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I lost over 200 lbs. and have a lot of excess/floppy skin in my legs and hips. I am currently in Italy--a 36 hours of travel time for my home in the US--and it has not been an issue at all. I wear compression socks on the flights as I tend towards leg and feet swelling, but I don't wear any shaper type garment otherwise on such a long flight. I have for shorter flights, but after I go through TSA. Because as others have said, the scanners tend to light up where I have any surgery scars or where the fat is denser. So I figure I should just add more time, be ready for it, make it easy on them, and smile that I now can travel and fit in the seats. All minor inconveniences for being able to get out and about.
No reason to be fearful.
Sally
Your 2017 questions on coping with excess skin are valid today. I just wish that ObesityHelp had seen fit then and now to edit your post. You might have done even better at the start had you stuck to questions on how to navigate your own neighborhood. That is, it will have been a good thing had you cancelled plans to travel rather than venture into the larger world with the attitude that other countries and their people are "...'difficult,' not fully developed." It is always better not to humiliate one's self, one's homeland and the world.
I want to travel but I am afraid to do this.
I'd look into brands like Lane or Big & Tall recliners from Catnapper, they're designed for extra durability and comfort. You might also want to consider getting a custom-made recliner to ensure it's both sturdy and supportive. When I was furnishing my space, I used a trusted coupon site to shop for stylish German kitchenware, so it might be worth looking for deals there too.
My heart aches as I write this, but I'm reaching out for help and support for my bedridden, morbidly obese younger brother. He's been struggling with his health, weighing over 900 lbs now, dealing with lymphedema, and now relying on oxygen due to shortness of breath. We've hit roadblocks finding care facilities.
The reality is stark: there are no local resources equipped to handle someone of his size on a regular basis. His lymphedema worsens, and we're doing our best with compression supports, but it's an uphill battle. We've reached out for help, made countless calls, but options are slim. He has dealt with a lot from being home schooled due to bullying, experiencing SA trauma at a young age, and dealing with the death of our grandparents and mother in a few short years. When the pandemic happened that's when the weight piled on, he ended up with pneumonia, and became bedridden. I am also obese at 350lbs and my dad is over 400.
I'm reaching out here, hoping to find support groups, connections to individuals who've faced similar challenges (700 or more pounds), and stories of real people who have successfully overcome immense weight struggles against the odds. It seems there is nothing out there exclusively for people and families with loved ones who become bedbound from their weight at 700 or more pounds (except one humiliating tv show/doctor who asked "what do you expect me to do?").
I know this is the internet and so no one is required to be nice, but this has mentally wrecked my family, especially me because I don't want my little brother to die. For example, I'm not the one who controls the food. I don't even live with him, but I try to visit once or twice a month and help around with household tasks since Since it's gotten this bad I've personally had to be heavily medicated and seeking therapy because I started having panic attacks in the middle of the night being afraid I'd wake up and get a call he is dead. He is only in his 20's. He should be living his life and not stuck in a bed.
We acknowledge the hurdles ahead: addiction, breaking enabling patterns, therapy, and more. But amidst it all, my brother remains hesitant to seek help publicly, fearing the stigma and spectacle. Please, if you have insights, resources, or personal experiences with being over 700lbs or having a loved one reach that weight, let me know. I'd love to reach out to people privately to hear what successfully worked to save their lives. This feels like it's the end for him if we don't do something fast.
You have been doing well - lots of weight loss since your birthday. Discipline is HARD - we all struggle.
What helped me most was separating myself from my enablers, including myself.
I can now control what food is in my house and am not tempted by ice cream in the freezer my ex bought. No delivered food, no fast food. If you don't cook, look into frozen meals like Healthy Choice or WW. Lots of fruit and veggies.
Most surgeons have a pre-surgery phase eating plan. If you get started in a WLS program there are staffers that encourage and coach you. There are also medical practices that specialize in non-surgical weight loss.
Even long before surgery, hydrate! Water or non-sugared drinks fill me up.
One of the horrible parts is being so large is fear of accidents. And why aren't there larger chairs? I broke at least 2 back in the day. I needed to sit! My feet were a 10 pain wise.
Along the way in my transformation I discovered some thing that might help.
I got a bariatric walker (I called it wide-ass). It has a basket to carry stuff and has a seat. It allowed me to go out more as well as a great resting place when gardening. I wish I had gotten it sooner. So basically, bring your own seating!
My greatest memory was when when there was a fire alarm when I was getting chemo. We all evacuated on a cold winter day, bringing along our buddies, the IV stands. I grabbed my coat and walker on the way. I sat in toasty comfort while everyone else stood and froze.
I still have the walker but mostly use it for moving stuff back and forth from the garage. I hope this helps.
