disstresful Doctor's visit concerning recovering anorexic.

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FinallyFlying
FinallyFlying Posts: 71 Member
in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
I was doing really well, until today. I was at 99 lbs at 5'6, and now a month later I'm a healthier 108 lbs. My doctor made a comment asking "if I had bricks in my pocket?" When He Heard about my weight. I told him I was having 2000-2200 calories a day and he have me an odd look and proceeded to ask if I felt it was too much. I told him no, but I still sometimes felt hungry. He told me I shouldn't have any more than that even if I'm still hungry. He also said during the visit I only needed to gain a few pounds then he'd take me off the 2000 calories very soon. Is this normal? Does he sound like a poor doctor or am I'm just being too sensitive?
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Replies

  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
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    I don't have any experience with EDs so I can't comment on what an appropriate calorie goal is for you but congrats on putting some weight on. His comment is a bit strange for sure. There's never any harm in getting another qualified opinion. Is your doctor experienced in this area?
  • jenzbugrulz1978
    jenzbugrulz1978 Posts: 3 Member
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    Sounds like he may just have an odd sense of humor. Not sure why no more than 2000 calories, but I am not doc. I would trust your instinct and if you feel a need for second opinion, don't hesitate to get one :)
  • GirlWithCookies
    GirlWithCookies Posts: 138 Member
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    I would definitely get a second opinion.
  • paperalien
    paperalien Posts: 167 Member
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    Second opinion and ditch that doctor forever.
  • Linnaea27
    Linnaea27 Posts: 639 Member
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    I would find a different doctor-- the one you went to sounds kind of insensitive. I am not experienced concerning eating disorders but just as a woman conscious of my appearance, food intake, and size those comments just sound like something that could screw with one's head.

    Sounds to me like you're eating the right amount. That's about what I eat on an active day, and I'm 5'1". I think you're fine. :)
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
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    I am sorry that he was not attentive to your needs.
  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,406 Member
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    How does a doctor "take you off of a 2000 calorie intake" ? Doctors do not have such powers. Believe it or not.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
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    Yeah, that is very odd. You should not reduce your calories or worry about gaining weight. A lot of doctors are used to dealing with health problems from people being overweight, so they over worry about people gaining weight and developing weight problems.
  • Cryptonomnomicon
    Cryptonomnomicon Posts: 848 Member
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    First off a big congratulations for being in recovery, that is awesome!:flowerforyou: :drinker:

    I tend to agree on getting a second opinion or a new GP.
  • Cryptonomnomicon
    Cryptonomnomicon Posts: 848 Member
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    How does a doctor "take you off of a 2000 calorie intake" ? Doctors do not have such powers. Believe it or not.

    What do you mean by that?
    I think the person was implying that you are responsible for how much you consume, I think they are not realizing since you are in recovery your intake is both monitored and the amount you eat is most probably set out by professionals to assist in your recovery.
  • Ethereal_Whisper
    Ethereal_Whisper Posts: 70 Member
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    Bad doctor.

    Technically you should be eating anywhere from 3500-4000 in recovery. I was on a 3500 calorie diet for about 2 months and i wasn't underweight by very much(maybe a pound or two). The reasoning for that is because you've damaged your body- it needs calories to help heal itself, and that's why you're meant to eat so much.

    Most doctors have little to no knowledge(correct knowledge) on dietary needs, so i'd suggest you find a dietician. If you can't afford one, or can't find one, then try the minnie maud way of recovering (http://www.youreatopia.com/blog/2013/3/31/minniemaud-guidelines-for-recovery-from-a-restrictive-eating.html)

    Feel free to add me or message me if you have any questions :smile:

    Hats off to you for choosing recovery. :heart: :flowerforyou:

    EDIT: i should mention that it's dangerous to go from a lower caloric intake to a much higher one, so be careful if you decide to up your calories. (refeeding syndrome)
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
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    Bad doctor.

    Technically you should be eating anywhere from 3500-4000 in recovery. I was on a 3500 calorie diet for about 2 months and i wasn't underweight by very much(maybe a pound or two). The reasoning for that is because you've damaged your body- it needs calories to help heal itself, and that's why you're meant to eat so much.

    Most doctors have little to no knowledge(correct knowledge) on dietary needs, so i'd suggest you find a dietician. If you can't afford one, or can't find one, then try the minnie maud way of recovering (http://www.youreatopia.com/blog/2013/3/31/minniemaud-guidelines-for-recovery-from-a-restrictive-eating.html)

    Feel free to add me or message me if you have any questions :smile:

    Hats off to you for choosing recovery. :heart: :flowerforyou:
    Good advice from someone who's been through it.
  • chadya07
    chadya07 Posts: 627 Member
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    ugh. any doctor telling someone who is 105 pounds that they are eating too much needs to go, in my opinion.
  • Daphnerose86
    Daphnerose86 Posts: 77 Member
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    If you're uncomfortable I'd always go get a second opinion. Is this your primary care doctor or a physician who specializes in eating disorders? If it's your primary care I'd say you might be reading into it a little but if it's the latter I'd probably check out what someone else would say.

    I think what he might have meant by taking you off the 2000 calorie diet is that he doesn't want you to continue to gain in such a fashion that may make you feel uncomfortable with your body again, to the point of relapse? Maybe he's scared if you gain too much too soon that you'll get stressed and regress.

    it's really great that you are working towards a healthier weight and that's a hard commitment for anyone to make (whether it's to gain or lose) He probably just doesn't want you to get freaked out by how much your body is changing. With eating healthier and exercising it's all in sustainability. This is a marathon, not a sprint blah blah blah. But it's definitely about what makes you feel comfortable. If you feel like you're gaining too fast or not gaining fast enough do what makes you feel better. Give yourself some time and do what feels the best for your specific needs.
  • colej157
    colej157 Posts: 5
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    Congratulations on your progress toward recovery.

    I've struggled with anorexia and orthorexia for several years, and as far as I can tell, unless they are ED specialists, most healthcare providers -- docs, therapists, even dietitians,while well-meaning, don't have a good understanding of eating disorders. Some of the most insensitive comments I've gotten have come from health professionals. I had a screening nurse tell me men don't get EDs, and another time when I as in the ER for severe medical complications, the PA said she needed to lose a few pounds and wished she had what I had.

    My GP is great, but isn't well-versed in ED issues. Fortunately, she recognizes this and is happy to work with my treatment team. She attends to my medical issues, and follows their lead as far as treatment of the other issues, including nutrition and eating. If at all possible, try to find someone who is at least willing to be part of your treatment team and recognize that others have expertise that s/he does not.

    On another note, are there any support groups in your area? ANAD meetings can be very helpful. Getting support from others who've been where you are (or are working on getting there) and "get it" is invaluable.

    Hang in there. Feel free to contact me directly.

    AJ
  • AskTracyAnnK28
    AskTracyAnnK28 Posts: 2,817 Member
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    Some doctors are very insensitive - especially the 'old school ones'.

    Also, they see patients 15/20 minutes all day, every day just about. So it could be that he didn't throughly read your chart before seeing you and didn't remember that you had an ED.
  • gothchiq
    gothchiq Posts: 4,590 Member
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    Whoa, that gives me a very bad vibe. Change doctors.
  • PRMinx
    PRMinx Posts: 4,585 Member
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    Bad doctor.

    Technically you should be eating anywhere from 3500-4000 in recovery. I was on a 3500 calorie diet for about 2 months and i wasn't underweight by very much(maybe a pound or two). The reasoning for that is because you've damaged your body- it needs calories to help heal itself, and that's why you're meant to eat so much.

    Most doctors have little to no knowledge(correct knowledge) on dietary needs, so i'd suggest you find a dietician. If you can't afford one, or can't find one, then try the minnie maud way of recovering (http://www.youreatopia.com/blog/2013/3/31/minniemaud-guidelines-for-recovery-from-a-restrictive-eating.html)

    Feel free to add me or message me if you have any questions :smile:

    Hats off to you for choosing recovery. :heart: :flowerforyou:

    EDIT: i should mention that it's dangerous to go from a lower caloric intake to a much higher one, so be careful if you decide to up your calories. (refeeding syndrome)

    Quoting this because...brilliant.

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