I made a deal with my doctor..lose 50lbs or be placed on medication

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So. I went to the doctor today and he told me that I have hormonal imbalance due to insulin resistance. So im pretty much on a fast tract to full blown diabetes. Of course he recommended that I should start taking medication to help keep my blood sugar down. I told him that I am currently working on losing weight and that I am putting a serious effort into changing my eating habits. I see him again in 6months and my goal is to lose 50lbs by then. Is it possible? Or should I start the medication. I can use as much support as I can get..fell free to add me.
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Replies

  • mike_milligan90
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    Of course it's possible you got this!
  • PaulaWallaDingDong
    PaulaWallaDingDong Posts: 4,641 Member
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    You might be able to get pretty close to that, depending on how overweight you are now.
  • SusanMFindlay
    SusanMFindlay Posts: 1,804 Member
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    Just playing devil's advocate, but is there any reason not to take the medication while losing weight then go off it in six months?

    50 pounds in six months may well be doable. That's about 2 pounds per week, and most people can safely lose 1% of their weight per week. So, if you're over 250 pounds, it's definitely doable. If you're under 200 pounds, it may be a bit ambitious - but you could still lose the 50 pounds in a slightly longer period of time.

    Many people with insulin resistance find a low carb high fat diet helpful. I'm sure someone from that crowd will chime in with resources. I believe there's one or more LCHF groups here.
  • anna_mjrd
    anna_mjrd Posts: 5 Member
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    In 2006 I lost 70 pounds in 7 months, it's very do able. FYI I was 220 lbs at 5'7.

    That's amazing! I'm 5'7" and currently 222lbs. What was the biggest change in your diet? I can now say I workout regularly. I drink mostly water. 90% of the time. Care to share any tips?
  • icemom011
    icemom011 Posts: 999 Member
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    It's possible, i lost 59 lbs since mid February. Stay at the calorie deficit, weigh all solid food, mesure liquids, don't eat mindlessly, be aware of what the portion sizes are, drink plenty of water. You got this. I'm 5'7 as well, started from 220 lbs.
  • EricaKemp44
    EricaKemp44 Posts: 9 Member
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    Opt out of the meds !!! A good doctor will keep you off meds , not put you on them.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    Hormonal imbalance sounds like PCOS. You can certainly improve your outcomes by losing weight. If you do end up needing medication like Metformin I wouldn't take that as a failure if I were you. Best of success to you.
  • the3dwizard
    the3dwizard Posts: 39 Member
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    Good for you! It is best to try and make the lifestyle changes than just go on medicine, ( if that is an option). Trying to keep my A1C down so right there with you.
  • TonyB0588
    TonyB0588 Posts: 9,520 Member
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    I'm pre-diabetic and my doctor suggested a 10 lb weight loss mainly through exercise. I've lost 9 lbs and of course the last 1 lb wouldn't go!!

    I was also given a Diet List as a guide. This has "foods to avoid", "foods in small quantities", and "unrestricted foods".

    So the agreed plan at the moment is more exercise, be careful about food but not strict, and no medication. Due for another check-up this month, so we'll see what the new findings are. My own basic testing at home is showing improved numbers over what the doctor found, but the one I can't do myself is the HbA1c test.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
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    @TonyB0588 if your home testing is showing improved results then your A1C will be better too. Congrats!
  • pzarnosky
    pzarnosky Posts: 256 Member
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    Sued0nim wrote: »
    anna_mjrd wrote: »
    In 2006 I lost 70 pounds in 7 months, it's very do able. FYI I was 220 lbs at 5'7.

    That's amazing! I'm 5'7" and currently 222lbs. What was the biggest change in your diet? I can now say I workout regularly. I drink mostly water. 90% of the time. Care to share any tips?

    You need to log everything you eat and drink

    Use a food scale

    Pick food entries carefully and double check

    And stick to your calorie defecit over time

    Workouts are great for health and adherence, drinking water, and diet sodas, black coffee etc, reduces your liquid calorie intake

    But you need to eat fewer calories than you use consistently

    This. Especially the first 2 points.
    Weightloss happens in the kitchen.
    Quote that I found to be true "Weightloss is 80% diet, 20% exercise."
    You can do this!!
  • ugofatcat
    ugofatcat Posts: 385 Member
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    Opt out of the meds !!! A good doctor will keep you off meds , not put you on them.

    This is simply not true. A good doctor will look at the pros and cons to putting someone on medication, and if the pros out weigh the cons, put a patient on medication discuss this with the patient. For example, if a doctor has a patient with blood sugars out of control who refuses to make any changes but will take a medication, they will put a patient on medication to try and control their blood sugars, preventing complications.

    Good doctors do not always tell you what you want to hear.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,982 Member
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    anna_mjrd wrote: »
    In 2006 I lost 70 pounds in 7 months, it's very do able. FYI I was 220 lbs at 5'7.

    That's amazing! I'm 5'7" and currently 222lbs. What was the biggest change in your diet? I can now say I workout regularly. I drink mostly water. 90% of the time. Care to share any tips?

    What's your goal weight?
  • elisa123gal
    elisa123gal Posts: 4,300 Member
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    Iv'e seen amazing stories on here..on how weightless reverses a diagnosis like yours.. Why not get your eating habits under control..cut your sugar..and exercise. You know that daily exercise regulates your blood sugar. Maybe get a quick blood test in six or eight weeks and see if things are improving… then you'd feel better about not going on medication. Also.. he/she must not be too worried to give you six months. If it was more serious they'd want you back earlier than that.

    i believe you can turn it around quick with nutrition and exercise.. and yes.. lose the weight too..but what you eat will matter greatly.
  • dasher602014
    dasher602014 Posts: 1,992 Member
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    There are a number of pre-diabetics and diabetics using LCHF to lower their blood sugars. My husband is one of them and his doctor is pleased.

    There is a group that gives good support for this way of eating.

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/group/394-low-carber-daily-forum-the-lcd-group