Question:
would anyone recommend getting a full-body massage before wls?
I was wondering if a massage would be good before surgery, maybe the week of, to improve circulation, relaxation, help surgery, any views are appreciated? thanks! — MICHELLE D. (posted on August 17, 2000)
August 17, 2000
I did and it relieved aolt of the nervousness and helped relax me
— Kim N.
August 17, 2000
I fully recommend anything that calms or relaxes you before your surgery,
and a full body massage would be wonderful. You might also think about
doing some special things "just for you"...manicure, pedicure,
new hair cut/style, buying a few pieces of really pretty lingerie for the
hospital. After all, you are beginning a "whole new life"...why
not start it with a bang!
— Diana T.
August 17, 2000
Sorry to answer your question with another question, but how do massage
therapists feel about obese clients? There is a shishi poo poo (my words
for exclusive) massage salon in my area, but its clients are mainly rich,
thin doctor's or lawyer's wives. Complaints have circulated from women
"not in the clique" being treated badly because they didn't
belong to the same social circle as the others. I would love to have a
massage, but don't want any crap about being obese. Do you disrobe
completely for a full body massage? Can anyone recommend a dayspa where
they've felt comfortable?
— [Deactivated Member]
September 3, 2000
I am a licensed massage therapist who specializes in working
with obese clients. Right now I weigh 378# and am waiting
for approval for wls. I actually get a lot of clients
simply because I am so large that people are not as self-
conscious about their weight. I am also very careful about
giving the client whatever privacy they need. ie allowing
clients to disrobe without my presence and only to take off
what they feel comfortable removing. I also assure them
that they will always be covered, and I only expose the
body part I am massaging ie. leg or back. I ask permission
to massage gluts or abdomens in case the client is not
comfortable. If the client wants gluts done I reach under
the sheet and never uncover the client. Having your gluts
done can be wonderful. We don't really realize how much
work our butts do by carrying excess weight. I also ask the
client if they want me to leave the room when it comes time
to turn over from the back to the stomach, as I myself
need to sit up completely in order to get turned over, and
the sheet just won't cover in the process. Most clients are
so comfortable with me that they allow me to simply hold the
sheet while they turn. My table is also the best made, most
are guaranteed to 1000 lbs or so. I have made a
number of friends because of my specialty, and people who
would have never had a massage because of shame now happily
get regular massages from me.
I just hope that after my surgery and weight loss I
will still be able to instill the same confidence in new
clients who might be afraid. I live in the Phoenix area,
hopefully you can find someone in your area who can work
to meet your needs. My email address is [email protected]
— Lucy D.
March 13, 2003
I swear by massages pre- and post-op. Massage schools offer clinics at a
nominal fee for students to practice. I'm a few classes shy of being
licensed and the clinics helped us to be exposed to and appreciate all body
types. Don't worry about the tables...they're sturdy. When I made my first
massage appt., I kept telling the massage therapist that I was a big girl
and inquired about the possibility of being too heavy for the table. She
just kept assuring me that all would be OK. I now think back and laugh
knowing that the tables can hold 1000+ pounds and how apprehensive I was.
It was one of the best things that I had ever done for myself. Keep
looking for a therapist that respects all people.
— Carol B.
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