June is Lipedema Awareness Month

June 3, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 8 Comments

June is Lipedema (Lipoedema in UK/AUS) Awareness Month so I thought I’d post some helpful information and resources. I recently found many of these pages and Facebook groups and finally feel like I belong, there ARE others out there who understand.

WebMD (we’re FINALLY on WebMD) describes Lipedema as a condition that affects up to 11% of women. It occurs when fat is deposited abnormally beneath the skin, usually in the buttocks and legs. Although it begins as a cosmetic concern, it can progress to cause pain and other problems.

Excellent video:

Dr. Karen Herbst for Cure Lipedema Awareness PSA

Here are some informative websites/links:

Cure Lipedema – http://www.curelipedema.org/

Lipoedema UK – http://www.lipoedemaladies.com/

Dr. Herbst’s website – http://www.lipomadoc.org/lipedema.html

Fat Disorders Research Society – http://www.fatdisorders.org/fat-disorders/lipedema-description

Fellow Lipedema Bloggers:

Big Leg Woman – http://www.biglegwoman.com/

Living with the Lip – http://lipedemagirl.tumblr.com/

Molly Peterson – http://www.mollympeterson.com/2012/11/i-have-lipedema/

Born2lbFat Living with Lipedema posts – http://born2lbfat.com/?cat=90

Do you have a Lipedema/Lipoedema website or blog to recommend? Please share it in the comments section. I will update this post with suggestions!

My Guide to the Perfect Beach Body

May 24, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 25 Comments

Relaxing in Key West

It’s Memorial Day Weekend, the Unofficial Kick Off to Summer! Are you ready for the beach? I am! Last weekend I unpacked my summer wardrobe and found no fewer than 10 swimsuits! My best friend pointed out that I have equal number of sunglasses and beach towels to match each suit. She knows me so well!

Since I am more than prepared for the warmer weather I wanted to share my advice for how to get that PERFECT BEACH BODY:

1. Pick out a cute swimsuit – I suggest trying on various styles to find the suit that flatters your figure and features. I know many women default to skirted bottoms to “hide” their legs and hips. In my case, skirts do not flatter my hips, and lets be honest nothing is going to hide my legs…and be safe to swim in. There are however many options, out there, swim board shorts, rash guard shirts. And of course this season’s FATKINI by Gabi Gregg, if you are lucky enough to get your hands on one. I found the halter top neckline looks nice on me, draws attention to me face which is one of my BEST features.

2. Put on your cute swimsuit – add a nice pair of sunglasses and sun screen!

3. Go to the beach – or the pool, lake, river, water park (I love Typhoon Lagoon…and looking forward to OAC at AZ Grand)

4. Smile – have fun, enjoy your day.

There is no such thing as a PERFECT body, no shake, or DVD is going to make you perfect. I learned long ago that people will comment on my appearance whether I am in a swimsuit or fully clothed, so I pay them no mind. Life is too short to keep worrying about what others think, ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!

How does my garden grow?

May 3, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

WINONA GIANT STRAWBERRIES

I am testing out my green thumb. Having lived in Miami the past 8 years, and always lived in an apartment I never attempted to grow my own garden. Now that I live in a more garden friendly climate and own a house I thought I would give it a try. I am starting out small since I am not sure of my cultivating skills.

TRIPLE CROWN THORNLESS BLACKBERRY

I have a big backyard (yes both my backyards are big), but my attempt to find a good spot for a garden and trying to dig ended with seeing a snake or large lizard so I opted to use containers. I chose blackberries because growing up I know there were blackberry bushes growing in our alley way that had no care whatsoever, so I thought my chances with them were good. The strawberry plant is a complete experiment. The fact that both the strawberry and blackberry plants survived two weeks wrapped in my garage is my first victory of the season. They arrived before I was prepared to plant, I promptly went to the store to purchase containers and soil. I wrestled a giant bag of garden soil into the cart, then I fought to flip it into my trunk without tearing it open and spilling soil every where. Woohoo success it’s in the trunk! Then I see on the back of the bag a huge symbol that says “NOT FOR CONTAINERS” What? Did the cashier not see the containers I was buying? Oh well it wasn’t a garden center. So the planting was postponed until I bought the proper potting soil.

My second success so far is starting my cucumber plants from seeds! I have NEVER started plants from seeds and was worried because I do not have many sunlight areas inside my house. I put them in the breezeway, but was then concerned the overnight temperature might be too cool. At first, not all the seeds sprouted, but I wasn’t worried because I did not think I needed 32 cucumber plants. So far they are doing great, the next challenge will be to transplant them outside.

CUCUMBERS

Finally, I am awaiting the arrival of my tomato plants. Nothing says summer like fresh garden tomatoes. I have ordered Heirloom and Mortgage Lifters. I will also plant those in containers.

Are you planting a garden this summer?
What are your favorite plants to grow?
What are your favorite recipes to use your garden goodies?
Any advice for my first garden?

My plants and seeds were purchased from Gurney’s.

Fat patients and Fat doctors: Impact of Weight Bias in Healthcare

May 2, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 1 Comment

From New York Times The Well Column

The Well Column, the New York Times wellness blog, has posted two articles this week about weight bias and stigma in healthcare. The first, reference a study that indicated physicians are nicer to non-obese patients. This is significant because physicians then foster better relationship with their normal weight patients, often leaving obese patients to not engaged in their care and less likely to follow doctor’s orders. Read the full article: Overweight Patients Face Bias

I have experience weight bias from medical professionals many times, the most frustrating is providers not having a scale to accurately weigh obese patients or blood pressure cuffs to fit my arms. Weight and blood pressure are too very important vital signs and the equipment for both would not be a financial burden to the office. I have a home scale that has a 440lbs capacity, why can’t they afford one? Then of course the scary weeble wooble exam tables. YIKES. Hospital gowns. I’ve twice not been able to have a medical test performed because the equipment could not hold someone over 300lbs.

Then there is the direct from the physician bias, my diagnosis of lymphedema was delayed nearly two years because my doctor blamed the size of my legs on my weight. After that experience I began to advocate for myself, I didn’t accept a doctor blaming my weight, I didn’t allow them to deflect the real issue at hand to my size and appearance. One of my favorite incidents, yes odd that I say favorite as it wasn’t so positive at the time I was in a lot of pain, it was when I had been admitted to the hospital for cellulitis in my legs. This was not the first time I was hospitalized for IV antibiotics to treat my cellulitis. I had reached the point of packing a bag and taking my own pillow to the ER because I knew I would be admitted for several days of treatment. This time I had gone to the ER at night, was admitted but the next morning was still waiting for the hospital doctor to examine me before any antibiotics were ordered.

So the young doctor comes into my hospital room and starts asking me questions. As he is going over my medication list he asks, “So you’re on depo provera?”

I reply, “yes.”

He then says “You know that’s not a reliable form of birth control at your weight?”

I quickly sniped back, “don’t worry, my weight IS a reliable form of birth control. Can we focus back on the cellulitis, the actual reason I am here?”

I weighed 500lbs at the time, Super Morbidly Obese, I was on 100% birth control at the time, if you know what I mean.

But it’s not just patients who encounter weight bias and stigma, the second article addressed how patients act towards doctors who are overweight. We must remember doctors and other medical professional are human too, and face the same challenges we do. The article mentions Dr. George Fielding, a weight lose surgeon, who was overweight and found his patients questioned his ability because of his appearance. However, he was able to relate to the same struggles his patients were trying to overcome. Read the full article here: When the Doctor Is Overweight

Have you experienced weight bias and stigma when seeking healthcare treatment?
Have you ever not been able to have a test performed because the table or equipment could not accommodate your weight?
Have you ever questioned a doctor’s advice because of his/her weight or habits?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Dear Just My Size, why all the GLITTER?

April 30, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 5 Comments

This will probably be the first of many rants about Plus Size clothing. I have learned that even my normal sized friends have clothing issues, all sizes vary, as do all bodies. Being a size 2 can be just as challenging to find a nice fitting pair of jeans as being a size 26. I get that, actually I had more clothing disappointments when I was a size 14/16 because there were so many cute shirts or pants IN MY SIZE, yet when I put them on they fit but did not flatter. It was an odd phenomenon for me because usually my “fit” philosophy was “if the clothing FIT on my body then it FIT.” There was no room for flattering because there were actually so few pieces of clothing that would even go on my 500lb body.

So one may wonder if I’m concerned with flattering clothes why am I shopping at Wal-mart? Well, there is the topic for another blog, the price and availability of Plus Size clothing. My quick answer is, if it’s cute and looks nice on me, I do not care what the label says or where it was bought.

Just My Size is one of those known plus size brands; we do not get cute names like Victoria’s Secret. Oh, they abbreviate it to JMS, but still you know it’s Just My Size. Normal sized women get to wear Legg’s Pantyhose, growing up I wore Big Mama You’re Beautiful pantyhose. I appreciate the attempt to boost my self-esteem but I really don’t need that from a pair of XXXL pantyhose.

Throughout the years JMS has been a good reliable friend. Comfortable t-shirts for under $10, and even a few nice surprises like this shirt. One of my FAVORITE shirts purchased a couple years ago: Flattering design, light material, long length, and flutter sleeves that are not tight on my lipedema affected arms.

This year I feel my reliable friend has betrayed me with GLITTER. Why JMS? What’s with ALL THE GLITTER Every t-shirt design has GLITTER! My personality sparkles, my smile shines. I do not need my clothing to do the same. I agree Plus Size women should not be afraid to wear bold colors and be stylish. But GLITTER? We are not toddlers. We are not Princesses (ok well I am, but then I decide when to put on my tutu and tiara and it’s not every day). So what on earth made you think grown women want GLITTER on their t-shirts? I feel like you do not know your customers at all? I’d expect this from some company who just tosses out some plus size items on the side, but JUST MY SIZE…WE ARE WHO YOU CATER TOO? Why would you put GLITTER on our chests? It’s not cute, not flattering…and actually GLITTER IS ANNOYING because it gets everywhere!

Do you think GLITTER designs are appropriate for Women’s clothing, regular or plus size? What’s your favorite “go to” Plus Size brand?

ObesityHelp 2013 National Conference – KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DR. ARYA M. SHARMA

April 28, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

ObesityHelp 2013 National Conference – KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DR. ARYA M. SHARMA

I am looking forward to the ObesityHelp 2013 National Conference this October. I have been a member of ObesityHelp.com for 10 years and this will be my 8th ObesityHelp Conference. I have learned so much through my experience with ObesityHelp, and met some AWESOME people like Melting Mama and Eggface.

I Wish I Could Bottle My Confidence

April 26, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 8 Comments

I wish I could bottle my confidence and have Dove sell the sh!t

They say women will argue about anything, and that was evident this past week as an online battle brewed after the release of Dove’s Real Beauty Sketches video. I wanted to write about the video sooner, but I’m glad life got in the way and I waited, because the chatter and discussion that has occurred makes me wonder, why do we care so much about what other people think of our looks? Why is there so much talk about the definition of beauty when everyone has different tastes and preferences?

When I first saw the Dove video I shared it on my Facebook page and commented that my picture on the left would probably look BETTER than the one described by the stranger. I’m beautiful, I know I’m beautiful and that is all that matters…to ME. Do I think everyone thinks I’m beautiful? No, I’m not vain. I’m realistic. My features do not appeal to everyone, but I learned long ago that I can only control what I was given and trying to please or impress EVERYONE is not possible, so I focus on what makes ME feel beautiful and not worry so much about what other people think of my appearance. Especially people whose opinions mean NOTHING in my daily life.

OMG, look at her socks!

Yes. Socks. It was the first week of my Sophmore year in high school, I probably weighed 350lbs, if not 400lbs. Wearing stylish clothes was not an easy task, options were limited due to my size, and family income. However, my mom always made sure we had a few new outfits to wear back to school. This day I was proudly wearing navy slacks (securely pegged and cuffed), and a rugby type shirt with navy, green, and hot pink stripes. I loved my outfit, I thought I looked stylish. We had to order the pants through a special Plus Size catalog and I was relieved they fit! During history class I was talking with my friends and overheard “oh my god, look at her socks” and noticed the girl was pointing my direction. I thought, what’s wrong with my SOCKS? They are JCPenney socks! They are just typical white socks??? I was so proud of my outfit, yet this girl found SOMETHING she didn’t like about it and made negative comment.

At that moment I realized no matter how hard I might try to impress others there will always be someone, or something negative to be said. I was not bothered by the comment, actually the rest of the year my best friend and I had a running joke when we saw this person, my friend would say “Sarah, are your socks ok?” Really, no tears were shed over someone judging my socks.

And from the other perspective, I do not give much thought to the positive comments and compliments I receive. Why? Because people often lie just to make people feel better and I do not need boost myself up on fakeness and lies. Growing up as an obese child I heard the phrase “You have such a pretty face, it’s such a shame.” Wait? What? Was that a compliment or a put down? What’s a shame? It’s a shame that I have a pretty face? Or it’s a shame that I’m fat?

Of course not everyone who gives a compliment is lying. And I often struggle to accept compliments, and not question the intention of the person giving it. It is hard. What I am talking about it not easy, even for me. The looks I get from others do sting, being judged negatively in the workplace because of my appearance hurts beyond emotionally but financially.

I learned not to value or devalue my self worth based on what others thought about me…period. I do not think I’m beautiful, I KNOW I’m beautiful. I am confident, smart, funny, and I have pretty eyes, a bright smile, and cute dimples. Those are the FIRST things I notice when I see a picture of myself. If prompted to find negatives I could comment about the break-out on my chin and my overgrown eyebrows. It’s funny, I took this no make-up picture specifically for this blog post to show the REAL me, then I realized I was still wearing my blue contact lenses and promptly took them out and retook the pictures. The REAL natural ME.

Saying I do not care about what others think of my appearance does not mean I do not take pride in how I look. There are also times when appearance matters, such as, work or special occasions. Self-confidence and pride in oneself allows for the inner beauty to shine through.

Self confidence is REAL beauty.

Of all the beauty posts I’ve seen in the past week, Colleen Clark comic gets it right: Our bodies do not define us.

My YWM Inaugural Convention Personal Testimonial

April 25, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

http://youtu.be/ZQhj_6juTNE

My thoughts on the YWM Inaugural Convention, why I chose to attend and how much I enjoyed the experience.

Join me this year in Phoenix: http://www.ywmconvention.com/ Hurry, register early to save and be entered for a chance to win a FREE three-night stay at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa.

World’s Largest Hips: A Health Threat?

April 24, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

Finally, LIPEDEMA mentioned on a national talk show! Thank you The Doctors!

For so many years I’ve seen lipedema and/or lymphedema patients on talks shows about “obesity” and the host and doctor totally ignore giant legs and hips! This doctor GETS it!

Yes, lipedema patients will still have diseases because of our weight, carrying around extra weight is hard on the body.

I love Mikel’s attitude! I want to meet her when I’m in L.A. this October!

Fat doesn’t always FLOAT! – My near death experience

April 24, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 1 Comment

Today is the 4^th Anniversary of my near drowning. Wait is that the right word? Anniversaries are usually happy occasions, depending to whom you are married, ok well I am happy to be alive!

The afternoon started off happy enough, it was a Friday and I took off work early to spend time with the guy I had recently started dating. It was a beautiful day to head to the beach.

For some women being seen in a swimsuit by their new man for the first time would be scary enough. For me, it wasn’t an issue. We arrive at the beach, and I notice it was really windy. I even said “wow, it’s really windy is there any warnings posted?”(Famous last words #1) I looked up and down the beach at several nearby lifeguard stands and saw no red or yellow flags posted.

So after laying our blanket out we headed into the water. The waves were a bit rough, so we agreed not to go “too far”. We began talking about how nice the day was, how we liked the beach, he then asked me “how well can you swim?” (Famous last words #2), I replied that I was a decent swimmer but I had back up since FAT FLOATS. He then told me that I was in good hands because he used to be a junior lifeguard. (Famous last words #3)

At nearly that very moment a big wave crashed over us and knocked my sunglasses off my face. The water was so shallow and clear I could see my sunglasses in the sand below us and we both tried to pick them up. At this same time more waves were crashing over us and we soon realized we were out farther than we should be, then a huge wave hit and knocked his REAL glasses off his face. The situation turned SERIOUS within seconds.

He was taller than me and was able to get his footing in the sand; I on the other hand was being pulled out with each wave that crashed. As the waves crashed I would get close enough to almost reach his hand, but then get pulled right back out to sea. This occurred a couple times until I realized I was in a rip current and I should not fight it. I had heard on the news how to survive a rip current and told him we needed to stop, I needed to let it take me. I was pulled out a bit farther and another wave crashed over me and pushed me under water a few seconds that felt like minutes. As I came up I told myself to catch a big breath so I could handle the “next” hit.

Just then I noticed the lifeguards on the beach with a rescue truck waving to me; they then waved their arms indicating I was out to far and needed to “come in”. You think? I immediately thought “IT’S YOUR JOB TO GET ME TO SHORE!”…realizing they didn’t know I was in distress I yelled out “HELP ME”. With that they came running. My boyfriend was still in the water, as he never gave up trying to help me. Even though he didn’t need recued, one lifeguards tended to him by making him grab a life ring and walk to shore. Another lifeguard swam out to me with a board and helped me climb on top and he paddled in the short distance to shore. As he paddled I apologized several times for getting out so far, he then replied “you’re just lucky we were here, with all the recent budget cuts we do not patrol as often.” Yes, I am!

Once on shore, the lifeguards asked me a few questions about how I felt and had me fill out an incident report. I felt tired, but ok, I had not swallowed any water that I remembered. They warned me of the signs to watch for in case I had actually swallowed water, then they showed me a “safer” area to go back in the water. I replied “oh we won’t be going back in the water today!”

We sat down on our blanket just to rest before heading to the car. The CAR! It’s was a stick shift, I couldn’t drive a stick shift and he had no GLASSES! Thankfully, he kept a spare pair of glasses in his gym bag. Whew another disaster diverted. So we headed back to my apartment changed and went to dinner.

So much excitement for one day!

I am thankful to be alive, I have to admit with all the previous scary health issues I had encountered I was already living life to the fullest…thus taking the afternoon off to head to the beach! The incident did make me more aware of the importance to always swim near a lifeguards stand, and to stay out of the water in windy conditions, even if caution flags are not posted, AND that no matter how buoyant my bootie might be, never underestimate the power of the ocean!

I kept our parking receipt as a memento of the day.

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