How has obesity impacted your ability to "fit" in?
From booth seating at a restaurant to small chairs at a meeting, navigating public spaces often involves a hidden layer of anxiety and strategic planning. This effort takes a toll.
What frustrating or memorable experience have you had with space constraints, and what's one tip you can share that has helped you feel more comfortable?
What's a common object or setting (e.g., a turnstile, a specific type of seat) that you immediately scan for before using?
Have you ever chosen to avoid an event or location specifically because of space or seating concerns?
How do you mentally prepare for or recover from a challenging spatial experience?
I was asked to attend training in AZ. My hips are too wide, so the Union worked with a travel agent to get me a business class seat. When I was checking in at the airport, the TSA people patted down my legs, thighs and hips. I have Lipedema and Lymphedema, extremely wide legs and hips. I was humiliated. If I was going to struggle drugs, it wouldnt have been by strapping drugs to my legs. 3 years ago, I started seeing some great chiropractors, but their tiny chairs were too small. I told them, I would have to stand, they ordered ALL new chairs for their office !!!!
How absuloutely maddening that they patted down your hips and legs,
. Chronic illness is hard enough without that kind of treatment. I'm glad your employer was so accomodating though. How cool that your complaint to the chiropractor had an impact! Sending lots of gentle hugs and the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)
I definitely can relate, at my highest especially. So embarrassing and very uncomfortable for myself. I used to dread leaving the comforts of my 4 walls 🧱, where Im safe and unseen by the world 🌎 and their judgment.
I don’t ever go anywhere but usually the doctor and back home! A month ago I had a relative if me out for lunch’ I accepted! I always sat in a booth. Needless to say I couldn’t fit in it! How embarrassing! My relative didn’t think a thing about it! Mind you she a size 0!
That must have been a difficult situation. Did you have to find a new table? Were the relative and the staff supportive? Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
Yes it has in some ways like driving make sure the seat belt no too tight. And shifting my leg from break to gas. Trouble breathing when I walk and take stairs up to my apartment. And the most I hate on Dr notes patient is obese when describing me
We here you,
. Have you have weight issues most of your life or is this new for you? I wish doctors would at least bury that note somewhere in those charts. It can feel so defining. I'm sure there is much more to you than your obesity. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member)
