Post by amberlyrose on Sept 22, 2021 10:34:42 GMT -5
Maybe dieting advice/tips in a thread where the OP mentions disordered eating is not the most helpful, even when they did ask for advice. Just my opinion though.
Doctors know jack shit about nutrition. They're not trained in this specialized area. Fact. His "nutrition" advice is no better than asking my gym bro neighbors. Weight loss =/= health. It just doesn't.
Unfortunately because of the nature of your job and the environment (i.e. USAF), weight and body composition are such a major point of focus. I'm so sorry that he was such a dick about everything.
Maybe dieting advice/tips in a thread where the OP mentions disordered eating is not the most helpful, even when they did ask for advice. Just my opinion though.
Thanks. I don’t mind it, but can already feel my mind racing thinking about this stuff. At this point I’m not going to do anything without talking to dietician first, when I can find one. And probably a counselor.
This is not true. There are many people who have been doing keto for years and have lost weight and still eat a balanced diet. You are not limiting carbs but cutting out sugar and high-carb items like pasta and bread. And there are healthy sweeteners out there that you can use that don’t give the same insulin response as sugar which is helpful not only to diabetes patients but also for weight loss. Someone else mentioned the Mediterranean diet and it is very similar. There are different gradations of keto and low carb too. Not everybody should keep their carb intake under 20g per day.
That's not what he was recommending though. He said nothing but meat, eggs, and cheese, and to use Google to figure it out. That sounds very restrictive and like it should be closely monitored by a doctor not winging it through Dr. Google.
I know it is not. But you were talking about Keto in general, not about his recommendation. What he recommended has nothing to do with Keto.
Maybe dieting advice/tips in a thread where the OP mentions disordered eating is not the most helpful, even when they did ask for advice. Just my opinion though.
Thanks. I don’t mind it, but can already feel my mind racing thinking about this stuff. At this point I’m not going to do anything without talking to dietician first, when I can find one. And probably a counselor.
Big hugs. I think those are some great first steps.
uggh proboards ate my reply. Summary: I'm worried about you, because your job and your mental and physical health are at odds with one another. If you can't take ADHD meds because it will ground you and you have to diet (which doesn't work long term) to meet the physical requirements, you are basically having to put your career over your mental and physical health. And you can't "just find another job".
Because I'm unversed in military stuff. What happens when someone gets diagnosed with a medical condition (many of which are genetic) and can't meet the physical requirements of the job? Do they find a less physical job for you or just boot you?
uggh proboards ate my reply. Summary: I'm worried about you, because your job and your mental and physical health are at odds with one another. If you can't take ADHD meds because it will ground you and you have to diet (which doesn't work long term) to meet the physical requirements, you are basically having to put your career over your mental and physical health. And you can't "just find another job".
Because I'm unversed in military stuff. What happens when someone gets diagnosed with a medical condition (many of which are genetic) and can't meet the physical requirements of the job? Do they find a less physical job for you or just boot you?
Thanks for your concern. I’ll be honest, I’m feeling pretty rough now. I have an amazingly supportive husband, and he’s as pissed about my appointment yesterday as I am.
To answer your last question — re: the ADHD, if I end up taking meds, it won’t be career-ending. My next job will be non-flying anyway…but maintaining my flight physical even in a non-flying job makes me eligible for flight pay, which at my experience level is $1k/month. It’s enough money that I’d like to try non-pharmaceutical treatment at first, but we can survive without it. The system is dumb because it discourages people from getting help for medical issues….but it is what it is, and won’t change in the next few years.
Re: meeting weight standards, since the regs are changing we don’t really know what the process will be. In the past people were put on a “weight management” program and had to show “adequate progress” in periodic weigh-ins or risk being kicked out. Given how long I’ve been in and how close I am to retirement, as long as I make a documented effort to lose weight, I don’t think they’ll kick me out. I definitely want to avoid the disordered eating and compulsive exercising of my past, but I’m open to the idea of losing weight if I can find a mentally and physically healthy way to do so.
While it might seem like I have to pick between my physical/mental health and my career, I remain very hopeful that there’s a middle ground if I can find the right resources and support, even if it means finding my own help and paying out of pocket.
I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to identify my eating and exercise patterns enough to know that I need support. The red flags yesterday were popping up all over the place! 15 years ago I would have immediately gone full-speed-ahead into a shitty diet plan with no support. So, I have that to be thankful for.
Truly, I really appreciate all of the support I’ve gotten in this thread. It means a lot to me.
OP have you gone to behavioral health? They may be able to help with your adhd and have support for your disordered eating. You shouldn’t need a referral for that either.
Post by longtimenopost on Sept 22, 2021 16:09:40 GMT -5
Have a similar history with regard to weight, disordered eating, yo-yo dieting. Have you ever had a glucose tolerance test? I asked for one from my doctor when I couldn't lose weight despite exercise and balanced eating. Turns out, I have insulin resistance. It should have been on my radar because I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. After 3 kids my periods became regular again so I didn't consider that there still might be something else making my body hold onto the weight. My A1c is fine, I'm not pre-diabetic. But my doc put me on metformin and victoza and the weight basically fell off because my body wasn't fighting my efforts any more.
Have a similar history with regard to weight, disordered eating, yo-yo dieting. Have you ever had a glucose tolerance test? I asked for one from my doctor when I couldn't lose weight despite exercise and balanced eating. Turns out, I have insulin resistance. It should have been on my radar because I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. After 3 kids my periods became regular again so I didn't consider that there still might be something else making my body hold onto the weight. My A1c is fine, I'm not pre-diabetic. But my doc put me on metformin and victoza and the weight basically fell off because my body wasn't fighting my efforts any more.
I haven’t, but that’s a good suggestion. I’ll wait until the new doc gets here…
Maybe dieting advice/tips in a thread where the OP mentions disordered eating is not the most helpful, even when they did ask for advice. Just my opinion though.
I agree. I think this is good to point out for just general life conversation even though OP said she didn't mind. When someone shares that they have a Hx of disordered eating or have struggled with food and body image stuff, and then a suggestion is centered around diet advice or suggestions of how to lose weight, it does more harm than good.
Post by formerlyak on Sept 23, 2021 8:23:34 GMT -5
Sorry your doc was an ass. I’m overweight and struggled with disordered eating as a teen. After having @@kids@@ I struggled with losing weight. I don’t need a doctor to tell me this! I mean do doctors who say these things think they are telling us something we don’t already know?!?! At my last physical, in November 2019, the doctor I saw handled it much better. She talked with me about my eating, could tell that in my case food is something I can control (I have anxiety about things out of my control), and she made suggestions about small changes I could “control” but would be healthier. She also said she could give me a referral to a dietitian if needed. I liked that approach and it was slowly working … until COVID. But this week, I’ve recommitted to it. My bff has similar issues and her doctor also gave her the dietitian referral and it’s helped her a lot.
I’m an AF kid, so I know sometimes you get what you get with military doctors. But, I also remember we were able to get referred off base for certain things if we asked (the ped was not on base). Is there a way to do that at your base? Maybe a doctor who wasn’t just comparing your stats to the USAF standards chart would be a better fit.
I’m an AF kid, so I know sometimes you get what you get with military doctors. But, I also remember we were able to get referred off base for certain things if we asked (the ped was not on base). Is there a way to do that at your base? Maybe a doctor who wasn’t just comparing your stats to the USAF standards chart would be a better fit.
My friend from college is an Air Force doc, and she’s awesome and a total badass, just like you are VillainV. I’ve always said I wanted to be her when I grew up, ha. I do not think she would have handled this the same way at all. I’m not exactly sure where she’s stationed in the middle south at the moment but it’s probably a short flight away from you. If there’s a way I can link you two, let me know.
I'm so sorry you went through this experience. I recently had a doctor in Korea on base that was horrible. I brought up weight and was concerned about my thyroiemd levels and he told I needed to run at least 16 miles a week and stop weight lifting. I refused appointments with him after that.
If you're looking for a solution, is there an Army base near you? On the base I go to the Army Wellness Clinic and love it. I'm not sure if the naval station you're at has a similar resource. You make your own appointment on the civillan side and they do an array of tests (metabolic and the bod pod). Then you discuss your goals, and get nutrition and workout recommendations based on your test results.
I hope the new doctor is better. Can you put in an ICE complaint? Maybe that will help?
Post by sparkythelawyer on Sept 23, 2021 15:51:23 GMT -5
OMG that goddamned mothertrucking overentitled mediocre dude.
ONLY HE KNOWS. NOT THE NUTRIONISTS, No, certainly not them, don't trust the people with experience in this specialty, no, only trust him, and deny yourself the vitamins and minerals your brain and body needs to function because AN APPLE HAS CARBS ersumshite. What a goddamned troglodyte.
First, thank you for your service, and all you do to help protect our country.
Second, fuck this clown.
Third, maybe the navy has resources on this base you have access to?
I am so sorry. I wish I understood how people like this continue to practice medicine because clearly their concern isn't actually relating to patients in order to help them.
Have a similar history with regard to weight, disordered eating, yo-yo dieting. Have you ever had a glucose tolerance test? I asked for one from my doctor when I couldn't lose weight despite exercise and balanced eating. Turns out, I have insulin resistance. It should have been on my radar because I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. After 3 kids my periods became regular again so I didn't consider that there still might be something else making my body hold onto the weight. My A1c is fine, I'm not pre-diabetic. But my doc put me on metformin and victoza and the weight basically fell off because my body wasn't fighting my efforts any more.
I haven’t, but that’s a good suggestion. I’ll wait until the new doc gets here…
I want to recommend that you don't wait for the new doc hoping they'll be any better.
My dh was a flight doc. Many (not all, but many) choose that path as a way to fulfill their active duty requirement before they receive specialized training in what they actually WANT to do. So they've graduated med school and done fellowship year, but haven't done a residency or specialized (even in general practice) yet. Dh applied to put off his active duty requirement until he could complete residency and was denied. So even though he planned to specialize as a neuroradiologist, he spent a little over 2 years as a flight doc dealing with all the medical issues that came up in his team. I like to hope that he was the type of dr. who would have asked what you tried, made a recommendation based on his limited knowledge, and then referred you out to someone who knows more, but I also know that they are put under pressure to just deal with whatever medical issues come up as quickly and easily as possible, so who knows.
But my advice is to not let this jerk of a doctor deter you, go back and demand a referral to a nutritionist or dietician or whatever specialist will actually listen to you and work with you that is available.
Have a similar history with regard to weight, disordered eating, yo-yo dieting. Have you ever had a glucose tolerance test? I asked for one from my doctor when I couldn't lose weight despite exercise and balanced eating. Turns out, I have insulin resistance. It should have been on my radar because I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. After 3 kids my periods became regular again so I didn't consider that there still might be something else making my body hold onto the weight. My A1c is fine, I'm not pre-diabetic. But my doc put me on metformin and victoza and the weight basically fell off because my body wasn't fighting my efforts any more.
Do you mind if I jump in and pick your brain a little about this? In the last three years I have gained substantial weight around my belly in particular. At my last physical, I asked for an rx for antidepressants. I was (and am) slightly overweight, tired and moody, no energy, melancholy. Dr ordered blood work before she would prescribe. And everything is “normal” but my triglycerides and cholesterol are borderline high and have been for years. Dr advised that I should start taking fish oil to help but no other action needed besides good eating habits. I am definitely not moving as much as I should and maybe my eating habits won’t make me a size zero, but they aren’t bad either. I’m a huge Fruit and veggie eater, rarely have red meat or dairy. I do like carbs but I think I eat sensibly. I did weight watchers and I lost maybe 10 pounds over six months even though I ate according to plan and was rarely taking in more than 1200 calories a day. It seems crazy to me that my bloodwork isn’t better. I wonder if it is worth looking into more. Even though you weren’t prediabetic did your glucose come in elevated? How long have you been on metformin and will you stay on it for life?
Post by ellipses84 on Sept 24, 2021 11:09:10 GMT -5
OP - I hope you get the help you need through those channels. I suggest you make the November appt. That’s only a few weeks away and usually once you get in, follow ups
[mention]mcppalmbeach [/mention] I don’t know how old you are but are you pre or post menopausal? Not having working ovaries can cause you to gain weight in the stomach specifically.
OP - I hope you get the help you need through those channels. I suggest you make the November appt. That’s only a few weeks away and usually once you get in, follow ups
[mention]mcppalmbeach [/mention] I don’t know how old you are but are you pre or post menopausal? Not having working ovaries can cause you to gain weight in the stomach specifically.
I definitely took the November appointment and asked that they call me if they have any cancellations sooner!
Chiming in to agree with the above--I would encourage you to make the nutrition appointment. November is not really that far away. And if you find something else before then, you can always cancel.
ETA: we cross posted! So glad you tooj the appointment! Sorry you are dealing with this
Have a similar history with regard to weight, disordered eating, yo-yo dieting. Have you ever had a glucose tolerance test? I asked for one from my doctor when I couldn't lose weight despite exercise and balanced eating. Turns out, I have insulin resistance. It should have been on my radar because I was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. After 3 kids my periods became regular again so I didn't consider that there still might be something else making my body hold onto the weight. My A1c is fine, I'm not pre-diabetic. But my doc put me on metformin and victoza and the weight basically fell off because my body wasn't fighting my efforts any more.
Do you mind if I jump in and pick your brain a little about this? In the last three years I have gained substantial weight around my belly in particular. At my last physical, I asked for an rx for antidepressants. I was (and am) slightly overweight, tired and moody, no energy, melancholy. Dr ordered blood work before she would prescribe. And everything is “normal” but my triglycerides and cholesterol are borderline high and have been for years. Dr advised that I should start taking fish oil to help but no other action needed besides good eating habits. I am definitely not moving as much as I should and maybe my eating habits won’t make me a size zero, but they aren’t bad either. I’m a huge Fruit and veggie eater, rarely have red meat or dairy. I do like carbs but I think I eat sensibly. I did weight watchers and I lost maybe 10 pounds over six months even though I ate according to plan and was rarely taking in more than 1200 calories a day. It seems crazy to me that my bloodwork isn’t better. I wonder if it is worth looking into more. Even though you weren’t prediabetic did your glucose come in elevated? How long have you been on metformin and will you stay on it for life?
My bloodwork showed no issues and glucose was not elevated at fasting or at the end of the GTT, but I was high in the middle checks. I only asked for the glucose tolerance test because I had a lightbulb moment early last year, that maybe I could still have symptoms of PCOS (including insulin resistance) despite having regular periods again. I was on metformin for years after I was first diagnosed, but had taken a break after kids. My doctor agreed that metformin was safe for me and and worth a try. At that time, he also brought up Saxenda which is used for weight loss and not usually covered by insurance, but Victoza which is marketed for Type 2 diabetes, is the same medication at a lower dose so I tried that as well. I lost 50 lbs in the first 8 months and have been maintaining for 7 months. Compared to the last time I was at this weight in 2017, when I had lost 50 lbs, maintained for 1 month, and then gained 55 lbs!
VillainV, I love update 2! So happy to hear that you found a professional who is able to consider your whole history and make recommendations. It sounds like you ended up in good hands.