I'm 5 9 and 218lb. I wear UK size 18 (edging towards 16). I have some gap size 14s that I bought in the US a few years back (OK, about 7 years back...) which are just about to start fitting me now, so I guess that's what I'd be over there, don't know whether gap tend to be big, small or just right though compared to other shops.
Oh I didn't realise you were so tall YP1, I don't hate you anymore!!!
(I was feeling a bit bitter that you're a size 18 and a similar weight to me!!!)
I could make it worse. Today I tried on a pair of size 16 cropped jeans and they fit! Admittedly, they seem to be cut fairly big (I have the 18s which are already baggy and was trying them on to see how much difference there was) and everything else I fit into is an 18. But it's a sign I'm heading in the right direction!
I'm just getting into a 24 for the first time in about 10 years. It is the best feeling. I tried on these great capris at Macys about 2 wks ago and they didnt fit in the 24 and went in this past wknd and they were perfect. I am stalled on my weight loss too and they made me feel reassured that I am still losing something, maybe not weight but inches. Im hoping to be in a 22 by end of summer!!!
Another apple shape here (184 pounds) -- so when pants have some elastic in the waist, size 14; otherwise, size 16. Did buy a pair of size 10s at Mervyns that fit -- but I'm assuming they were marked the wrong size.
It's so weird how things vary.
I'm 5'2" 188 and wear a 14. I use 14 as an average because I was able to fit into a 12 recently but my clothes are mostly 16's because I refuse to go shopping everytime I go down a size. The 16's aren't huge on me where they are silly looking so I keep wearing them. When I'm comfortably in 12's, I'll go shopping again.
I must have a weird body. I'm 5'3" and in a 10/12 at 136. I see some others in a 4/6 at 140 and only an inch or two taller.
That does seem odd, are you sure you're wearing the right size? I'm 50 pounds heavier than you and can squeeze into 12's and I suppose in about 20 more pounds I'll be in 10's.
Sorry! That was my mistake! I've edited my post now. I typed in too much of a rush, and it made me sound like I was an extraordinary shape! whoops.... 
