CHICAGO -- America's expanding waistlines are prompting hospitals to expand their equipment.

Some hospitals are investing in blood pressure cuffs long enough to wrap around a thigh, sturdy toilets with half-ton weight limits, larger beds and walkers that can support 800 pounds.

"If we need to expand the bed even further, we just pull the lever and it gives us another 8 inches or so," said Renee Luvlch, the nursing coordinator at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

One equipment supplier estimates hospitals could spend $500,000 "supersizing" their supplies. But some hospitals say it's worth the price.

"It's more easy for the patients then, less painful," Luvlch said. "And it protects the nurse from injuring themselves."

Another piece of equipment that hospitals are buying can help patients from feeling humiliated -- extra-large gowns so people can be covered.

Nurses say equipment that fits is crucial, as gastric bypass surgeries triple nationwide for obese people trying to lose weight.