feedback please: yoga for heavy people and/or pre WLS

[Pookeyism 1,143]

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

It is a actually several questions, so feel free to respond to any of the questions that apply to you, or you feel particularly interested in responding to.

How many of the very large undecided/pre/post WLSers would or have gone to a yoga class specifically aimed at very heavy people? The pace and range of the exercises and equipment, modifications, and feedback and motivation were geared only to what you were in that moment, only what you could achieve right then? No huge long-term goals to build up, get over or anything - just show up, be in your breath and body and do some yoga with like minded people? Have you had access to this? would you have gone if you did - if you did and it was inadequate, how? Would you suggest this to people you know that have no intention of following a WLS path but need "something"?

WLS patients - Would you have participated in, continued with, or currently participate in a yoga class offered through your doctor? Actually meet specifically with other WLS patients for yoga intended for you? Would you have took or did you take a class like that? Something that offered mediation or relaxation or identifying and coping skills for your post-surgery journey in addition to yoga?

I would really like to discourage any rude or harshly judgmental comments if you disagree with this concept, and not for the sake of the feedback - there maybe people participating in programs like this already, and while I have indeed asked for feedback I do not want to create ANYTHING discouraging to those who are already thinking about or enjoying something like this. Thanks for understanding!

Edited June 16, 2014 by Pookeyism

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

How many large post WLSers would or have gone to a yoga class specifically aimed at very heavy people

@@Pookeyism

hi Pookey

always nice to see you

i never heard of special "any classes" for overweight people

i wish there would have been

i think it makes so much sense to have classes gearing for the heavier person

a class that you/me/we wouldn't feel somewhat embarrassed about being around skinny minis!!

i do think "normal" sized people are ok about heavier people (why shouldn't they be)

in fact i think sometimes they might think to themselves, "hey look at her workin out, improving herself"

thats what i hope they think

i never tried yoga

i have balancing issues do to some physical leg/knee problems (i couldn't/wouldn't be able to do yoga )

i know/think yoga does help that kind of stuff, wouldn't work for me

the meditation stuff et al - i could give it a try!!!!

i have family members that participate and love it!!

hope this helped your "curiosity" survey

i don't mind being a guini pig

as long as i don't look like one

keep up your good job and hard work

you will continue to do great!!!!!

70 lbs down!!!!

you are aces!!!

take care

kathy

Edited June 16, 2014 by proudgrammy

[SwanRose 86]

I'd sign up for a class today if one were available and would recommend such a class to others.

I tried a class some years ago but everyone else there was skinny and the (male) teacher was very dismissive of me so I didn't go back. (A female teacher might have been just as dismissive, I suppose, but this guy came across as not liking large women. You can always tell when that's the case.)

I already meditate at home, but I'd give a meditation group a try too.

Never heard of anything like this offered through my doctor.

Edited June 16, 2014 by SwanRose

[BigGirlPanties 957]

I have been thinking of taking yoga...it is suppose to help with my RA as well...but I haven't investigated it...but your options sound great!

[Zoco 13]

I did gentle yoga at my local rec center. It was nice, and it was basically stretching with a few yoga moves. See if any place has that.

[NMJG 1,266]

When I was heavy I did Gentle Yoga, which I loved. I still do it and also Slow Flow Yoga. I think it is excellent. When I was heavy and had lots of joint issues we just modified poses so I could do what I could manage. I also have balancing issues, which have gotten a bit better with Yoga. Go for it.

Edited June 16, 2014 by NMJG

[BarntruckCutie 21]

I wish I could do yoga! It killed my knees when I tried it LOL!!! Maybe when Im thinner I will try again HEHE! I know some form of exercise is needed so I am now trying some Water exercise classes. Much easier on my knees! Good luck.

[moonlitestarbrite 902]

i did yoga for regular people before surgery. i have done yoga for years, so i knew what i was doing and knew a lot of modifications for fat people.

i would have loved a "yoga for round people" or "curvy girls" yoga class. i totally would have gone. i usually know more modifications than the instructors. to have that be the other way around would have been great!

[Chelenka 827]

Never had a yoga class geared to overweight people but took yoga with regular folks, some of whom were also overweight but not as large as I was. My height was sometimes more of an issue than my weight. I would sometimes accidentally hit someone with my foot LOL! Anyway haven't been back to yoga since WLS. I would love to find a WLS oriented yoga class to help one adjust to the rapid physical changes and often balance issues that occur. Also a guided meditation would probably help one deal with the anxiety that can come up. It's a great idea and I wish it was offered by the hosp where I had my surgery. Their support meetings have been useless to me.

[Luvin_Life125 558]

I always look at the ads for yoga locally and would love to see a class for overweight people. I walked in to observe a yoga class once and there was NO way I would have joined it. Everyone there was thin and flexible and I would have never been comfortable! I do already meditate at home and really really want to do yoga. I just don't want to stick out like a sore thumb or feel uncomfortable. I love your idea!

[KarenSt 35]

I do yoga. Look for classes with the words:

- restorative

- flow

- gentle

- slow

- stretch (my gym has a "gentle stretch" class)

- Pilates reformer classes are pretty awesome too

Stay away from classes with the words:

- ashtanga

- bikram

- power

It might be worth calling around to different yoga studios & ask if they'd have a class they'd recommend given your circumstance & preference. Then get there early and speak with the instructor to give them your 411 & ask them to please help you with modifications & adjustments. There are some amazingly supportive instructors & students out there. It doesn't need to be a class specifically for heavy people. Good luck!