Are you getting support from your MD? Spouse and family?

Azdak

I had an incident last week that got me thinking about this. First of all, let me say that my wife and to some extent my stepkids have been incredibly supportive of my efforts. When I was diagnosed w/type II diabetes, meal preparation changed drastically. They have gone along or, when they didn't like what I cooked, have made their own meals.

When I last went to my doctor, on March 18, I weighed in at 260lbs, with clothes. As usual, when we were going over everything, he went on at length about my need to make lifestyle changes. The next day, they got the lab results back which showed the diabetes and his nurse had more to say on the phone.

I had to go back last Friday to get a prescription for antibiotics for a sinus infection. I have been working my *kitten* off since last march. I weighed in at 227lbs, again with clothes. My blood sugar values have been normal since the beginning of april.

The feedback? None. Zip. Nada. He looked at me for 5 min, gave me the prescription and walked out.

I'm a self-motivated kind of guy and normally I don't give a hoot what others say or think about me. But the more I thought about this, the more ticked off I have gotten. I am now currently looking into switching doctors.

Anyone else run into this? Are your spouses supportive? My wife has also gained about 40-50lbs since we were married. She is working ungodly hours as an elementary school teacher which seriously impair her ability to work out. She could easily become jealous of my success and unconsciously try to sabotage my efforts, but she has been 110% supportive. (She has even lost a couple of lbs herself with my cooking).

Just curious.

VballLeash

I haven't experienced this but what the heck?!!! Your doc sounds kind of like a jerk or just self involved, I mean even if he didn't remember you well he should be able to read on the chart what your previous weight was! Who cares though, at least you have your wife thats great and keep up the good work :happy:

~Leash

Ileanak

I work around doctors, and so I get support and I can't say that I have been ignored ( I lost over 100 lbs before joining to try to lose the last 35).

But I think you have the right attitude! Bless your positive attitude! and bless your wife for her support!

I have to admit, my first 100lbs cost me my marriage, but life without the weight has been more rewarding than anything I could have dreamed of! (I have actually been able to complete 3 sprint triathlons in the last year and a half)

Best of luck to you and your family! Keep up the great work!

As for your doctor...I would highly recommend you mention it to him. You may not reap the benefit, but he/she should be made aware that even though their lack of interest or support for your success may not have been detrimental you you, it may be to any other patient that needs to lose weight for their own health!

Ileana

nerdyjen

Did you try telling your doctor about the weight loss? He may be rushed, overburdened with a lot of patients that day, or maybe he is an insensitive jerk. But there's no way for you to know which it is because it doesn't sound like you mentioned your diabetes in that visit, or your weight loss. I would try mentioning it to the doctor that you've been trying to improve your health and lose weight. Perhaps then he will look at your chart more closely and give you the feedback you are seeking. I think it would be a knee-jerk reaction at this point to dump a potentially good, but possibly distracted, doctor based on an assumption. Just try to look at this from all perspectives before you go through the hassle of switching doctors and having to get your records transferred, etc.

lyla29

My doctor seemed to always look at my weight loss/gain when I would see him, but also at my whole history of why I had been there (mostly for sinus problems) and how often. The doctor should have been aware of your weight loss, since sometimes this is an indication of a problem. They could have been busy, but I would think that since you had been diagnosed with diabetes, they would have commented on your weight loss.
A kind of funny thing that happened regarding my weight loss and going to the doctor, was that when I first went to him, I had just had a baby, and was at one of my highest weights. A few months later, I had to go back and by then I had lost about 40 lbs and the nurse asked me how I had lost all of that weight so fast, so I said I had a baby, and she laughed.
My husband is supportive in my weight loss, as long as he doesn't have to eat everything that I make:laugh: . I have always cooked pretty healthy, it's just the portion sizes and lack of exercise that got in my way.:ohwell:

Sarandipity

You are not alone.

I went to a walk in clinic to get a prescription for physio so I can get some help with pinched nerve and the dr starts in on my weight being a factor. I told him I lost 15 pounds at the time and he just brushed it off and said that is irrelavant, it is how I carry myself being heavier. He could have at least acknowledged that I was making an effort.

I saw my own regular dr after about a year and I was down 15 pounds from when I had seen him last and 30 pounds from my highest point. and he says that is good, but have I thought about weightloss surgery? I know he probably brought it up because there is a year and a half long wait list, but it doesn't change the feeling of my hard work being ignored.

You are doing great so keep it up! It is great you have the support of your family. Focus on that and chalk up the Drs reaction (or lack of one) to being overworked.

arewethereyet

Most doctors are double and triple booked in order to pay the bills due to PPOs, HMOs and Medicare......then you have the emergencies to deal with.

When I went for my 6 month check up, with the doctor I have treated with for over 20 years, I stood waiting for him to enter then yell "TADA"!!!!

It is the first time I have seen him smile in 10 years!!

He called me excited the next morning to tell me my cholesterol was under 200 for the first time in 5 years!

If your doc isnt supportive, find one that is!!

OH and WOW!!!!! 33 pounds is EXcellent!!!

Jeannie

ivykivy

My endocrinologist harped on me for a whole year about losing weight. You're gonna get diabetes she says then I'll be treating you for that. So I lost 50 lbs at that point and she looked at my file and said not a word. Me being the person that I am- I called her on it. She looked and said you've lost weight I am so proud of you. She was happy at that point but I did have to call her on it but we have that kind of relationship. But a point in her favor the last time I was there I told her she just keep her mouth shut about my weight because every time she says something I gain more. It's gonna have to be my decision.

alapointe

Great for you having the support of your family, but i completely know where you are coming from. I have this secret plan once i get under 200 to go back to the Dr for a physical just so he can see how much i have improved in the last year.

The last time i was there they brought up a chart of my weight on the computer for the last 5 years and he mentioned loosing weight. I can't wait to have him tell me what a good job i have done.

Keep up the good work you are doing awesome.

kellya

i know exactly how you feel. you expect concern from your healthcare provider, and simple acknowledgement in all your efforts to change your lifestyle..... and so far, have had good results. my goodness, is it too much to ask for? i say give the ol doc one more chance and if no CHANGES with him, start looking. and, if this applies to you, you are paying, as well as your insurance, good money, and no doubt, all you want is good care. find a doc that will notice you and listen, and dont let them leave the room until you are COMPLETELY understood! if the office has a patient rep, let them know how you felt about your visit. YOU MATTER!

another ques....did your Dr think you had lost wt b/c of having diabetes ( it is a symptom ).....and from the sounds of things, you are turning things around with diet and exercise. Kudos to you! we do have some control over our bodies, and diabetes can change your life if not taken seriously. be proud that you ARE making a difference!