Pardon the Rant...

[eiblyn]

I went to the doctor today. That was apparently, a big mistake. I went to pick up the results of the blood test screenings I had three weeks ago. I do not have Lupus. I have perfectly normal cholesterol (read with surprise in her voice). My thyroid is functioning normal. My urine is normal. My everything-else-they-thought-to-test is normal. I am normal and healthy. My blood pressure is actually fantastic.

Insert Problem Here: I'm fat. And by fat I mean that I am 5 feet 8 inches tall and I weigh 262 pounds. I have gained roughly 60 pounds in the last year. I'm just being real here.

I am healthy. I'm extremely healthy. I work out at least twice a week. I only eat out once a week and I cook all the rest of my meals from healthy ingredients. I severely limit my processed foods and I don't drink soda. When asking my doctor, she actually just told me that I am healthy and fat but being fat is not healthy in the long run.

She says I am type three morbidly obese. She says I need to lose weight next year or she is going to recommend gastric bypass surgery. If I fight it, it can cause problems with some of my other treatments in the future. I am planning to change doctors actually, but that doesn't change my frustration.

I have been trying to lose weight. I have been upping my physical activity and changing my lifestyle. The problem is that I refuse to "quick-fix" it. I want to be a healthy person, not a skinny person. That means to me that I have to try and change the habits that helped me gain weight if I want to lose weight and I need to keep the habits that have helped me maintain excellent heart health.

This doctor also told me that the reason I had problems with the lab drawing blood is because I'm fat. She told me if I want it to be easier, I have to lose weight so that the veins are easier for them to access. I was just so frustrated at this point...every problem I have medically is not because I'm fat. *frustrated sigh*

Comments

[bridgetminerva.livejournal.com]

1) Gastric bypass still has a higher mortality rate then obesity
2) If your veins are small you ar a hard draw
3) She is a moron for ignoring you, your results and suggesting you put yourselfs at dealth's door to fit her ideals.

My suggestion: a new doctor who will be your partner in re-organizing your input/output.

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

I agree on finding another doctor more in line with your needs. Please remember that you are a consumer and the doctor is a provider of service. You are not beholden to them. (You should, at times, defer to their expertise on matters of treatment, but not uncritically.)

Until you can do that, perhaps you should detail for her your current weight loss/better health plan, and say "What would yuo suggest I add to this?"

[heartnut.livejournal.com]

I think that you should find a doctor that is willing to help you rather than put you down. You are doing everything you can to lose weight, but your body isn't listening, apparently. Another doctor should be able to help you find the source of the issue. Everything I have read from you in the last few months has told me that you are very conscious of what you eat and are making the effort to exercise.

My mom has high blood pressure and thyroid issues--she's 5-7 and has been the same overweight level since I was in elementary school. However, she doesn't change her diet or exercise, so she stays the same weight. Considering you do WAY more than she does, there has to be another medical explanation for your weight status.

Don't stop until you get answers from somebody. Not all doctors are there to sap your money dry. *hug*

[ladyegreen.livejournal.com]

I'm in the same boat, I'm 5'5 and weigh around 245.

I became so frustrated that I just quit going to the doctor, between the everything is because your fat, but we don't know why you are fat, but you've got loose weight anyway and the insurance company I just gave up.

I'm thinking of you, have said a prayer for you, and hope that you find the answers you are looking for.

[elusiveat.livejournal.com]

Change doctors. Absolutely. I'm appalled that she would recommend gastric bypass surgery for someone who is healthy.

[(Anonymous)]

HUGS***

With that said.

You are not a hard stick casue you are fat.
Most americans are "fat" a good health care worker can get blood from someone even if they can't see the viens, IE very dark skined individuals. Also you so do not qualify for such a drastic surgery, You have no co-morbidities. You are just plump. She is dumb you should have gotten the "eat less do more" talk. BTW Blood cannot tell you about certain auto immune disorders that can have side effects like weight gain. AND we all know depression and stress do not help a hungry soul stay svelt

I still love you. You are you. Just keep doing the right things and your body will find its way. You are no longer walking to and from class as a pert college student. Grow with your body. As long as you are healthy in the right ways, you have some time to work off the weight that will eventually cause more issues.

I am so sorry your experience sucked.