Three Weeks Post-Surgery: Finding My Feet in Old Clothes and New Confidence

Three weeks.

That’s how long it’s been since my gastric sleeve surgery, and I feel like I’m stepping into a new chapter—barefoot, yes, but walking with more certainty than I have in a long while.

I’m noticing the changes now—not just on the scales, but in my spirit. I’m standing taller. I’m walking into the world with a little more ease. Even my reflection feels… kinder.

And here’s something I didn’t expect—my “old clothes” are getting a second life. Pieces I’d tucked away because they pinched or pulled now slip on with room to breathe. But here’s the magic: they don’t feel like the same clothes I wore years ago. They feel new, because I’m new.

I’m wearing them differently. I’m feeling them differently.
There’s no hiding, no dressing just to cover up. I’m choosing clothes that let me feel like me—present, visible, grounded.

Lately, I’ve been reaching for The Barefoot Salt & Linen collection. These pieces move with me—soft fabrics, easy shapes, and that gentle reminder that style doesn’t have to be tight or complicated to make you feel good. They’ve been my companions through this recovery: forgiving on days when my energy is low, flattering on days when I want to show up fully.

It hasn’t all been easy. There are moments when the changes to my lifestyle feel confronting. My old habits tug at my sleeve sometimes, whispering for comfort I used to find in food. But here’s what I’m learning—challenging doesn’t mean impossible. Every day I find new ways to take care of myself, to nourish my body, and to feel beautiful in it.

I’m not “done” changing. In truth, I don’t think we ever are. But three weeks in, I can feel the ground beneath my feet. And I’m walking forward in linen, in confidence, and in a body—and life—that’s learning to love itself all over again.

With linen-wrapped love,
Linley 🌿