Conference rocks::weight_control

    Why not spend the cash and bring them home now - Thats real motivating
    where it hurts - the pocket book.
    
    Good Luck    

    As a lifelong dieter, I have to disagree with buying clothes that
    don't fit now.  I did that years ago ... and found that (1) it wasn't
    enough motivation to keep me on a diet, and often (2) by the time
    I finally lost the weight, either the clothes were in the wrong
    season, out of style, or just didn't fit right.  And don't forget
    that stores are much less willing to take back clothes (especially
    suits) that are several months old, even if you've never worn them.
    
    I've learned ... buy clothes that fit NOW; the smaller sizes will
    be just as available 2 weeks or 2 months from now, when you lose
    the weight.  I'm also a firm believer that people should wear clothes
    that are comfortable NOW ... I found that squeezing into a tight
    skirt or blouse didn't motivate me, it just made me very uncomfortable
    and irritable.
    

    I like "trying on".  There is nothing quite as satisfying (sp) as
    trying on the next size down and finding out IT FITS!!!.  I don't
    buy every size.  I'll go until I'm 2 or 3 sizes lower than what
    I currently own. 
    
    I use to buy.....some of the clothes got thrown out because I never
    did get to the size or if I did they were out of style.  Same thing
    goes with clothes you "out grew".  I kept lots of clothes from thinner
    times and when I lost enough weight I realized they were so out
    of style.  I currently only keep present....no past fat or thin.
    Boy I loved getting rid of the really *FAT* clothes.  My only regret
    is that I didn't save a pair of pants to slip into *after*.
    
    Buying 3 suits may work for you, you know best what will motivate
    you.  Anyway I hope you get to wear your suits soon.  Good luck.
    
    Elaine
    

    I do the opposite.  I won't let myself by anything until I lose
    the weight.  Meanwhile, I have $10 a week taken out of my pay check
    into a DCU saving account just for clothes money.  By the time I
    reach my goal I'll have enough to buy a whole new wardrobe!
    
    

    I've been getting a kick out of buying clothes "off the rack" and
    12 sizes smaller than what I ws in last November. I have not replaced
    my wardrobe primarily because of the expense along with Optifast
    but my "FAT"clothes are gone (except for 1 pair of pants and a suit
    jacket to prove I was really that huge). I have been slowly buying
    the minimal amount of clothes that fit me at that moment. After
    all, being in marketing, I do have to go out and face customers
    and the sales force now and then and don't want to look like a clown
    in cothes 12 sizes too big.

	I too have carried clothes around for years, only to give them to
	Goodwill when they finally fit.  On the other hand, finally getting 
	into a pair of jeans that was a little too small when I bought them 
	5 years ago (they seemed okay in the store...) was a real rush.  And
	I still have that size 12 bikini that *will* fit someday!

	I wouldn't advise investing a lot of money in too-small clothes, 
	especially if they're things you really need for right now.  On the
	other hand, having one or two things that you can pull out and sigh
	over every so often isn't necessarily a bad idea.

	Beverly

    	Since specific types of clothing doesn't go "out of style" ie.
    White/blue dress shirts, I have collectively accumulated several
    sizes over time.  In my closet, they sit, and I smile as I get to
    move to the left side of the closet......Pants on the other hand....

    I recently went to an auction and was the high bidder on a complete
    modeling package.  (hair, make-up, the works)  I'll get in a portfolio
    with 12 8 X 10 prints!!!!  The certificate is good for 1 year, but I'd
    like to use it before my birthday in August or I lose at least 40
    more pounds, which ever comes first.
    
    Dreamin' on.....
    
    Roberta 

    	Motivation....
    
    
    	I want to get back into SCUBA!  That means WET SUIT, and gear...
    I found my additional motivation..............
    
    							Paul S.