Is this right?!

SymphonicSilence · October 2010

I've just gotten off the phone with my dr and there's obviously concern over the fact that no matter what we try, I cannot lose weight (in fact, it just keeps piling on).

He's ordered blood tests for my thyroid and for diabetes.
He says he's HOPING for diabetes because then he can put me forward for one of the weight loss operations (can't remember which one he said it would be), because apparently the NHS now will not fund it unless the person has diabetes.

I've asked him what I can do in the meantime. I'm disabled so unfortunately exercise isn't something I'm (literally) able to do and he said "eat less".
When I told him that I can't really eat any less than I already am (he's had me at 1,000 calories max for months), his exact words were:

"You can ALWAYS eat less"

Seriously, should a Dr be telling someone this?!
I'm already becoming scared to eat in case I go over 1,000 and I'm constantly saying to myself "I can't have <this> because it's too high in calories". I'm having a banana for breakfast this morning which is 121 calories and I'm nearly in tears over it because it's just a banana and it's over 100 calories.

I can feel myself becoming obsessed and it's just really upsetting me.
Sorry for the rant and thank you if you read it.

Edited to add - he's told me I need to be VERY low calorie, low fat AND low carb. No wheat and no dairy (I'm lactose intolerant anyway so that's fine)

BexC · October 2010

I'm sorry sweet but I think you need to speak to another dr! How disgusting!! Mine isnt impressed that im on 1200 base cals a day! if she knew someone recommended under 1000 she would go mental xx

SymphonicSilence · October 2010

No other dr will see me in that office because of the fact that I've been with this one for so long and he's treating me on a long-term basis for something. I've tried asking for a different dr and been told no, because they would essentially have to start over again with me....I know that's rubbish but it's the only dr office in my area so I have no choice.

I just keep hearing that one phrase in my head over and over - "you can ALWAYS eat less"....

lulabellewoowoo · October 2010

BIG HUGS!!!

I agree, get a second opinion. It's possible you are eating TOO LITTLE. Maybe there's a happy medium. I had to increase from 1200 calories to 1400 calories to lose weight because 1200 just wasn't cutting it. Are you able to see a nutritionist? They may be more qualified to help you BALANCE your eating. Maybe it's not how much, but what you are eating and when that might need adjustments. Either way, I would definitely get a second and even third opinion.

Don't get discouraged. And don't stress out about food. If you are eating natural foods and cutting out most processed foods, then your body will thank you. It just may take a little while for it to start showing its appreciation.

valmaebel · October 2010

Lula had a great suggestion. See a dietitian. That way you have no conflict with other doctors with your other issues. They would only be addressing you food area. I saw one and she was wonderful. Made sure I understood what I should eat. how often, etc. If you have too large a calorie deficit your body becomes stressed and makes hormones that cause your body to conserve your fat. A dietitian would be better able to tell you how much you should eat and what.

MzBug · October 2010

Eat less?? and he thinks you may be diabetic?? Is he hoping you will have a diabetic crash and land your behind in the hospital? All so you can get WLS? Has he at least had a dietician or nutritionist talk to you? or has he just kinda told you to eat the 1000 cal? Regular doctors are horrible at dietary needs, they just don't have the training. Sounds like you may be better off somewhere else.

CroakerNorge · October 2010

I know lots of people that control their diabetes with diet alone.
Some manage it with diet and insulin, but having a good diet is the #1 factor in manegability (at least that's what they say)
It's a shame your Doctor is recommending you for whatever surgery it is he wants to give you (via whichever pharmaceutical company is in his back pocket) and offers up a 1000 cal diet as a tide you over. That's absurd.

If I found out I had diabetes, with a doctor like yours, I'd switch doctors immediately and consult a nutritionist.
Maybe even seek out a physical therapist that could help me find exercises that worked around my disability.
I'd avoid surgery at all costs.

Good luck to you!

SymphonicSilence · October 2010

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The stupid thing is, I can't afford the money to see a nutritionist or dietician and my Dr won't refer me to one.
I don't really want to have surgery because I am highly terrified of hospitals and I've spent enough time in them this year to last me a lifetime, but apparently it has now become my "only option".

I don't know what I'm more upset over - the fact that my Dr actively WANTS me to be diabetic now or the fact that he told me I'm still eating too much. I've halved what I used to eat and then reduced it again but it's still not good enough.
I've asked him about starvation mode and ketosis, etc and his response was "it would take someone of your size a while for that to happen".

To be honest, I'm crossing my fingers that I DONT have diabetes or a thryroid problem - maybe then my Dr will remove his head from his butt and stop looking at me like just another fat statistic.

CroakerNorge - physical therapy and similar things cause me insane amounts of pain; which is annoying as anything because I miss being able to do simple things.
I really do appreciate the suggestions from all of you though - if my bloods come back normal, I'm taking this to show my Dr to see what he says.

ivyjbres · October 2010

Have you tried the whole "eating clean" thing? I know for most of us its just a way to spend more on food, but many people with health concerns do respond favorably to that kind of diet. I'm most familiar with the Fit for Life diet; its actually a good diet if you look at what it is, not why it tells you to do something. The principles its based on have been dis-proven for 20 years, but it does still work for reasons that authors don't site.

I was semi-diagnosed as being pre-pre-diabetic in high school (8years ago), and switching to this diet halted that completely. I hadn't had any blood sugar problems up until a few weeks ago, so I'm looking at going back to it, or something similar. My sister was also put on something similar by her doctor (she has lupus).

I recommend these kinds of diet because by loading the diet with fruits and veggies, you still get your vitamins and stuff with a lower calorie content. That should allow you to get in slightly more calories and a lot more food mass, which should help if your body's in starvation mode.

If you've tried that with no luck, try to find out if there's a holistic doctor in your area, or a dr. speacializing as an allergist. My aunt had just general fatigue, unsuccessful weight loss, etc. and finally saw a holistic dr who did a full allergy panel. When she cut out the foods she was even a little allergic to, she lost 20 lbs.

There's a lot of different reasons someone would be unable to loose weight, just make sure that you are checking into them before they're ruled out.

MzBug · October 2010

Have you tried calling your insurance company? Tell them that you DO NOT want the WLS and you feel that your doctor has not explored other options completely. Request that they allow you to see a dietician/nutritionist regardless of what the blood tests show. At this point I wouldn't go to the one your doctor referred me to anyway! I would want an outside unbiased opinion. If they pull the ol "your doctor knows best" I would request a second opinion (outside his office) before surgery!

soze · October 2010

Lula had a great suggestion. See a dietitian. That way you have no conflict with other doctors with your other issues. They would only be addressing you food area. I saw one and she was wonderful. Made sure I understood what I should eat. how often, etc. If you have too large a calorie deficit your body becomes stressed and makes hormones that cause your body to conserve your fat. A dietitian would be better able to tell you how much you should eat and what.

The greatest suggestion I have heard!

CroakerNorge · October 2010

If you have too large a calorie deficit your body becomes stressed and makes hormones that cause your body to conserve your fat.

Sounds like the good 'ole starvation mode MYTH to me.
It would take MONTHS of sustained malnutrition to experieince what you describe (think famine cultures around the world.)

teasdino · October 2010

MzBuz had a good suggestion. Try and talk to your insurance. Maybe you can hit them in their wallet where they will be the most effected. I know what it is like to just not have the money to see someone else. I also totally understand about pain being a hinderance to exercise. You might want to try a very gentle yoga that is just stretching. I dont know why on earth this doctor doesnt want to send you to a dietician. You might want to talk to your insurance about that specific thing as well. Does your insurance cover a chiropractor? They are seperate from your doctor and might be able to suggest the nutrionist. When my mom was newly married she went to a doc because she had suddenly put pnds on. The doc told her 'well..that is just because you are fat...stop eating'. That put her in a tale spin that has affected her whole life. I would love love love to wrap my fingers around that docs kneck! She barely eats anything and has NO metabolism from all the 'not eating' starving 'diets' she has gone through!:mad: :grumble: :explode: PLEASE dont let this docs foolishness be the breaker. I can tell you, I have had some real stupid doctors. I had this one doctor tell me that I should basically go out and buy myself something pretty :huh: My spine problem could not be as bad as a mans. Come to find out I do have a spinal problem that if I listened to one of the docs would put my in a wheelchair in a couple of years. Oh...by the way..he made that comment about 5 years ago...and this chick is still kickin!!!!:laugh: Please keep us posted and know we are in your corner...got your back! You can add me to your friends.
One more suggestion is that you go to the library and check out all the books on your problem they have to offer. If they are small and dont have that many they can borrow them from bigger libraries for you. From medical books to natural books. Get the books, then also do some research online and check out groups of ppl with your problem. When I told one of my docs that I researched all about the spine the doc gave me a snear....yes a snear...and snidely said 'yeh..the internet?' . I told him 'actually books...from the library...written by SURGEONS':devil: Believe me, I went through over 7 years of doctors and pain and misdiagnoses. I feel for you!
Please dont let one foolish comment break you. Know that we are here for you!
jac

SymphonicSilence · November 2010

Sorry guys - I should have mentioned I'm in the UK and don't have private medical health care - I'm under the good ol' NHS.

I actually wanted to go private a couple of years ago because of how totally useless my Dr is and has been; but every company I called said they won't take me on with a pre-existing medical condition :huh:
I can see their point, but it's so unhelpful!!

teasdino - wow you really went through it! Your Dr must have gone to the same school as mine!!

I have blood tests to check my thryroid and for diabetes on November 10th, until then at least I will be attempting what the "good" Dr told me...I'm recording EVERYTHING I eat, drink or so much as smell on here so he can see what I'm doing and that not only am I not losing weight but it's making my other medical conditions worse.
I don't hold out much hope that he'll remove his head from his butt and be useful; but you can but try - right?

That's so much for the support and teasdino, I'll take you up on your offer and send you request :happy: :flowerforyou:

ganesha303 · November 2010

If you make your diary public some folks might have good suggestions for dietary changes that might help...

sallyLunn · November 2010

If you make your diary public some folks might have good suggestions for dietary changes that might help...

I would do that and then take some recommendations.

Your brain is running around in little circles in your head like a hamster on a wheel. At some point, you are going to have to quit panicking and get proactive. Your brain is full of "CAN' T. You won't accomplish your goals with a brain full on CAN'T.

Time to do some research. Find alternative sources of information like other online message boards. Google weird sentences like, "I'm not eating but I keep getting fatter is it medical?". Also, talk to people, like you are doing now and then listen.

SymphonicSilence · November 2010

I really do appreciate all your help and support guys.

I understand what you're saying about the "cant" mentality; however I am not making excuses with this: if I had the money to afford going to a dietician myself without involving my Dr I would have done this long ago and skipped all the awful medication he's had me on so far.
I am on very limited income due to my medical conditions and simpy do not have the money to spare.

I have sat (not literally, although it's not a bad idea!!) on my Dr for almost a year for him to refer me to a dietician or a nutritionist or even both and he keeps giving me obstacles that I am now finding it impossible to work around.

I've been researching the weight gain for years and always come up with thyroid problems and/or side effects of some of the medication I need to take.
As I said, I'm having blood tests in about a week or so to see if my thyroid is the root of the problem; if it's not then I really have no idea where to turn next.

I thought my diary was public, so I'm not sure how to make that happen - however anyone is welcome to befriend me to take a look at what I'm eating and make suggestions!

:flowerforyou:

Edited to add here - I'm currently researching the "clean eating" idea that was mentioned earlier here, so I'm looking to start that with my next grocery shop which is this Sunday.
If anyone has recipes, ideas, tips or anything to point me in the right direction (I know it's a case of "if man made it dont eat it" sort of thing) then I'd really appreciate it!

Is this right?!

Replies

Categories