I know this is an older thread, but I thought I'd respond anyway...
I'm in school to become a CMT!  I'm actually taking this module (Swedish) off to have surgery (VSG 10-22-08).  This would have been my 4th mod. out of 6 (each mod. is 6 weeks).  I love massage!  but I too hate the sweaty part.  hopefully it will get easier as I start to loose weight in the coming months.  I can't wait to get back to school for the Deep Tissue mod. and see everyone again and dig some elbows into some scaps HAHA

ANGELA, I AM A LPN AND LMT. ALTHOUGH I HAVE NOT GONE BACK TO WORK, I DO FEEL MUCH BETTER HAVING LOST 7OLBS. I HAVE ANEMIA AND THIS HAS SLOWED MY RETURN TO WORK DOWN. BUT I AM WORKING ON MY FAMILY TRYING TO BUILD UP MY STRENGTH. YOU WILL DO JUST FINE. AND YOU WILL NOTICE A CHANGE IN YOUR SWEATING ONCE YOU HAVE THE SURGERY.... HAVE A BLESSED DAY... R.B

My doctor agreed that massage therapists could work on me in the hospital. Wow! I really felt very supported... feet and leg work 8 hours after surgery and then neck/upper back, hand and arm work on the next day really helped my comfort. (Arm without the IV, or course!) Circulation wasn't hurt either! Very light effleurage on the clothed belly was good both days and I've continued with that activity myself. Although I believe walking/activity is key to recovery - comfort and touch are helpful in promoting self care and I believe I'm better now that I've been touched by a couple of MT angels! Thanks to Praxis College of Massage, Oklahoma, for offering students the opportunity to work on a hospitalized therapist - they say they found the experience scary, enlightening, and gratifying. As a RN MT, I found the students well prepared to plan and execute a massage on a post-op client. I encourage you to be involved in helping other bariatric patients post-op - our visability in the hospital environment elevates us all! Angela in Oklahoma

Hi, I'm also an MT, and agree about the sweating thing. I had surgery on 03/28/05, and have lost 50 lbs. I still sweat but it is nothing compared to 50 lbs ago. I love massage therapy. It relaxes me almost as much as it does my clients. I think going to school and having surgery were two of the best things I have ever done for myself. Good luck, Billie

I'm a RN massage therapist... pre-op RNY. (Don't have exact date and time, but in two weeks I'll be on the downhill side!) I'm so delighted to be a MT, but hate the sweating I do as a fat person. Any MTs that have gone from heavy to lite have any words of encouragement or wisdom for me? Angela in Oklahoma