Big Boyz Do Cry

BigDnSW

I shared this with my MFP friends and thought it may inspire/encourage you who face physical challenges in this health and weight loss journey. I have a long way to go yet, but now after 6 months of steady work, a new lifestyle has emerged with great results. This is a report about my semi-annual doctor's appointment yesterday. I hope you find hope in this and the courage to journey onward.
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Big Boyz Do Cry

Well, on April 19th of this year I left my doctor's office challenged as I had my annual physical. Oh, all the numbers were great except one..my weight. We discussed diet and exercise at that time (he knows I am disabled and works with me) and what I could do over the next couple of years to get healthy. I took his challenge and bought a very nice digital scale the next day, created a very cool excel file to log all my food and exercise, did research on obesity for men in their 50's at Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, WebMD, Dr. Oz, Livestrong (cheater), and came up with a food plan that fits my needs and challenges.

SW (SuperWife) joined me at that time as well and we began this journey together. Fast forward. In June, I was researching sodium and what is acceptable and wouldn't you know, I found this site called MFP. I nosed around a bit and joined just to log my food and exercise. Well, then I found a few friends and a few more and started to really lose weight using this site and my HRM.

You all keep me motivated when I read your posts. When my back and leg won't work, I go ahead and just burn some cals in my chair listening to some cool tunes. Without you, today would not have been so freakin cool....

I had my semiannual checkup with my doc today. He came in the exam room and did the usual interview and then he looked astonished and I'm thinking, "Crap, I'll bet my cholesterol....", then Doc looked at me and said, "OMG, you've lost over 50lbs. Incredible."

We then talked about how I need to keep going and it still will take a year or more to get where I am happy. He was not so professional, but motivational and notso doctorish. Loved it.

Well, I went down to pay the bill and when I sat down to get my checkbook out, the cashier did some smalltalk and then said, "Oh, well...Doctor JF gave you a no charge." I said, "What?" "There is no charge for today's visit and that's his call." I was speechless. You see, I can't get any insurance period. All of this comes out of my pocket. Can't get any disability. My doc knows all this.

So, I walked out to my van and when I got to the door, I just broke and cried. Yup, Big D with a handful of tears. The last time I was in this parking lot I was 57 pounds heavier and could barely walk. Tears of joy flooded my soul. I gave thanks to God for helping me, for my good doctor and his advice last spring, for my wife helping me to journey on, and for you--for all the love, care, prayers, laughing at my silliness, joking about the blender drinks, picking me up when I am down, and the rest.
Big Boyz do cry. I did, unashamed. That's what real gratitude is about and that is what will keep me on the path.

Thank you!

Till next time,

Big D

ps: If you want...read my profile and add me as a friend...but only if you want to share in the journey.

maggiemay22467

Now I am crying you just made me feel so good.

Tazzymk

Thank you so much for sharing that, so inspiring. Your Doc must have been so proud of you and happy that you have taken such a positive step in improving your health. :flowerforyou:

mactaffy84

That is so awesome! Congratulations on your journey so far, I can only imagine what another year for you will be!

EricNCSU

Now there is a doctor who cares.... his payment is saving your life.

Well done and keep it up!

Hootsmamma

You're an awesome man and an awesome MFP friend. I feel blessed to know you and honored to call you my friend. Keep on, keeping on and walking even further Dave. You inspire me to move more and try harder every day, Thank-you.

God bless your kind doctor too.

t seems he really did go in to medicine for all the right reasons.

Tears are a healthy release for our bodies. Glad you are able to shed some, cuz I know some folks actually can't.

So Proud of you,

Hoots

amberlykay1014

Wow.. what an inspiring story! Thanks for sharing this!

BigDnSW

Sorry...SW stands for SuperWife...

strawberrytoast

Awe thats lovely. Well done

rrumbolt

heart touching. awesome store.. be very proud of yourself..

Contrarian

This is a lovely post. Well done, and thank you, big guy.

JenKillough

Amazing story... brought tears to my eyes Congrats on your successes :flowerforyou:

RunsOnEspresso

What an amazing, inspiring story. Congratulations on your weight loss. I'm glad I took the time to read this. Your doctor gives me hope that there are still good people out there. I love reading about these small acts that are truly appreciated.

Mpol2

Wonderful. Bless you and stay strong on your journey.

GiddyupTim

Great story. Great doc. Thanks, Big Boy.

sandyrrt

Big
How awesome is that!!! No shame in tears:) Yes, real men do cry and this was worth crying over. Thank you for posting your success. We are rooting for you in your continued journey. And cudos to your doc. What a guy! Wish there were more like him. He was rewarding you for your effort (and probably was saying to himself "Finally! Someone took my advice!!")
Your story struck a chord with me. My husband of 31 years has let himself go, healthwise. Overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and controlled--with meds--atrial fibrillation. I am terrified I will wake up one morning and find him dead, but all he says is "gotta go sometime!" Pisses me off. I love the man so much, but I know he has to come to that "aha" moment for himself. I try to be a good example without being in his face about it. anyway, sorry for the long reply. May God bless you and your wife with many happy, healthy years;)

rompers16

Great story. You should print it out and share it with your doctor

sirthickness

Pure awesomeness sir! Keep it up. BTW, keep that doctor!

BigDnSW

Wow...thanks so much and yes I plan on sending him a nice card with a gift certificate of somewhere HEALTHY to eat and will print out my blog.

You all have made my day.

Would love to have your "kind" to friend me.

Overwhelmed,

Big D

imthejenjen

amazing!!! congratulations on the weight loss. Your post brought a tear to my eye!

KimBickel

Wow, what a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

lauragoat

So awesome to know some doctors care. Mine never said boo and i had lost over 80 pounds. Now i am almost 150 down and off bp meds...i keep motivated because i dont want to go back! Great story and lets stay on this journey to wellness!

1917Ashley

Amazing story! Thank you for sharing it with us!

lynnacuff

goose bumps

calamity71

Awesome on the weight loss! Awesome story! Thanks for sharing!!

muditamom

Wonderful and inspiring. Many thanks for posting your story. The goodness and joy of that event have now been shared and multiplied by all of us here. Wishing you continued courage and success in your journey.

goffley3

Your story is inspiring, made me feel all gooey inside

InPieces3

What an inspiring story. Kudos to the doctor that cared. He obviously isn't in it for the money, he truly cares. :flowerforyou: Congratulations on your weight loss and God bless you and your wife on the rest of this journey. The journey may seem hard at first, but well worth the sweat and tears. ((hugs))

KenishaFitness

Your story is so inspiring. Congratulations on your weight loss! God bless!

underthecherrytree

Such a beautiful post. This to brought tears to my eyes. Keep up the excellent work!

Italiano7

very inspiring-thank you for sharing and congratulations to you:flowerforyou: