55-65 year old women's success?
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jacobsl221 wrote: »I have a crazy doctor. She told me in November that I was overweight (176, ht. 5' 5, age 67) and Prediabetic. She put me on Metformin and said I should lose weight. Started logging in here, and by mid-Feb. had dropped to 163. I told her I had been losing a pound to 1.5 a week and she was horrified! Told me to stop losing weight, or at most 2 lbs per month. Said women my age lived longer with a little extra weight! This was very demoralizing. I thought I had been doing so well. I still feel I have at least 15 lbs to go to fit the clothes I have from last year at this time. Should I listen to the doctor and just give up losing weight or keep losing and benefit my mental health?
Keep losing you are doing fine doctors are not gods, they have their own prejudices and preconceptions
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jacobsl221 wrote: »I have a crazy doctor. She told me in November that I was overweight (176, ht. 5' 5, age 67) and Prediabetic. She put me on Metformin and said I should lose weight. Started logging in here, and by mid-Feb. had dropped to 163. I told her I had been losing a pound to 1.5 a week and she was horrified! Told me to stop losing weight, or at most 2 lbs per month. Said women my age lived longer with a little extra weight! This was very demoralizing. I thought I had been doing so well. I still feel I have at least 15 lbs to go to fit the clothes I have from last year at this time. Should I listen to the doctor and just give up losing weight or keep losing and benefit my mental health?
One of the common rules of thumb is to lose no more than 1% of your body weight per week (you're clearly within that), but to slow down to perhaps 1 pound per week around 25 or so pounds to go, 0.5 pounds per week at perhaps 10 pounds to go. Sometimes you'll see those slower rates suggested to kick in even earlier.
Why? To be conservative about preserving as much as possible of our existing lean tissue, like muscles - which are especially slow (and hard work) to increase at our age. (Not impossible to increase, however - definitely worth working at, on the exercise front.)0 -
jacobsl221 wrote: »I have a crazy doctor. She told me in November that I was overweight (176, ht. 5' 5, age 67) and Prediabetic. She put me on Metformin and said I should lose weight. Started logging in here, and by mid-Feb. had dropped to 163. I told her I had been losing a pound to 1.5 a week and she was horrified! Told me to stop losing weight, or at most 2 lbs per month. Said women my age lived longer with a little extra weight! This was very demoralizing. I thought I had been doing so well. I still feel I have at least 15 lbs to go to fit the clothes I have from last year at this time. Should I listen to the doctor and just give up losing weight or keep losing and benefit my mental health?
I'd start looking for a new dr. You are pre diabetic, and have no need for metformin. That is the big pharma speaking through your dr.
Yes, older people over 65 can carry a few extra lbs. like 5-10 lb., so if you get to the top of your normal range on the standard insurance actuarial based table, that should do it.
If you are feeling good, not struggling, then go to it. And enjoy good mental health
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Thank you. I have obsessed about numbers on the scale my whole adult life. I ate a cookie today and am punishing myself, even though it was just exercise calories. (It was the last cookie in the house!) Thank you ladies for the support.1
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@jacobsl221 I agree with the other ladies. If I may add a little bit. My doctor is the one who told me about MFP. I had gotten really big. She told me to aim for losing 1 to 1.5#/week, so I did. When I saw her again after losing 70ish pounds, she asked how I did it. I laughed and told her SHE guided me to MFP and it worked.
If you are a cook, or even if you aren't, look to the Hello Healthy (MFP) blog for recipes. Skinnytaste.com is a very good resource as are EatingWell.com and Cooking Light magazine. Once you get the hang of substituting out the calories, you will be surprised at how yummy and low calorie your old favorites (including cookies) can be!5 -
Thank you Birgitwood for your post! I like the idea of not letting my disabilities rule my life. I have lost 30 pounds in 4 years and have about 39 more to go but my main accomplishment is going from walking 2 minutes( blood clot in leg artery) to walking up to 60 with one minute rest every 15. My vascular surgeon said he wished all his patients were as determined as I am. I have to thank my friends here for their support!7
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I did not intend to start a doctor bashing session! I have nothing but respect for doctors and nurses who work under a pretty high-stress pressure every day. Seeing a patient every fifteen minutes every day, not to mention telephone questions, hospital calls etc. is not a job I am capable of doing or do I want. That being said, I do believe we need to be our own best advocates because we know our own story best. We're not dealing with 500 other bodies every week! I think it's a good idea to have another person along when seeing a doctor to get the details you might miss, especially when dealing with a major illness, like cancer, surgery, etc. I think it becomes even more important as we age.4
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@1Nana2many...love your comment on the stressful life of doctors as my DIL is an endocrinologist. The little guy on my profile pic had to be induced 3 weeks early as her blood pressure was climbing as a result of said stress. (He is fine, she is fine and will not go back to work until May.)
We definitely have to be our own advocate as we know our bodies best. I have had my share of those docs who just follow the protocol when it seems we have the "markers" for this ailment or that ailment. But until they really listen (which there is no time for) to our entire story, they will never get the real picture.1 -
jacobsl221 wrote: »I have a crazy doctor. She told me in November that I was overweight (176, ht. 5' 5, age 67) and Prediabetic. She put me on Metformin and said I should lose weight. Started logging in here, and by mid-Feb. had dropped to 163. I told her I had been losing a pound to 1.5 a week and she was horrified! Told me to stop losing weight, or at most 2 lbs per month. Said women my age lived longer with a little extra weight! This was very demoralizing. I thought I had been doing so well. I still feel I have at least 15 lbs to go to fit the clothes I have from last year at this time. Should I listen to the doctor and just give up losing weight or keep losing and benefit my mental health?
I think you hit the nail on the head: you have a crazy doctor. Unless you're pretty muscular, IMO at 5'5" you're probably right to aim for 150ish or where you feel the right weight. I'm not sure what she means by "a little extra weight." And do you know a lot of 80 year old overweight women? I don't.1 -
Agree w/Nana; I wasn't trying to bash docs either, just saying same as Nana that we should know our own bodies and be able to communicate issues w/our doc.1
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jacobsl221 wrote: »I have a crazy doctor. She told me in November that I was overweight (176, ht. 5' 5, age 67) and Prediabetic. She put me on Metformin and said I should lose weight. Started logging in here, and by mid-Feb. had dropped to 163. I told her I had been losing a pound to 1.5 a week and she was horrified! Told me to stop losing weight, or at most 2 lbs per month. Said women my age lived longer with a little extra weight! This was very demoralizing. I thought I had been doing so well. I still feel I have at least 15 lbs to go to fit the clothes I have from last year at this time. Should I listen to the doctor and just give up losing weight or keep losing and benefit my mental health?
I think you hit the nail on the head: you have a crazy doctor. Unless you're pretty muscular, IMO at 5'5" you're probably right to aim for 150ish or where you feel the right weight. I'm not sure what she means by "a little extra weight." And do you know a lot of 80 year old overweight women? I don't.
Unfortunately, I have seen a lot of overweight women over 80. I work in an assisted living and have worked in skilled nursing for 10 years. In my opinion, one of the most common reasons women end up in assisted living situations, other than dementia, is that they have not taken care of themselves over the years. They have no muscle tone and are many, many pounds overweight. Often because they also have poor balance, they then through a fall and a broken hip in the mix. So yes while it is true that a couple of extra pounds of can be healthy as we age, a lot of extra pounds are not. As others have said, the key IS to lose it slowly to avoid loosing muscle mass. Aerobic exercise and weight training are vital to women after menopause. Especially for those of us who are planning to stay healthy and independent in our own homes till a very, very ripe old age 7 -
lovesretirement wrote: »@1Nana2many...love your comment on the stressful life of doctors as my DIL is an endocrinologist. The little guy on my profile pic had to be induced 3 weeks early as her blood pressure was climbing as a result of said stress. (He is fine, she is fine and will not go back to work until May.)
We definitely have to be our own advocate as we know our bodies best. I have had my share of those docs who just follow the protocol when it seems we have the "markers" for this ailment or that ailment. But until they really listen (which there is no time for) to our entire story, they will never get the real picture.
Congratulations on your new grandchild! Our first, a set of twin girls, recently celebrated their 16th birthday. The moment those two were born, the phrase "If I'd known grandkids were this much fun I'd have had them first" had a new meaning for my husband and myself. They were born three weeks early as well, spent a little time in the NICU and have thrived ever since. We also have a set of triplets that arrived 15 weeks early and were micropreemies, none reaching a two pound weight at birth. Thankfully they were born in an excellent hospital with a staff we fell in love with. Those babies are now 11 years old and thriving as well. We also have four singletons and would not trade any of them off! We have a blast with them all.3 -
deblcar, Totally agree w/you! I don't work (or live) in an assisted living facility; and hopefully won't end up there. I do my best to take care of myself (I do weights along w/small amts of cardio-don't want it eating into my muscle gains) and eat reasonably well (avoid most processed food). Don't know what may happen tomorrow, but according to II Cor we are supposed to take of our bodies.
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@deblcar...Yes....couldn't agree more! That's the major reason I (and I am sure most of us on this thread) have made the necessary lifestyle changes! I no longer gripe about it taking over 2 loooong years to lose 52 pounds with 25 more to go. Exercise/weight training is my new passion! Having a personal trainer is my gift to myself...I deserve it! We are Baby Boomers and will go out kicking and screaming!
@1Nana2many...ahhhh...you are definitely your screen name! This is my first grandbaby and while he was born 3 weeks early, he was 7 pounds! We have said many times that he would have easily been 8 or 9 if he had stayed in a bit longer! He is such a blessing!
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Hello all, I'm almost the posted age at 52 but love the energy & focus. I seem to have many of the same life issues & hope to join!1
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Welcome to our group trailgirl!! 0
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Welcome trailgirl777! We're all headed for a healthier future here!0
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Curious about your screen name, @trailgirl777 . Are you a hiker? And if so, where?0
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I'm a "chick from 56," turning 61 in January. I started (or, I should say re-started MFP on January 3 with a goal to lose 80 pounds in 80 weeks. As of last Friday, I've lost 13 pounds, averaging 1.4 a week. January was a big loss month (as the first few weeks are typically huge water weight losses), so I look forward to a pound a week from here on. Clearly, I haven't lost a significant amount of weight (yet), but the group interests me, and I enjoyed reading the comments.
I'm looking at this not as a diet, but as a lifestyle change. My problem is portion control, so diligence in measuring, weighing and tracking has gone a long way in keeping me within my calorie limits. Overindulges are infrequent (and savored), not dwelled on as failures in the ensuing days, and forgotten as I get back on track.
I haven't started exercising regularly yet. In addition to weight loss goals, I gave up smoking in early December. I'm waiting for my lungs to further recover ~ that, with less "me" in the next few months ~ to better handle cardiac activity.
Definitely going to keep this page as a favorite, you all will be great inspiration for me and the rest of the group.2 -
jacobsl221 wrote: »I have a crazy doctor. She told me in November that I was overweight (176, ht. 5' 5, age 67) and Prediabetic. She put me on Metformin and said I should lose weight. Started logging in here, and by mid-Feb. had dropped to 163. I told her I had been losing a pound to 1.5 a week and she was horrified! Told me to stop losing weight, or at most 2 lbs per month. Said women my age lived longer with a little extra weight! This was very demoralizing. I thought I had been doing so well. I still feel I have at least 15 lbs to go to fit the clothes I have from last year at this time. Should I listen to the doctor and just give up losing weight or keep losing and benefit my mental health?
Can you find a different doctor? These mixed messages can't be good for you, and they don't give her much credibility.1 -
I have decided I just won't mention weight loss when I see her again. It will be over two months, and she sees hundreds of people. She will probably forget. In the mean time I am eating sensibly and losing slowly. Thanks for the advice!2
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Jacobs, Good idea. Just remember that it is a journey and not a project/diet with an end date Enjoy yourself along the way and have the occasional treat (cake, candy, pizza, etc.). I have dark chocolate chips every night after dinner; my treat most of the time. I still have the other (mentioned above); just count the cals and move on. Have lost 11 lbs (goal was only eight) and have kept it off for over two years. Good luck on your journey and feel free to rant and rave here. 0
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I'm a "chick from 56," turning 61 in January. I started (or, I should say re-started MFP on January 3 with a goal to lose 80 pounds in 80 weeks. As of last Friday, I've lost 13 pounds, averaging 1.4 a week. January was a big loss month (as the first few weeks are typically huge water weight losses), so I look forward to a pound a week from here on. Clearly, I haven't lost a significant amount of weight (yet), but the group interests me, and I enjoyed reading the comments.
I'm looking at this not as a diet, but as a lifestyle change. My problem is portion control, so diligence in measuring, weighing and tracking has gone a long way in keeping me within my calorie limits. Overindulges are infrequent (and savored), not dwelled on as failures in the ensuing days, and forgotten as I get back on track.
I haven't started exercising regularly yet. In addition to weight loss goals, I gave up smoking in early December. I'm waiting for my lungs to further recover ~ that, with less "me" in the next few months ~ to better handle cardiac activity.
Definitely going to keep this page as a favorite, you all will be great inspiration for me and the rest of the group.
Congrats on your work so far. Your attitude sounds great. Yea, you for stopping smoking too. Looking forward to hearing about your progress.1 -
I am 65 and am in a wheelchair with MS. I lost 35 lbs so far. I am 5'9" and weigh 138.2 lbs. I keep under 1200 calories and eat sweet things if I want to. I am not in a hurry. My goal weight is 125.8
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I used to hike when I was younger & it is my goal for losing weight & get strong enough to go hiking again. I found this book called 'rickety knees hiking guide' - tried a few of the easier trails! Proud but so far I want to go!2
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Welcome @gnu4liberty and @trailgirl777. This is a great group!0
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I am 63, semi retired, I work couple hours a day for the school helping with the special need kids. I lost 40 lbs 4 years ago and have felt so much better. Still getting used to be retired, I think I have A personality so it is not so easy on me. Hubby still works. I do love going to the gym and thankful I am not working with a controlling bully personality that I use to work with. Retirement is definitely an adjustment. Working on finding different stuff to do, found a walking buddy recently which helped.0
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Welcome brenna24179! I know what you mean about retirement being an adjustment early on. It takes a little getting used to but hopefully like many here you will soon love it! My husband is also still working so I try to stay on his schedule and make sure I'm not laying around after he leaves for work. Glad you found someone to share your walks with!0
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Ha, welcome @brenn24179. My husband and I retired at the end of the year. Woo hoo! We walk a lot together and cook a lot together as well. Also getting used to retirement. So far, so good3
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thanks, it is adjustment after working all these years. I love it when I have stuff to do, other days not so much. I guess it just takes time and I am grateful I can do what I want when I want. Kind of like kids leaving home, new phase of life again.
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