Doctors - can they help?

debswebby

Does anyone else find they have to fight constantly with doctors and their, often wrong and outdated, advice? Do you find you get pidgeonholed as "just another fat person whinging"?

I went to my doctor because I had been on my plateau for far too long and wanted to know if there was any way I could shift my belly fat faster.
She made it clear that she didn't believe a word I said when I told her that I work out 4 - 5 times a week and stick to my diet as best I can. I was being totally honest about my lifestyle but she just kept telling me to be honest with her. She told me there was no way I was burning that many calories at the gym (I'm 17stone and I'm there for 1½ hours - you work it out) and that I was delusional.
I was so angry and hurt that I was being accused of lying and its even on my medical record! I told her "I'm 41 years old and I have much better things to do than come here and waste my time to lie to you" She wouldn't have it though. As soon as I said I WASN'T interested in gastric band surgery she dismissed me as a time waster.
Consequently I got no help and no advice. Just a disapproving look as I left the room.

One doctor I had told me to go away and lose 10lbs in the next 2 weeks. I told her that at this point in my diet that would actually be cause for concern not celebration.

Do you feel that you know more than they do? Or should I just shut up, stop fighting them and listen?
xx

LittleFootHafner

Unfortunately, all doctors seem to have a different point of view...

Maybe try speaking with a personal trainer or dietition/nutritionist?
Again, they will all have a different point of view, but someone's personality may work well with yours!

How long have you been on a plateau? How many calories are you eating daily?

jmatthews75

sounds like you need a new doctor. Some of them just think they are one step down from God. Feel free to knock them off the high horse they think they live on. Find someone that will help you, not hurt you.

BeautyFromPain

I think that going to a nutritionist would be more helpful than a dr, if it is affordable? x

dls06

Maybe see a nutritionist.

h82bfat

Doctor's are in a tough spot because they DON'T have time to listen to you, however that is their job. If you feel like you are not getting good care, look around and try to find a better one. Also, if the physician is a member of a larger practice, write a thoughtful letter explaining why you were unhappy with the care you received. Sorry, BTW.

Rae9911

I am sorry to hear that your dr was no help, can you see another dr at your practice for a second opinion? My dr has been really helpful when I saw him about wanting to loose weight in January, I went back in June to say that I had hit a 8 week plateu and was concerned that I was tired and not loosing weight so he ordered a bunch of blood tests to check that everything was running ok. He also said well done for the 18lbs I had lost at that time of seeing him, he commented that he noticed a diffierence in my body shape and to keep up the fantstic work I was doing. All my bloods came back fine except for one of the Thyroid ones which he said was a little low so I have to go back in November and have another round of Thyroid blood tests. I think that it helps that my dr is a bit of a sports geek running marathons etc for charity and knows a lot about nutrition as well so I feel that he took my concerns seriously.

If you are having trouble with the dr could you not find one of the sports doctors to go and see who may be a bit more helpful to you.

shelleycolton

Oh i agree with this and have had a similar experiance, he said that "I will have to get used to feeling hungery for the rest of my life" but you know he also said that I had done well and if I lose a bit more then would it be possible to put a success story in the surgery!!!!!! I left with tears in my eyes one of the most depressing experiances. I'm not sure why but I have quite a sketicism about speaking to a dietician, but it would be helpful if others have had good experiances with working with them.

cdc1995

I went to the doctor because I want this time to be the real deal and everything says before you begin to "consult a physician", so I went in and said "I'm consulting you like I'm supposed to, now what part do you play in this?" And he said, 'Yea, just keep eating right and drink water and I'll see you in three months." Really?!?!! 3 months!?

BerryH

Sadly, GPs don't have time to recommend solutions the moderately overweight beyond what you're already doing, and can only recommend pills and surgery for the dangerously obese. If you do want to try again, bring your printed records from MFP so you have evidence of what you're doing.

Don't see a "nutritionist" they don't need to have a qualification - for example "Doctor" Gillian McKeith. See a registered dietician if that's the way you want to go. Otherwise, you can get good advice from a health and fitness professional - maybe book just a couple of session with a personal trainer a fortnight apart, or for free advice just chat to trainers at the gym - they love giving free advice!

Beforehand, think what you actually want from them. Do you want a restricted diet or more intense exercise, for example? But do check out all the plateau thread on MFP first - there's tons of amazing free advice for the price of a simple search!

Sezmo83

I've mostly given up with doctors to be honest with you. It's so difficult to find one who'll actually listen to you and try to work out how to solve a problem you're having. Most seem to just prescribe antibiotics for everything and rush you out the door! And when you do find a good one you have to be able to predict when you'll be ill and book your appointment weeks in advance coz everyone wants to see them.

I've fought with doctors about my weight, my epilepsy, my medication, my choice of birth control and a few other things. One went so far as to tell me they wouldn't change my medication because I'm "breeding age". Those were his exact words.

pipersmith

First let me say, I am not a Doctor, and I do agree that most physicians look for the obvious answer and do not specialize in weight loss. Currently I am working in the medical field and my long time boyfriend is a physician who is studying for certification in Hormone Treatment, Nutrition and Anti-Aging so that is where my advice is based. My suggestion is to check with a professional who is trained in these areas, such as dietitian or a nutritionist as well as talking to a personal trainer. I might suggest having your hormone levels and thyroid checked. It is amazing how those things can work against us.

debswebby

Thanks for the replies guys. I suppose I do expect my doctor to be a one stop shop for all my needs lol. I was just so upset at being branded a liar. Why should I lie when I'm going there for help?
I told her I'd had a curry the night before (it was hubbys birthday). She tutted and said "and did you finish that off with a big bowl of ice cream?" "err no" I said. "the meal was quite big enough". She rolled her eyes "and then did you finish the night with 5 cans of lager?" "what? No! Where did that come from?" I said "I don't even drink lager". Now if that's not being tarred with the fat brush I don't know what is. I can kind of laugh about it now but it still makes me mad too.

I had been on a plateau for over a year. Not losing an ounce. But, you see, I went home fuming and decided to find my own solution. I realised that I had been riding the same stone for over a year. Tweaked a few things and promptly lost 6lbs over the next 3 weeks.

I think I'll stick to asking advice from good people like you who have actually been there, done that and worn the over sized t-shirt instead of someone who read about it in a book once.
xx

Lozze

Your doctor is a *****. No two ways around it.

I had one doctor I went to for PCOS when I was 19. His response was 'that PCOS was a way for when fammine hit, all the fat women will survive' Exact words. When I told him, through sobs, that I just wanted to be healthy and thin his response was 'We all want things we can't have' (the same doctor my brother was banned from ever seeing again, as he told my brother something idiotic and my brother answered with 'You're an idiot. What idiot college gave you a degree?' This was two months after my visit and my brother hated him)

You need a new doctor either way. But I would go to a dietician.

debswebby

Bloody hell Lozze. Your doctor needs to be struck off. Now he's an ****!!!!

Lozze

Yeah he's a scumbag. It was a 'super clinic' so every time I went there when asked if i wanted a specific doctor I would answer ''anyone but Dr *kitten*' Apparently I wasn't the only one.

silmarilliane

definitely get a new GP - i know someone who has a paralysed foot, can't walk very far due to severe hip pain, and subsequently has depression and is overweight. her old doctor said there was nothing they could do (she hasn't even had a review scan since the original failure of slipped disc surgery paralysed her foot), refused to give her a disabled badge and put her on strong medication for pain relief, which pretty much left her bed bound and general sickness/diarrhoea for over a month. when she went back to the GP, they had a go at her for wasting an emergency slot!
she has since got a new GP, who is sympathetic, has changed her medication, offered a list of possible solutions to work though and is trying to organise getting a disabled badge.

i'd say switch and make some complaints!

debswebby

Yes I think I will. When I go back in September I'll ask to see a different doc.
xx

d2footballJRC

Defiantly get a new Dr. My first Dr. (At a weight loss center) told me the only way I'd lose weight would be with surgery. Told me no pills, diet, or anything would work for me, that I was too fat and if I didn't sign up for the surgery I'd be dead soon.

That upset me, and I honestly actually quit all my diet attempt at that point and got really depressed, a couple months later I snapped out of it and went to my local physician who is a great Dr. He looked at me laughed and said let's get through this. He put me on some pills and said he would have to monitor me frequently while on these pills. He also made me promise I'd start exercising. I told him I would sign up for a gym on my way back to work. I did. I've gave up fast food, soda, and not missed a day working out I've lost over 20 pounds in 3 weeks which is fast but you have to also remember I was 380 pounds. I feel guilty when I even think about cheating or not going to the gym. You have to have the drive and motivation to lose weight. There is no Dr. that can stop that or get you to lose weight unless you are willing to embrace it. If a Dr. upsets you, go and get a second opinion.

I get so mad still thinking at the Dr. telling me I have to have surgery or I'd die shortly. I felt that Dr. did my health more hurt then good. If a Dr. isn't jiving with you, seriously go somewhere else. Your health is too important and you have to go with what your mind and body is telling you. If something doesn't feel right, most likely it isn't.

fteale

Doctors are not experts in every single field. A GP is just that, general. They know a lot about a wide range of subjects, but not everything. If you want in depth advice about a specific weight issue, you need to go to a nutrition specialist, GPs are there for general advice and referrals. But most doctors do actually know a lot. More than the average person. It is quite easy to fool yourself, I know, I have done, but they aren't there to hold your hand through weight loss. You would have to pay for a personal trainer for that. Doctors are there to present medical answers, so unless you did want medical intervention, i.e. a gastric band, what can they do to help? Diet and exercise is up to you. If you are doing the right things, the weight will come off. That's just biology. Everyone plateaus at times, but you just need to carry on.

mrdalton

Im sorry you got treated so badly. That is not what we are paying for. But I got the same advice from a doctor last week. She said that loosing one pound a month was normal and no way was I exercising as much as I said. Then she suggested lap band surgury. When I asked about diet aid pills she blew me off completely. She didnt care I was struggling at all!!

The following week I went to my moms doctor who ordered blood work. Among high cholestrol, low vitamin d and being pre-diabetic, She discovered I had hypothyroidism and that is why I struggle so hard to loose weight. Now I am on meds and patiently waiting for them to work and my weight loss journey to be kick started. I am so happy I went to her and now know the truth about what my body is going through.

I would try a different doc and get bloodwork done.

scarletfever2005

Last time I went to the doc for my check up he tried to do that in and out thing where they say hi do the exam and leave. I said "hey wait a min" and pulled out my list of questions I had written down. I made him stay and asked every question on my list and if I didn't agree with or understand his answer made him explain it. He was a little peeved at first, but at the end of it I think we will have a better relationship from here on out.

But if he had ever said or done some of the things listed in this thread not only would he never treat me again, I'd report him to the medical board. Sometimes you have to remind them that while yes they are a doctor they are essential in a service field and that they are working for you.

Of course I'm a little anal about the doctor. I have an appt at the end of Sept. and have already started compiling my listed of tests and questions so that I can be prepared when I go.

debswebby

That's just it. I didn't want the doctor to do anything for me. All I wanted was a bit of advice on what I should be doing. I was just wandering if there was anything I could do. It was being branded a liar that upset me. If she'd told me that no, sorry, there isn't anything you just have to keep on keeping on, I would have been happy with that. But to be called a liar! Its just not on.

There have been some horrendous doctor stories on here. Isn't it a good thing we found each other? :flowerforyou: :drinker:

fteale

That's just it. I didn't want the doctor to do anything for me. All I wanted was a bit of advice on what I should be doing. I was just wandering if there was anything I could do. It was being branded a liar that upset me. If she'd told me that no, sorry, there isn't anything you just have to keep on keeping on, I would have been happy with that. But to be called a liar! Its just not on.

There have been some horrendous doctor stories on here. Isn't it a good thing we found each other? :flowerforyou: :drinker:

I expect they see so many people who do lie, maybe not intentionally, but so many people are completely deluded about what they eat, it must be hard to distinguish the people who genuinely want help, and those who want a magic pill.

Kate6868

Remember, doctors have almost no training in nutrition. They are trained, as someone pointed out, in medical interventions. I have gotten to a point where I generally avoid doctors unless something is broken or something is bleeding and won't stop.

hbrekkaas

Find a dietician. They are trained in this stuff and will be able to help you so much more.

You ladies have some bad doctors! I am very suddenly even more thankful for the doctor I have, and I thought he was awesome before.

bellinachuchina

sounds like you need a new doctor. Some of them just think they are one step down from God. Feel free to knock them off the high horse they think they live on. Find someone that will help you, not hurt you.

Agree

And also, I second their lack of knowledge in nutrition, unless they specialized in it somewhere along the way. What they are good for, is telling you BMI and maybe even correlating it to your personal frame size (like my OB did), but generally for weight loss, unless you want surgery or medication, I'd say visit a weight loss center with a nutritionist. Your money would be better spent there! Best of luck, and keep doing what you're doing, & if anything, switch up your diet, make adjustments in your macro percentages to see if that has an effect on your plateau!

bellinachuchina

p.s.

When I last checked in with my O.B., to chart my final loss & weigh-in, she was amazed that I lost so much weight from just logging my food and staying within a calorie range. She then even asked me what site I used so she could tell her patients, and proceeded to pick my brain about calories, macronutrients, etc. It was the funniest thing, b/c I was assuming she already knew all of this, seeing as it was health related!

debswebby

LOL Kate, I think you've got it right.

I saw a dietician once. I'm in the UK so we get all this free. After sitting with her for an hour she said "you know more about this stuff than I do". I said "that's because I've been doing this longer than you"

I always say, if you want diet advice, ask a fat person

monchand

get the bodygem done. it give you your RMR. I found out my was low and have to make some changes to my intake and now not hitting those dumps.

l3ugjuice

She made it clear that she didn't believe a word I said when I told her that I work out 4 - 5 times a week and stick to my diet as best I can. I was being totally honest about my lifestyle but she just kept telling me to be honest with her. She told me there was no way I was burning that many calories at the gym (I'm 17stone and I'm there for 1½ hours - you work it out) and that I was delusional.

xx

Funny story..

I went to my doctor after I'd lost 50 lbs, just to get blood work done. Mainly I just wanted to make sure I wasnt at risk of dropping dead from a stroke or heart attack or something.

Anyway, I was discussing my diet with her, how many calories I was burning, etc. And I could tell it was going there again...I'd been seeing her for a couple years discussing my weight, getting referrals to nutritionists and stuff like that but never really followed through with anything...and I could tell from her eye rolling that she didnt really believe everything I was telling her. She was asking me what I was taking to diet...

So I pulled out my laptop in the exam room, loaded up my bodymedia software and showed her the last 60 days, every single bite of food plus every single calorie burned were right there for her to see. That was pretty awesome.

My cholesterol being down to 160 & blood sugar down to 80 was more awesome, though.