Who is doing this with a doctor's assistance?

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I love that little disclaimer you always see on diet commercials that says something to the effect of: never start a diet regime without doctor's approval.
I *know* I am not the only one who has ignored this.

To be bluntly honest, I haven't gone to a general practitioner since I was dismissed from my pediatrician at 18 (I'm 23 now). But when college started and the weight piled on, I got really embarrassed. I hated even going to my neurologist who weighs me. Knowing the numbers is one thing, seeing them in a public place with some assistant having to tick over the little weights over and over and over is just pure torture. I mean, really. Electronic age, people! Let's get those up-to-date scales here!

Anyway, I've decided that when I get to a less embarrassing weight (ie. an 'overweight' BMI) I will go to a doctor - but, I was wondering, who here is doing it with their doctor knowing? Does it help? Thoughts? Comments? I'm open for it all!

Replies

  • seal57
    seal57 Posts: 1,259 Member
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    I'm not doing with my doctors assistance but he does know that I'm losing.....

    I even told my gyno and he is happy with what I'm doing..... Especially since I'm doing it by counting calories and not some weird way........
  • BobbyClerici
    BobbyClerici Posts: 813 Member
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    There are 5 elements to any solid health and fitness program.

    1. Diet
    2. Resistance Exercise
    3. Cardio Exercise
    4. Support and motivation
    5. SEEING YOUR DOCTOR

    If any of these are not in place, you are not going to realize your goals as effectively, and you may in fact do great hard to yourself

    Be smart; see your doctor.
  • cupidval
    cupidval Posts: 74 Member
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    Don’t be embarrassed about your weight when going to see your primary care physician. A physician can be a great tool on your weight loss journey. He or she can give you expert advice or recommend someone to answer your weight loss questions. Far better than someone who does not have the knowledge. Yes, I am losing weight with my doctor knowing. In fact, it was my doctor who advised me to lose weight and has helped me to obtain a dietician and testing prior to starting an exercise program.
  • cpldjski
    cpldjski Posts: 64 Member
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    I completely know what you mean. Moving that slider on the scale to the "200" and then the "250" and further was an absolute embarrassment. I started my journey at 259 pounds. I had to go to the doctor due to Thyroid issues. I talked to her honestly about my weight and how I felt and it helped. Something else that has helped me is being accountable. I go back every 8 weeks right now for my thyroid check ups. She also weighs me and we discuss what is working and what isn't. I like having someone to be accountable to. It helps to keep me on track. And I like to see the difference in the numbers everytime I go.
  • Slimmasaurus
    Slimmasaurus Posts: 141 Member
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    Why is it that you're supposed to see your doctor? I mean, I understand that if you're making a radical change like cutting out a food group or suddenly starting to run 10miles a day after doing nothing for years then it's probably a good idea to check first but...
    I'm a little clueless! Could someone shed light on this for me? :)

    In answer to your question then, no, I've not told my doctor anything about it!
  • myfriendamy
    myfriendamy Posts: 131 Member
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    I spoke to my doctor about it at a non-diet/weight related appt. he said he'd recommend a 1,200 calorie diet. at 300lbs, I think that would have done me in! I asked if he had a problem with me doing 1700 calories (what I was at, at the time) and walking 90 mins a week - he said it was a great start!

    he asked me to come back in a year :) unless I felt it wasn't working or if I felt tired/weak or had trouble sleeping. the usual stuff.

    so basically - my doc knows but he's not an active participant.
  • butters1
    butters1 Posts: 1,540 Member
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    Go to a general practioner. They can do simple blood tests that tell alot. Blood sugar, Cholesterol. & thyroid issues that may affect you ability to lose weight (or cause gain). If your gp is good, they can may recommendations for weight & health.

    Do not be embaressed about your weight. They see a whole lot worse. Really...that shouldn't even enter your mind.

    And on the offchance you end up feeling otherwise, switch drs immediately.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
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    I was wondering, who here is doing it with their doctor knowing? Does it help? Thoughts? Comments? I'm open for it all!

    As a matter of fact, three doctors:
    Primary Care - known me for the last 21 years
    Dermatologist - known for two and is a dear friend
    Endocrinologist - soooo ready to be cloned and take her home - she is AWESOME!

    Right now my Endo is the primary medical caregiver. I see my Dermatologist on yearly rechecks, and my primary care is basically on stand-by as he receives updates from the other two specialists.

    The Endo Im seeing has really hit it on the nose for me with her recommendations... After three weeks of successfully maintaining from Thanksgiving and last weekend's Christmas party with my husband's company, I have dropped 69lbs so far.

    My highest was 303# and the Endo knew about this as we were waiting for her schedule to open up for setting up my initial appointment with her. Thankfully a cancellation moved my appt up two months quicker and Im so glad to have met a specialist who actually KNOWS all about the maladies I have been battling.

    In conjunction with her recommendations and my willingness to comply with her direction, Im having a Charlie Sheen moment: IM WINNING!
  • Jd1360
    Jd1360 Posts: 170 Member
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    Wow! Thanks guys!! I mean I have doctor's appts at times, but at clinics (usually when I need a flu prescription) - so all my little check ups are done there. My blood pressure has always been great (thank the steady use of the treadmill since I was 13 - no really!) as for thyroid, etc. my mom has all of those problems (yeeesss - I know, genetic pre-disposition - moving on...) and I at least am quite aware of "the signs" and there are none so far. Another reason I am starting this now!