Kick up backside supplied by GP

clahut
clahut Posts: 211 Member
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
Hi all,

I am in the strange situation where I feel motivated and de-motivated at the same time after seeing my GP - I'm not even sure how it is possible, to be honest.

My blood pressure has been a little high so my GP has asked (well, told me really) to get my BMI under 30 in 6 months. Part of me feels this is great because it gives me something to focus on that is not just for me. I can make excuses to myself all the time, but if my doc gives me a deadline, then there is defnitely less 'wiggle room' to get out of it.

So, bearing all this in mind, I am annoyed with myself for feeling down about it and desperately wanting to have crisps and chocolate right now.

Any tips for me to try and turn this around before I ruin all my hard work this week?

Cheers,
C

Replies

  • VolatileChocolate
    VolatileChocolate Posts: 114 Member
    I think sometimes GPs will use scare tactics and deadlines just to give someone something to serviously think about and get moving.

    Just set yourself a realistic target if not already done so, and break it down into small manageable chunks such as 5lbs or 7lbs a month, that way won't sound so daunting.

    Not sure if you already workout/exercise or member of a gym, if you're based in the UK you could find out if any of your local gyms are participating in Change4Life campaign as you can get gym membership at a fraction of the normal price.

    xVC
  • clahut
    clahut Posts: 211 Member
    Hi there,

    Thanks :-)

    My GP's target is very realistic - well below the 1lb a week mark. So it is very very achievable. I think that is why I am surprised that it has demotivated me.

    You are right though - I need to maintain a habit of exercise. More walking, more trips to the gym.

    Cheers,
    C
  • jesse14472
    jesse14472 Posts: 161
    Sounds familiar, but I have been on BP meds for the last 8 months at age 39. I hate that:mad: . So I want to not only lose the weight and be healthier but also get off the meds. Even though the meds are the smallest dose possible, I still feel it was a sign that I was out of control. So keep it up! After starting MFP, I have felt oh so much better and my BP levels have been great!:bigsmile: It really helped me to add sodium to my food log to keep track of how much I'm eating during the day. MFP has my daily goal at 2500, but the doctor wants me around 1500mg. What really helped me too was seeing the registered RN/dietician at my doctor's office. She had some great advice and gave me a book called "Stop & Go Fast Food Nutrition Guide". Needless to say it is shocking to see how much sodium is really in fast food...even the "healthy" choices:sick: Lastly, drinking water is the key. The more you drink, the more sodium you flush out of your system. Good Luck! And I would love to be friended for support here, too!
  • Sharont213
    Sharont213 Posts: 323 Member
    I don't know about but for my husband, the surest way to get him NOT to want to do something is to TELL him to do it.. and if you really want to ensure it won't get done, give him a deadline. :angry:

    Your GP may have had the best intentions but it's easy to take offense - so instead of doing this for him, remember, you want to do it for yourself. Just focus on exercising 4-5 days a week for at least 30 mins each time and make healthier eating choices. You started wtih MFP to help you do that so you are on the right track already. Good luck and make sure to check in for support. You will surprise your GP with your success.
  • clahut
    clahut Posts: 211 Member
    Thanks again for these great messages. I have gone and made myself a cup of green tea, but I'll definitely start drinking more water. It is one thing I know I don't do enough of. I might even try and move on to cooking with 'lo-salt' as well as I hadn't really thought about the sodium aspect of my diet at all - I was just worried about the calories and the fat!

    And thanks for the comment on surprising my GP - you are right. I shouldn't focus on the target set - I should think about how I might be able to go beyond that in the 6 months - just taking it one month at a time.

    My realistic target is 5lbs a month, but even if I only manage 3 each month, it is still a step in the right direction and I will beat that target :bigsmile:
  • akaDumbo
    akaDumbo Posts: 187
    Clahut you are already losing weight at a healthy rate and have been doing so without any help from your GP. If he/she isn't being a help dont let them be a hinderance either. There are plenty of people on this site who are happy to support you on your journey so just keep on doing what you are doing.

    I do know what you mean about GPs being demotivating though. When I saw mine on Thursday I told him I was keeping a food diary and recording my sugar levels along side to see how changing my diet affected them (knewly diagnosed with diabetes) His response was "You are just wasting my money and your time". How is that for motivation? Needless to say once I had got over the anger I decided to completely ignore him and carry on with what I am doing
  • jesse14472
    jesse14472 Posts: 161
    I do know what you mean about GPs being demotivating though. When I saw mine on Thursday I told him I was keeping a food diary and recording my sugar levels along side to see how changing my diet affected them (knewly diagnosed with diabetes) His response was "You are just wasting my money and your time". How is that for motivation? Needless to say once I had got over the anger I decided to completely ignore him and carry on with what I am doing
    [/quote]


    What a horrible thing to say! IMHO you are taking control of your health....isn't that the point!
  • clahut
    clahut Posts: 211 Member
    That's awful - I've changed GPs before in the past when they have been unsupportive (I have had stomach issues for about 15 years now). Some have told me it is all in the mind, which is good to remember when doubled in pain :tongue:

    I like the idea of 'publishing' your goals in you signature. I think I will try that!
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