Born2lbfat

My life with Lipedema & Lymphedema...destined to be fat.

Kids do not need a letter to know they are fat on Halloween

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fat letter

There is a woman in North Dakota who feels it’s her duty to save obese children from themselves this Halloween. She has decided to hand out “fat letters” to children to whom she deems are obese while giving candy to the other kids. I am left to wonder if she is doing any diabetes or dental checks on the normal sized kids. After all, the reality is that candy is not “good” for anyone.

But it’s Halloween, it’s the time of year kids to get to dress up as their favorite character and go walk about the neighborhood with their friends. That is unless you are the FAT kid. Then finding a costume, especially of a favorite character, is most likely not going to happen. Definitely, NOT going to fit into a store bought costume. So maybe you’re creative and have the means to create an awesome DIY costume, which I was THAT fat kid a few times. Yes, I wanted to be an alarm clock! What kid doesn’t want to be an alarm clock? No, I wouldn’t have rather been Rainbow Brite or Jem. (of course I would have) But my sister and I were GENIUS and cut out a round piece of cardboard, put some numbers on it, and tethered it around my neck.  I was an alarm clock! Let’s go get some candy!

Trick or Treating was by far the most intense workout I got as a kid. I walked to school every day, but that roundtrip was nothing compared to the Trick or Treat challenge, cover the neighborhood in 1.5 hours. Yes, where I grew up Trick or Treat was scheduled. My friend’s mom led a small group of us around and kept us on task. We only went to houses where people were outside on their porches (wasted no time knocking on doors), we zigzagged across the street, then circled around to the next block. I really should stop and calculate the number of blocks we covered. The entire time it was “go, go, go”, we walked up steps, and up hills. And trust me, every huff n puff moment as trudged along as a clock I knew I was FAT. I didn’t need any well meaning neighbor giving me letter of notification!

But like most other things in my life, I wasn’t going to let my weight stop me from participating. I was not going to let being FAT keep me from enjoying the night out with my friends, trying to accomplish our mission of getting to every house on our route in the allotted time. Honestly, Halloween was NEVER about the candy. There was candy at home, the GOOD candy that my mom bought to pass out for Trick or Treat. If all I wanted was to stuff my face with candy, I could have sat at home and just ate what I wanted. No, Halloween like other holidays is about the experience.

Honey Boo Boo

The experience is same the reason I am excited about participating in Halloween as an adult. As a fat adult the costumes can still be a challenge, but my creativity and DIY abilities have served me well. Yes, I wanted to be Honey Boo Boo…I actually WON a costume contest as Honey Boo Boo! As for Trick or Treat, this year will be the first time in many years I will actually be at home, and live in a neighborhood where there will be Trick or Treaters. I do not have kids and I do not know many of my neighbors. I could easily turn off my porch light and stay inside.  Instead I am excited that I can participate in Halloween, and I ordered toys to pass out.  No candy. I admit I fear being seen as the “fat lady” handing out candy. I also know taste vary so much I could never possibly please all the kids with my choices. Then there are kids with food allergies.  Choking hazards, we used to buy safety suckers to give the toddlers. Also, I just LOVE toys, and I picked out some really awesome toys. I also asked my parent friends on Facebook if they would be upset if their child was given a noise maker? As you can already read I’m putting way too much thought and effort into this….just buy some candy already.

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Perhaps I’m too considerate of other people; perhaps the woman in ND should take a lesson from me. If her concern is really for the well-being of children then there are many better options she could do instead of fat shaming kids. How does a letter telling a parent their kid is fat help reduce childhood obesity? Yet she is STILL handing out candy to other kids, does their health not matter? Also health is not just physical, it is emotional too. Fat shaming kids on a day that is supposed to be FUN, is just mean and will hurt kids not help them. She could donate money to help local parks and recreation center, volunteer for local Halloween carnivals, or organize a Halloween themed fun run/walk for her community.

 

Hometown Advocacy: Coffee with Congressman Wenstrup

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Rep. Brad Wenstrup

Rep. Brad Wenstrup

Fresh off my return from #YWM2013 in Phoenix, AZ and my second year of advocacy training, I had the opportunity to put my skills to work at a local event held by my US Representative, Brad Wenstrup. On August 27th, Rep Wenstrup hosted a “Coffee with Your Congressman” event here in Portsmouth. I have previously communicated with Wenstrup’s staff members about HR 2415 – Treat and Reduce Obesity Act and The Lymphedema Treatment Act, but I know it’s a very special honor to be able to speak directly with my congressman. Rep. Wenstrup is a Podiatrist and was very aware and knowledgeable of lymphedema, and of course obesity is a major health issue for our area.

Again, I want to thank Rep, Wenstrup and his staff for the outreach into our community!

You can be an advocate without leaving home! Check out the links below learn more about the bills and to contact your representatives and ask them to support these two very important pieces of legislation.

Join me and visit the OAC’s Legislative Action Center to urge Congress to support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013.

Join me and visit the Lymphedema Treatment Act Legislative Action Center to urge Congress to support the Lymphedema Treatment Act.

Dancing for Dollars! Support me in the Walk from Obesity!

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 No tutu until I reach my fundraising goal of $1000!

 

 

If I reach my goal of $1000 in donations by the morning of the walk, August 18th! I will WALK IN MY SWIMSUIT (and tutu).

Featured on ObesityHelp

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I am honored to be today’s featured article on ObesityHelp.com – Advocate: A Decade in the Making. I have been a member of ObesityHelp since 2003 and have attended 7 of their events. October 4th & 5th I will attending the ObesityHelp 2013 National Conference in Anaheim, CA.

ObesityHelp asked me to share my experience and struggle with Lymphedema and Lipedema. Including fighting for insurance coverage of needed treatments. Both conditions affect individuals struggling with obesity, including those seeking weight loss surgery. Many like myself, are not aware they have Lipedema until after having weight loss surgery and noticing that despite massive weight loss their legs are still abnormally large.

Dear Boy Scouts of America, Participation is More Powerful than Exclusion

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Go Big. Get Wild. But not you, you're too big.

Go Big. Get Wild. But not you, you’re too big.

As a member of the Obesity Action Coalition, I received a Bias Buster Alert regarding the Boy Scouts of America’s BMI policy excluding participation in this years Jamboree.

Below is my letter to CEO, Wayne Brock. I encourage you to speak out on this issue and contact Mr. Brock. More information can be found on the OAC Bias Buster page: http://www.obesityaction.org/weight-bias-and-stigma/bias-busters/boy-scouts-of-america

Dear Mr. Brock,

As a member of the Obesity Action Coalition, I am writing to express my disappointment in the Boy Scouts of America’s BMI policy for attendees of the 2013 Jamboree. I live in southern Ohio, near the border of West Virginia, so I have seen a lot of local news coverage about the Summit and the excitement for this year’s Jamboree. It saddens me to know young men are being excluded from this “Wild and Wonderful” experience simply based on their weight.

I understand the BSA’s concern for health and safety, however, BMI is not a good indicator of health. As a morbidly obese child and teen I participated in many activities including attending 4H Summer camp. My cabin was at the top of the second hill, the restrooms and showers were on the first hill. Was it easy for me to climb the hills several times a day? Of course not, but I did it because I wanted to participate in camp, and as the days went by the climb became easier and I gained a sense of accomplishment. I participated in many camp activities, and there were of course some I was unable to participate in because of my weight, however, just being there and seeing all the possibilities motivated me to be more active so I could participate the following summer. If BSA were truly concerned with the overall health and wellbeing of your scouts you would encourage participation in the Jamboree no matter the fitness level. After all, HEALTH is more than just physical, there is also emotional and social element to health and wellness. Which is really better for health: these young men participating at the Jamboree with their peers, or sitting at home?

I also wanted to point out that many children and adults of normal size can suffer health emergencies during strenuous activities. I was in marching band and never once had an emergency while many friends often had asthma attacks after a performance. Also, consider the sad occurrence of children and adults with unknown cardiac issues collapsing during sporting events.

In addition, I am interested to know if Boy Scouts with other physical limitations are excluded from participating in the Jamboree? Are Boy Scouts with physical disabilities that require use of a wheelchair or other accommodations able to participate? I do hope the answer is, yes. If accommodations are being made for their inclusion than accommodations should be made so that ALL scouts can participate.

I look forward to your review of this policy and forthcoming changes.

Sincerely,

Sarah M. Bramblette

OAC Member

Two Bills, One Story

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capitalA journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Chinese proverb

My journey began many years ago, the steps have been difficult at times but I kept moving forward. Now is the time to put the past decade of personal struggle into action in order to help others.

Currently there are two bills before Congress, or in the process or being introduced, to which I fully support and want to see passed into law.

H.R. 2415 Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013 – On June 19, 2013, Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Representatives Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2013. This legislation will provide Medicare recipients and their health care providers with meaningful tools to treat and reduce obesity by improving access to obesity screening and counseling services, and new prescription drugs for chronic weight management.

Lymphedema Treatment Act – The Lymphedema Diagnosis and Treatment Cost Saving Act will improve coverage for the treatment of lymphedema, thereby reducing health care costs while improving patient care and quality of life for millions of Americans with lymphedema.

Step 1: I have shared my personal story via Obesity Action Coalition and Lymphedema Treatment Act.

Step 2: I have contacted my Congressman, and Senators regarding both pieces of legislation. A few weeks ago I received a phone call from Rep. Wenstrup’s office in Washington, D.C. in response.

Step 3: This week my U.S. Representative Brad Wenstrup’s staff will be hosting a Traveling Help Desk in my area. I plan on attending to share my story in support of BOTH bills.

The power is in us to initiate change….please join me on the journey!

meindc

Donate to Walk from Obesity and I Will Walk in My Swimsuit

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$1000 Goal = Me walking in Swimsuit

Last year at the Walk from Obesity in Dallas, TX is was unusually COLD. Note the sweatshirts!

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This year I will once again be  walking as a member of Melting Mama’s BBGC  Team in  the Walk from Obesity during #YWM2013 in Phoenix, AZ…. in AUGUST, so I expect much warmer weather!  If I reach my goal of $1000 in donations by the morning of the walk, August 18th! I will WALK IN MY SWIMSUIT (and tutu).

Yes, the issue of possible thigh chaffing has been brought to my attention. I’ll be sure to pack extra Johnson & Johnson Pure Cornstarch Baby Powder. No worries!

The only thing I’m worried about is deciding which swimsuit to wear, I have close to 20!!!

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Top 5 Reasons YOU Should Attend OAC’s #YWM2013

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OAC YWM Badge

This year the Obesity Action Coalition is hosting the 2nd Annual Your Weight Matters National Convention, August 15-18 in Phoenix, AZ. I guarantee it will be a life changing weekend! In an attempt to convince you, I have listed my Top 5 Reasons You Should Attend #YWM2013.

#5 – YOU will MOVE during the fitness classes. A variety of fitness classes will be offered during the conference so if you already have an exercise routine the trip will not interrupt your activities. If you have yet to find a workout you enjoy this is the PERFECT opportunity to TRY new exercises in an accepting environment. Last year I attended the Yoga class, to my surprise I already OWNED the instructors DVD, I had just never attempted it. Now that I have participated in the class I am more confident in doing the moves correctly at home. Perhaps you are not quite ready for a structured fitness class or “hello, I don’t exercise on ‘vacation'”, that’s o.k. you will still MOVE during the Sunday morning Walk From Obesity.

If you are not able to participate in the Walk From Obesity, please support my participation by making a donation in my name.

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#4 – YOU will MEET people just like YOU. No matter where you are on your journey to health there are others who are right there, or have been there. I have been to several weight related conferences in the past 9 years and have met many wonderful people, and made several friends like my pals Eggface and MeltingMama, and yet at each new event I attend I meet and make new friends. Do not be afraid about “being alone” at the event, I assure you, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We are all in this together, and we are stronger when we join our voices and stories with the OAC. Plus you never know when some weird chick who eats ketchup on her boiled egg asks if she can sit with you at breakfast. <— That was me making a new friend, Asha.

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#3 – YOU will EAT Lunch with the Experts. Last year I made the mistake of not signing up for Lunch with the Experts, I thought lunch time might be a good time to give my lipedema legs some rest. I quickly realized what I was missing out on, and was able to sign up for an open lunch spot on site at the conference. So if in doubt I suggest SIGN UP NOW…many Lunch with the Experts sessions are already FULL. This lunch gives you the chance to discuss important topics in a small (approx 10) group setting with an expert in the field.  Click on the image to view the #YWM2013 Agenda with a list of Lunch with the Experts topics:

agenda

#2 – YOU will DANCE. Yes, you will! As I mentioned in #5, this is your chance to try new things in an open, accepting, non-judgement environment. Friday night’s Welcoming Event with be a! So use your imagination to come up with a really awesome costume, or just come as you are. Just be there, and shake your groove thing! And see if I can keep my title as reigning costume winner! I won as  Honey Boo Boo last year, complete with Go Go Juice and Glitzy!

SarahBooBoo

#1 – YOU will ADVOCATE for Obesity! I strongly encourage you to attend the Advocacy Training. It was by far my favorite part of attending the Inaugural Your Weight Matters Conference in Dallas, TX. Even if you are not able to participate in the Advocacy Training you are still advocating just by attending the #YWM2013. Sharing your story with others, empowering yourself to pursue your health goals, fighting against weight bias and stigma are all important pieces of advocacy. Advocacy against weight stigma and bias is one of the main reasons I joined the Obesity Action Coalition. You can read my story, The Part I Want: Advocate in the Your Weight Matters Magazine 2013. Watch my personal testimonial about the Inaugural YWM Conference.

 

But most of all ATTEND #YMW2013 because YOUR Weight Matters!!!!

If my Top 5 Reasons successfully convinced you to register for #YWM2013 Convention, contact the OAC in writing at convention@obesityaction.org and tell them Sarah from Born2lbFat referred you so I can be entered into the YWM2013 Recruitment CHALLENGE. Thank you in advance!!!!

I Support The Lymphedema Treatment Act

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In 2010 I shared My Story in support of The Lymphedema Treatment Act. The bill did not make it through the congressional process at that time and must be re-introduced. I am committed to using my newly acquired advocacy skills to help make this act a LAW.

WHY THIS LEGISLATION IS NEEDED:

  • Lymphedema is a non-curable but treatable medical condition that results in an accumulation of lymph fluid swelling in parts of the body where lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes are damaged, nonfunctional or inadequate. Lymphedema affects an estimated 5-6 million Americans, with the majority of cases caused by cancer treatment.
  • Untreated, or under-treated, lymphedema is progressive and leads to increased morbidity. Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard and only known course of treatment for lymphedema. CDT is a multi-modal treatment that is only effective when used in its entirety.
  • Medicare currently covers all but the most critical component, the medically necessary compression supplies used daily in lymphedema treatment, citing they do not fit under any existing benefit category. As a result, many patients suffer from recurrent infections, progressive degradation in their condition and eventual disability because they cannot afford the compression supplies required to maintain their condition.

WHAT THIS LEGISLATION WILL DO:

Although this legislation relates specifically to a change in Medicare law, it would set a precedent for Medicaid and private insurers to follow.

Specific goals of the Act are:

  • Provide comprehensive lymphedema treatment coverage, according to current medical treatment standards;
  • Enable patient self-treatment plan adherence by providing necessary medical supplies for use at home, as prescribed for each patient (including gradient compression garments, bandages, and other compression devices);
  • Allow for new treatment modalities to be considered for coverage as they become available and are approved;
  • Reduce the total healthcare costs associated with this disease by decreasing the incidence of complications, co-morbidities and disabilities resulting from this medical condition.

In case you need a refresher on how the process works:

A quick one-page reference on the Lymphedema Treatment Act. To get involved visit: http://lymphedematreatmentact.org/

 

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

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From New York Times The Well Column

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.