Tired of dr's and Fat.
August 23, 2012 3:50 PM   Subscribe

Looking for suggestions to handle the medical proffesion constantly telling me that my only problem is that I am FAT.

I am at wit's end. If I have a problem and I go and talk to a medical 'professional' about it it, they all default to the weight issue. I have and always will be a larger woman. I will never be 'thin' by their standards. It's how I am made. I have worked out, been lighter, but never thinner. I have dieted, done the rounds, I am what I am. I get to a point where I am ok with it. I work very hard to accept it. Then I go in for a question and they always tell me the same thing. Lose weight, great, well if I COULD do that, don't you think I would have already? I really don't know what to do anymore. I can not eat for weeks and I will gain a pound. The ONLY thing that works is hard core cardio for a min of 60-90 mins 4 times a week, and that gets me into better shape, but still does not make me thin. My BMI is always, always considered obese. I am lost.
posted by Weeping Angel to Health & Fitness (40 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
 
I understand your frustration. Are there any specific health problems you're looking to deal with? It might be easier for us to give advice about how to talk to doctors about specific issues you're concerned about.
posted by ocherdraco at 4:01 PM on August 23, 2012


There are general practitioners who bill themselves as Health At Any Size docs, if you can find one in your area, that might be helpful.

You haven't said what issues you're seeing these docs for -- you don't have to be specific if you don't want to, but are they issues that might be related to weight (but you need not-weightloss-related ways of dealing), or are these more like you going in for strep throat and you get a weight lecture?

I (personally) find health advice that just amounts to "lose weight" to be more or less useless in isolation, for the reasons you state. For some people, seeing a specialist like a nutritionist can help, especially if there might be an underlying issue (like intolerance to certain kinds of foods) which could be causing a variety of problems, including weight-related ones. Bonus to that is, if you get a nutritionist, you can tell any general practitioner that brings weight up that you're on it, and to please focus on the issue at hand. And then don't go back to the ones who can't handle that.
posted by feckless at 4:05 PM on August 23, 2012


I get the fat-shaming from doctors too. My response of late has been "yes, I know I need to lose weight and I am working on it, but I want to do it in a healthy manner which means it is going to take a long time. What can I do about my [chronic headaches/amputated foot/whatever condition I am actually there to discuss] RIGHT NOW?" That usually gets me the info I need.
posted by joan_holloway at 4:16 PM on August 23, 2012 [7 favorites]


Response by poster: Sorry, rather upset and frustrated, omitted useful details.
The current issue is that I had a spinal fusion bad in 2007 and have never felt that I got my energy back. Last year I moved from the Toronto area to Windsor. The state of dr's and health care in Windsor is abysmal. I finally managed to actually GET a family dr. He decided that it must be a sleep issue. So he sent me to the sleep clinic. that was unfun. Went to see them today for results and the dude there says that I have 'weight related sleep apnea' (spelling?)
So basically I am to fat to sleep well. Great.
Which puts me back into the same circle I have with all the dr's. Lose weight, sure, np, would love to, but I have no energy to do so. But if you worked out you would get it, sure and if I had energy I could work out?

I have been anemic on and off my whole life. My body is picky about food. Dieticians hate me b/c I don't/can't eat most of the stuff the recommend. I hate frozen food, so most plans don't work for me. I'm lactose intollerant and don't eat seafood or pork.
I also don't eat badly! I do eat healthy foods, cook a lot myself, love thai and indian food, etc.

I've seen a chinese herbalist/accupunturist type before. They told me this is pretty much who I am (weight wise) and that I was better to work with it then fight it.

Now I will have to got back to my dr. next week, he will say that it's the sleeping thing and offer me no other help. I have no other dr. options here in Windsor and I am so drained and tired that I feel like a woman on the edge. I am losing my mind, feel like I have turbo PMS 24/7...feel almost manic, i can't focus on anything...and I am always always tired.
posted by Weeping Angel at 4:18 PM on August 23, 2012


Response by poster: er, that should have been 'back' in 2007..not bad...the surgery itself was fine.
posted by Weeping Angel at 4:19 PM on August 23, 2012


Is losing weight the only treatment they're offering for the sleep apnea, or are they offering you other options? You should be able to get a CPAP to help you sleep better. The people I know who have this say it makes a HUGE difference in things like sleep quality and energy level.

And FWIW, thin people can also get sleep apnea and require a CPAP.
posted by pie ninja at 4:27 PM on August 23, 2012 [15 favorites]


Where non-weightloss treatments exist for serious co-morbidities of overweight, your doctors are badly mistreating you not to prescribe, or at least suggest them -- such as CPAP or throat surgery for sleep apnea, drugs for Type II diabetes or hypertension, etc.

The problem is that doctors know that weightloss is a far better cure than any of those therapies, and cheaper too, which makes doctors focus on it, even if they know or should know most people can't achieve and sustain significant weightloss.
posted by MattD at 4:32 PM on August 23, 2012 [2 favorites]


Sometimes just a mouthpiece can fix sleep apnea. I had one for awhile that held my lower jaw in place so it wouldn't sink down into my neck and choke me. Worked pretty well.

I'm sorry you're frustrated. If you decide you want to change your habits, i.e. stricter dieting and adding strenuous regular exercise you really have to go into it with full understanding that it is going to fucking suck ass for a good amount of time. It will feel impossible to continue, be occasionally humiliating, make you super resentful of pretty much everything.

But that doesn't last forever. The fact is that your body loves exercise and will reward you for it. Other than positive social experiences, exercise is the number one thing that ameliorated my depression (above even all the pills I take). And it sounds like you might be edging toward stress-induced depression.

Exercise to make your body better at exercising, not to become thin. Focus on getting stronger and lasting longer. If you can get your exercise through an activity you can actually enjoy a bit, even better, focus on getting better at that activity. Most importantly you've got to just figure out how to be comfortable with the fact that you're going in on the ground floor and that change will take time and it's momentum will grow, as if you were pushing a gigantic boulder down the road. At first it'll feel like nothing is getting done, and what's the point, but when it starts rolling it gets easier from there.
posted by TheRedArmy at 4:57 PM on August 23, 2012 [2 favorites]


My parents are not thin and they both have cpap machines for their sleep apnea. I recommend getting a second opinion and/or specifically requesting a cpap.
posted by amapolaroja at 5:14 PM on August 23, 2012


Hmmm, IANAD but the symptoms you mention could be related to depression: feeling exhausted and like everything is a HUUUUUUGE effort, tired all the time, "chronic PMS", inability to concentrate. But you didn't come here for a diagnosis.

I suggest pursuing the sleep apnea angle. If you can't find a "Health at any Size" doctor, then lie and say that you are working on adding more veggies to your diet (or whatever you think will placate the dr). Then say "I know it will take some time before the dietary changes really make a difference in my weight, and I really need to improve my sleep NOW, so what treatment options can we explore?"
posted by tuesdayschild at 5:15 PM on August 23, 2012 [2 favorites]


Take a look at this article on "how to stand up to your doctor about fat shaming". It has some strategies that might help.
posted by lollusc at 5:18 PM on August 23, 2012 [4 favorites]


Just because they say it's weight related does not mean your doctor won't do something about it now. Sleep apnea can be too dangerous NOT to do something about it. My husband has it-they made sure he got a cpap machine. He was overweight at the diagnosis-but guess what? Apnea can and does cause weight gain!

So go back to your physician and insist on some immediate help.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 5:20 PM on August 23, 2012 [1 favorite]


I agree about finding a doc who will consider a CPAP, but you may also consider trying some melatonin supplements, which helped me tremendously with my crappy sleep (not quite at the level of apnea, though).

I'm not a doctor, of course, and what worked for me, a random Internet person, may not work for you, etc., etc.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 5:21 PM on August 23, 2012


I wish that there was more emphasis, for all of us, because all of us will be consumers of healthcare, on healthcare literacy--it is something that I feel strongly that providers should work with their patients on, and this literacy includes effective communication about your history and chief complaints. I am sorry that your provider is not opening up this kind of conversation with you, and extending education to you to help you communicate. I have such a hard time understanding how providers can leave the exam room, with a patient who is frustrated and shut down, just sitting on the table.

So a few things that I hope will help you open up a productive conversation that puts the emphasis on your needs, questions, and concerns, and requires, then, your provider to be more objective in his or her physical exam (basically, a primer on talking to your provider that anticipates what they care about in taking patient history):

*Express that you are concerned about X (and put X into a single statement), and that X has greatly impacted your functionality in _______ area of your life (for example, I am concerned about my energy level post spinal surgery in 2007. I am unable to focus, sleep well, or regulate my mood).
*Tell your practitioner how long this has been going on and how you have marked the time frame (e.g. I have been without normal energy and focus for four years. I started keeping track of my slow loss of productivity and function after some work difficulties 3 years ago).
*Tell your practitioner what improves your level of functionality and if this palliative effort is losing or gaining efficacy (e.g. A year ago, I noticed that if I stick to eating a very restricted diet of foods that is pretty unsustainable, I could achieve some level of improved energy, but I am losing that effect, and no amount of extra sleep or dietary control helps.). Also tell them if there is something that used to be palliative but is now no longer possible due to the progression of your illness (e.g. Two years ago, if I exercised vigorously, my energy improved. However, I have lost enough function that I can no longer exercise).
*Tell your practitioner what provokes your illness (e.g. Some these foods _______ and these activities _________ greatly reduce my level of energy, even under the lowest baseline. I have to do everything I can to avoid those things, even though it is difficult to live my life avoiding them).
*Tell your practitioner how progressive your illness is, within a time frame (e.g. Three years ago, I could do a, b, and c. Two years ago, I could only do b and c. A year ago, if I was very careful, I could manage c. Now, I have lost function for all of those things).
*Conclude with your request to get an objective baseline of your health that day--this is where you can acknowledge any kind of general assessment the practitioner may make by just looking at you and also assert your desire for him or her to maintain objectivity to help you (e.g. While I recognize that my BMI puts me in the obese range, though I make many healthy choices, I would be interested in getting baseline labs on my health status/getting my back re-imaged/pursuing any other objective measures you think might work to help me get good treatment.

In sum--Concern+loss of function+timeframe+palliative measures+provoking issues+progression+request for objective measures and partnership. It's even better if you can provide all of those things for each separate chief complaint. I would also think about how to make your personal narrative as succinct as possible and restrict it to the symptoms and factors that are most related to loss of function. Anything that is hard to remember like medications, or lists of food intolerances, or recent tests results, bring in a list to hand to the provider.

I really hope this helps you so that you can get better partnership on your concerns.
posted by rumposinc at 5:53 PM on August 23, 2012 [12 favorites]


Response by poster: Thanks everyone for the insights.

Just to clarify. I am not some 500lbs recluse who can't get off the couch b/c I won't give up mc'd's.
I am prestently a full time student, normally active to get through life, but I feel as though everything is too heavy and too hard right now. It feels like I am anemic again (but I am not), drained, it's hard to unpack groceries from the car, it leaves me more drained then it should. I know this b/c it hasn't always been like this. While I feel I could escape a fire, if I increase my activity level to say, anything close to a workout, I am flattened for 2-3 days. It's not normal for ME. And that is what I have been asking my Dr. to help with.

I get the whole working out makes you feel better. Martial arts for years, I really get it. But the drained I feel now, is not normal aches and pains of a good work out. It's like 80 old woman tired. I can't do martial arts anymore b/c it killed my knee. I can't do a lot of the workout stuff I would like to b/c of that AND my back to a degree. I used to enjoy yoga and dance classes too.

Cpap is an option, however, sadly it's not one I can presently afford. And I know someone will point out that 'how can you afford not too?' angle, but seriously, I am funded for school and not making enough money to survive on right now, with sporatic part time work. If I could do it, or it comes to a point when I can, I will. The dental device, costs more then the cpap and is not generally effective in 'weight' related apnea.
Melatonin supliments contain lactose, so I can't take them, tried that, lol.

The kicker to this is they are telling me that if I lose enough weight I probably won't have it anymore.

I don't mean to be negative or whine about it, but I have tried SOOOO many things already, and nothing works, or sticks or helps long term. Working out was fun and felt good when I had been doing it for a while, i really wish I could keep doing it.

I'll give the family dr a shot next week, with an open mind. I fear that I will be disapointed. I will make the list and points, but I have already made him aware of most of it.
I just don't know. . .
posted by Weeping Angel at 6:13 PM on August 23, 2012


Response by poster: and someone define FWIW?

yes, but thin people do not get diagnosed with 'weight related' sleep apnea.....

and honestly, I think this runs in my family, and I've prob had it my whole life. The 'problems' I am having don't feel like they relate to sleep. It feels more like a chemical inbalance.... like something is just out of wack....like PMS feels. when you start to get pissed off or sad a tv commercial...and you start to think...wtf? is wrong with me today..then you realize it's your 'black monday' and do the ahhhh moment of understanding...
posted by Weeping Angel at 6:18 PM on August 23, 2012 [1 favorite]


Fwiw = For what it's worth
posted by dd42 at 6:28 PM on August 23, 2012


For What It's Worth.

Have them check your thyroid.
posted by bq at 6:28 PM on August 23, 2012 [3 favorites]


Response by poster: thank you! that was driving me a little nutso...and like i need the help? lol

Yeah, been there, done that too. Not my thyroid. Apparently my iron right now is fine. And after the iron shots in my butt over a year ago, my iron storage seems to holdin' it's own too...

Good thought though, would have 'splained a lot.
posted by Weeping Angel at 6:35 PM on August 23, 2012


There's a great previous post on buying a cost-effective CPAP in Canada that may help.

Also, I think rumpsinc really has it in terms of explaining things to your doctors. I have had crummy non-diagnosable exhaustion issues myself, and what helped the most in getting doctors to take that seriously was being very specific about how it affected my life and the specific changes it had forced me to make.

I also agree with the people who suggested that these symptoms sound like they could be depression, which is very much a chemical imbalance.
posted by pie ninja at 6:35 PM on August 23, 2012


Response by poster: Yeah, I agree. But my Dr. wouldn't discuss anything else until we had ruled out sleeping..which is why I feel so ... um.... what's the phrasing for this? discouraged to go to him now that he has proven there is a sleeping problem, I feel that he won't bother with anything else.

And if I am unable to buy the stupid piece of equipment, then I will...what? not willing to solve the issue? you follow my thoughts on this?

I'm prob just babbling now.

With my back issues, the phrase I learned was 'XXX is affecting my way/quality of life'. That was how I finally go that diagnosed and treated (only took what, 3 yrs in total? rolls eyes)
posted by Weeping Angel at 6:40 PM on August 23, 2012


Sorry, I know you're not looking for a diagnosis, but maybe you're B-vitamin deficient. Your symptoms remind me of my sister's before she found out her body couldn't absorb B-vitamins through food. Now she gets injections and feels much better. (I take a sublingual supplement.)

Regarding your sleep apnea, what about those special pillows that tilt your head a certain way? Maybe you could try one of those.

(The mods are probably going to ask you to stop thread sitting, though.)
posted by désoeuvrée at 6:46 PM on August 23, 2012


I definitely vote for investigating whether this is depression-related. It could definitely explain the 80 year old tired feeling that you have.
posted by Leezie at 7:00 PM on August 23, 2012


Or vitamin D? I had unexplained fatigue a couple of years ago, which was eventually diagnosed as slightly hypothyroid, slightly anemic, and VERY vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is cheap, and if you take that plus a multivitamin with B, iron, calcium, and magnesium, and throw in some omega 3 (fish oil capsules), you might find yourself feeling a lot better. Seriously, I was at the lie-on-the-sofa level of fatigue, and a few months later I felt SO much better.

I'm also an insomniac, and did a night of sleep lab testing for apnea. Turns out I didn't have it; I'm just a super restless sleeper. I can't take prescription sleeping pills, but melatonin plus benedryl plus REALLY GOOD earplugs and sleep mask have made a huge difference in my sleep. I felt silly paying fifteen bucks or whatever for a sleep mask, but it was worth ten times that in insomnia reduction for me.

I know this doesn't address your issue of fat shaming with your doctor, but I also know how life-draining it is to be exhausted all the time. When my exhaustion got better, my quality of life immensely improved.
posted by instamatic at 7:06 PM on August 23, 2012 [1 favorite]


If the OP has sleep apnea, that can and does produce depression.

My husband has sleep apnea. It went undiagnosed for years. Being exhausted all the time exacerbates every other problem one has. He was depressed, cranky, exhausted, and a royal pain in the butt. Plus he was gaining weight. That cpap machine was a literal lifesaver.

To the op-if a cpap machine is what you need, I would talk to the doctor about what options I would have to get and pay for it. I understand your concern with expense-the cpap machine we have now is a literal miracle in that the original one hubby had broke and we had NO money for a new one-we were in the middle of a home forclosure. Turns out a coworker of mine had a brand new never-been-used one THAT SHE GAVE US.

I'm not saying everyone has a coworker with a cpap machine, but I am saying, don't give up yet, the fight for your health is worth it.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 8:00 PM on August 23, 2012 [5 favorites]


I don't know why people keep trying to diagnose you when you've actually received a diagnosis. Now whether your sleep apnea is caused by your weight or something else is irrelevant. You have sleep apnea, plain and simple and it isn't something that just goes away (unless you have weight related sleep apnea and you lose weight). Sleep apnea can be a serious condition and causes all the things you describe. Chronic fatigue is going to fuck with your emotions and makes it hard to lose weight. Sleep apnea isn't something that a doctor can throw pills at. What do you want out of the doctor? Even if you had some kind of vitamin deficiency that gets treated, you are still going to suffer from fatigue from the sleep apnea.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 8:12 PM on August 23, 2012 [4 favorites]


When I smoked, I was thin, and everything that was wrong with me was because I smoked.

Then I quit smoking and got fat and for the last ten years everything that's wrong with me is because I'm fat.

I went to a doctor once who asked if I drink alcohol? Negative.
Then - do I smoke? Negative.
Then - drugs? Negative.
Hmm... how about caffeine? Yes - a cup of coffee a day and plenty of iced tea.

Aha! I got a five-minute lesson in the evils of caffeine. She actually described in finite detail how caffeine "leaches out of" a teabag in the water, and the longer I leave the teabag in the water, the more caffeine I'd have in my tea.

Oh, yes - they also blame things now on my age; try to get out of that one when you cross into "senior"land!

You need a thorough exam. You have "dyspnea on exertion" and you need to know why and to have it treated. You have a right to insist on decent medical care, but I understand what a battle it is to actually find it. I wish you the best.
posted by aryma at 9:39 PM on August 23, 2012


Response by poster: thanks for the more insight. it's helpful to know other face the same kind of issues.
I honestly don't feel as though I have any trouble sleeping. I don't suffer from insomia.
I do take a b-complex and a multivitamin, have tried vit. D as well. No noticable difference.

And yes, Aryma, it really does feel that no matter what, it's just blame it on something-there solved.

It's my first thread on meta...so I was really curious to see how fast people responded. is it frowned upon to watch your thread closely? A close friend turned me on to this site a while back, first time I've really felt the need to use it. :-)
posted by Weeping Angel at 10:15 PM on August 23, 2012


Mod note: Hi, Weeping Angel, moderator here; there's no problem with watching your thread, but the convention is to ask your question, then relax and let people answer without responding to every comment. It's best just to comment to answer questions raised or clarify a misunderstanding if it's important to the resolution of the problem. Welcome to the site!
posted by taz (staff) at 10:40 PM on August 23, 2012


Something that helps me when dealing with doctors and weight is to talk about the history of my weight. I have been about the same weight, +/- 10 lbs, for the last 8 years, and some doctors will rule out weight if the time doesn't fit. (Some doctors, though, are just stuck there like a broken record--the worst one I've ever had was "Hi Dr, I think I sprained my ankle." "Do you think you are getting enough exercise? You should lose some weight." If you have a doctor like that, the only solution is to change doctors; it sounds like that might not be possible for you.)

Anyway, it sounds like your weight has been pretty steady; maybe you can work that into rumposinc's narrative format, something like... Three years ago, when I weighed X pounds, I could do a, b, and c. Two years ago, when I still weighed X pounds, I could only do b and c. A year ago, when I weighed X pounds, if I was very careful, I could manage c. Now, at my current weight of X+5 pounds, I have lost function for all of those things)

If your medical issues are new, and your weight is not new and has been stable over the same period of time when you acquired the issues, that might help encourage your doctor to look elsewhere. You could potentially do this kind of thing with your sleep, too--if you REALLY feel your sleep quality has not changed since before the start of your problems, do say that! Don't be afraid also to explain your history with exercise and weight to the doctor. And if when it comes down to it, they insist on sending you out the door with a "get some exercise" lecture, then YOU insist on booking in to see them again in a month's time to discuss your progress, which will give you another shot at them sooner rather than later.
posted by snorkmaiden at 10:48 PM on August 23, 2012


One last thing, didn't see anybody mention it... has your doctor tested for chronic fatigue?
There are some good insights in this thread, particularly the answers affirming that Fatigue is a Real Thing and about how to keep asking for better medical advice than "lose weight". If you go with rumposinc's suggestion you'll be able to quantify your symptoms for your doctor, which is a lot easier for him/her to understand than "I feel tired all the time" (which is true but that can mean different things for different people).
posted by tuesdayschild at 6:14 AM on August 24, 2012


Sleep apnea is not insomnia. It sounds like you don't even know what sleep apnea is. I'd suggest reading up on it.
posted by MaryDellamorte at 6:31 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]


In Ontario your school or local social services might be able to help to help you get the funds for the CPAP.

Discretionary Benefits are sometimes available to help people who aren't on "Ontario Works" aka welfare with medical expenses like a CPAP.

The links between sleep apnea, depression and energy are well known. It seems ridiculous to me that your doctor wont offer you alternative treatment supports while you're sorting out a CPAP. Could you take someone with you to your next doctor's appointment who could advocate effectively for you? It's sometimes easier to push for those of us who aren't feeling personally attacked while exhausted.

Your examples of being unable to unload the groceries is a powerful one to me. Especially if that wasn't your normal.

You are not being unreasonable, you can & will find the answers, don't give up.
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 6:33 AM on August 24, 2012


Both of my husband's parents were diagnosed with sleep apnea and given CPAPs. Neither one of them thought that they had sleep problems - they were both getting 8 hours of sleep a night, never consciously woke up, and never had trouble falling asleep (in other words, no insomnia). But the apnea was really messing with the quality of rest that they were getting. My mother-in-law in particular was really affected by this in terms of energy levels and emotional stability, which it sounds like you are experiencing. For her, the CPAP was near-miraculous - she had energy again, her depression lifted, and her hair-trigger temper went away.

I know you are frustrated, and you have limited funds, but read through that thread on getting a cost-effective CPAP in Canada that was linked upthread, and talk with your doctor about how to get treatment for the sleep apnea NOW while you "work on losing weight". In other words, pay lip service to the weight loss bit while talking the doctor into giving you the treatment you need. When the quality of your sleep improves, I have no doubt that your energy levels and emotional state will as well. tuesdayschild's suggestion, "I know it will take some time before the dietary changes really make a difference in my weight, and I really need to improve my sleep NOW, so what treatment options can we explore?" is spot-on.
posted by bedhead at 7:35 AM on August 24, 2012 [2 favorites]


The suggestion to see if someone can come with you to the dr. is a great one if you have a friend or family member that would be willing to help you collate all the details. So many times I have forgotten to ask about something I meant to or gone along with a dr.'s suggestion when I should have just mentioned some other detail. I'm not saying put the dr. on the defensive or anything, but you've acknowledged the mood and fatigue stuff going on so it may be helpful to have someone in the room who can back you up. Plus it is another perspective for the doctor to draw from, or for you to present. (If it works, no need to create super awkward zone if it doesn't) If not that then definitely the list idea.

Anything to help avoid the frustration after of, 'oh I was supposed to mention x, and I wish I had been firmer on y.'

Best of luck
posted by Feantari at 7:58 AM on August 24, 2012


I hear you, Weeping Angel. I really do. My dad was an overweight man with weight related sleep apnea. He got the machine. What eventually worked for him was the surgery, but that's a more drastic solution that you may not require.

If explaining yourself exhaustively yet again doesn't work, I recommend seeking another doctor. Oddly, I have found that female doctors and overweight male doctors are less likely to pull fat blaming/shaming on me, and look for a solution that will help me in the state I am in at present. I'm sure there are fat blaming/shaming female doctors and male overweight doctors out there, I just haven't been unfortunate enough to come across one.
posted by Meep! Eek! at 8:17 AM on August 24, 2012


I know medical stuff. Family connections, education and work. But I find it very helpful to take my partner with me to the doctor on occasion. I enjoy the visit and loose track of the serious stuff. LOL! Take someone. It's good!

The weight thing. I'm sorry, but just for your emotional well-being, I'll offer some advice that isn't terribly serious, but may make you feel a bit better.

Look the doc in the eye and say, "Gee, doc. Low hanging fruit much? Do better than that, or forget your fee!" And MEAN IT.

Why yes, I'm rather anti-social, and have been known to be extra sensitive about weight. (Brooklyn accent) You wanna make somethin' of it? (/Brooklyn).
posted by Goofyy at 10:28 AM on August 24, 2012


Health at Every Size

Find a fat- or HAES-friendly practitioner.
posted by SassHat at 12:30 PM on August 24, 2012


Sadly our culture buys into the "perverted appetite" theory, which blames the overweight person of lacking the self-control to "be thin." It simply is not true. Being overweight is a physiological condition driven by your biology. Studies show that even if you starve yourself, your body will continue to store fat rather than burn it as fuel.

The amount you eat and the amount you exercise has nothing to do with how your body stores fat, which is totally contrary to what we're taught and, unfortunately, what most doctors these days (actually since the 1960's) prescribe.

I strongly encourage you to read this book - it changed my life forever:
Why We Get Fat And What To Do About It - by Gary Taubes
posted by blahtsk at 4:57 PM on August 24, 2012


I will tell you from personal experience that this is EXACTLY how I felt when I was Vitamin D deficient and that you cannot usually reolad your system with over the counter Vitamin D. It takes megadoses that come as a prescription. Once it's built back up in your system, then a daily over the counter dose maintains it.

I also felt as you do when my antidepressant stopped working (I had been on it for several years). My doctor added a second one that solved the problem. I was a new person and felt energetic and full of life again.

I get the part about exhaustion from unloading the groceries and other simple tasks that exhaust you. I would drive home and then sit in the car in the garage for many minutes, not having the energy or will to get out and go inside. Once I did, I crashed in bed for the rest of the evening.

Anyway, Vit D on one occasion and new meds on another were the answers for me.

Hugs and best of luck to you. I understand.
posted by michellenoel at 12:42 PM on August 30, 2012 [1 favorite]


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