How many of you consulted your DR first?

Apryl546

I didn't bother going to see my doctor.
Not only do I not like her, but she makes me feel like an incompetent little child almost every time I go. My last visit was probably the first "adult" session in a longass time. That was in March, just to get another year of BC.
-The only reason I haven't switched yet is because I've had her for YEARS.-
I knew I needed to lose weight, so I did it myself without my doctor telling me. So far so good. I'll only see her if I have a concern, which hasn't happened yet.

ninerbuff

I go to my doctor once a year for physicals and he's now asking me how he can lose weight....................

tbudge

I did consult my Dr first, but only because I had a surgery a while back and I have permanent stitches that I don't want to risk coming undone. I started on Insanity, so I made sure I got the go ahead. I do have to modify a few things. But P90X is out of the question. So, depending on your situation, it's not a bad idea to just check in with the doc and make sure that what you want to do is healthy for you. Just my opinion.

MinnieInMaine

Sort of. My annual happened to be at the end of 2009 and I'd already planned on starting Weight Watchers the next week (had registered for at work) so when my doc asked about weight loss, I was ready with that answer. She'd been encouraging me to make a change for a few years so she was really happy for me. And boy was she super excited when she saw me this past January after losing about 60 pounds!

Anyway, to answer your question another way - I would've joined even without seeing her because we'd already done all the tests the previous year (sugar, thyroid, etc) and like the OP, I had all the knowledge (and my doc knew it), I just had to get to the right mindset to actually do it!

I think if you do have health issues and/or haven't been to a doctor in a while, it's a really good idea to get a consultation about weight loss and get their input on how you should proceed.

angeleyes4643

I did not have to pay someone 50$ to tell me I am obese. Kinda saw it in the mirror daily. And since I do play a doctor on TV, I figured I would consult myself...lol.

That was me. lol And I got tired of reading reports from docs, etc that said "obese 40+ year old woman". Just sounded rude to me. So here I am.

kellibenage

Just a different perspective. Why not go to the Dr? Ask him to do blood work so you can see your cholestrol numbers. Know your blood pressure, etc., check for things that might be a concern. If for no other reason, you would have something to compare to when you are closer to your goal. I don't think it hurts to go in and talk to him/her. Ultimately though, eating right and exercising is what works. The Dr may help provide tools (nutritionist), but ultimately it will be your hard work.

gods_gal

I see my general doctor and RA doctor every 4 months and both knew I was going to start going to WW. Can't wait for my next visit for them to see that I'm really doing it this time!!

Cosmic_Unicorn

At my last physical, in 2009 (-_-), I was 5'6" and 195 pounds. My doctor told me not to worry about weight since I was healthy-ish and only a little bit obese, but she suggested that I start eating whole, organic foods and exercise a little bit every day, just to be a healthier, happier person. Instead I ate junkfood for a year and gained another 10ish pounds. I can't WAIT to see her reaction at my physical next month now that I've actually followed her advice. =D

Spongebaberoundpants

I've been to MANY Dr's and my physician I have now is the one who suggested this site and he's a weight loss specialist.

Melmade

No, not this time, but I recently had bloodwork done, thyroid tests, sugars, etc. since I was pregnant less than a year ago. All was well, so since I'm generally healthy anyway I just went for it without seeing a doctor first.

I do suggest seeing a doc if you have questions about thyroid/metabolism issues, joint/connective issues, diabetes concerns, or anything like that.

I asked a doctor years ago about diet pills & he suggested "Fit For Life" and "The Pritikin Diet" books. Not what I really wanted to hear. I did the Pritikin Diet for about 6 months or so, but fell off because it was too hard for me to keep up with. I was working in a deli/bakery so something that strict was just too hard with the constant temptations.

1goodymom67

I think it so you go about thing correctly. Like not lose 20 lbs in a week or something crazy. Also, to make sure you are "healthy" enough for strenuous workouts. WIth that said, Really how many do that? Not me but for me I am going rocket speed of a turtle at weight loss so.

dsak

I did not specifically go to the doctor prior to starting my "healthy journey". However, due to some minor health issues over the past year, it became my time to do something about it. I did end up going to the doctor for something totally unrelated about a month and a half into my weight loss. He was impressed with what I had done and we talked about things for a bit. I wish I had had blood work done PRIOR to me starting so that I can go back and see how my health has improved once I get to my goal.

I did make an appoint in 2 weeks for a general overall physical and blood work so I can better understand my cholesterol, blood glucose, etc. I'll then make an appt after I reach my goal.... just because.

cloneme_losehalf

Thanks for all the input! I have always had good numbers and all (other than scale numbers). I have no health concerns (other than my ankle I keep hurting at work...UGH) I am just tired of feeling like a big, fat slob (ummmm, no offense to anyone on here overweight/obese...just the words I often here when I hear people referrering to obese people...GRRRRR) I am also tired of being told I can't do this...hmmmm...CAN'T?!?!?!?!? REALLY??? Well, I guess I will still keep the appointment I would not see how it could hurt anything.

HMonsterX

I went to the GP after about 2 weeks of starting. Just had all my tests done, and i was "Perfectly normally healthy". BP, cholesterol, etc , all fine.

All i ever got was to stop smoking! I'd go in there with a splinter in my *kitten* and i'd get a lecture to stop smoking!

ABetterBalance

i had a check up in june and my doctor looked at me and said "you need to lose weight" does that count?

Pretty sure that counts!

To the OP: I never found discussing diet and or exercise with my doctor to be very helpful, but I also don't have any chronic health issues that could be negatively impacted by exercise.

In 2006 I was having a lot of health problems (unrelated to my weight) and I mentioned that I was starting to workout and asked if there was anything I should know first. He didn't even really look up from my chart said "mmmm hmmm, that sounds fine." and switched subjects. That was my official "consultation"!

maura5880

I did not consult my doctor first, but I have had an appointment with my PCP since I started my healthy eating/exercising and of course she's on board with the idea. I have appts with PCP every year, gyno every 6 months and GI as well because I have ongoing, heinous stomach issues
I think as long as you're being reasonable, exercising moderately, and eating sensibly, I don't think you need a doctor's advice. You'd be better off w/ a dietician, nutritionist, or personal trainer..all of whom are probably more qualified to give you weight loss advice than your average PCP.

cramernh

Consulting with a doctor who truly does have a professional interest in doing a great job in monitoring your care is important to be notified because of many factors:

1.) Current medications - if you are taking anything prescribed, the next diet pill or shake or supplement may have a serious contraindication - you can avoid having a medical problem by consulting with your doctor prior to taking anything outside the realm of medical care.

2.) Exercise of any kind - if you are being seen for a series of medical problems, the endurance of exercise and types of exercise will either greatly affect you positively or negatively. Especially for cardiac, respiratory, neuromuscular, osteo-related... Good to have an outline drawn up that meets your individual/specific needs

3.) Dietary intake/reactions - in conjunction with being seen by a doctor, certain foods, food groups may or may not be your ideal target. Doctors can only advise of the basics of nutrition - when it comes to specific individualistic dietary needs, they will refer you to a nutritionist, an Endocrinologist, Allergist, or even a Gastroenterologist if you have underlying issues with foods in general.

4.) Communication - if you consider not including your physician in the things you are doing with regard to weight loss/weight gain, they will have to spend more time catching up with the things you chose to do, the longevity, and where you are now, god forbid something negatively impacts you with a decision you made for yourself that reacts against your current care. Sometimes damage control after-the-fact can be mortifying - something my mother still fails to realize...

Ultimately its up to you to make the decision on whether or not you call your doctor... Personally, I think its best to keep the doctor abreast of things you want to do... they are there to help (they are SUPPOSE to help, lets put it that way! LOL)... I spent a good 14 years working in several specialties where I would hear doctors airing out their frustrations because said-patient decided to take an over-the-counter diet pill and they ended up in the hospital having a severe reaction.... its hard sometimes for doctors to do their jobs if they dont have communication from the patient.

amberrrogers

I was at the doctor's office at then end of August. My blood pressure was so high they told me I could have a stroke at any minute. He told me I need to lose A LOT of weight. I asked about weight reduction surgery and got a call two weeks later, and was told I am too heavy for the surgery I requested. I knew at that point it was time to cut calories and exercise. No more playing around

bloodbank

I sort of did. I was at the office for a check up and while I'm not the type of person to ask for permission regarding what I do with my body, I told him that I wanted to start losing weight & asked if he had any advice. His advice? Move more, eat less, stick to whole foods.

Done, good doctor. Done.

cramernh

I was at the doctor's office at then end of August. My blood pressure was so high they told me I could have a stroke at any minute. He told me I need to lose A LOT of weight. I asked about weight reduction surgery and got a call two weeks later, and was told I am too heavy for the surgery I requested. I knew at that point it was time to cut calories and exercise. No more playing around

I fired the first Endocrinologist who suggested weight-loss surgery... I told him 'HELL NO".... when he asked why... I told him that I almost lost a dear friend who had an adverse post-surgical traumatic experience that lead to her going septic and stayed in the hospital for four months. A year later, she has dropped 200 lbs, developed some cardiac problems (heart couldnt handle the sudden weight loss change) and is now a cardiac patient at age 38! She never learned how to change her eating behaviors before and was easily convinced the surgery was -the-way-to-go. It put her in a much worse predicament....

I told that Endo off because he obviously didnt read the referral letter from my PCP or my Dermatologist to see the positive food changes I had made and sustained for 18 months.... THAT should have been proof that I was capable of making dietary changes on my own, and needed the Endo-evaluation, not a meal ticket to his pocket to have my stomach damn near severed. When I informed the PCP and Derma that I refuse to see this particular Endo and the why, they looked at me in horror and about begged for forgiveness for the referral.... I told them that they are not responsible for the Endo's comments. They stopped recommending that Endo, and sent me to his partner.... with whom agreed with me firing her partner! LOL