Too Fat for Mammogram?

[Cally58]

I've just been called to attend my first mammogram. I'm so worried that they won't be able to do it as I'm fat and my big belly sticks out so much, that I'm worried it will prevent me standing up close enough to the machine. I am trying to lose weight and I have lost some but I'm still classed as obese. Can anyone tell me if they think my weight will cause problems at the mammogram or of their own experiences if they also have a big belly. I seem to carry all my weight at the front and I'm so tempted to cancel the appointment and make it for when I've lost more weight!

I’m sure you’ll be fine. Mammograms are a bit uncomfortable but they are used to all shapes and sizes. Try and go, it would be awful if you didn’t and you got a diagnosis further along the line. 💐

Thank you for your very kind reply.

I’m obese and have huge boobs but I have had mammograms without any issues. They aren’t even painful or uncomfortable for me and I’m quite a wimp about medical procedures.

I was morbidly obese (BMI 44) when I had my last mammogram and there were no problems. I'm sure you'll be fine. They know what they're doing.

They can move both you and the machine into all kinds of weird positions. You’ll be fine OP.

Not a mammogram but I was worried about fitting into an MRI machine until I saw a video with a similar sized man going in. Perhaps seeing a video of a mammogram with a bigger woman (far fetched chance) might help?

You’ll be fine, and if you have big boobs, you’ll find the process easier than more petite ladies. I’m a total wimp (with big belly and boobs) and have found them a breeze.

It’s not enclosed, any size can fit, they even could have women in wheelchairs as it folded down to fit. This was a mobile unit too

Thanks so much for all your lovely, supportive replies. I've just googled the machine and it looks like it's higher up than my big belly, so hopefully it won't prevent me from standing up close to it. It's good to hear that they can adjust the machine. Thanks so much I feel happier now!

The professionals who give you the mammogram are great too. They work with all shapes and sizes and didn’t bat an eyelid at my 38Hs - and it’s all done and dusted in 10 minutes or so.

I actually have quite small boobs, it's my stomach area that's big and sticks out. My fear was that my big belly would stop me getting close enough to the machine.

You will be absolutely fine. They are so kind and as others have said see all shapes and sizes. I had my first one last year. Please do not worry.

Thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to reply.

I have had multiple mammograms due to family history and I am overweight and used to be severely obese. You will be fine because you are effectively flopping your boobs on to a shelf (technical medical term😂)

The key thing is to do exactly what you are told. Feet where they say, arms where they say and let them position you exactly where they need you to be. That way they get the shots they need first time around. It’s not dignified and it’s momentarily uncomfortable but if you follow their instructions it’s actually quite quick.

I'm the same, I hold most of my weight in my stomach. I'm hoping that by the time I'm 50 (41 atm) I'd have lost some more weight and kept it off.