Embracing My Beautiful New Body: The Transformative Journey of Swimsuit Shopping After Bariatric Surgery
Looking back on the day, I made the life-changing decision to undergo bariatric surgery, one of the things I excitedly added to my “Skinny Girl Bucket List” was swimsuit shopping.
For me, surgery was more than just a standard procedure, it was a leap of faith towards a healthier, happier me. I’m finding that with the more weight I lose, the more of myself I’m gaining back. My confidence, my joy, my sense of adventure, and most importantly, my life.
Now, as summer approaches, I find myself on a new and scary adventure—swimsuit shopping with a new body. One of my biggest goals this summer was not letting anything hold me back from actively participating in summer fun with my family. However, when I started swimming shopping, I felt like I was walking through landmines. Nothing felt quite right.
While I knew it was an opportunity to embrace my new body and celebrate the incredible changes I’ve made, it was also an opportunity for some of the less “pretty” side of my changes to show, aka my loose skin. I looked over Facebook posts and blogs about post-surgery swimsuit shopping and discovered the majority of the information was out-of-date or fell into one of these three categories:
- Here is a swimsuit that will cover you from ankle to elbow!
- Here is a swimsuit that will suck your tummy fat into looking like a size negative 3-Sorry about the elephant leg skin and bat wings though. Guess you’ll just need to use a coverup!
- Just embrace the loose skin- It’s better than fat!
To say this was frustrating would be an understatement. I finally found a swimsuit I loved at a thrift store, but by the time I needed to use it, my body was too small, and my loose skin issues were too big. I needed to find something I could feel confident yet secure in. Something that would help mask the areas on my body that I felt needed more work, but show off just how far I’ve come.
I decided to reach out to my friends at SwimZip for help. SwimZip is known for being an all-inclusive brand that celebrates diversity and bodies of all sizes. They have sent my boys countless swimsuits over the years and even sent me stuff. I never felt confident enough to rock their stuff prior, but this summer, I am feeling more confident and happy in my body than I have in years. The items they have sent me in the past are also actually fitting the correct way now!
SwimZip Haul
SwimZip sent me several options, and I absolutely loved the colors and being able to match my boys! They had a lot of options to help me cover two of the areas I’m struggling with most- my legs & upper arms. My skin is currently the loosest in those areas, so I’m a lot more self-conscious about showing them off.
My favorite items from their line were the crop top rash guards- it hid my loose skin but showed up just how much more slim my waistline was!
I also really loved their adjustable skirts & bike shorts. The shorts even have pockets which is incredibly convenient!
My least favorite part of the haul were their tops. The patterns & colors were absolutely amazing, but for a woman who is as large-chested as myself, I find myself needing a bit more extra support & coverage. The first day I wore one of the bikini tops to the pool, my “girls” tried to slip out of the bottom- not exactly appropriate when one is at a pool full of small children! I’m hoping that as I keep shedding weight, my chest area also shrinks so that this is less of an issue though! The tankini tops were a bit better for minimizing potential “slip-ups,” but they still didn’t fit quite right. I guess this Goldilocks has a bit more work to do in that department!
The absolute best part of this experience wasn’t trying on and loving all of these new swimsuits, it was actually the unexpected shock of trying on something SwimZip sent to me in 2020, back when they were first expanding into the plus size world- a swim dress cover up. At the time, it fit more like a roomy shirt, but I loved the feel of the material, coverage, and spf protection, so I’ve happily been rocking it every year since it arrived. However, when I tried it on last month and it fit like it was supposed to fit, I about lost it with my shock and glee. I was so incredibly excited to have such a visual testament showing just how far I’ve come.
Post-Surgery Swimsuit Shopping Tips
Before diving into the world of swimsuit shopping, I took a moment to reflect on my journey. It wasn’t quite as cut and dry as I expected it to be. It was more than just trying to find a suit that would work for my body, but rather a tentative celebration about the progress I’ve made. The decision to undergo bariatric surgery was not an easy one, but it has been worth it every step of the way. I’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and discovered the strength within me. So, I decided to honor this journey and remind myself of the incredible transformation I’ve undergone. Swimsuit shopping became more than just finding the perfect swimwear—it became a celebration of my resilience and the person I’ve become. Given that, here are some of the things I’ve learned during this daunting experience.
1. Embrace Your Beautiful New Body
This is a chance to fully embrace your beautiful new body, adorned with confidence and self-acceptance. Shed the old layers of self-doubt and insecurity and, instead, wear the radiant glow of self-love. Every swimsuit you try on is an opportunity to appreciate the changes you’ve made and the progress you’ve achieved. You deserve to feel incredible in every single one, your new body is a testament to your strength and the limitless possibilities that await.
2. Discovering Your Perfect Fit
Finding the perfect swimsuit is like discovering a treasure that compliments your unique shape and style. This weight loss journey has changed my body in so many more ways than I even could have imagined. So, I tried to take the time to understand my new measurements and embrace the contours of my body. I didn’t even know what my size really was, so I measured my bust, waist, and hips. I allowed those measurements to guide me towards swimsuits that accentuated my newfound curves and helped me cover the areas I felt less secure with. However, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about finding a swimsuit that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and utterly yourself.
3. Playful Exploration of Styles
Swimsuit shopping after bariatric surgery can be daunting, but it can also be a playful and adventurous experience. This is your opportunity to try on different cuts, experiment with vibrant colors, and explore designs that catch your eye. It’s a chance to express your unique personality and try things you may have never let yourself try before. Maybe you’ll fall in love with a high-waisted bikini that showcases those newfound curves, confidence, and grace. Or perhaps a flattering one-piece with ruching will make you feel like the epitome of elegance. This journey is about rediscovering yourself and having fun along the way.
4. Prioritizing Comfort and Support
While style is important, I always prioritize comfort and support when swimsuit shopping. I tend to look for swimsuits with built-in bras, adjustable straps, or underwire to provide the support I need. I consider my plans for the beach or pool—whether I’ll be diving into the waves or lounging under the sun. Choose swimsuits that offer both coverage and freedom of movement, ensuring that you can enjoy your time without any worries. When I feel comfortable and supported, my confidence shines even brighter.
5. Bring Your Hype Team
If the vast array of swimsuits feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Bring along your support team- the ones that will hype you up like no one else. They will cheer you nonstop and help make experience memorable and fun. Let them help you find the suits you never imagined trying on before. With their support, you’ll be sure to find that perfect swimsuit—one that hugs your body and soul!
Swimsuit shopping after bariatric surgery is a sentimental and personal adventure. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey you’ve been on and to embrace your beautiful new body. Take the time to appreciate how far you’ve come, the love and care you’ve shown yourself, and the joy that radiates from within. With each swimsuit you try on, remind yourself that this journey is about finding more than just swimwear—it’s about finding a piece of your soul that brings you closer to self-acceptance and fulfillment. Final words of advice? Dive into the world of swimsuit shopping with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and allow the beauty of your transformation to shine through. You are worth it!