just automatically turn into Jessica Simpson size? Right.