Health & Support

Okay, so here it is, I recently was hired for this awesome new job and I'm so excited! BUT....(there is always one of those) I have to fly to another state for training not once but twice. That means 4 flights in a three week period. Now, don't get me wrong, my fear is not the flying part its those SEATS. As most of us already know airline seating isn't the most comfortable for overweight people, and I am no exception. I have already made the flight arrangements and was honest about my concerns to the travel agent. She was very understanding and was able to give me aisle seating, however, it is isle seating in a three seat row and the plane is full! I already know I'll have to embarrass my self and ask for a seat belt extension, but to add to it possibly make someone else uncomfortable by .... well you know. I am new to this sight and just started my diet/life change a week ago. I have already lost 6 lbs. and confident I can reach my goal long term. I just know I wont by August 3rd, when my first demeaning, embarrassing, fight leaves. HELP!!!!   

While this is not a problem that I myself have, my dad does, and I can tell you from sitting with him on a plane that I feel your pain.  One thing that might help you is to go out and purchase one of those seat belt extenders and bring it with you so that you don't have to ask.  That's what my dad did a few years ago and it has made his flights much less stressful.  Unfortunately, I don't know where he got it, so I can't point you in the direction of where to pick one up, but maybe someone else can. Hope this idea helps a little. 

Think about it like this though, when you reach your goal, and you are no longer in need of that extender, and you're no longer as uncomfortable (cause airline seating in general is uncomfortable, overweight or not), think of how great that will feel!  I know its thinking of things like that, the positive stuff, that makes me more and more determined to reach my goals and maintain this healthy lifestyle!

Well, here is one place to buy the extenders: http://www.amplestuff.com/travelproducts.aspx

I never bought my own, I just asked the steward/ess when I got on the plane, but that is an option if asking is embarassing for you.

Cinn, I can share 'fear.'  I too struggled with planes and the dreaded stares of disgust as I walked down the aisle.  I could just see it in everyone's eyes "please don't let her sit next to me."

I missed out on a family Alaskan cruise because I could no longer stand the shame.  This was a turning point for me.  As Dybo said, think of how great it will feel when you no longer have to request a seat extension.  Remember what you are feeling now and use it to motivate you to maintain a healthy new lifestyle that will lead to weight loss.  Ihave a before and after pic in my profile that I hope will help motivate you even more.  As you'll see, I no longer need to request seat extenders.... flying is now a very enjoyable experience.

For now, just stare everyone in the eye and smile if they look at you with fear.  It's not your fault that the airlines have such tiny seats!  LOL

Can I just say that I JUST flew.. I am a size 4 and my fiance is like 6 ft 180lbs... We BARELY fit in the dang seats!!  And I mean BARELY>....  IT is not you.. I think they are  making the damn things smaller... you know because an 8 hour flight to Hawaii is not uncomfortable enough, you have to have a bi**h of a stewardess and be so uncomfortable that you can't stand it too  :)

I don't dread the bigger people who have to sit next to me...I feel sorry for them because they have to cram their butts in a seat that Barely contains mine.  IF my 5'2 frame is uncomfortable I can only imagine how crappy that flight is for them..

I'm a short 5'5", so the seats are almost made for people my height.  At 180 pounds those were not the most comfortable seats, but not too obnoxious.  At 150 pounds it's fine, but I still prefer not to sit next to those who are very heavy because I don't like touching people I don't know and the way they cram people in like sardines it's hard not to and it's not the parts that are generally considered appropriate for contact with strangers.  If the arm rest can go down, definitely put it down and you'll be giving the person next to you their space without making them or you uncomfortable by having to ask for it.  As with any overly close forced situation, try not to  be annoying to those who have to share space with you and hopefully they'll be just as polite (you can only do your part and hope for the best).  Bring an i-pod or music player or a book so that you don't have to pay attention to them and they will most likely politely ignore you too.  Don't wear really heavy perfume, if you smoke try not to have the smell clinging to your clothes.  Your weight is not the major issues here, it's that most people fail in the basic courtesies when traveling.

Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement. This is one of the most anxious times of my life because of the new job alone then add the nervousness of the flight. I may be over reacting about nothing. I just know there is still the chance of the situation arising. Again Thank you to everyone I will post again to let you know how it goes. 

I just want to congratulate kaufmkk!!!! When I was reading the post by cinn44, I saw your pic and I thought to myself - oh, here we go, another skinny person who "thinks" they're heavy!! I read your post and looked at your before and after pics. WOW!!! You look incredible! What an accomplishment! I can't tell you how you have motivated me to keep going with my struggle every day!

Cinn44 - I feel your pain. At my heaviest (260) I too dreaded flying. I once flew to Disney World and hated every minute of the 2 hour flight. Once I got to the park I discovered I could not FIT on a lot of the rides! That was my turning point. You sound like you're totally motivated and ready for the long haul. Just remember.....one day at a time! You CAN do it. Good luck!

Original Post by mishs62:

I saw your pic and I thought to myself - oh, here we go, another skinny person who "thinks" they're heavy!!

LOL

I know exactly what you mean, mishs!  Maybe I should use my side-by-side before and after pic as my profile picture so people will take me more seriously!

As you can see from my 'Before' picture, it's no wonder I received looks of terror from other passengers when I walked down the aisle of an airplane!  Along the same venue with airplane seats, whenever I shopped for a car, I didn't have the luxury of looking for a car that I liked.... I had to find a car that I could fit in!

I could go on and on but I think those of us that have found ourselves in this situation know exactly what I'm talking about.