Throwing money away on medical weight loss program?

csteuter

At my last physical, I asked my family doctor if he could prescribe me something for weight loss (I am about 30-40 pounds overweight, 55 years old, 5'3"). He referred me to an internist/group who he said accomplished great things with several of his patients. I was pumped, but couldn't get in for 60 days. So, my first appointment was with a nurse practitioner, who said my insulin levels were high, so she prescribed Metformin. Now, my insulin levels were on the higher end of normal, but still in the normal range. My glucose was 101. Of course, I don't want to become diabetic, so I've been taking the Metformin. Next step was to see the dietician, who basically said "no carbs" and told me a bunch of stuff I already knew and pretty much pooh-poohed all the family meals I have been preparing. (Like I'm never going to eat a potato or pasta for the rest of my life?) Finally, the 3rd appointment was the MD, who said "If you haven't lost any weight in a month, we can discuss adding phentermine". Okay, it's $500 later, and in the past month I've lost 5 pounds ... that's $100 a pound. If I'm not losing weight, why am I paying for this?

I've been tracking everything on MFP, just like I have done in the past. I have done everything they have asked - like having protein for breakfast, limiting carbs, keeping calories to 1200 a day. So, it seems to me these monthly doctor visits zap about $150 from my wallet to be weighed and otherwise, I just don't know if I am receiving that much of a benefit.

Oh, and in the past I lost about 12-15 pounds on MFP within about 6 weeks, which I'm nowhere near losing this time around with a doctor's help! I will say, however, that after losing the weight, I was never good about keeping it off so it slowly but surely crept back on. I guess the accountability of being inconvenienced by a dr. appointment and having to weigh in is worth something, but I just don't know if it's really worth $150 a month .. and I'm cautious about the phentermine, but maybe that's what I need.

Discouraged ...

csteuter

The first week I lost 4 pounds - GREAT - the next 3-4 weeks I only lost a pound for the total of 5 pounds lost. So, it's not "a pound a week" ...

ninerbuff

You're basically paying for a monitoring program. People pretty much know what they have to do to lose weight. It's the execution with consistency that usually ends up being the real issue.
Just be honest with yourself. Are you being consistent? Are you really following calorie deficit correctly?
Lots of times when people set and analyze the real reason why they aren't losing, they figure it out.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

queenliz99

Use MFP as intended and you will lose. The money you save can go towards new and smaller clothing. Win Win You can do this!!

NaomiJFoster

It sounds like you already know your answer. You're wasting money. Some people do have medical needs that must be controlled with medication. It doesn't really seem like that's what your doc found with you, though.

I was about 40-50 pounds higher than my doc wanted me. My blood sugar was on the higher end of normal, creeping up to the 'warning' zone. I joined MFP, set myself at 1450 calories/day with 40%carbs, 30%fats, 30% proteins. In 2 years I've lost 43 pounds and my blood sugar levels are perfect. My doc is flabbergasted and awed with me.

Personally, I don't think that a lifetime of zero starchy carbs is reasonable or realistic. It certainly would not be enjoyable!

I also don't think that drugs are the right treatment for a mere 40 pounds.

Do the MFP thing and STICK WITH IT. It won't necessarily be fast, but it will manageable and sustainable, and that's more important. And it's free.

csteuter

I really think you for this feedback. Yes, there is something different this time around and that is because of a foot injury, I cannot do much exercise. So, it makes sense that the metabolism is a bit slower and weight loss not as great as in the past. But, I have been very strict about following my diet plan and tracking with MFP. I am really starting to think that I need less drugs and more rewards for small accomplishments. I am hoping this will help with the consistency! Thank you!

skinnyinnotime

There is no way I would be paying a single penny for any of that. You can research yourself what you should eat and how much for your conditions, put that money to better use!

LKArgh

Has the dietician worked at all with you? Asked what you like to eat, what foods are easier for you to prepare, what is your routine, lifestyle? Or just gave you a standard program he gives to every single person? If it is the second, then you are just throwing your money away.

RodaRose

csteuter wrote: »

I really think you for this feedback. Yes, there is something different this time around and that is because of a foot injury, I cannot do much exercise. So, it makes sense that the metabolism is a bit slower and weight loss not as great as in the past. But, I have been very strict about following my diet plan and tracking with MFP. I am really starting to think that I need less drugs and more rewards for small accomplishments. I am hoping this will help with the consistency! Thank you!

They should not have medicated you with only one fasting test. The A1C provides more information.
For a foot injury, join a gym with a pool. You might feel wonderful. Also look on youtube for chair and mat exercises like chair boxing.
What rewards for small accomplishments help you stay on your plan? (*)

Liftng4Lis

Thank goodness you found MFP, its free! Welcome