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.