Fear of medical furniture...leads to lack of care for obese

This crossed my mind today while I was getting my teeth cleaned. For the first time EVER (even though my last appt was a year post op I was still 330ish) I sat comfortably in the dentist chair. Since I've gone to this place all my life I can remember how I progressed from being a little difficult to get in the chair, to my legs not fitting on the leg part and either trying to cross them at the ankle which was near impossible or having to let them hang over the side like staddling the chair...and then the arm would need to come down...oh no...I would cram it down myself and shove it under a roll. But today...was so easy in, easy out and my legs had enough room for me to put my purse, and scarf in between and still be comfy!!!! I also nightmarish remember the dreaded doctor exam table...the one with the little attached step. One time my mom actually braced the back of it while I stepped up to prevent it from tipping over. Then another time I was alone and I remember figuring out this like acrobat trick to hold on to a counter and step up and turn around to get on one. Honestly, there are things I didn't realize were "so" hard until they easy. Today I started brushing my teeth then instantly had to lean over and rest my elbows on the sink...and I wondered...wow...if I had my brachioplasty would I brush my teeth upright? I hope I find out soon!!!

Sarah,
I hope your insurance comes through for you. That is absolutely crazy that you have to adjust to your extra skin that way, just doing everyday things. Have you included that as an example in your letter? It was an eye opener for me!

Oh the dreaded dentist chair!  I was so embarassed the day I meet my new dentist!  I had been going to that office for at least 15 yrs but my dentist retired so I picked a new one from the same office.  I had not been to the dentist in 6 months and it was time for a cleaning.  Well this was about the time I hit my highest weight and the chair would not lift!  It would go up and then slowly sink back down.  The Dental assistant insisted the chair worked ok on the patient before me and finally had me get up and they tried it with her in it.   It worked!   I wanted to sink through the floor!

Not fitting was always such an embarrasment for me also and I marvel any time I fit in some small space. My best wishes on your fight for brachiplasty, don't give up!

Wow, I hear you loud and clear on that one! Before surgery by about 6 months, my orthopedic doctor sent me for an MRI to check the ever increasingly severe pain when I tried to walk. Well, he sent me down the street to an open MRI place, fine, I'd been there before. This time when I was laying on the table and the tech lowered the top part of the equipment, it smashed my stomach - badly, I could hardly breath!  I told her so, and she said "well, that's how it has to be to take these films".  After 45 minutes of not trying to move at all, I was done.  My back hurt so bad I was almost in tears, and I had to ask her to help me sit up, so humiliating.  DH and I took the films back to the Dr.  He said it's just a form of arthritist (sp), nothing can be done! So, I asked him if he felt it had anything to do with my weight, he said no.  Then I pulled my shirt tight towards my back, showing my 12 months pregnant looking belly.  If this was gone don't you think it might make a difference, I asked.  He looked at me seriously and said, I can't say definately, but as an opinion, I think so.  I asked if he'd write something to submit to the Dr. I had chosen to do my RNY.  He smiled, and said I'll do my very best!  And he did! Six weeks after surgery DH took back my Medicare rented over-sized wheelchair.  I could walk again, what joy!  And he's so proud of me! But, those type of memories don't go away, the pain still jumps up. And I haven't broken a plastic toilet seat in 14 months! Hang on, Sweetie, you'll get your surgery, and you'll be standing tall when you brush your teeth!! Hugs, Holly

I do the leaning thing also. My back hurts all the time. Going places is the worst. I take Excedrin arthritis most everyday to cope with the pain so I can function. I've lost 10 lbs trying to get ready for this surgery. And Friday my DH took me for a facial at a day spa, then shopping and we ate at O'Charlie's. I took the whole bottle of Excedrin with me just in case. I didn't need to take any. If this is a good sign for not having as much pain after sugery, I'm very encouraged.  I can hardly wait for my date!!!!

I have rarely traveled by plane but this month I did. The few times I have traveled I would just sqeeze myself in and be happy I did not need two seats or a special belt. This time I had tons of room. Crossed my legs and put stuff next to me. Not once did I bother the person next to me. It was the first time ever on a plane that I felt like I was not stuffed into the seat. In fact it was very roomy. -Jaz

I've been through "all of the above" so many times and suffered the same humiliations.  Most people are so kind about it......at least to your face.  But I could just imagine what was said behind my back. The most frightening thing I expereinced (several  times over) was when I had to have heart stents........I just knew they were going to drop me transferring me from the gurney to the surgical table.  That was more of a threat to me than the actual catherizations and procedures....tears streaming down my face from the fear but mainly from the humiliation.   And then the humiliation of not being able to give my PCP  a urine sample (several times) because I couldn't reach past my belly to put the sample jar in the right position for the 'catch.'  And they didn't have a 'hat' for the commode to catch it in so I could pour it up.  I had to go for several years without a urine test.....I was on the verge of buying my own 'hat' to take with me when I decided to have surgery.   And then there's those tiny little ridiculous paper 'gowns' they give us......no need to go into detail there, is there.