Am I Really Obese??
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I've been morbidly obese for years. I am looking forward to reaching the obese range. I've got a few thoughts on what is going on here. First of all, I think the doctor is ignorant of how difficult it can be to achieve even a modest weight loss. Your results are very good; not disappointing at all. Second of all, own the diagnosis. Third, difficulty losing weight is no reflection on your character or your ability.
I just wanted to say that I've seen some of your posts on MFP and I think you come across so very nice, and your responses are very thoughtful. After reading some of the responses from some folks on here who are just rude and not helpful and snarky and 'rub it in your face' attitudes - it's so refreshing and I just want to say thank you for that.0 -
Shastabaldi wrote: »I've been morbidly obese for years. I am looking forward to reaching the obese range. I've got a few thoughts on what is going on here. First of all, I think the doctor is ignorant of how difficult it can be to achieve even a modest weight loss. Your results are very good; not disappointing at all. Second of all, own the diagnosis. Third, difficulty losing weight is no reflection on your character or your ability.
I just wanted to say that I've seen some of your posts on MFP and I think you come across so very nice, and your responses are very thoughtful. After reading some of the responses from some folks on here who are just rude and not helpful and snarky and 'rub it in your face' attitudes - it's so refreshing and I just want to say thank you for that.
Are you referring to responses in this thread? Because it's been a really good, and helpful thread thus far. If you are referring to instances outside this thread... why bring that up here? If you are wanting to thank the poster - send them a PM. I hope that this statement doesn't cause the thread to derail, for the OPs sake.0 -
britishbroccoli wrote: »hoopdancer11 wrote: »Hi all!
Anyways, she seemed disappointed that I hadn't lost more weight...
...Yeah, I could stand to lose 20 pounds, but I'm not unhealthy...
...I'm afraid to go back to the doctor....
...she'll just weigh me and judge me like I'm a big fatty...
...I've limited my use of Phentermine...
...This whole "obese" label has really got me down...
Just a few quotes from you. You sound like you're trying to justify yourself to your doctor. Obese is just a medical diagnosis, like anemic. Weight is a factor in health. You can be obese and otherwise have good health markers, but the obesity itself is not healthy. It sounds like you're judging yourself (isn't that why you went to the Dr. in the first place?) and then projecting your insecurities on the Dr.
The only thing she can be legitimately disappointed in is your discontinued use of a pharmaceutical that she prescribed you. If you are having side effects, you should talk to her. If you are concerned that your goal is 20 lbs and the drug is for people with 60+ lbs, talk to her.
I thought I made it pretty clear that I am insecure with myself. If I were secure I wouldn't have gone to the doctor and I most certainly wouldn't be trying to lose weight. She has no idea that I stopped taking it because I have not made a third appointment. When I went for the second visit and had "only" lost 4 pounds, she doubled the dosage. I developed a tolerance to it quickly, so why should I continue to take something that isn't helping and just becomes annoying? It's currently sitting on my counter not being taken and I'm still recording and exercising without it.
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HeidiCooksSupper wrote: »da_bears1008 wrote: »I also would probably look for a different medical provider if she is prescribing you Phentermine when you weigh 162 lbs.
Agree! Especially the part I bolded. I'd be concerned with being prescribed phentermine if I were you.
This. Why did the physician not first recommend you do sensible calorie reduction and diet improvement? Why leap to phentermine, which has a slew of dangerous side effects, is only to be used short term, and is only for those with a BMI over 30 who have not been able to lose weight through less invasive therapies?
Did the physician give you the appropriate warnings about phentermine?
"Advice to Patients
-Potential for drug to impair mental alertness or physical coordination; avoid driving or operating machinery until effects on individual are known.a b c
-Importance of immediately informing clinicians if any deterioration in exercise tolerance occurs.154 168 169 b c
-Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, and alcohol consumption.b c
-Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.b c
-Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.b c (See Cautions.)
Read this and other information for physicians about prescribing this drug at http://www.drugs.com/monograph/phentermine.html
No, I was not given any information on what I was given. She said "hold on" and went to grab the prescription she had already printed out. The only thing she told me in terms of precautionary measures was to not take too much and to make sure I don't over restrict my calories. She did recommend a sensible diet plan and exercise, but also handed me a prescription about 5 minutes later. I have never seen a doctor to help me lose weight before.0 -
Well, yes you are obese, but I don't know about a weight loss drug. On the other hand, I used those in the past in whatever guise they turned up. Including one that was supposed to cause heart problems (I was lucky). My permanent weight loss, though, is from a "natural" process here.
I lost 30lb while being a member of MFP. It took me a year and I've maintained for 2 years. Your goal seems realistic to me.
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da_bears1008 wrote: »They are probably going off of your BMI which MAY say that you are obese. BMI is a complete BS unit of measure when it comes to heath. It does not take into account muscle that you have. I would set our weight loss ticker to lose 1 lb a week and either set your activity level to sedentary and log your exercises or adjust your activity level to include your exercising.
I also would probably look for a different medical provider if she is prescribing you Phentermine when you weigh 162 lbs.
Agree! Especially the part I bolded. I'd be concerned with being prescribed phentermine if I were you.
That part of the story makes me think that there's more to the story that hasn't been revealed yet
What else would you like to know? I have a feeling that it was because I waited 45 mins past my scheduled appt time and ended up being the last patient in the office. I probably was the result of the doctor wanting to go home. I don't really know why, but I was a little surprised that I was given this drug (which my insurance doesn't cover the cost of, btw).0 -
Though I can't reply to every comment, I would like to thank people who have been supportive and have provided constructive criticism.0
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47Jacqueline wrote: »Well, yes you are obese, but I don't know about a weight loss drug. On the other hand, I used those in the past in whatever guise they turned up. Including one that was supposed to cause heart problems (I was lucky). My permanent weight loss, though, is from a "natural" process here.
I lost 30lb while being a member of MFP. It took me a year and I've maintained for 2 years. Your goal seems realistic to me.
Well...as of 4-5 pounds ago I was obese lol now I'm just overweight (according to the BMI calculator). Congrats on your weight loss! I think that slow and steady will be the way that I keep it off, which is why I was disappointed that my doctor expected me to lose more in 3 weeks.0 -
Keep in mind that the word "obese" probably doesn't carry the same connotations to a doctor that it does to you. It's just a medical term and your doctor likely isn't attributing any judgment to it. I know I've been a bit guilty of projecting my own feelings onto my doctor's notes at times. To her it's just a dry scientific term.
I'd personally be a bit concerned about the phentermine though. My doc prescribed some for me for fatigue when I weighed about what you do (I weighed a little more actually, but I'm a couple of inches taller) and the pharmacist freaked out and refused to fill it until he had spoken to the doctor and been assured it wasn't for weight loss. It's a pretty strong drug and can have some nasty side effects-- they don't like to give it to people unless they have a lot of weight to lose or have other weight related health issues that make the risk of staying overweight greater than the risk of taking the medicine.0 -
hoopdancer11 wrote: »You're right. When I first came in the office, my BMI was 30.2 and currently it is 29.5 which bumps me from being obese to just being overweight (I just did the calculations now). It's crazy that a weight loss of 4 pounds can medically put you in a different category.
Errr no because thats where the boundary lies for your height and weight. If you look at the table then it makes perfect sense. They have to draw the line somewhere.0 -
I was the same exact size at my highest weight and am the same height although older than you. And I ended up going because of elevated blood pressure so I commend you for recognizing that you needed to take a step to get your weight under control. Now as far as the obese classification... yeah... that's what the chart says. And yeah it hit me hard too when I saw that.
I totally agree with your decision to not take the meds. They aren't helpful to you and your insurance doesn't cover it. And most importantly, you can do this without it. Bottom line.
One pound a week is a healthy rate to lose. Nothing for the doctor to be disappointed about. But it is something for you to be proud of. You can do this and I think you will if you follow your program here. Bump up your activity. At our height there isn't a lot of leeway as far as calories go. You shouldn't go under 1200 net calories but if you exercise more and drink plenty of water you will lose.
Forget the doctor's attitude and forget the pills. You don't need either one. You can do this!0 -
It's important that you do put your exercise into the app because you need to NET a certain number of calories a day. If you eat 1,200 and burn 1,200, you aren't getting enough nutrition.
Remember too that as far as weight loss pace goes, you didn't put on 5 pounds a week, so you won't lose 5 pounds a week either. You're making great progress, so keep it up! You may even find that if you factor in your exercise and get an extra snack that you see more results.
I've taken Phentermine too and it raised my heart rate like crazy. When I exercised, I sweat way too much and my skin was really overheated. It's just supposed to help control your eating. If you don't need meds, don't mess up your body and take them.0 -
Btw do Drs really prescribe phentermine so readily? Its banned here in the Uk for fears about safety, but even if it wasnt, then you are better just learning about nutrition and lifestyle changes.0
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hoopdancer11 wrote: »You're right. When I first came in the office, my BMI was 30.2 and currently it is 29.5 which bumps me from being obese to just being overweight (I just did the calculations now). It's crazy that a weight loss of 4 pounds can medically put you in a different category.
Errr no because thats where the boundary lies for your height and weight. If you look at the table then it makes perfect sense. They have to draw the line somewhere.
...and I have since fallen below the boundary line that was drawn simply by losing 4 pounds. I just found it interesting.0 -
Btw do Drs really prescribe phentermine so readily? Its banned here in the Uk for fears about safety, but even if it wasnt, then you are better just learning about nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Apparently. Doctors in the US are so ready and willing to prescribe narcotics and other controlled substances. Perhaps it has something to do with how much money there is to be made in the pharmaceutical industry? I had no idea that it was banned in the UK.
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hoopdancer11 wrote: »Btw do Drs really prescribe phentermine so readily? Its banned here in the Uk for fears about safety, but even if it wasnt, then you are better just learning about nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Apparently. Doctors in the US are so ready and willing to prescribe narcotics and other controlled substances. Perhaps it has something to do with how much money there is to be made in the pharmaceutical industry? I had no idea that it was banned in the UK.
It depends on the doctor. I haven't found doctors so willing to prescribe things. And as a person who takes narcotics for chronic pain I can tell you that it isn't all that easy to obtain. I have to go to a special pain clinic and get drug tested every month. I can only pick up my prescriptions at one pharmacy and only on certain days. If something comes up and I have to go out of town or something I'm just out of luck. Pharmacies and doctors are cracking down.0 -
Btw do Drs really prescribe phentermine so readily? Its banned here in the Uk for fears about safety, but even if it wasnt, then you are better just learning about nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Apparently so!
Always good to read the fine print and then weigh the side effects against any health problems you may be experiencing (or are about to experience).Phentermine side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to phentermine: hives; wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
- chest pain, feeling like you might pass out;
- swelling in your ankles or feet;
- pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
- confusion or irritability, unusual thoughts or behavior;
- feelings of extreme happiness or sadness; or
- dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears,
- anxiety, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).
- feeling restless or hyperactive;
- headache, dizziness, tremors;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;
- diarrhea or constipation, upset stomach; or
- increased or decreased interest in sex, impotence.
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hoopdancer11 wrote: »Btw do Drs really prescribe phentermine so readily? Its banned here in the Uk for fears about safety, but even if it wasnt, then you are better just learning about nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Apparently. Doctors in the US are so ready and willing to prescribe narcotics and other controlled substances. Perhaps it has something to do with how much money there is to be made in the pharmaceutical industry? I had no idea that it was banned in the UK.
i haven't found that to be the case at all. that's why i felt some part of the medical history was being left out. "hi, nice to meet you, how are you doing, here are your high powered narcotics" isn't something you usually see from doctors.
but it doesn't matter. the doc wasn't filling out your online dating profile when she used the term obese. it's a medical term that follows strict numerical guidelines and where the hammer falls, it falls. it's not personal and it really doesn't matter if you already know that you need to lose weight.0 -
Shastabaldi wrote: »I've been morbidly obese for years. I am looking forward to reaching the obese range. I've got a few thoughts on what is going on here. First of all, I think the doctor is ignorant of how difficult it can be to achieve even a modest weight loss. Your results are very good; not disappointing at all. Second of all, own the diagnosis. Third, difficulty losing weight is no reflection on your character or your ability.
I just wanted to say that I've seen some of your posts on MFP and I think you come across so very nice, and your responses are very thoughtful. After reading some of the responses from some folks on here who are just rude and not helpful and snarky and 'rub it in your face' attitudes - it's so refreshing and I just want to say thank you for that.
maybe send your projections in a PM?0 -
Bit of a digression onto the Phentermine aspect, as here in the UK I think you'd be pamed off to the district nurse who could provide general diet, butrition and exercise advice/ support rather than pills..
I didnt realise it was banned until i googled it. Apparently has been banned in the UK since 2000. Heres the small article from the BBC.Wednesday, 12 April, 2000, 11:39 GMT 12:39 UK
Slimming drug banned
Pills
Only two slimming drugs are now available in the UK
The slimming drug Phentermine has been banned in the UK after fears it could cause heart disease. The drug, marketed as Duromine and Ionamin, has been linked to leakage in the heart valves.It is thought that some slimming clubs were distributing the drug without fully explaining the associated risks. Government figures show that only 20,000 NHS prescriptions for the drug were issued in 1998.
The risks of developing hypertension or heart disorders outweighed the benefits of taking the drug Department of Health spokeswoman
However, it is estimated that more than 100,000 women use the drug - the majority purchasing it from the private sector. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant, which acts on the nervous system in a way similar to amphetamine. The decision to ban the drug was taken after a similar ruling by the European Medical Evaluation Agency. A Department of Health spokeswoman told BBC News Online: "No licence will be issued for the drug after April 9. "This is in line with the directions of a European Commission safety review which found that the risks of developing hypertension or heart disorders outweighed the benefits of taking the drug." The banning of Phentermine means that there are now only two slimming drugs available in the UK - methylcellulose and orlistat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/710340.stm
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Just cuz this is how my brain works (weigh in at 160/ goal weight 145 (15lbs difference) or about 11% of your current weight. That's really not that much- focus on establishing healthy habits (sounds like you're on the right path)0
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hoopdancer11 wrote: »Btw do Drs really prescribe phentermine so readily? Its banned here in the Uk for fears about safety, but even if it wasnt, then you are better just learning about nutrition and lifestyle changes.
Apparently. Doctors in the US are so ready and willing to prescribe narcotics and other controlled substances. Perhaps it has something to do with how much money there is to be made in the pharmaceutical industry? I had no idea that it was banned in the UK.
i haven't found that to be the case at all. that's why i felt some part of the medical history was being left out. "hi, nice to meet you, how are you doing, here are your high powered narcotics" isn't something you usually see from doctors.
but it doesn't matter. the doc wasn't filling out your online dating profile when she used the term obese. it's a medical term that follows strict numerical guidelines and where the hammer falls, it falls. it's not personal and it really doesn't matter if you already know that you need to lose weight.
After all of this, I guess it doesn't really matter because I need to lose weight anyways. And I don't think my bf of 7 years would be very excited about me having a dating profile lol
Although I did feel that it went exactly like "Hi, nice to meet you, how are you doing, I see your weight vs. height, eat better/take supplements/exercise and here is your risky, powerful medication."0 -
I'm just stuck on the 4 pound weight loss in 3 weeks being "disappointing". Seems like a great loss to me.
I totally agree.
Above all though, I think it sounds like time for a second opinion from another physician. Just my thoughts. It's very difficult to imagine a non-quack prescribing weight loss drugs to you based on what you've shared with us here.
Also OP...don't get bogged down in the label of obese, even if that MAY technically be true based on your height and so on...at your weight that will pretty quickly switch to overweight and then healthy weight.
I tend to think most people NOT in the medical field (or related fields...or heavily involved in fitness and weight loss) have a certain mental picture of what obesity looks like, and it's very different from the reality. I myself was morbidly obese for many many years and didn't even realize it...for a long time I assumed morbidly obese meant you rode a Mart Cart in the store with four bellies hanging over the edge. Not necessarily. I was walking 3-5 miles per day and wearing cute plus size clothing. But very definitely *morbidly obese*.
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As long as you are exercising, you should have more than 1200 calories available to eat. Log your exercise and MFP will tell you what you've earned. Most recommend that you don't eat back more than 50% of earned exercise calories, as MFP burn calculations can be off. MFP will give you a prediction (in 5 weeks you will weigh) every day when you complete your food journal. You can use that to get an idea of how long it will take you to lose 10 pounds, as long as your calorie intake and exercise is constant. Keep in mind that your bodyweight can fluctuate 2+ pounds a day due to water changes (due to salt, horomones, etc.), and starting a new exercise program can also cause you to retain water weight.
With the work you've done so far, it shouldn't take you too long to get there. Stay strong
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