My experience with the dietitian :(
tattereds
Posts: 120 Member
So I have been exercising and mostly behaving myself on the food front for the past 7 months, but in that time I have only lost about 6kg. Slow weight loss is better than none I guess, but over the past month especially I have been having a bit of trouble with a plateau. I am perpetually rolling around between 93-96 kg!
I work out twice a week with a PT doing core and strength training, usually manage three decent cardio sessions per week at the gym, and have a pact with the bf to make sure we do at least one 'active' activity at the weekend as well. I'm pretty confident I'm 'there' on the exercise front and I'm seeing awesome fitness results so far, so after chatting to my PT and GP, they are both of the opinion that I must be having food issues.
Their recommendation was for me to see a dietitian.
So today I went down to see 'Katie' and have a little talk about my diet.
I have to be honest - it was a bust. Before I even sat down she said to me "My feeling is that you are having problems with self discipline and portion control." That's right - before I had even opened my mouth she was convinced that I am one of those people who sit around stuffing themselves with chips, cake and TimTams all day!
I was a bit taken aback and couldn't really respond with anything constructive, so I just sat there looking silly.
Then, she asked me what I had eaten for lunch today. I suddenly woke up and realised I had my MFP report printout with me, so i dug it out of my bag and handed it to her while explaining my day's food. Her eyes were wide and she had her tongue in her cheek while perusing the report. It was pretty obvious she felt that I had listed my food dishonestly, and as the consultation went on it was as if she was trying to 'trick' me into admitting to eating ice-cream and candy all day by asking me what my favourites were etc. When I responded honestly that I don't actually like those particular 'treats' she laughed and screwed up her face while shaking her head! If nothing else, I think this was completely unprofessional!
After this, things went downhill (to put it nicely).
She handed me a daily plan to follow which detailed a 1200cal diet. The same types of foods as I am already intaking, except that she suggested halving my protein intake (which is currently at the level suggested by MFP). I asked about eating back exercise cals. She looked at me like I was an idiot, and explained as if to a 6 year old that "you can't lose weight if you keep eating". What the?? When I queried the legitimacy of doing only this on days where I do a workout that burns up to 800cals, she shrugged and told me that this is how she eats every day and that she definitely works out just as hard if not harder than I possibly could.
Another highlight from the consult included being handed a printout from the Jenny Craig website detailing "free foods" I should eat more often. While I appreciate the idea of being shown a list of low cal foods and flavourings that I can use to change up my daily diet, at least get your own paperwork, amiright? Also, personally I would rather log it all, even if it is minimal cals.
I had a lot of questions about low GI, protein levels, different sugars, and especially about my BMR, but she wasn't able to answer any of them satisfactorily. I felt that she didn't actually seem to know the answers and instead responded to questions by referring me back to teh approved food list she had printed, saying that it contained all the info I would need!
A lot of of further conversation went on, but honestly I was really distressed on leaving the appointment and am mostly just having flashbacks at the moment! As I remember more I will be sure to let you in on the gory details (if you are interested!). I was so upset that I started to cry, my skin turned all blotchy, and I had to hide out in the bathroom until it started to fade
I think what upset me the most was that she didn't tell me anything that good old Dr Google or all the peeps on MFP havn't already made me aware of. That, and the fact that she lumped me in with all the fat people who can't be bothered to try - and made me feel that way despite me knowing this isn't true.
I don't know what I really wanted to get from the consult, just some direction of what my worst failings are that I might not be aware of really... and as mentioned above, some info on some BMR and food composition stuff I'm not entirely confident with as yet. Some direction and education I guess.
I am the first to say that my diet is not amazing, but I am so sceptical of seeing another dietitian now! My GP has approved me to get 5 free sessions under the medicare EPC program though, and it seems a waste not to at least try to get something out of it. I have booked in to see another girl who was recommended by my PT, but the appointment is not for a month. Hopefully it will go a lot better!
I work out twice a week with a PT doing core and strength training, usually manage three decent cardio sessions per week at the gym, and have a pact with the bf to make sure we do at least one 'active' activity at the weekend as well. I'm pretty confident I'm 'there' on the exercise front and I'm seeing awesome fitness results so far, so after chatting to my PT and GP, they are both of the opinion that I must be having food issues.
Their recommendation was for me to see a dietitian.
So today I went down to see 'Katie' and have a little talk about my diet.
I have to be honest - it was a bust. Before I even sat down she said to me "My feeling is that you are having problems with self discipline and portion control." That's right - before I had even opened my mouth she was convinced that I am one of those people who sit around stuffing themselves with chips, cake and TimTams all day!
I was a bit taken aback and couldn't really respond with anything constructive, so I just sat there looking silly.
Then, she asked me what I had eaten for lunch today. I suddenly woke up and realised I had my MFP report printout with me, so i dug it out of my bag and handed it to her while explaining my day's food. Her eyes were wide and she had her tongue in her cheek while perusing the report. It was pretty obvious she felt that I had listed my food dishonestly, and as the consultation went on it was as if she was trying to 'trick' me into admitting to eating ice-cream and candy all day by asking me what my favourites were etc. When I responded honestly that I don't actually like those particular 'treats' she laughed and screwed up her face while shaking her head! If nothing else, I think this was completely unprofessional!
After this, things went downhill (to put it nicely).
She handed me a daily plan to follow which detailed a 1200cal diet. The same types of foods as I am already intaking, except that she suggested halving my protein intake (which is currently at the level suggested by MFP). I asked about eating back exercise cals. She looked at me like I was an idiot, and explained as if to a 6 year old that "you can't lose weight if you keep eating". What the?? When I queried the legitimacy of doing only this on days where I do a workout that burns up to 800cals, she shrugged and told me that this is how she eats every day and that she definitely works out just as hard if not harder than I possibly could.
Another highlight from the consult included being handed a printout from the Jenny Craig website detailing "free foods" I should eat more often. While I appreciate the idea of being shown a list of low cal foods and flavourings that I can use to change up my daily diet, at least get your own paperwork, amiright? Also, personally I would rather log it all, even if it is minimal cals.
I had a lot of questions about low GI, protein levels, different sugars, and especially about my BMR, but she wasn't able to answer any of them satisfactorily. I felt that she didn't actually seem to know the answers and instead responded to questions by referring me back to teh approved food list she had printed, saying that it contained all the info I would need!
A lot of of further conversation went on, but honestly I was really distressed on leaving the appointment and am mostly just having flashbacks at the moment! As I remember more I will be sure to let you in on the gory details (if you are interested!). I was so upset that I started to cry, my skin turned all blotchy, and I had to hide out in the bathroom until it started to fade
I think what upset me the most was that she didn't tell me anything that good old Dr Google or all the peeps on MFP havn't already made me aware of. That, and the fact that she lumped me in with all the fat people who can't be bothered to try - and made me feel that way despite me knowing this isn't true.
I don't know what I really wanted to get from the consult, just some direction of what my worst failings are that I might not be aware of really... and as mentioned above, some info on some BMR and food composition stuff I'm not entirely confident with as yet. Some direction and education I guess.
I am the first to say that my diet is not amazing, but I am so sceptical of seeing another dietitian now! My GP has approved me to get 5 free sessions under the medicare EPC program though, and it seems a waste not to at least try to get something out of it. I have booked in to see another girl who was recommended by my PT, but the appointment is not for a month. Hopefully it will go a lot better!
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Replies
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Oh, that sounds like a complete waste of time!!
I'm guessing that she really didn't know how to deal with someone who came in with a lot of knowledge already and is not skilled enough to change her standard advice to suit each person.
I hope you have a better experience with the next one.0 -
Hold on chuckie egg, it will get better!
OK so you know you can take anything she said with a pinch of salt... so do what i do. cancel. continue. What she has said, or perhaps the way she said it is wrong and therefore just sweep it away from you. It is vapour, not worth your thought process... though thats easier said than done i know.
I went to a dietician the other day as i have all sorts of fruit allergies. I started to talk to him about diets, and he said basically that anything weight loss related and money related are not worth your time. It is basic science and to think of your body like a car. The carbs are the petrol that works your engiene, the veg is the oil which keeps the body functioning normally, and the protein is the engine itself, muscle and fibres with allow you to move.
So, he just said burn more, eat less, don't drop below 1200 calories. Don't deny the occasional treat but work on fueling and running your "car" on optimum. I have come up with ways i can eat fruit without dying lol...
So, just keep going. Is your body changing? Could you be building muscle and shedding fat, therefore not much of a weight loss? I always lose weight slowly, but then at least i know its not water but actual chunks of yucky fat.
Best fo luck to you hun, ignore the negative, trust the valid xx0 -
i feel so sorry that you had to endure that. the same thing happend to me with my dietician and GP. They are the proffessionals and therefore they assume they know your body more than you know it yourself.
They treat us like were all the same and put everyone in the same catagory, so if your slightly overweight then your treated as though your extreamly lazy and obese with no sense of self discipline.
Dont let her words upset you. clearly what youve been doing before was working because you had lost weight, so well done for that. her advice is based on guidelines which is given to all the people she visits who want to lose weight.
Just keep positive and im sure your gonna reach your goal weight in no time
) 0 -
COMPLAIN!!!
COMPLAIN to someone anyone, your doctor, your whatever it is you have to complain to from where your from to get this lady written up for misconduct behaviour.
That is totally unprofessional, unhelpful and downright belittling you as a patient (maybe borderline bullying to some extent?)
and if she is like that with you, I can only imagine what she is like to other patients (especially those that do not have the support structure and system you have in place by already being at MFP)
If not do it for yourself and how you were treated, do it for them.
Don't be gun shy!
Also, I'm sorry she was so crap.0 -
she was rude....why do they stereotype people..0
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Don't take any notice. I just looked at your profile, you have done really really well so far so you must know something! keep the faith, keep being consistent. Don't let negative people bring you down!0
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COMPLAIN!!!
COMPLAIN to someone anyone, your doctor, your whatever it is you have to complain to from where your from to get this lady written up for misconduct behaviour.
That is totally unprofessional, unhelpful and downright belittling you as a patient (maybe borderline bullying to some extent?)
and if she is like that with you, I can only imagine what she is like to other patients (especially those that do not have the support structure and system you have in place by already being at MFP)
If not do it for yourself and how you were treated, do it for them.
Don't be gun shy!
Also, I'm sorry she was so crap.
I agree. I would complain directly to her supervisor.0 -
what a quack.0
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Inexcusable. Unprofessional. Destructive. She was apparently so beset by preconceived notions that she could not comprehend the idea that you were already educated about diet - you weren't a 'beginner'. To treat you as a liar just revealed her own intimidation and insecurity about taking on a more complex situation than she is accustomed to. So sorry you had this experience.0
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what a quack.
My thoughts exactly!
Thanks for the support guys :flowerforyou: it's great to have people who not only understand what you are going through, but also care
As for complaining, she is an independent contractor type provider who works out of a larger medical centre, but I get the impression she is kind of her own boss... The only person I can think of to complain to is my GP, which I plan to do when I go back to see him next week.
The more I think about it too, the more annoyed I am that she gets to keep the money medicare will pay her on my behalf despite doing absolutely nothing for me.
As I said, hopefully the next appointment will go better!0 -
If this wasn't a true story, it could be a script for a Steve Carrell or Will Ferrell movie. I am so sorry she is unable to fulfill the basic requirements of her job, which is to educate, support, and instruct the patient. I am glad that you are going to report her. You literally got NOTHING for your money, but a load of crap.
Personally, I think you have done a wonderful job on weight loss. If you open up your diary, WE could help you:) First, your MFP's care and, second, we are free!!!!
We all care and support you:)0 -
I'm studying to be a dietitian and would like to apologize for your experience. There is so much more that can go into determining what is right for you other than plain old "calories in, calories out" but a lot of people are so set on that method (because frankly, a LOT of courses do focus on it being that cut and dry) that they forget that the total biology of one person is not cookie cutter to that of another.
I went to many dietitians growing-up and can say there are bad and good ones out there. Be sure to give this one constructive feedback on how ineffective and degrading their behavior was when you were looking for help. Then try someone else. MFP has some great stuff on it, but even it admits the limits of a computer that can also reduce you to a cookie-cutter plan. I'm sure there is someone who can really help you focus on your individual needs Good luck!!! 0 -
Im only in my second year of dietetics study and i must say this is horrible! There is NO WAY i would ever do that! Ugh.0
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I had this happen to me at a NEUROLOGISTS office! I had went for migraines because the medication my GP prescribed caused an adverse reaction and I have special history that could affect this. She went on to tell me about portion sizes and that I needed to get my eyes checked because I was SO overweight that my inter-cranial pressure was increased causing my headaches. Sorry chick, I think if I had increased ICP for 4 months daily every second I was awake that I would be in an ICU, thanks. I didn't log food then but now that I do I know that on days I didn't binge or eat out I was eating fewer than 800 calories, so starvation mode with binges. Right, don't think portion sizes were my problem, just actually reminding myself to eat before I binged. She also told me it would help my energy and I wouldn't be falling asleep in her office. To which I replied that her office refused to give me an appointment that wasn't in the middle of my sleep schedule and that I had also been waiting for 2 hours. I thought it was rather funny that the first thing my GP said was when I saw him again was "Are you still going to the neurologist?" Instead of how did the appointment go. When I said no he said "Yeah, thought so, I originally thought she had sent me the wrong report, it really did not fit at all." I found it unprofessional of her to be biased against me because of my weight. PLUS I changed the filter in my vacuum from a febreeze filter to a different brand and all was better, even though it was in the closet under the stairs (TEEHEE) it was still the cause, they went away within 24 hours.0
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welcome to the club. i have given up on the idea to see a dietitian long time ago.
Saw few of them and this is what i have learned :
1. - i know more about food than they do - why ? bc i study it for my life they do for pay check !
2. they can't tell me anything i don't allready know
3. i'm simply annoyed just by the thought of talking to a " straw bone and skin " person that never had a problem with weight about beeing morbiditly obese.. i mean - how in the world can a person like that relate to me ?
a doctor that has a " cancer patient " can only talk about cancer - and things he learned from the books.. but he doesn't " know " the pain unless he had it himself.
a person can't talk to you about raising children if they didn't raise any of their own . You can be a day care teacher or baby sitter or what not- and you can " love kids " but it's a whole diff. topic when they are YOURS and you are with them 24/7 for 18 years.. it's easy to give advices when they are not yours .. but following through is something else - kids don't come with a manual guide- they is no " generic " way to raise them all
- a person that was never married- can 't realy be the best " marrige counsler "
person that was not an alcohol/drug addict can't relate to a person that is an addict and so can't say " oh i know what you are going through "
you get my point ?
so why is it that you can be a good dietitan if you had all your life a " perfect weight " and you struggled with your 5-6 lbs .. they usually walk in in their tiny clothes and look so skinny.. my first question is " have you had weight issues ? ' oh yeaaah.. i always tried to lose this 5 lbs..
ok .. see ya !
Why i liked the principe of weight watchers ? I'm not talking about the program itself.. just the concept . You can't be a weight watchers instructor or mentor- if you haven't lost weight yourself.. and it can't be only 5 lbs it has to be more than that so that you can relate to the people. When i walked into my first meeting and saw this skinny old lady i thought.. " great , another one .. " but than she starts her meeting with her " before picture " - she was 100 lbs overweight.. and she KNEW all my troubles, and she understood what binging meant, and she knows what " cravings are .. and she has been there and done that.
So - i wont advice from people with experince. If that applies with all things in our life - why is it different here ?
Yes - you are seeing a doctor that has not experienced cancer himself- but he recommends you to join a group of people that are going through what you are experiencing. .. because he can' t help you with the " emotional " stuff.
So- when someone finds me a dietitian that has been one of following :
a: significantly overweight- prefferebly 50 + lbs
b : bolimic / anorexic
c : emotional eater
i will schedule an apointment with her/him.
until than - i'm doing it on my own !
phewww.. there goes my vent for the day- can you tell i don't have a good experience with those.. " dietitians? "0 -
Bump0
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Sorry to hear about your experience with the dietitian. I find that "weight management" should be considered a specialised subject and the service should only be provided by people who understands your situation.
Weight loss/increasing fitness is challenging, but the following must always be kept in mind:
1. Always enhance the postives- it's easy to forget your successes.
2. Weight is not a simple case of "calories in v calories out" despite what some "experts" say
3. A skinny dietitian may have her own battle to fight with food/weight...do not be prejudiced yourself
4. You are the expert on your body and a health care professional should always respect that
5. A dietitian (or any health care professional) should have the knowledge and skills to sit "with" you and dicsuss what you feel are your difficluties and help you develop an action plan - there is no room for the old-fashioned "prescriptive" attitude in modern health care. It's a sign the the individual did not care about you or that they don't know what else to do.
Regards
Rob
Oh, by the way...I'm a dietitian. I joined MFP to improve my health and fitness and it works great for me...0
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