USA, California

CALIFORNIA

ALBANY
Andrew B. Wallach, M.D. Family Medicine
Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation
500 San Pablo Avenue
Albany, California 94706
(510) 204-8130
http://www.sebmf.org/dr-andrew-b-wallach.html
I've seen him a few times over the years. Has never said word
one about my weight. But I haven't seen him since 2004 or so.

ANAHEIM
Delrae Balgas, Midwife
5031 East Orangethorpe Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92807
(greater Los Angeles / Orange County area)
(714) 450-0069
Delrae was my homebirth midwife in 2006. She never displayed any
prejudice about my weight (about 315 lbs. when I started the
pregnancy, and somewhere around 345 at the end) and in fact told
me encouraging stories about other homebirth clients-of-size who
had had great pregnancies and births with her. Delrae also
stayed with me for a *very* long labor -- 2 1/2 days! -- without
ever pressuring me to go to the hospital. She did offer me the
option at one point, worried that I might be exhausted, but I
asked her if baby was OK, and when she said, Yes, perfect, I
said, then let's stay home and do this unless baby needs the
transfer. Del was also so calm and helpful during the pushing
phase of my labor, which was especially admirable since I had
planned to give birth in bed but then, during "transition",
pleaded with my husband to fill the baby pool on our patio so I
could push in there! So baby was born OUTSIDE and underwater,
and Del handled it all with total aplomb. I highly recommend Del
to future moms of any size who are looking for a homebirth
midwife. I'll always be grateful for the superb level of care
she provided! - Minna Holloway

ANTIOCH
Lenny Husen, MD, Internal Medicine
Sutter Delta Medical Center
3901 Lone Tree Way
Antioch, California 94509
(925) 779-7200
I met Dr Husen at the NAAFA convention and HAES Summit in August
2010. HAES confirmed her personal experience, and she was very
excited to learn as much as she could about it. She taught
about what MDs learn in medical school about weight, if I
remember. She is a recent MD, having changed her career in her
thirties. I found her to be warm, bright, and into humor,
though I have had no experience as her patient. --Barbara Altman
Bruno

ARCADIA
Richard Sayegh, Chiroprator
Sports Chiropratic Center of Arcadia
Arcadia, CA
I am a fat woman (size 28) who was in a severe car accident. I
had been avoiding doctors because of negative experiences. I was
extremely scared when I was referred to Dr. Sayegh. He
immediately put my fears to rest. He was extremely kind and made
me feel very comfortable. The hospital gowns he had did not fit
me comfortably...so he got a few larger ones. I was comfortable
on all the tables and the back massage roller bed. As I healed,
he worked with me to find the right exercises for my back (my
stomach was too big for some of the more traditional ones). He
had no trouble giving me an adjustment. I saw him three times a
week for six months and not once was I made to feel
uncomfortable about my size.

AZUSA
Bina Kamdar, M.D., General Practitioner, Internal Medicine
520 West Foothill Blvd
Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: (626) 334-1611
The waiting room has chairs both with and without arms; I've
never had trouble finding a comfortable place to sit. She
doesn't have her patients put on gowns but works around their
clothes, moving and lifting when necessary. I always choose to
sit in a chair in the exam room rather than on the table and
there's never been a word said about it. They use the large
blood pressure cuff without a reminder or use the smaller one on
my forearm. Becuase I weigh 520 pounds and I'm losing mobility,
we have discussed weight loss but she has never once made me
feel bad or ashamed about myself. Dr Kamdar is the first doctor
I've ever had that touched me. When she checks my heart rate,
she places her hand on my knee. When she looks in my ear, she
places her hand on my back. For the first time in my life I
don't feel like a doctor is repulsed by my body. I managed to
convince my mom to go see her. My mom hadn't seen a doctor in 28
years -- since she walked out of the hospital after giving birth
to me. After her appointment I asked her how it went. My mom
broke down in tears and said "She was just so kind and gentle."
I'm happy to say that my mom now sees her regularly.
SECOND RECOMMENDATION
Just had my first appointment with this doctor. They are
amazing. She touched me, held my hand, didn't harp on my weight,
as a matter of fact the only time my weight was mentioned was
when I was asked how I found them. I told her they are on this
list, she was so pleased and reassured me that I'd receive the
same treatment thin patients do and my health is her concern not
the size of my rump.

BERKELEY
Sheila Addison, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapist (counseling/therapy)
Oakland/Berkeley, CA - part of the SF Bay Area - I may also
offer some office hours in San Francisco
510-599-5467
http://www.drsheilaaddison.com
Self-referred.
I have been working with clients from diverse cultural, sexual,
and gender identities, as well as diverse body sizes, for over
15 years. I can help individuals, couples, and families with
all kinds of relationship issues, including managing conflict,
setting boundaries, resolving problems more effectively, and
greater emotional closeness and satisfaction. My approach with
clients of all body sizes is weight neutral and Health at Every
Size oriented, encouraging positive relationships with yourself
and your body regardless of size or shape. I can help address
issues around weight and body image that affect couple and
family relationships as well, including sexual issues in
intimate relationships. My approach is active, engaging, and
warm.

Alcatraz Avenue Medical Group
1650 Alcatraz Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
510 652-8680
General practitioners, M.D.s and physicians' assistants, with a
subspecialty in Chinese Medicine. The lead M.D. is Dr. David
Teegarden, whom I've never met, but everyone I've ever seen
there, fat and thin, has been fat-friendly and extremely
sensible and helpful. -- Debbie Notkin (kith@slip.net)

Sandy Baird, D.C. (Chiropractor)
Riverstone Chiropractic
3409 Grand Ave. #5 Oakland CA 94610
510-465-2342
www.riverstonechiropractic.com
Self-referred.
I work with active people who are suffering from overuse
injuries or sports injuries to help them get back to the
activities they love. I recognize that athletes come in all
shapes and sizes, and I select the most appropriate
methods/tools for each client based on their individual needs. I
have a background in massage therapy, and am comfortable
applying pressure to the correct depth for treatment according
to a client's body composition. I have a heavy-duty drop-table
as my main treatment table, and perform many treatments with
patients in a seated or side-lying position on a sturdy
comfortable table. I also have several bolsters and pillow
available for client comfort. I will never lecture anyone about
their weight or blame solely a client's weight for their injury.

Mary Beth Bullock, massage therapist
Telegraph Ave.
Berkeley, CA
Phone: 510 273-2446
She's not fat but fat friendly. The table is fine for me (size
30-32) but I wouldn't want it to go any narrower. She gives a
really long massage - something like 1 1/2 hours. She charges on
a sliding scale which I think is $50-$70.

Beth Davidson, DC
West Berkeley Chiropractic
2718 Telegraph Ave. #103
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 845-8201
Beth is fabulous, and completely fat-friendly. She's
well-equipped to deal with fat bodies, too. She's been helping
me with my knees. Her goal is to help me get as mobile as I want
to be, and she never tries to blame anything on my weight --
she's practical and she works with what you've got. Highly
recommended. -- Max Airborne

Jan K. Herzog, Classical Homeopath
510/533-4732
Offices in Berkeley and Oakland
Mailing address: 1051 Bella Vista Avenue #3, Oakland, CA 94610
Self-referred.

Judy Lightstone, Licensed MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist)
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 704-0940
Web page: http://www.psychotherapist.org
Email: judylightstone@psychotherapist.org
Self-referred.
I am a psychotherapist specializing in women's issues and eating
and body image problems since 1984. I work to help you toward
size acceptance, and toward finding and respecting your inner
hungers and inner limits (in areas of food and everything else).
I offer a group called "Women, food and Beauty", and I also have
been training therapists about these issues since 1986.

Sally Pugh, movement classes
510-524-3832
sallypugh@gratefulspirityoga.net
http://gratefulspirityoga.net/
Sally Pugh is a Certified Ananda Yoga Teacher. She has taught
movement classes and workshops in the Bay Area for over 20
years. Although not a large woman herself, she has extensive
experience working with people of all sizes. Sally's classes
offer a safe, comfortable space for large people to connect with
their bodies through yoga and relaxation.

Richard Rudd, OB/GYN with Fertility
2999 Regent Street, Suite 225
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 841-5510
I LOVE Dr. Rudd! (He's actually in the same practice as Lisa
Keller and Laura Stachel.) When a friend of mine was pregnant,
she went to see him when her OB, Dr. Keller was on-call. She's
also a BBW, but she had nothing but good things to say about the
appointment. When I made an appointment to see him for the first
time, I called him to ask if my weight would matter. He told me
of course not. He sat me down to talk about what I wanted to do.
I had printed out my medical history and told him that I thought
I had PCOS; he immediately read what I gave him, he listened to
me, and sent me to get tests to verify whether I had it. Now
into my TTC journey, he's been nothing but supportive, he's
knowledgeable about the latest treatments and procedures, and
anything new I want to try, he's gung ho. -- Tunisha

Laura Stachel, gynecologist
2999 Regent, Suite 201. Across from Alta Bates Hospital.
Berkeley, CA
She and the practice she was in at the time were flawlessly
wonderful to me and my partner when I was pregnant, and weight,
weight gain, etc. were treated entirely as information, never as
a subject for criticism or prejudice. -- Debbie Notkin
(kith@slip.net)

BEVERLY HILLS
Michael Chapman, Internal Medicine
21st Century Medical Center
9135 Olympic Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Ph: (310) 247-0633
Web page: http://www.sizewise.com/chapman.html
Self-referred.
Dr. Chapman is definitely a fat-friendly professional. He NEVER
recommends weight-loss, dieting, "eating healthy", or diet
drugs. He does NOT regard obesity as a disease or medical
condition. He believes that weight-loss attempts are frequently
harmful to a patients' health and should NEVER be recommended.
Specific medical problems should be treated in the same manner
for all patient's, regardless of size. Dr. Chapman has been a
member of NAAFA for a number of years and has been a long-time
sympathizer with size-acceptance issues. -- Michael Chapman, M.D.

Erin Naimi, R.D., Consulting Nutritionist
9478 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 304
Beverly Hills, California 90212
310-229-5290
Self-referred.
My approach is tailored for individual needs so that I may
facilitate change through motivation and awareness in order to
maintain lasting changes. The nutrition therapy model I use is
based on a non-dieting approach which emphasizes balanced health
and nutrition-- not weight loss. I have an expertise in
conveying complex nutrition information in an effective and
uncomplicated manner with a caring and personal approach.

BREA
Edward Hutchison, Internal medicine/family practice
Brea, California
Hutchinson's wife, Michelle is a licensed Physician's Assistant,
sees patients and also does all of the Pap smears...she is very
gentle. Dr Hutchison is very allergic to perfumes, so please do
not wear any to their office

Melanie Himebaugh-Reed, Podiatry
Brea, California

BOULDER CREEK
Maria Greaves
Western Medical
13350 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA
(831) 338-6491
Randy Anselmo used to be listed here but has left the practice.
His replacement, Maria Greaves, is even better. Just awesome.
However, another doctor in this practice is reported not to be
fat friendly.

Jeff Kaplan, Chiropractor
See main entry under Campbell.

BURLINGAME
Karen Roberts, ob/gyn
1720 El Camino Real Suite 120
Burlingame, CA 94010
Very cool about my being very fat and being a dyke.

BURBANK
Michael Sampson, Internal Medicine
Mercy Medical & Dental Group
Burbank (Los Angeles) California
818/845-6800
Dr. Sampson is an Aetna Primary Care Physician (internal
medicine.) He may also be a contractor with other health plans
and he is also an HIV and AIDS specialist. He is fat friendly
and has been very understanding with me on the weight issues. He
agreed to read materials I supplied him with from NAAFA on fat
patients. He has respected my wishes with regard to weighing at
appointments and has agreed that one can be fit and fat.
Basically I've already given him the whole schpiel and he is
already broken in for others who are looking for doctors who can
treat them as patients and not FAT patients. He has had a great
education and is very personable and nice. You really get the
feeling that he is listening to you and cares about your health.
-- Lisa Love (for Sonja Shelby, Susan Coles & Diane Joswick)

CAMPBELL
Stephanie Brooks, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Therapist and Consultant
621 E. Campbell Ave. Suite # 6-B; Campbell, CA 95008
(Campbell is near San Jose)
408-370-7731
sbrooks@bayareanutrition.com
www.bayareanutrition.com
Self-referred
I have been practicing since 1991 and have come to understand
that people can be healthy at any size. I work with individuals
and groups (adults and children) to empower, educate and support
them on their quest for health. I do not weigh clients as body
weight is not a good predictor of health. I use a
"non-diet/intuitive eating" approach and tailor our work to the
clients' individual needs. I specialize in working with people
with eating problems, body image issues and size acceptance. I
also see clients with medical problems such as diabetes, poly
cystic ovary syndrome, cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Additionally, I teach other professionals about the issues of
health at any size and the non-diet approach. I am available for
individual and group nutrition therapy, speaking engagements and
supervision/consulting.

Ellyn D. Herb, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
Campbell, CA
408-369-1139
Self-referred
I am a fat friendly psychologist with 18 years experience in
treating women with eating concerns, body image issues, and size
acceptance. As a feminist therapist, I believe I can help women
see beyond issues of body size, to address the core issues of
being a woman in our culture today. I support a non-diet
approach to food, work with body and size acceptance, and
empower women to find their voices. I also teach other
professionals how to examine their own fat prejudice in working
with large people and to question the "facts" about obesity. I
believe in health at any size and living life today. I am
available for individual, couple, and group psychotherapy,
speaking engagements, and for training. I have been working in
the field as a psychologist for 18 years, and am a colleague of
Deb Burgard, Pat Lyons, and the Women of Substance Health Spa.

Jeff Kaplan, Chiropractor
Kaplan Chiropractic
281 E. Hamilton Ave., Ste 1
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 374-4220
and
154 Forest St
Boulder Creek, CA
(831) 338-0677
Awesome chiropractor with absolutely *no* fat-phobia at all.
Probably the best one I've ever seen. Fat himself. Good
chairs. -- Michele (aka Pudge@rotunda.com)

CASTRO VALLEY
Lucia August, MFT, CHT
CHT Castro Valley
510-792-5588
info@augusthealing.com
www.augusthealing.com
www.facebook.com/joinmedancing
Self-referred.
I am a fat psychotherapist and hypnotherapist dealing with
women, men and children from a size acceptance perspective. I
help people improve their body image through decoding their "bad
body thoughts" and getting to the real root of their problems
which usually has little to do with their size. I firmly believe
that one can have a healthy and active life at any size or
ability. I also work with issues of addiction, family
dysfunction, abuse, depression, anxiety and stress. Other
specialties include gay/lesbian/bisexual/trangsgendered/ and
questioning youth and adults. Alternative lovestyles and
families. Communication, creativity, career, political and/or
spiritual concerns. Past life regression. UFO/ET experiences. I
am also a dancer and dance therapist/educator. After
encountering resistance in the dance world regarding my
non-standard dancer's body size as well as my age, I decided to
gracefully throw off that resistance at the age of 50 and pursue
my lifelong dream of dancing professionally. I offer "Everybody
Can Dance" workshops which are for everybody, regardless of age,
size and shape, and physical abilities.

Richard Terry, M.D., Cardiology
http://ccmgonline.com/bios/Terry.htm
1974-Present
Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group, Inc.
365 Hawthorne Avenue, Suite 201 Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 452-1345
(510) 452-1102
20126 Stanton Avenue, Suite 100
Castro Valley, CA94546
(510) 537-3556
(510) 537-3610
I was very happy about how well Dr. Terry listened to me. I am
happy that he gave me a clean bill of health, but more than
that, I was happy with how well he treated me as a person, not
as a number or a fat person. I was VERY happy about his
attitudes about fat and meds. Basically, he said being fat isn't
a risk factor on its own -- it's a signal to look for other risk
factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and I
don't have those. And he didn't want me going on the medications
my GP prescribes for every fat patient -- my GP thinks every fat
person is a ticking time bomb, and Dr. Terry clearly does not.
His staff was very friendly and efficient. His medical assistant
went and got me a large blood-pressure cuff with no fuss. My
consultation with the doctor, not counting the pre-doctor
workup, lasted a full hour (I checked my cellphone records), and
he never made me feel he was rushing to get to the next patient.
Basically, I felt like an important patient all the way around,
and this was a last-minute appointment for which I was being
squeezed in on a Friday morning.

CHICO
Deborah Devine, LMFT
342 Broadway, Ste. #215
Chico, CA 95928
http://www.innerblooming.com/
Self-referred.
Therapist specializing in body image and eating disorders, from
a health at every size perspective.

Deb McCafferty, MS, Registered Dietitian
https://www.facebook.com/bodyconnectionchico
Self-referred.
I have taught Nutrition at Chico State for 15 years, and
currently teach a full semester course in Health at Every Size,
as well as doing private nutrition counseling and group
workshops (The Body Connection). work in conjunction with a
fat-friendly therapist, when needed, who specializes in body
image work.

Open System MRI
Phone 800-646-6736
Accommodates patients that weigh up to 480 lbs. using a Siemens
Open MRI, the only side entry MRI, which allows patients with a
waist size of up to 69". Centers in Redding, Chico, Roseville,
Pasadena, Tustin, Palm Desert, and El Centro, California.

CUPERTINO
Michael Snow, Chiropractor
20432 Silverado Ave # 6
Cupertino, CA
(408) 252-1861
First chiropractor that ever (1) had gowns that fit my 300lb
body, (2) got a good adjustment of my sacrum, and (3) is tall
and large enough to successfully adjust much larger folk than I,
and other area chiropractors frequently refer clients who are
difficult to adjust to him. No fat issues at all. His chairs
have arms, but they're very large chairs. -- Michele (aka
Pudge@rotunda.com)

DEL MAR
Eating Disorder Referral and Imformation Center
2923 Sandy Pointe Suite 6
Del Mar CA 92014
Phone: 858-792-7463
Web site: http://www.edreferral.com
Self-referred.
Dedicated to the prevention and treatment of eating disorders.
We provide information about, and treatment resources for all
forms of eating disorders. Our goal is to promote social
attitudes that enhance healthy body image and work to overcome
the idealization of thinness that contributes to disordered
eating. -- Christine A. Hartline, M.A., Executive Director

EL CENTRO

EL CERRITO
Jeanne Courtney, MFT, feminist psychotherapist
San Francisco and East Bay offices
P.O. Box 453
El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 527-5662
www.FeministTherapyAssociates.com
JeanneCourtneyMFT@gmail.com
Self-referred.
I am a fat and fat-friendly feminst psycotherapist, providing
Love Your Body at Any Size workshops for women, as well as
individual and couples therapy. I offer a safe place for help
with depression, stress, and relationship problems, where you
can discover new ways to think and communicate that will raise
your self-esteem and make room for more joy in your life. I
especially enjoy working with queers and others who hope to
change society as well as their own lives.

EMERYVILLE
Kari Petersen, LCSW
Emeryville, CA
www.emeryvilletherapy.com

ENCINITAS
Linda Falconio, MD, General Practice
Encinitas, CA
760-436-6000
PPO only, no HMO
Dr. Falconio has been my doctor since 1986. She has never blamed
my weight for any of my problems, although she has commented
when she's thought my weight may be a contributor on things such
as gall bladder problems, knee problems, etc. I appreciate that
sort of non-hysterical, objective input. One of the best
qualities about Falconio is that she refers to size friendly
physicians. If she doesn't know of one, she gives you her
referrals, then encourages you to let her know if you've had a
negative experience. This happened to me one time--she called
the referral doc and read him the riot act. What an advocate!
ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION
This wonderful Physician has treated me for years with respect
and dignity. She employs people of all sizes. The atmosphere is
busy but welcoming professionalism. Her temporary waiting room
has only wicker chairs with arms, but after the current
renovation I'm certain this will be remedied. Ask for the thigh
cuff and the assistants' chair when you are brought to the back
office. Last visit they were out of sizable robes, but they have
had them in the past. At my request they used to weigh me with
my back to the scale. Once I asked Dr. Linda why she didn't nag
me about my weight and she responded to the effect that she was
watching vital indicators of my health; my weight not being the
presenting problem. Dr. Linda Falconio is a true partner in my
improving health.

Barbara E. Herrera, Midwife, Owner, Holistic Health Care Center
Encinitas, CA (North County San Diego)
760-944-3987
AmaMama@cox.net
Self-referred.
As a former Super-Sized woman and now weighing 200 pounds, I
have experienced the range of health care hatred that most of us
reading this have encountered. My practice includes armless,
sturdy chairs, super-sized tables for massage, gowns that fit
those who weigh up to 600 pounds, a blood pressure cuff that
would have fit a pregnant me (called a "thigh" cuff), large
speculums AND sensitivity training and education in how to
touch, speak to, address, and respect fat and fatter folks. Our
practice includes, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic
care, colonic therapy, well-woman care, pregnancy and midwifery
care, and more... your heart and spirit are as much a part of
the care as your chart! Email with questions.

Kenneth C. Vitale, MD, physical medicine
see entry under San Diego.

FOSTER CITY
Lee C. Kao, MD, PhD, OB/GYN
Foster City, CA 94404
650-725-9447
Obstetrics and Gynecology Fertility/Infertility Reproductive
Endocrinology (and fat phobia education)

FRESNO
Patrick Stuart (specialty not listed)
Millbrook and Herndon
Fresno, California
(209) 437-7300
I have been a patient of Dr. Stuart's for over 5 years now. I am
extremely uncomfortable with doctors, but Dr. Stuart and his
main nurse Liz make me feel very comfortable. Liz always asks if
I want to be weighed. Chairs in lobby and exam rooms are
comfortable for me and I am 320+. Large blood pressure cuffs are
always used. The only time my weight has entered any
conversation between me and Dr. Stuart is when I brought the
issue up regarding a condition I thought was possibly related.
Dr. Stuart explained all the facts too me, including related
weight issues by saying each person's body has an idea weight
and each person must find their own comfort and heatlh zone. I
understood everything he said and felt reassured when I left his
office. I feel completely comfortable discussing anything with
him. He is never rushed and will take his time with you. I would
recommend him to all BBW's. -- Colleen at dfh5150@aol.com

GREENBRAE
Stephen Bearg, Gynecology
1240 South Elesio
Greenbrae, CA 94904
Ph 415 46-7800
Although office has armed chairs, this doctor treated me for
what I came in for, and no scale. His nurse is a BBW. -- Sandy
Gordon

Richard McAuliffe, Gastroenterology
1350 South Eliseo
Greenbrae CA. 94904
415 925-6900
Although office has only armed chairs, I have told him that a
really fat person could not fit into his furniture. He thought
that fat people often have problems rising from a seat so he
thought arms would be helpful. He said he will get a larger seat
like a love seat. -- Sandy Gordon

HEALDSBURG
Locke Wilson, MD, Family Medicine
717 Center Street
Healdsburg, California 95448
(707) 433-7258
http://www.sutterhealth.org/dr-locke-wilson.html
I have been seeing Dr. Wilson for nearly 20 years. He's never
once sad anything about my weight or weight gain (I've gone from
150 to 225+ over that time). He is always patient and kind, and
I have never felt rushed or judged. His waiting room and each
exam room have wide chairs. The nurse weighs me each time I
visit, but they have never said anything negative about my
turning around to not see the number on the scale.

IRVINE
Morris Adhoot, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Irvine, CA
He is a non-far bigoted individual who treats his patients with
respect. He spends TIME (45 minutes with me) and answers all
your questions about infertility and conception for plus-sized
women. My husband is also overweight and he treated him with the
same respect. Awesome! -- Regina Verdin

LAFAYETTE
Lynn Davilla Shields, Ph.D.
Licensed psychologist, certified eating disorder specialist
3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite B 201, Lafayette, CA, 94549.
Phone: 925.283.5107
Self-referred.
"Although Dr. Shields treats women (and men) with eating
disorders, she also is a firm believer that large size does not
necessarily mean eating disordered (and vice versa). Dr. Shields
treats individuals, families and couples and is active in
prevention of eating disorders (including size acceptance and
the dangers of dieting) in her community."

LAGUNA BEACH
Janet Shannon, MS, RD, Clinical Nutritionist/Dietitian
South Coast Medical Center
31872 Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-499-7165 x4
Non-judgmental and very easy to talk to. She actually said,
"Maybe 325 is the weight your body is supposed to be. If you're
happy, healthy, and functioning at that weight, that's all that
matters. The numbers on the scales mean nothing." It blew my
mind. It was the only time I've ever had a medical professional
say that, yes, fat people can be happy and healthy. She also
stresses Intuitive Eating and listening to what your body
needs. I felt very comfortable with her. The only issue I had
was how far her office was from the admittance desk but they
had no problem getting me a wheelchair and taking me back and
forth. So if you need that, don't be afraid to ask! -- Heidi
http://thesugarmonster.livejournal.com

LA HABRA
Donald Bittner, Orthopedics
La Habra, California

LA MESA
A Gentle Way, Yoga Classes for all sizes, ages, and levels
Lifetime Health, 4411 Morena Boulevard North #101
San Diego, CA 92117
(619) 442-2238
Kara-Ho Karate, 5181 Baltimore Drive
La Mesa, CA
(858) 483-9642
E-Mail yoga@AGentleWay.com
Web www.agentleway.com

LODI
John J. Francis Jr., Family Practice
845 S. Fairmont Ave., #8
Lodi, CA 95240
209 339 7410
Dr. Francis is one of the most friendly and kind doctors I have
met. He has never made any weight comments to me. My blood
pressure was high for a year or so, he put me on meds, told me
to keep the salt level down, and left it at that. I know other
doctors would have mentioned my weight. Actually, when I lost
some weight, he never even said anything. He is a somewhat
overweight man himself, very tall, sweet African American doctor
with a good sense of humor. He also has that strong personality
that just makes you want to do what he says... He'll say, "This
is what we're going to do," and you don't even think of
disagreeing. I haven't noticed his office equipment, really,
but I seem to fit everywhere!

Vincent Peter Pennisi, OB/GYN
See main entry under Stockton.

LOMA LINDA
Jeffrey Hardesty, MD
(Loma Linda University Medical Center Dr's offices across from hospital
11370 Anderson St Suite 3900
Loma Linda, Ca. 92354
(909) 558-2806 office
(909) 558-2449 fax
Dr Hardesty is an OB/gyn. This is the most awesome Dr I've ever
been too! Dr Hardesty put me at ease about my uncomfortable
feelings about my size and how Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
affects my body (weight gain, hair issues, acne, etc). He
reassured me that it wasn't anything he hadn't seen before and
that I was completely normal and he was ok with my size and I
should be too! He has out of this world bedside manner.

LONG BEACH
Margie Bastedo, MS, LMFT
5199 E. PCH Suite 602
Long Beach, CA 90804
(562) 498-7656.
MargieMFT@msn.com
I am a plus size psychotherapist. I have been licensed 20 plus
years and work with people of all sizes of large. I do body
image work and self acceptance. I also believe in working out
the body and promote healthful exercise. I work with women
individually and in my personal gym. I am a Latina and speak
both English and Spanish fluently.

Rhonda Luster, M.D.
Talbert Medical Group
No longer in practice.

LOS ALTOS
Debora Burgard, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist PSY13415
5050 El Camino Real, Suite 202
Los Altos, CA 94022
650-321-2606
http://www.bodypositive.com
Self-referred.
I work primarily with women's issues accross the weight spectrum
from a standpoint of size acceptance. I see women with eating
disorders and weight preoccupation, sexuality, depression,
relationship concerns, problems with physical activity -- just
about anything under the heading of "women and bodies." I offer
a group called "Body Positive" for large women, and see
individuals, couples, and families in my practice. I also am the
co-author of the book, Great Shape: The First Fitness Guide for
Large Women, and have been active in the size acceptance
movement for 22 years. My research focuses on the factors that
help large women maintain their self-esteem in an often hostile
world. People who wish to get a feel for my work may want to
mosey on over to the Body Positive website.

Patricia Muller, Gynecologist
Los Altos, California
Phone: 650-941-4450
Dr Muller is a gynecologist, but she also does general practice.
I've seen her for 2 years for general medicine as well as for
gynecological care. She does not do obstetric care. She is a
warm and compassionate practitioner who takes a lot of time to
talk to her patients. She's very thorough. She has a pretty
holistic attitude about her patients, always wants to know
what's going on in my life as well as in my body. She supports
my decision not to diet and believes that it is possible to be
fat and healthy -- she has always been far more concerned with
my internal health than my external appearance. There might be
some situations where she might want a patient to try to lose
some weight, but she hasn't done that to me in the few years
I've seen her. She also has a fabulously bizarre sense of humor
and makes an effort to establish a good rapport with her
patients. And she's the only doctor who has ever given me a
completely painless pap smear! -- Joyce Wermont (Note: Patricia
Muller does not bill insurance; you need to bill insurance
yourself.)

LOS ANGELES
Dr. Lurvy (may be "Lurvey"), OB/GYN
Kaiser West Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
If you have Kaiser and need an OB, I can't imagine you won't
love Dr. Lurvey. He is warm, supportive, wicked-funny, and while
I can't vouch for his specific fat-acceptance politics, he
clearly is able to see each patient as a human being. I went to
him trying to get pregnant. First, he gave me the least painful
pap smear ever and told me that a certain speculum was better
for my body and I should ask for it in the future. Then, when
talking about my upcoming pregnancy, I told him that I knew that
I would be high risk (at 290 pounds and 39 years-old I just
assumed that). He said not at all. He said, "Let's expect a
healthy, wonderful pregnancy. If something occurs to make your
pregnancy high risk, then we'll deal with that then, but no
reason to assume that right now." He himself is slim, and this
fat-friendliness just seems to be part of his overall humane and
kind sensibility, rather than a specific political awareness,
although anything is possible. *Highly* recommend him. -- Julie

Kelly G. Vince, M.D., Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery - Arthritis and Joint Implant Surgery
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California
Healthcare Consultation Center II
1520 San Pablo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90033-4608
323-442-5860
Many surgeons hesitate if not refuse to do joint replacements on
those of us who are fat. I was turned down by one of the best
known knee guys in Southern California in 1999. He referred me
to a collegue and to my surprise this doctor was very
encouraging and was not only willing to replace one knee, but
was sure doing both at the same time would cause me half the
pain and get me on my feet quicker. Double knee replacements
were just beginning at that time. A few days ago I was in for a
knee check up and to have my hip evaluated for replacement. The
xray of my knees showed absolutely NO wear on the appliances and
both knees are straight and strong. That's almost 8 years later!
I am 66 years old, 5'5" and weigh around 330 to 340 lbs. We
talked about my hip and injections in the joint to ease the
pain. I thought my very painful experience wtih another doctor's
injection was due to my size causing trouble finding the right
spot in the joint. He assured me my size was not an issue at
all. I will be having hip replacement this year. He assures me
advances in the last few years have cut dramatically the threat
of dislocation and the recovery is easy compared to my knees.
He is willing to be called on for opinions, etc. I should
clarify that he is weight neutral rather than fat positive.
-- Joyce Mudd www.muddwomen.com

LOS GATOS
Jill Hewitt, M.A. , Marriage and Family Therapist
800 Pollard Rd. Suite b201 Los Gatos, CA.
408-475-1580
www.jillhewitt-lmft.com
Self-referred
As a woman of size, I bring a component of understanding and
sensitivity to my work with clients. I am dedicated to providing
compassionate and supportive therapy to transitional aged youth
and adults. I aim to honor the diversity of each client and help
foster growth, empowerment, resiliency, and freedom of
self-expression. My work is based on the fundamental belief that
all of us have the right to live the lifestyle that we chose and
within that context to feel supported and validated. I deeply
value the Size Acceptance Movement and the Health At Every Size
(HAES) (http://www.haescommunity.org/) principles. It is
important to learn to love yourself and to accept your body no
matter what size it is and not put off living your life until
you are "thin enough," "skinny enough," or "just right." When
people of size accept and respect themselves, it allows others
to do the same.

MARINA DEL REY
Dr. Tan
Based in Marina Del Rey
(310) 645-2455.
Makes house calls.
Recommended as fat-friendly by NAAFA-LA, www.naafala.org
Listed Feb 08

MILPITAS
Dr. Lenore Cohen, internist
San Jose Medical Group
Milpitas, CA
Dr Cohen has never made assumptions that my size had automatic
impact on my health or my treatment. She encouraged me to
exercise and watch my dietary fat intake when I was diagnosed
with high cholesterol. She did not suggest losing weight would
be an effective treatment. She has also not suggested that
weight loss would be an effective deterrent to diabetes (I am at
high risk - both sides of my family have multiple diabetics).
She recommends regular blood sugar testing and exercise. The
clinic had large blood pressure cuffs in all exam rooms. While I
have never requested that I not be weighed I suspect it would
not be a big issue. -- Kaye Luck, kathrine@webtv.net

MONROVIA
Jeanette DePatie, Certified Exercise Instructor and Trainer
710 S. Myrtle Ave. Suite 233, Monrovia, CA 91016
323-801-8832
www.thefatchick.com
Self-referred.
Jeanette is a plus-sized certified fitness instructor who
specializes in helping folks who haven't worked out in a while
(or ever) to make peace with their bodies and learn to love
exercise again. Jeanette teaches classes that are
non-competitive, very fun and are appropriate for people at lots
of different fitness levels.

MONTEREY
Mary Kay Brewster, MD, Ob/GYN
Monterey, California
(831)649-0111
I have been this doctor's patient for 10 years. I have
fluctuated in weight over the years, but the doctor has never
mentioned my weight except to inquire as to how I was losing
weight to make sure it was something safe (when I was losing).
She was extremely supportive of my efforts to conceive and when
I went into the office after getting pregnant for an ultrasound
and asked "Do you need me to move my fat belly out of the way
for this?" She said, "no one is allowed to talk about you that
way in here."

MOUNTAIN VIEW
Ronnie Falcao, LM, MS, Licensed Midwife
Mountain View, CA
650-961-9728
http://www.gentlebirth.org/ronnie
ronnie@gentlebirth.org
Self-referred.
I am, myself, a hefty chunk of woman, and this doesn't get in
the way of my leading a full, happy life. And it doesn't keep
me from squatting alongside my birthing clients if I need to.
I am the editor of the Midwife Archives, including a subsection
on "Large/Heavy Women and Birth (The Clients, not the Midwives)
at
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/miscPren.html#Large.
It's my personal belief that large women birth pretty much the
same as all women do, as birthing is often more of a mental
challenge than a physical challenge. I am also a big fan of
waterbirth, which is a godsend for larger women.

Jonathan Squire, Internal Medicine
Kaiser
Mt. View, CA
When I first went to this guy and made some knee-jerk remark
about such-and-such problem probably being due to my weight, he
replied, "Well, it might be but not necessarily." His reaction
to me wanting to go on Optifast about three years ago was to
remind me of the dismal success rate of any weightloss program.
He has never told me to lose weight, but applauded when I told
him I was going to start excercise. He has seemed more resistant
to fat-phobia than I was! -- Mary (maryp76944@aol.com)

Catherine Hill, OB/GYN
515 South Drive Suite 21
Mountain View, CA 94040
Also has office in Sunnyvale
(650) 988-7956
Cool about my being very fat and being a dyke.

Catherine Trejo, MD, OB/GYN
Mountain View, CA 94040
650-903-2771
Internal Medicine
Everyone loves her and she is "fat friendly" too.
She's very caring and takes her time to explain things and
address your concerns.

NATIONAL CITY

Charlie R. Johnson, Internal Medicine
Johnson Medical Group & Urgent care walk in clinic
2400 E. 8th Street, Suite A
National City, CA 91950
(619) 267-4255
See main entry under San Diego.

OAKLAND
Sheila Addison, PhD, Marriage and Family Therapist
See entry under Berkeley.

Terry Anderson, cardiologist
Kaiser
Oakland, CA
She treated a super-sized woman with dignity and respect
throughout the process of getting a stress test for her heart,
gave sincere praise for even the small efforts to increase
exercise and reduce stress, and never once advocated weight
loss. (The bureacracy overall made it difficult for a while to
get the proper equipment for the woman's weight, but that wasn't
Dr. Anderson's fault.)

Marielle Berg, MFT 48984, Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples
Two offices:
4214 18th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
and
445 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 104
Oakland, CA 94610
www.bergtherapy.com
415-310-5142
Self-referred.
I offer psychotherapy to help you make changes from the inside
out. My practice is diverse but I have particular expertise in
working with eating disorders and food and body image issues,
depression, trauma and couples. I teach classes on incorporating
a Health at Every Size® model with relational psychotherapy and
am a certified Health at Every Size® facilitator. I also run
an 8 week support and psycho-educational group called "It's
Just a Cookie!" to help those looking to develop a more peaceful
relationship to food and their bodies. My Oakland office has an
elevator.

Beth Bernstein, MFT, psychotherapist
445 Bellevue Avenue, Suite 300
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 628-0877, #1
bethelb@mindspring.com
Self-referred
I am a licensed psychotherapist who has been through my own
experiences with bulimia, compulsive eating/dieting and
fatphobia (both societal and internalized). I offer my clients a
wealth of information, experience and insight without
pathologizing their bodies or assuming they have an eating
disorder because they are large. For 3 years, I produced and
hosted the radio show, "BODY LANGUAGE: the show about how you
relate to your body," on KALX 90.7 and have done many shows on
body image and weight/size issues.

Flex Physical Therapy & Fitness
(510) 655-3060
4266 Broadway
Oakland, CA
They do Pilates-based physical therapy and they have a pool.
I went on a referral from my orthopedist for my arthritic knees
and for a shoulder injury. The owner is this skinny little
sarcastic New Yorker woman who initially put me off -- my own
bias, I guess, because I ASSUMED she might be biased towards me
because I'm fat. We both learned a lot about our biases and
became more or less buds by the end of my treatment. She was a
big fan from a distance of the Padded Lilies, and was always
giving me warmup exercises to teach the Lilies and sending us
orders to DO THEM. I had a great experience there -- she was
great and so were her staff. I'd suggest new clients call her
and set up a time to visit, meet her and check out the equipment
and tell her Shirley Sheffield sent you (I think she'll remember
me if you mention the Padded Lilies). She and I talked about
size-friendly attitude, and I told her I was going to refer
folks to her because I considered her size-friendly, and she
seemed pleased with that. -- Shirley Sheffield

Thomas Lee Hambrick, MD - Ob/Gyn
Ob/Gyn Partners For Health
365 Hawthorne Ave # 301
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 893-1700
Several things set Dr. Hambrick's office apart for me. They
gave me the option of weighing or not. There was not one word
said about my weight beyond that. The drapes are large, and the
chairs in the examining rooms are armless. The nurse went and
grabbed a large blood-pressure cuff without comment, and was
pleasant and warm. And Dr. Hambrick himself was personable and
expressed empathy with my joking reference to another doctor who
harangues me about my weight. Previous doctors have given me a
hard time because my ovaries are hard to palpate, or have
discouraged me from certain procedures because of my weight, but
Dr. Hambrick was a good listener and helped me arrive at the
procedure that will work best for me. -- Serene Vannoy, Oakland,
CA

Susan J Kahn, MFT, psychotherapist
Offices in SF and Oakland, CA
510 268-8866
email: sjkahn27 at mac.com
Self-referred.
I am a fat clinician who has been treating women for the last 15
years who struggle with weight preoccupation and body image. I
am also a lesbian who has worked extensively within the Queer
community. I am experienced working with sex and sexuality,
especially as it is influenced by the ways we are stigmatized.
My therapeutic style is relational, non-judgemental and
interactive. I am also available for training and consultation
concerning non-pathological, quality treatment for those of us
marginalized by society.

Dr. Lucy Kalanithi MD, general practitioner
Oakland, CA (Kaiser)
I basically picked Dr. Kalanithi at random from the Kaiser list
after getting no leads on a good fat-friendly physician there. I
was ready to be on the defensive because although I have no
health problems and have had no serious problems in the past, I
always get hassled for my weight. I was so surprised when Dr.
Kalanithi asked me about my exercise habits and asked if my
weight was stable and then told me that there is more and more
research out there showing that people who are active at any
size have better outcomes than people who don't. I was totally
prepared to give her my HAES lecture but, she beat me to it! I
don't know how she would have been about weight had I had any
chronic conditions but, so far, I couldn't have asked for more!
-- Natalie

Avis Logan, MD, family practice
350 30th Street, Suite 100
Oakland, California 94609
(510) 204-8290
She is awesome, very fat friendly, open to alternative medicine.

Andrew S. McClintock-Greenberg, M.D., pulmonary disease, sleep medicine
Pulmonary medicine
350 - 30th Street, Suite 100
Oakland, CA
510-204-1844
He is affiliated with Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

North Oakland Family Practice
Andrea Johnson, MD; John Good, MD; Lauren Blanchard, NP
3100 Telegraph Ave Ste 2102
Oakland, CA 94609
b/t 31st St & Hawthorne Ave
Oakland, CA
Several positive referrals. Francine Yep is reported to no
longer be practicing there.
*Dissenting View*: One person was treated very rudely by office
staff who made a mistake about an appointment time.

Donna Odierna, clinical herbalism, holistic nutrition
P.O. Box 19064
Oakland, CA, 94619
510 531-0832
strega@well.com
Self-referred.
I design individual programs for people who want to attain
optimal health at whatever size they may be. -- Donna Odierna

Erda Sanders, Chiropractor
400 40th St., Ste. 203
Oakland CA 94609
510-653-5063
She's fat. I'm fat. She may sometimes say how weight contributed
to a problem but it's in a context of this is what we have to
work with (not lose weight & you'll be cured). -- Susan Krauss
skrauss@hooked.net

Victor Silvestre, MD, Internal Medicine
Kaiser Oakland
Fabiola Building
3801 Howe Street
Oakland Ca 94611
(510) 752-1190
http://www.permanente.net/homepage/doctor/victorsilvestre/
I've had spotty luck at Kaiser finding doctors who aren't
obsessed with my weight. I teased that with one doctor at Kaiser
San Diego, I could go in with a gunshot wound, and she'd tell me
to lose fifty pounds to treat it. Dr. Silvestre's great, though,
so far. On my first visit, he used the proper size
blood-pressure cuff and encouraged me to ask for a bigger cuff
whenever I'm having my blood pressure taken (I know that, but it
was nice that he was aware). He never mentioned my weight, even
though it was an appointment about blood pressure -- he just
checked my pressure, and since it's only slightly elevated (as
opposed to previous high measures), and since I've been checked
out by a cardiologist recently, he told me to keep doing
whatever I've been doing. I told him I am going to work on
improving my nutrition and exercise further, and he said, "A
good idea for everyone", rather than doing this whole, Oh, the
fat girl's gonna diet, yay! thing. Anyway, so far, so good.
-- Serene Vannoy (http://serenejournal.livejournal.com)

Kim Washington, DC (chiropracty)
Oakland, CA

Jessica Wilson, MS RD
Oakland, CA; Bay Area
530-902-4326
www.mykitchendietitian.com
Self-referred.
I work from the Health At Every Size Model with clients who are
willing to give up eating from a weight-focused model (dieting)
and instead incorporate a behavior-based model that focuses on
learning how to listen to their bodies needs and enjoying food.
I do not use weight as a predictor of health, and I believe that
people of all sizes can be healthy and are worthy of health care
that is compassionate, competent and respectful. I work hard to
build rapport with my clients and advocate for them in all
aspects of their healthcare and work closely with their other
treatment providers so that they understand the values of
non-weight focused healthcare as well. I do not provide clients
with rules to follow, but instead engage with them to learn
their body's own internal wisdom.

Francine A. Yep, MD, family medicine
350 30th Street Suite 100
Oakland, California 94609
(510) 204-8290
Smart, kind, not fat-phobic, queer-friendly, knowledgable about
complementary medicine, and a doctor who treats you like an
adult and a peer.

ORINDA
Mary L. Miller, MD, Internal Medicine
12 Camino Encinas
Orinda, California 94563
(510) 204-8189
http://www.sebmf.org/dr-mary-l-miller.html
It may be necessary to ask her not to speak about weight. She
may bring it up if someone doesn't ask. I told her flat out the
first time I saw her that I didn't want to discuss my weight,
and she's mostly honored that. A few times I can tell she wants
to say something, mainly when I go in about knee or ankle pain.
But headaches, bronchitis, colds, neck pains, perimenopause,
yearly physical -- not a word about my weight. The only time I
remember her sort of going there was when I asked her about
antidepressants at one point, and she was really up on
Wellbutrin -- and one reason she mentioned is because it can
suppress appetites. But that's all she said. So, not perfect,
but better than most I've seen.

PALM DESERT

PALO ALTO

Bonnie Bernell, Ed.D./Licensed psychologist
See entry under San Jose.

Delores W. Eberhart, D.D.S.
Dentist
880Middlefield Rd.
Palo Alto CA 94301
Ph: 650-328-3384
Dr. Eberhart is a delight. She is informal and skilled. Her
office and dental assistants are fabulous. All are
fat-friendly. In the early years, when she was newer in her
practice, she had only 2 small chairs in the waiting room. I
complained and she said that she would buy a sofa as soon as she
could afford to do so. And sure enough, maybe six months later
there was a sofa. Her dental chairs have 1 arm that is able to
lift out of the way, which is helpful. Unfortunately, the dental
chairs are shaped for a smaller person. -- Shelley Bond,
shelleybond@compuserve.com

Laurel Trujillo, Internist
Palo Alto Medical Clinic
650-321-4121
She is great! She is more concerned with how I am feeling
mentally and physically than my weight. She doesn't like dieting
if it causes you to yo-yo in your weight. She just thinks that
exercising and eating right is the way to go. She thinks that
maintaining your weight and being happy is more important than
dieting and being unhappy.

PASADENA
La Tanya Hines, MD, OBGYN
301 S. Fair Oaks Ave Suite 202; Pasadena, CA 91105
626-793-5250
I've been to her once and she made me feel comfortable and at
ease. She only answered questions regarding weight when I asked
- "could I have a baby at this weight, is it safe?" I don't
have children yet. Also, important to note that she was one of
the doctors on the show "I didn't know I was pregnant."

Irina Jasper, GP
960 E Green St #286, Pasadena CA
626 356 0340
When I first started seeing her 10 years ago she would
occasionally bring up weight loss, but she seems to have been
discovering HAES and fat acceptance at about the same time as
me. These days she always asks if I exercise and how I'm
feeling, and she says "I believe in exercise - I don't believe
in diets." No problem not getting weighed, and I've always been
treated with the utmost respect by everyone in her office.

Mark Kidon, Podiatrist
10 Congress St #410, Pasadena CA
626 799 1194
For YEARS I've had foot pain that I just attributed to being
overweight. (Yes, YEARS). I finally mentioned in while seeing
this doctor for something else, fully expecting to just get a
lecture on losing weight. Nope. X-ray, diagnosis of some
fairly advanced plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, shot of
cortisone, and application to my insurance company to get fitted
for orthotic inserts... all with exactly ZERO comments about my
weight (250 lbs at 5'2", so pretty plump!) On my next visit I
planned to bring this up explicitly with him and thank him for
going straight to treating my problem instead of wasting time
with diet talk - I really expected to have to fight for
treatment, and I can't adequately describe the relief I felt
when I didn't.

Joy Malek, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (Lic. MFC 47098)
Pasadena, CA (Greater Los Angeles area)
http://joymalek.com/
Self-referred.
Specialities: Anxiety & Stress Management, Depression Recovery,
Chronic Pain & Illness, Body Image & Embodied Living, Creativity
& Soul Tending.
I believe strongly in following our body's wisdom to develop or
maintain health at every size, and to flourish in body, soul and
spirit. Self acceptance and honor for the one precious body we
are given is a big part of my work. When we can love and support
ourselves exactly as we are, inside and out, life has power and
resonance.

PLACENTIA
Carl Buckhorn, Internal medicine/family practice
Placentia, California

PLEASANT HILL
Julie Levin, Marriage and Family Therapist
Pleasant Hill, CA
925/518-4072
Self-referred
I am a psychotherapist, teacher, and a recovered bulimic who
specializes in helping others develop self-acceptance regardless
of size. I encourage clients to explore their eating patterns to
increase self-understanding and decrease self-judgment. If
clients find they use food or diets to manage difficult
emotions, I provide a safe place for those emotions to be felt
and expressed. When appropriate, I encourage clients to extend
their emotional honesty outside of therapy. I offer quarterly
groups and classes through local recreation and parks
departments. These focus on dispelling diet myths, challenging
fat prejudice, learning to recognize and respond to physical
hunger and fullness, exploring the impact of culture and the
negative messages perpetuated by a 40+ billion dollar diet
industry.

POWAY
Charles D. Callery, MD, General Surgery/Bariatric Surgery
Poway, ca
858-675-0883
Yes, this is a WLS (weight loss surgery) surgeon, but these can
be the best docs to do surgery on fat people as they have much
experience doing surgery on fat bodies and the hospitals where
they work know how to treat fat patients, both from a medical
and a bed-side manner view point. My friend needed gall bladder
surgery, the first referral surgeon didn't feel comfortable
working on a fat patient so recommended Callery. When my friend
called the office, she was told Callery did nothing but WLS. She
had to get the referral surgeon to call Callery himself. So let
that be a warning. As an advocate, I accompanied my friend to
Callery's office, fully expecting a sales pitch for WLS. It
never happened. The doc was straightforward, not fat phobic, and
told my friend that her weight distribution was such that
laparoscopic surgery was probable. I couldn't believe that *not
once* was WLS suggested or even referred to, except to reassure
my friend that he had done surgery on many fat people. My
friend's surgery went well, she has a positive hospital
experience, and was home the next day. If I need surgery of any
kind, I'm calling Dr. Callery.

REDDING
Open System MRI
Phone 800-646-6736
Accommodates patients that weigh up to 480 lbs. using a Siemens
Open MRI, the only side entry MRI, which allows patients with a
waist size of up to 69". Centers in Redding, Chico, Roseville,
Pasadena, Tustin, Palm Desert, and El Centro, California.

REDWOOD CITY
J.D. Hoff, OB/GYN
2950 Whipple Ave. Suite 1
Redwood City, CA 94062
650-364-5169
Note there is another doctor named Hoff in the same building. I
went to Dr. Hoff after my regular doctor was unable to perform a
pap smear on me, and also because I wanted to ask questions
about pregnancy with diabetes. He was very encouraging and made
no mention of my weight. Of all the docs who've done pap smears
on me (including other OB/GYNs), he has been the fastest and
most painless. Office staff is also accepting. When I went for
an ultrasound, I asked one of his office staff whether it would
be difficult or painful because I'm big, and she said
"Absolutely not. They routinely do ultrasounds on women much
bigger than you." The waiting room has couches. The scale is in
the corridor. -- stef@cat-and-dragon.com

Lawrence Gavin, endocrinology
Catherine Heymann, physician's assistant
650 363 9341
39 Birch St. Suite C (Wed & Fri)
also an office in Daly City, 650 994 9771
Dr. Gavin is not exactly fat friendly, but he doesn't badger
about weight either. (He is somewhat likely to badger about
exercise.) However, his physician's assistants, especially
Catherine Heymann, are fat accepting. Heymann describes my
medical problems in terms of genetics, not in terms of my
weight. When I talked with her recently about finding a new
primary care physician, she named a particular doctor and gave
me tips how to tell the doctor I wasn't interested in weight
loss advice. She is very knowledgeable and reassuring. The
waiting room does not have armless chairs, but their chairs are
wider than usual; I fit comfortably at 360 pounds with 68" hips.
They use a large blood pressure cuff without being reminded. The
scale is in the exam room, not in the corridor. I have never
refused to be weighed, so I don't know how they feel about that.
-- stef@cat-and-dragon.com

Donald St. Claire, Jr., M.D., cardiology
Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiac Arrhythmias
2900 whipple #205
Redwood City
650-363-5262
(the group also has an office in Palo Alto)
I was scared to get a cardiac stress test, but I wanted one
because I had some palpitations that worried me. This office was
recommended to me by my endo's office as having "nice" staff and
doctors. Prior to my visit, I wrote a letter to the doctor and
office staff, based on Hanne Blank's
doctor letter on this site. I explained that I knew weight
loss is often recommended as a treatment for my conditions, and
that it had not worked for me in the past, and that I did not
consider weight loss surgery an option. I told them my weight
(360 pounds) and hospital gown size (5X) and asked that if my
weight would be a problem for their equipment or I needed to
bring my own gown they should please phone me in advance. Two
staff members *and* the doctor phoned me within two days of my
sending the letter. They all said that their treadmill would
handle my weight and that I should bring my own gown. This
responsiveness helped put me at ease. The office had loveseats
available. The technician and doctor were prepared with a
large-enough blood pressure cuff. The technician and nurse
didn't say anything about my weight. They were encouraging about
the treadmill test. The doctor treated me with respect,
explained what the test showed and what it meant, explained his
recommendations, and did not push weight loss. (Note that I
don't know if he would have pushed weight loss if I had not sent
him the letter.) He did not ask a lot of questions about what I
ate. He did encourage me to exercise more and said that this
would be beneficial whether or not I lost weight. --
stef@cat-and-dragon.com

RICHMOND
Ann McKenzie, Nurse Practitioner
Kaiser
Richmond, CA
I have never heard a word from her about my size, other than an
occasional non-judgmental, relevant fact about gyn issues that
affect fat people. Never any advice to lose weight. I can't
remember if I gave her my standard "speech" when we met, about
not wanting weight loss to be part of my treatment plan, etc.,
or if she just treats me this way because she's naturally savvy
and respectful. I think it's the latter, because she is a good
clinician and a good-hearted person overall -- treats my
same-sex partner like family, has a sense of humor, is always
straightforward about what she's doing and why.

ROSEVILLE
Open System MRI
Phone 800-646-6736
Accommodates patients that weigh up to 480 lbs. using a Siemens
Open MRI, the only side entry MRI, which allows patients with a
waist size of up to 69". Centers in Redding, Chico, Roseville,
Pasadena, Tustin, Palm Desert, and El Centro, California.

SALINAS
Allen King and Dana Armstrong
1260 South Main Street, Ste. 201
Salinas, CA 93901
Ph: (831) 769-9355
Fax: (831) 754-4955
Dana's email address is RUHUNGRE@aol.com
Self-referred.
Both myself and Dr. Allen King have left PrimeCare to open our
own practice. It is still in Salinas. Both Allen and myself know
that diets do not work and serve no purpose in the treatment of
diabetes -- in fact -- they ultimately make diabetes worse. Size
is of no issue in our practice. Instead, health, cardiovascular
fitness, wellness and joy are our ultimate goals. -- DANA
**Patient recommendation**
I am a very long time patient of theirs. I think they are
wonderful...highly professional and fat friendly.

Donaldo Hernandez, family practice
Doctors on Duty
1212 S Main St
Salinas, CA 93901
(813)422-7777
He works in our local health care system, but sees private
patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. He's got a good sense of
humor. -- msphoto2000@my-deja.com

Robert Patton
Karen Winn
909 Blanco Circle
Salinas Ca
831-751-7070
They are the nicest, sweetest doctors I've ever had the pleasure
of being a patient of. Never did my weight cause a problem with
them. They listened to me and ultimately helped me with my
problem. I was weighed because I was on meds, but they didn't
make an issue of it. -- j_nbarton@juno.com

SAN CARLOS
Clarice Calopiz, MD, general practitioner
1213 Eaton Ave.
San Carlos, CA
650-593-7861
On my first visit, I wrote up a medical history and included
that although I have health conditions correlated with high
weight, weight loss is not an option for me. She has mostly been
respectful of this and makes it clear that any treatment she
recommends is a suggestion. She keeps thorough notes, listens,
and had a great sense of humor. The waiting area has an armless
bench and the exam room has an armless chair stored in the
closet. The scale in the office only goes to 350 lbs. They have
a large blood pressure cuff. The support staff seem friendly and
competent.
One caveat: On a subsequent visit, she forgot about my request
not to discuss weight loss and suggested weight loss surgery.
When I said I wasn't interested, she asked why and then argued
with my reasons. When I asked her to stop talking about it, she
did.

John O'Holleran, MD, general surgeon
San Carlos, CA
I saw Dr. O'Holleran about a boil under my belly fold. Although
the office didn't have armless chairs (I weigh 380 lbs and I
could just barely fit into the chairs provided), everything else
went well. The automatic blood pressure machine with the large
cuff read my BP correctly, the nurse asked me to self-disclose
my weight but not to "hop on the scale," the doctor didn't ask
me to undress and put on a gown or even to sit on the exam
table. He just asked me to pull up my shirt to show him the
area. He didn't seem uncomfortable touching me. He went out of
his way to say that nothing I did or didn't do caused the boil,
they just happen sometimes, and can be on any part of the body.
Then he explained his recommendations very clearly -- and
actually said I didn't need surgery, which I was glad to hear.

SAN FRANCISCO

NOTE: San Francisco ordinances prohibit discrimination in public
accommodation based on weight, among other categories. This also applies
to medical treatment - read more here.

If you have experienced denial of equal treatment or effective denial of
care and want to file a complaint, you may call the City department that
enforces the City's anti-discrimination ordinances --- San Francisco
Human Rights Commission at (415) 252-2500.

Anne Angelone, Acupuncture
San Francisco

Na'tahne Arrowsmith, Doula
San Francisco, CA
(415)269-2787
DivaDoulaMama@yahoo.com
Self-referred.
Birth is an area where medical professionals tend to panic, and
if you throw a "weight problem" into the mix, the typical OB/GYN
will be "concerned" about the mother's health and very often
refer to the pregnancy as "high risk" even if no health problem
has occurred. Birth is not a medical emergency, and neither is
being "overweight". Every woman deserves the care and support a
Doula can provide and a woman of size should not be treated
differently. She should, like all expectant mothers, be able to
enjoy her pregnancy and not be made to feel bad for eating, or
getting bigger (and liking it). I am a size positive Doula
working in the Bay Area. The cities I cover are Alameda,
Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and Marin County.

BaySpring Women's Medical Center
Michelle Bourgault, OB/GYN
Marilyn Milkman, OB/GYN
Judith Walsh
1833 Fillmore Street, Suite 300
S.F., CA 94115
415/885-8135
Note: I've received several negative reports about another
doctor at this center. This doctor is reported to have retired,
but name given on request.
Marilyn Milkman, OB/GYN
**Initial Review**
Totally non-fat phobic and a wonderful person -- a sane and
informed gynecologist who suggested a D&C for my heavy periods.
**Dissenting View**
"I went to her for heavy bleeding I was having. I told the office
staff over the phone when I made the appointment that I was fat
and that I wanted a doctor who would not harrass me about my
weight but treat my condition. When I arrived I declined to be
weighed...She spent a majority of our time together telling me
to diet and that I should lose weight. She grilled me about food
issues."
**Favorable Reviews**
(1) I've been seeing Marilyn Milkman for about 12 years. She is
definitely NOT fat phobic and has been extremely respectful of
me all along. She asked me once if I'd consider WLS [she never
once suggested dieting and knows I am actively seeking to
improve my health]. When I told her why not, she listened
carefully and was interested in reading some of the studies I
had read She also shared my frustration at my inability to find
an open MRI to accommodate me. she commented on the idiot
engineers who thought of weight but not girth when designing the
machines. I wish she were not only a gynecologist. She is my
favorite doctor because of her acceptance, intelligence and
openness.
(2) I went to Dr Milkman because I had a full period...over 3
years since my last. That is NOT expected. I had a positive
experience. The tech assistant asked me if she could weigh me
and gave me a clear opportunity to say no. -- Naomi Copperjet,
San Francisco

Lisa Bernard-Pearl, OB/GYN
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-353-7781

Nancy Bohannon, endocrinologist
1580 Valencia St. #503
San Francisco
415 648 7622
I met her in 1985, after 60 days in the hospital for bulemia.
Through all these years, I have gotten bigger, but what is
inportant to her is my blood work. I am bigger than I have ever
been and yet my blood work is the best ever. She is also a
professor at U.C.S.F. and she does protocol studies. She is
skinny as a rail, and more energy than I have all year, but she
takes care of me as if I am her only patient. And she could care
less that I am a Lesbian. In 1988 I was about to have double
bypass surgery. My Doctor was about to go on a speaking tour in
China for 2 weeks. She felt so bad that she was not going to be
in town that at midnight before she left, she drove 33 mile to
the hospital I was in and brought me flowers. --
K1ttyange1@aol.com

Dr. Charles Bookoff, GYN
San Francisco
(415) 752-6555
He is no longer delivering babies but still doing GYN work. He
was very positive about my pregnancy (almost 6 years ago) and
never mentioned my weight (started at 220 went to 285). He
had concerns that the baby may weigh more than 10 lbs (my son
weighed in at 7.5 lbs), but other than that, he tended to my
needs and not my weight. Recently, he was treating me for
prolonged periods. Again, he did not mention the weight. I'm
currently 290 lbs. and he was very positive with me having
another baby.

Allison Brown, Chiropractor
San Francisco, CA

Virginia Cafaro, Primary Care
Wellspring Medical Group
San Francisco
http://www.wellspringmedicalgroup.com/

Lisa Capaldini, MD
Nais Raulet, Physician's asst
San Francisco
They are fantastic, thorough, and comfortable. When I complained
that I had gained 10 pounds in a year, Nais scolded me for
complaining and reiterated how healthy I am and that my extra
weight was not causing me any health problems. She launched
into a whole "fat education" piece and said some of the
healthiest patients she has weigh over 400 pounds. -- Alissa
Hauser

Sue Clemente, Acupuncture
San Francisco

Jeanne Courtney, MFT, feminist psychotherapist
San Francisco and East Bay offices
P.O. Box 453
El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 527-5662, ext. 2
www.FeministTherapyAssociates.com
bjcourtney@earthlink.net
Self-referred.
I am a fat and fat-friendly feminst psycotherapist, providing
Love Your Body at Any Size workshops for women, as well as
individual and couples therapy. I offer a safe place for help
with depression, stress, and relationship problems, where you
can discover new ways to think and communicate that will raise
your self-esteem and make room for more joy in your life. I
especially enjoy working with queers and others who hope to
change society as well as their own lives.

Jennifer Feeley, LMFT
4831 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-244-7850
She is an awesome therapist. I've been going to her for almost 1
year and she's always been fat friendly but non-coddling. She
never makes any judgements or assumptions about my personality,
life, psyche based on my weight. She never brings up my weight
unless I do. At the same time though, she doesn't coddle me or
let me get wrapped up in self-pity, self-hate or any
destructive. She's uplifting...

Marta Fernandez, Certified Personal Trainer
San Francisco, CA
415-265-8777
tri-n-surf@comcast.net
Self-referred.
I have helped people of all shapes and sizes get moving in a way
that is safe and fun. I am aware and sensitive to the needs and
concerns of fat folks in getting more physically active. I have
over 20 years of experience as a personal trainer and am skilled
at devising a plan that will fit your needs and goals.

Cindy A. Grijalva, MD
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-923-3123
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Leora B. Harling, CHT, MA, MFTI, therapist
2333 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(castro area)
415-820-1478
www.foodandfeelings.org
Self-referred.
I am a therapist specializing in eating disorders. I believe in
health, fitness and wellness at any size. I offer groups to help
clients heal from the pain of food abuse and I also offer groups
specifically geared toward women of size to get support around
whatever issues might be coming up around being larger in a
society that covets a smaller frame. I never recommend that a
client lose weight. If this is something that he or she wants to
do, I encourage her or him to see a nutritionist (referrals are
available) and I help support them during this time as changing
ones body can be a shock to his or her identity and psyche.

Susan J Kahn, MFT, psychotherapist
Offices in SF and Oakland
See entry under Oakland.

Keely Kolmes, Psy.D. (Clinical Psychologist for Adults)
220 Montgomery Street, Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-501-9098
http://drkkolmes.com
Self-referred.
I am a psychologist who is fat friendly and size accepting. I
work with a number of clients on anxiety, depression,
relationships issues, body image, and I do not assume weight
loss is a goal or focus of treatment when my client doesn't
indicate that it is. My focus is generally on health at any size
and developing a loving relationship with one's body, regardless
of size. Our waiting room has armless chairs and my clients sit
on a long couch.

Audrey S. Koh, MD, ob/gyn
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-923-3128
I like her a lot. Her office can be very busy, but she's worth it.
I know she's done a lot of work around educating other providers
in reducing barriers in the health world to lesbians, including
fat-phobia, etc. etc.
**Dissenting Opinion**
One person registered a complaint about one of Dr. Koh's
partners misrepresenting the amount of pain a procedure would
involve and the office staff not keeping equipment working.

William A McGann, MD
William Montgomery, MD
San Francisco Orthopaedics
1 Shrader St, #650
San Francisco, CA 94117-1036
(415)221-0665
I had my hip replaced in early 2000 and a partial knee
replacement nearly 2 years ago, both by the same doctor
(McGann). Both he and his partner are very up-to-date on the
data that outcomes for fat people are not significantly
different than thinner people. We are treated with respect in
the office, the waiting room chairs are accessible, and the
hospital had no shortage of gowns and other equipment for larger
patients (walkers, wheelchairs, beds, etc.)

John Nienow, Primary Care
Quest Primary Care Group
Near Union Square, San Francisco
Specializing in HIV medicine, but offering general care as
well

Lara N. Pickle, D.O.
55 Second Street
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 600-6990
They had large chairs in the lobby as well as armless chairs in
the rooms. The exam bed was large (also took your weight so you
didn't have to go to a separate scale). When discussing things
such as diets, they encouraged focusing on the body you have
now.

Heather Powers - Size Positive Psychotherapy
406 16th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118-2812
(510) 470-0092
www.heatherpowers.com
Self-referred.
I am a size positive therapist with 15 years experience as a
body image activist. I enjoy working with people of size who
want to create a healthy, loving relationship with their bodies.
My practice is also kinky and poly friendly.

Mario Rizzo, Podiatrist
St. Anthony Free Medical Clinic
150 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 241-8320
Dr. Rizzo was very kind to me. I am a large man (over 500
pounds) and I have swollen legs and ankles, and Dr. Rizzo did
not talk about my weight at all, and remarked that I was healthy
according to the tests and stats they had. He diagnosed the
problem with my ligaments and tendons, and recommended that I
receive X-Rays for completeness of knowledge. His treatment
involved custom made orthotics, foot stretches, and medical shoe
inserts, and yet nothing to do with my size or weight. I felt
comfortable around Dr. Rizzo and I did not feel shamed or
scrutinized due to my size.

Richard Robertshaw, Chiropractor
Pine Street
415-434-1530
I have seen him for years, and he is excellent and fat friendly.
He is not long on chit chat (just so you know), and does not do
the style that requires you to come in 3 times a week for weeks
on end. He is also very reasonable. Deva

Karen Schanche, psychotherapist (MSW, LCSW)
3569 Sacramento Street, Suite 5
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415)455-4915
Self-referred.
I am a fat friendly professional who works with women,men, and
adolescents re: body image issues,self-esteem issues,eating
disorders,sexuality,chronic and life-threatening illness
concerns,relationships,parenting concerns,environmental
psychology,critical incident-crisis work,sports psychology,
depression, anxiety, and other psychological concerns. I also
hold a senior staff therapist and teaching position with the
University of California San Francisco Medical Center, Langley
Porter Psychiatric Institute's Child-Adolescent Division. My
work with women and girls in the realms of body
image,self-esteem, weight concerns and sexuality issues has been
a constant part of my practice since 1981. I work in an
individual,couples, group,or family format and am also providing
consulting services to various agencies in California and other
states.

Karen Smillie, MS, MFTI - Couples Counseling & Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Registered Intern (IMF 54545)
110 Gough Street, Suite 402, San Francisco, California 94102
415-902-2039
karensmillie.com
Self-referred
As a size-friendly therapist, I offer warm, interactive &
non-judgemental couples counseling in San Francisco. There is an
elevator to take you from the lobby to my office, armless chairs
in the waiting room, and a large couch to sit on during
sessions. My goal is for clients of all sizes and identities to
feel respected and accepted in my office. Please feel free to
call me with any questions.

Crista Underwood, LCSW, Psychotherapist and Relationship Counselor
425 Gough St., San Francisco, CA 94102
415-971-0654
www.cristaunderwoodlcsw.com
Self-referred.
We all face times in our life when we need someone to walk
beside us, help us think through a problem, or face a challenge
with us. These can be times when we feel overwhelmed, sad,
worried, tired, afraid or lonely. We may be having a problem at
work, in a relationship with a loved one, partner or spouse, or
with changes in our lives. If you are dealing with depression,
anxiety, relationship difficulties, loss or grief, I can work
with you to discover new ways of thinking and acting that bring
first relief, and then growth, change and balance to your life.
If you are facing hostility from family and friends or confusion
about your own feelings, therapy can help you find your inner
strength and increase your ability to deal with stress.
I am a fat and fat-friendly psychotherapist practicing in San
Francisco. I believe in health at any size, and I never bring up
a person's weight in-session unless they bring it up first. I
will work with you regarding self-acceptance and self-love, and
ways to be physically and mentally healthy, regardless of
weight. I never advocate weight-loss.
I specialize in working with members of Bisexual, Transgender,
Lesbian, Gay, Queer and Polyamorous, Kink and Sex-positive
communities to help them overcome internal and external
barriers, know themselves, and live life to the fullest. I
especially enjoy collaborating with people in alternative
relationship structures to help them build strong, lasting
connections with their partners while maintaining their
individuality.

Geri D. Weitzman, PhD - Licensed Psychologist - CA License # PSY17963
2358 Market Street, 3rd Floor (Corner of Castro)
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-517-7965
gdw@numenor.org
www.numenor.org/~gdw/psychologist
Self-referred.
I am a licensed psychologist, practicing in the Castro
neighborhood of San Francisco. I enjoy helping people to find
creative ways to solve problems and become more fully
themselves. I offer a warm and supportive environment which
affirms the diversity of each individual. I am welcoming towards
clients of all body shapes and sizes, and I think it is a
wonderful thing when larger women are able to appreciate and
celebrate the beauty that their body holds. I respect my
clients' choices as to whether or not their weight is something
that they wish to discuss in the therapy setting, and my office
has comfortable wide sofas for clients to sit on.
My therapy specialties include: Relationship counseling,
depression, anxiety, substance abuse, internet addiction, career
issues, personal growth, anger management, codependency, coming
out, and emotional abuse survivor issues. I welcome clients from
a variety of groups and cultures, including bisexual,
polyamorous, bdsm/leather, HIV+/POZ, transgender, pagan/wiccan,
goth, lesbian, and gay.
I offer a free initial consultation, and my session fees there
after are based on a sliding scale, ranging from $60 to $120 per
session depending on your household income. Evening and Saturday
hours are sometimes available as well.

Susan Wilson, OB/GYN
3838 California Street Suite 510
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 668-1560
(415) 673 6522
She is patient, non fat phobic, and just
human all around and takes all kinds of insurance. The staff are great too.

SAN DIEGO
A Gentle Way, Yoga Classes for all sizes, ages, and levels
Lifetime Health, 4411 Morena Boulevard North #101
San Diego, CA 92117
(619) 442-2238
Kara-Ho Karate, 5181 Baltimore Drive
La Mesa, CA
(858) 483-9642
E-Mail yoga@AGentleWay.com
Web www.agentleway.com

Linda Barufaldi, DC (Chiropractor)
San Diego (Hillcrest), CA
619-299-0577
I went to Dr. Barufaldi with an injured back. She never once
blamed it on my being fat, and when I offered her information on
larger gowns for her big patients, she took the info gratefully
and immediately ordered gowns in sizes 3X and 10X. In return,
she said, for the info I'd given her, she gave me a pointer to
"Yoga for Round Bodies," which she said is a gentle way to get
some lower-back exercise. -- Serene Vannoy, Oakland, CA

Brande Faris, Licensed Holistic Health Practitioner, Certified Massage
Therapist, Doula (Childbirth/Postpartum assistant)
San Diego, California
(619) 994-3643
IntuitiveHealers@aol.com
Other specialties:
Fitness and Kundalini Yoga Instructor, Holistic Health Educator,
Spa Treatments Specialist, Health and Wellness Writer, Organic
Personal Chef, Master Herbalist and Reiki Master
Brande Faris is a BBW who encourages health and wellness from
the inside out. At 5 feet 9 inches and 250 pounds, she is a
perfect example that you can be fit AND fat; a typical day may
have her Teaching 3 hours of yoga, doing 3 massages and 2 body
treatments. Her empathy, passion for healing and enjoying life
and acceptance (CELEBRATION) of life at any size immediately
puts her clients at ease. She loves to work with people of all
sizes, shapes, abilities and backgrounds, enjoys creating a
sacred space for healing and does so by honoring the divine in
us all. She especially enjoys working with those who feel
disconnected or disheartened as larger persons in a world loves
to help them reconnect with their inner self and acknowledge
their true beauty and worth. -- Jon Fink, Brande's partner and a
6 foot 10 man who knows how difficult this small world can be
for us people of size.

Todd Cote', Family Practice
Centre For Health Care
17190 Bernardo Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92128
(858)675-3100
The urgent care physician on call used to be a large woman; she
made it very comfortable for me to talk about my fears about
physicians. She recommended Dr. Cote' to me as being 'open
minded'. He only mentioned my weight in passing saying it was a
factor in my problem and added 'but there is no good way to
change that'. He was very friendly and took time to get to know
me, and has been available to answer my questions. -- Suzanne
Szames (zanne@pacbell.net)

Michael Flint, Chiropractor,
Normal Heights area of San Diego, CA
Dr. Flint has been very supportive and easily moves me around as
needed on his table. He has said he is comfortable treating
people up to 400 lbs. He has a good sense of humor and
unfailingly respectful. -- jnhume@tnl-online.com

BobbyeJoy Gluck, holistic health practitioner
Bforjoy
San Diego
Large size women, massage therapist and yoga therapist.

Charlie R. Johnson, Internal Medicine
Empie Ochoa, MD, OB/GYN
Johnson Medical Group & Urgent care
6175 El Cajon Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 583-9335
www.johnsonmedicalgroup.com
RECOMMENDATION #1:
I saw Dr. Johnson on the recommendation of 2 of my aunts who are
both very large women themselves. He was so nice and caring,
did not bring up weight or weightloss until I did, even though
his clinic offers a weightloss program. He did not mention my
weight and was much more concerned with what is going on in my
life than what my diet consists of.
Dr. Ochoa's bedside manner was among the best I have ever
experienced. I am usually very tense and nervous during pap
smears and usually end up in pain because of it. She really put
my fears at ease and was so quick too, it was over before I knew
it! She talked to me and asked me many question about my life &
family. Although she is an OB/GYN she does general medicine as
well.
RECOMMENDATION #2:
Dr. Johnson is wonderful because of his care for me and my
family. I am currently 43 years old and Dr. Charlie R. Johnson
has been my physician since I was 22. I think he is one of the
few physicians who is still practicing to help people. I have
been a large person all my life, and have had my ups and downs
with doctors regarding my weight. My first visit to Dr. Johnson
was for the flu, and to my shock he didn't say the flu would go
away if I lost weight. When weight was mentioned I was the one
who initiated it, and through all my ups and down regarding
weight he was supportive. When I decided 6 years ago that I was
through with dieting forever, he understood. The office staff is
friendly and courteous, and ready to lend a hand in the office
or over the phone. There are not any armless chairs. There is
an after hours clinic. Office visits are reasonably priced. Dr.
Ochoa is very fat friendly.
DISRECOMMENDATION:
Someone found this listing with a couple of negative reviews
about Dr. Johnson: http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3710404639
They were concerned that he may not be giving adequate, thorough
treatment.

Lynn Jubilerer, DO
Scripps Clinic
Rancho Bernardo Clinic
San Diego
She is a primary care physician who has given me excellent care,
she did not ever mention my weight until I did and was always
quite respectful to me. Her staff is professional and
supportive. -- jnhume@tnl-online.com

Michael Kettle, fertility specialist
San Diego Fertility Center
La Jolla, and Poway
Dr. Kettle was very upfront about his lack of concern about my
weight. He stated the only reason for concern would be if I had
polycystic ovarian syndrome. And that since I don't, my weight
was my own business. He did say that pg could be "hard on me" at
my weight, but that it was not impossible. His nurse
coordinator, Chris Kettler, RN, has never in any way indicated
any problems with my weight. -- jnhume@tnl-online.com

Kevin McNeeley, MD, OB/GYN
Rancho Bernardo
San Diego
Dr. McNeeley was always gentle, caring, and never brought up my
weight. His nurse, Cindy was also excellent.
-- jnhume@tnl-online.com

Jeffrey Rakoff, fertility specialist
Torrey Pines
San Diego
Dr. Rakoff responded to my questions about the impact my weight
could have on my fertility, but never gave me any indication of
fat phobia. In fact, after an ectopic pregnancy, I asked him
about a comment made by an RN friend that my weight could have
caused the ectopic. He became angry and told me not to listen to
such nonsense. He was unfailingly professional. (The chairs in
the lobby of his office are armed, but were comfortable for me.)
-- jnhume@tnl-online.com

Kenneth C. Vitale, MD, physical medicine
3 offices, 2 in La Jolla (San Diego metro north), one in Encinitas (north San Diego County)
La Jolla - Perlman Medical Offices
*UC San Diego Health - Perlman Medical Offices*
9350 Campus Point Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla - 4520 Executive Drive
*UC San Diego Health - La Jolla*
4520 Executive Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
Encinitas - Garden View
*UC San Diego Health - Encinitas*
1200 Garden View Road
Encinitas, CA 92024
Kenneth C. Vitale, MD, is a board-certified physical medicine
and rehabilitation physician who subspecializes in sports
medicine. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, also
called physiatrists, help restore function in individuals who
have impaired physical ability as a result of injury or illness.
Dr. Vitale treats people with sports injuries, muscle and joint
injuries, spine conditions, tendonitis, arthritis and general
musculoskeletal conditions. He emphasizes nonsurgical treatment
approaches, including therapeutic exercises, rehabilitation,
nutrition and injections, to facilitate the body's natural
healing and improve alignment, posture and function. (Excerpted
from his bio at the UC San Diego website)
--
I saw Dr. Vitale for the first time on after a bad fall,
injuring my right knee. He said nothing about my size, even
when, on taking x-rays, he noticed that I had some arthritis
coming on. (I'm 66 years old and weigh about 200lbs, 5' tall) He
talked to me for a good half hour about what to do about my
soft-tissue injury as well as my arthritis and not once did he
mention anything about my weight or weight loss. You know how
easy it is to pick up weight bias--I felt none of it AT ALL. Not
in the least hesitant to touch me, look at me, no body language
suggesting recoil or disgust. He's probably in his 30s.

SAN JOSE
Bonnie Bernell, Ed.D./Licensed psychologist
415 Cambridge Avenue, Suite 23, Palo Alto, CA 94306
650/324.9270
and
1625 The Alameda, Suite 512, San Jose, CA 95126
408/985.0130
http://www.BonnieBernell.com
http://www.BountifulWomen.com
Self-referred
As a bountiful woman myself, and a licensed psychologist for
more than twenty years, I have see individuals and run groups
for large women who are not "weighting" but want to get on with
their lives. My book, _Bountiful Women_, is now available.

Kerry Besmehn
West Valley Physical Therapy
5150 Graves Ave
San Jose, CA 95129
408-253-4211
West Valley Physical Therapy is a two-woman office. I was
prescribed physical therapy for a back injury. Kerry did not
make any reference to my weight. She only observed how I moved
and asked me what level of fitness I wanted to regain. I said
that I wanted to be able to dance and hike again. She gave me a
set of exercises specifically designed to strengthen me so I
could reach that goal. When some of the exercises didn't work,
she showed me how to modify them. She was warm, patient, and
enjoyable to work with -- I felt like a partner in my treatment
and not a patient. -- stef@cat-and-dragon.com

Yasmin Khan, MD, psychiatry
Kaiser Permanente
San Jose, CA
I am very fat and suffer from chronic depression. I once asked
Dr. Khan why she has never brought up my weight and she replied,
"It has never seemed to be an issue with you." How cool is
that. Also, she has always been very open to getting
information for size and fat acceptance groups and resources.
-- Terri Weitze, tlw_sj@yahoo.com

John Majors, OB/GYN
San Jose Medical Group
San Jose, CA
Dr. Majors is a generally sympathetic Dr. He was my OB/GYN for
4 years. He never made an issue of my weight. He uses a large
blood pressure cuff when seeing a large women.
-- Kaye Luck, kathrine@webtv.net

Julie Reynolds, registered dietitian
San Jose, California
Email: juliemarier@yahoo.com
Self-referred.
My belief is that health and wellness need not be dependant on
size and shape. I support anyone in their quest for health
and/or feeling better regardless of size and respect the
decisions of each individual. I work with children, adolescents
and adults on a variety of issues from a "non-diet" standpoint.
Issues including emotional and compulsive eating, body and size
acceptance as well as medical issues such as diabetes and heart
disease.

Joy Shaffer, MD
Seahorse Medical Clinic
1570 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 282-1078
office hours M-F 10-1 & 2-6
I don't know for sure that Joy is taking new patients in her
general practice. However, my experience with her regarding
weight is very positive, and I know a couple of other people who
would confirm that. Joy is concerned about *changes* in weight
rather than weight itself. She expressed concern when I suddenly
lost weight (turned out to be part of CFIDS onset) and again
when I gained it back. But she's not concerned about the weight
itself, as long as it's stable. She does not assume that medical
problems are associated with weight. She looks for other causes.
Joy does not take medical insurance. You pay her; you file
claims. She is not in anyone's PPO.

Anjoli Tate, OB/GYN
2577 Samaritan Drive
San Jose, CA 94124
(408) 358-1888
I went to her while going through a depression. She was the
first doctor who I had seen in over 4 years. Her nurse was
extremely thoughtful and gentle with me as well. No mention was
made of my weight except for its fluctuations. She seemed
concerned that I was not exercising regularly. She spent a half
an hour discussing my seeming barriers to exercise and how to
get around it. When I come into see her, she is genuinely
concerned about my progress and is warm and friendly. She is
affectionate and kind and yet professional at all times. She
coordinates with all my doctors in providing care (my
psychiatrist and family practice doctor). When I asked her if
she would like me to mention her name on this list, she said "If
you feel that I have provided you a service, I would be proud to
be of service to others who might be hesitant about seeing the
doctor." -- Michele (momofcomet@msn.com)

SAN LEANDRO
Liz Nickels, MA, PsyD; Licensed Clinical Psychologist (CA PSY 22119), Psychotherapy
San Leandro, CA (San Francisco Bay Area / East Bay)
510-414-2416
liznickelspsyd@gmail.com
Self-referred.
I am a Health At Every Size oriented psychotherapist. My
orientation is size positive, LGBT and BDSM positive. My work is
culturally competent, trauma informed, sensitive, compassionate,
and respectful.

SAN MATEO
Kimberly J. Burke, L.Ac., O.M.D.
Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
53 No. San Mateo Dr., Suite B
San Mateo CA 94401
Ph: 650-348-2764
She and her assistant, Ana, are both fabulous and fat-friendly.
Her waiting area has sturdy, armless wooden chairs. I prefer
not to recline on a table, so we worked out an arrangement
where I sit in one armless chair on a pillow, with my feet up on
another armless chair. I'm usually warm, so we open both of the
windows. Ana has it all set up when I arrive. Kimberly talks about
nutrition and what to eat for my type, but not about dieting.
She encourages exercise, but doesn't push. I have been able to
make beneficial changes in my diet (which I have not been able to
accomplish before) under her non-judgemental guidance. She is very
respectful and willing to try anything that might work. My
comfort seems to be a goal for her. She uses vitamins, herbal
supplements and homeopatic remedies but not Chinese herbs. --
Shelley Bond, shelleybond@compuserve.com

Dr. Nicole S. Cherok, Chiropractor
328 No. San Mateo Dr., Suite C
San Mateo CA 94401
Ph: 650-348-4296
Dr. Cherok uses a method called Activator Chiropractic which is
much more gentle than the "crack the back" type. She manages to
accomplish the same goals as the other type, however. The
waiting room has small chairs with arms. Since I commented to
her about the chairs, there has always been a small stool waiting for
me. She also has you watch a short tape on chiropractic theory,
and -- without being asked -- she had the stool ready and waiting
for me in the video room. The office has a rather small
bathroom. She encourages exercise but doesn't push anything.
She and her office assistant seem non-judgemental re body type.
-- Shelley Bond, shelleybond@compuserve.com

Rhonda Demars, nutritional consultant
215 7th ave. #6
San Mateo, Ca 94401
(650)685-5514
healthyrhonda@hotmail.com
Self-referred.
I work almost exclusively with clients that have eating
disorders. I am sensitive to my clients' needs and empower them
as well as educate. My work is very individualized and depends
on each individual's goals and unique situation. I never judge
and sensitivity is given to readiness to change and pace of
treatment.

Dirk R. Diefendorf, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
100 So. Ellsworth Ave., Suite 607
San Mateo CA 94401
Ph: 650-347-0500
Dr. Diefendorf treated me for a broken arm. He saw me in the
emergency room, did my surgery the next day and then saw me every
few weeks then months for almost a year while the arm healed.
He never addressed my weight for any reason except to explain
why one area of my arm took longer to heal. Even then he phrased
it, "We people who are a bit bigger..." His staff also seems
fat-friendly. The chairs in the waiting room all have arms, although
they are a little larger than usual. He almost always sees patients
on time. -- Shelley Bond, shelleybond@compuserve.com

SAN RAFAEL
Sydney Parks, nurse-practitioner
San Rafael/Novato Kaiser
415.899.7412.
Respectful, caring, understanding. She recommended weight loss
surgery to me but backed off completely when I explained my
feelings and I think soon she will be much more reluctant to
recommend it to anyone. Very helpful and encouraging.

Rod Simonds, plastic surgery
San Rafael Kaiser
Professional, really listens, tried to "get" what it is like to
be a fat person. respectful,intelligent, etc.

SAN RAMON
Barry Gardiner, general surgeon
Minimally Invasive Surgery
5201 Norris Canyon Road, Suite 120
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 275-1210
I think he is a gem. I started to go see him over 8 years ago.
He has never made my weight an issue in his treatment of me.
After seeing him three times I ask him about why he had not
mentioned my weight. He told me that his wife was large and had
not been to see a doctor in 20 years because of the negative
treatment she had received from insensitive doctors. He said
that had given him a sensitivity in treating his fat patients.
He has always treated me with the utmost kindness and
professionalism. One time when he was treating me for an
infection and had to lance me he apologized afterwards for the
pain he had subjected me to. Unfortunately (for me) I can no
longer be treated by him because the hospital he is now
affiliated with does not take Medi-Cal. I have seen him in his
office for a consult though. His assistant, Terry Rodriques,
(RN) is great too! He has an exam chair that reclines into a
flat table and is easy to get on. -- Patricia

Deanna M. Jesus, Certified Labor Doula, Breastfeeding Support
Specialist, and Childbirth Education
Birthing Babies ~ A Celebration of Life, LLC
2415 San Ramon Valley Blvd., #4209
San Ramon, CA 94583
Cell (925) 216-7264
Fax (925) 886-6501
http://www.BirthingBabies.com
Self-referred.
I am a fat woman. I have lived with the discrimination. I will
honor everyone's pregnancy and birth choices and support as best
I can.

SANTA CLARA
Ray Greer, registered massage therapist
Flying Hands Massage
Santa Clara, CA USA
HeroRay@AOL.com
pager # 408-995-7564
Ray is one of the most fat friendly medical professionals I have
met. He has been my therapist for 4 years. He found table
support pads designed for pregnant women and bought them even
tho he didn't have a large pregnant clientelle. They are also
wonderful for fat people. His partner is a fat person. I would
recommend him without reservation. -- Kaye Luck,
kathrine@webtv.net

SANTA CRUZ
Janna Doherty, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology
2915 Chanticleer
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone: 831-477-2375
I saw Dr. Doherty for a high risk pregnancy (due to a bifurcated
uterus) during my second pregnancy, which also required a
c-section delivery. My weight was never an issue and they
always used a large BP cuff without my asking. Dr. Doherty
never acted rushed and always took the time to address all of
our questions and concerns. I went in to premature labor at 35
weeks and even though Dr. Doherty was not on call she made a
point of coming in to do my c-section. She is also well versed
in feminist issues. Dr. Doherty is a very intelligent, caring
individual and wonderful person.

Harriet O. Korakas, Gynecology
1667 Dominican Way
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(408) 476-3363
Doctor Korakas recently gave up the OB side of her practice; at
this time she is seeing only GYN patients. I can't recall a
single incident in which Dr. Korakas has commented about my
weight. When I asked her whether I should lose weight before
getting pregnant, she reassured me that it was unnecessary and
that unless I'd had a recent substantial weight swing, I
shouldn't let it concern me. When I asked her how my weight
might affect my pregnancy, her only comment was that if a
C-section were required, it would mean there'd be have a thicker
fat layer to get through, which was generally no big deal. When
I have been weighed, it's totally low-key. The nurse never
utters the number, and is very casual about it. They have large
BP cuffs. I feel very respected.

Adam Yarme, MD, family practitioner
2018 Mission St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 706-2220
I have been treated by Dr Yarme for 3 years. I have complicated
medical issues, including many "fat people" diseases, such as
diabetes and sleep apnea. Dr Yarme's approach has always been to
treat me as a whole person and never to dismiss my health as a
result of my weight. (In fact he was the one to suspect that my
lack of energy might be due to sleep apnea where my previous
doctor just dismissed it as a result of weight.) Dr Yarme
listens *extremely* well, and does not dismiss the other factors
in my life when he makes treatment suggestions. He NEVER
lectures me or humiliates me! He has no problems touching me.
His office has fat friendly equipment. He's stated that, while
my fat was a contributing factor in some of my conditions, the
humiliation and prejudice I experience as a fat person are far
WORSE for my health than the fat itself. He is not focused on
weight loss at all, but on healthy eating and appropriate
exercise. Perhaps the best recommendation I can give is his own
response when I asked him if I could list him: "i am honored to
have you list me on this site, though don't feel i have any
unique skills other than authentic compassion and reflective
listening."

SANTA ROSA
Dale L. Godfrey - Certified Massage Therapist
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 542-6856
Large size Native American male massage therapist provides a
very relaxing massage using a combination of Swedish and Deep
Tissue for plus size men and women. Available by appt. weekday
evenings and weekends. Member of the Karuk Indian Tribe
(Northern Calif.)

Sandra McCusker
Santa Rosa, CA
www.rosenmethodsantarosa.com
Self-referred.
I am a Rosen Method bodywork and movement practitioner. As a fat
woman, I have experienced both the fear of not knowing how I
will be received by a health care professional, and the pain and
frustration of being treated by someone who is fat-phobic. I
provide a safe and accepting environment to experience the
health benefits of Rosen Method bodywork. All are welcome.

SHERMAN OAKS
Gary Schneider, D.O.
4849 Van Nuys Bl Suite 105
Sherman Oaks, Ca.
(818) 905-9586
He never judges me on my weight, and never talks down to me
about it. He of course realizes how hard it is to lose weight.
I think it helps that he was the chief doctor for the Radar
Institute in California.
SECOND OPINION:
Gary Schneider always takes his time, I have been going to him
for 14 years and have never had a bad experience with him. He is
an excellent doctor and has treated me for high blood pressure,
sinus infections, depression, and GERD. If we talk about weight,
it is because I bring it up. Not him.

SOLANA BEACH
John D. Hill, MD, Family Practice
777 Academy Drive, Solana Beach, CA
(Very near San Diego)
858-481-8808
I have been seeing Dr. Hill for about 20 years. He too struggles
with his weight and he never dismisses any problem I am having
as simply related to my weight. He gets it. He is wonderfully
caring, takes time to really listen, and his staff is equally
friendly and caring. He is in private practice, so its just him,
really small office, feels very homey. He is only doing that
"concierge medicine" system (through MD VIP) so it costs a bit
more to see him, but in my opinion he is absolutely worth it!
-- AR

STOCKTON
Vincent Peter Pennisi, OB/GYN
1707 N. California St.
Stockton, CA 95204
209-466-8546
and
999 S. Fairmont Ave., Suite 230
Lodi, CA 95240
209-334-4924
Dr. Pennisi did not mention weight at all when I told him about
my infertility problems. In the past, most just blamed it on my
being 200 lbs and 5'1". He told me he would get my periods
going again with some meds, and get me ovulating again as well,
so I could get pregnant. He did not mention that I would need
to lose weight to be healthy to carry a baby. I told him that I
had gained weight when my cycles stopped, and he just said,
"well, marriage will do that to you!" and laughed. I was just
so relieved at his attitude! Definitely the best doctor I have
seen in a long time! I did not ask to not be weighed because it
was my first time there and they need some frame of reference
for later. -- Pamela Whiteley, fyrelight74@yahoo.com

SUNNYVALE
Catherine Hill, OB/GYN
Sunnyvale Medical Clinic
Sunnyvale, CA
Also has office in Mountain View
408-730-4240
One of my first questions to her was about my size. Her response
was something like "Oh, no problem. I've had women bigger than
you as patients!" She never *once* mentioned my weight/size as
an issue throughout the whole pregnancy, and never seemed
uncomfortable with examining me because of my size. Besides
being fat-positive, she was just a great OB/GYN, helping me
through some difficult times and even staying past her 24-hour
on-call shift so she could be there for my delivery. She's a
tiny thin woman who doesn't seem to have any hangups about size
at all. -- Marilyn Hollinger, msholl@us.oracle.com

TUSTIN

VAN NUYS
Global Dental
14434 Hamlin Street
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 781-5180.
Has equipement for large-sized people. Recommended as
fat-friendly by NAAFA-LA, www.naafala.org
Listed Feb 08

WALNUT CREEK
Mary Lowen, General practice
Walnut Creek, CA
925-947-0417.
Very fat-friendly.

WEST COVINA
Daniel Barajas, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology
222 N Sunset Avenue, Ste E
West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: 626-337-2777
I've been absolutely terrified to go to the gynecologist. At
28 years old, I'd never had a pelvic exam and was experiencing
heavy and unstopped bleeding for seven months before I managed
to talk myself into going. There was no table, just a wide,
padded, reclining chair with retractable stirrups. So that
immediately alleviated some of my stress because I have trouble
climbing up on exam tables and laying flat on my back. The
doctor had a very gentle and soft voice that put me at ease as
soon as he walked in. When I told him I was stressed and
sweating and shaking because it was my first time, he told me
that we'd take things slow, he would tell me everything he was
doing and that they would take good care of me. There was no
tiny examination gown; they just had me strip from the waist
down and cover myself with a really large sheet which was more
than adequate (I weigh over 500 pounds). When I struggled, the
nurse stepped in, told me to relax, and put my feet in the
stirrups for me. He went to insert the speculum and very quietly
asked the nurse to assist him by lifting my lower belly and
opening my outer lips. And then he apologized for having to do
that. I almost started crying. Because I'm so used to being the
one who apologizes to doctors for my fat. He didn't say one word
about my weight. He and his staff were kind, considerate, and
gentle. I won't hesitate to see him again. -- Heidi
http://thesugarmonster.livejournal.com

YUBA CITY
Christopher M. Johnson, RN, FNP
Mountain Health Associates
389 Del Norte Ave
Yuba City, Ca.
530-755-0856
mountainhealthassociates.org
Our office is fat friendly. We have no bias except against other
health professionals who try to fit patients into an
interchangeable mold where everybody must follow medical text
book rules. Our office caters to anyone who needs health care or
has health related issues. We provide general medical treatment,
Legal Nurse Consulting, Chronic Pain Evaluation and Treatment,
Natural Hormone replacement for women, Disability Consulting,
and general health education. We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and
pay-per-visit with reasonable fees for our cash patients.
Appointments are NOT required (but are preferred for complex
problems). Physician referral is not required for our specialty
services.

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