STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

I've gained 50 pounds in the last year/Dr. made me feel horrible - Need HELP Please!

kenzie · Chanel

I've never dealt with WW or anything like that, so I have no opinion there, but what your doctor said and her approach seem really rude and cold. Can you try going to another doctor who might treat you better and give you a second opinion on the other symptoms you mentioned? I can see where you would feel horrible after a visit like that.

gingembre1 · Kate Spade

I'm sorry that the doctor made you feel awful - I don't feel like that's ever a doctor's role. A doctor should be there to support you, and help you figure out what you need. That being said, I actually have tried WW, and I did find it helpful. For some reason, the points system made it easier to stick to the healthy eating habits than counting calories. HOWEVER, I DON'T like that WW recommends a lot of "fake sugar" and "low fat" or "fat free" substitutes for various foods. I am personally very against any and all sugar replacements, and I don't think that simply replacing foods with these alternatives is a sustainable way of eating. But they do also emphasize lots of vegetables, whole grains, and fruit, so I'm on board with that.

To me, some of the pros of WW:
1. Points are easy to follow/manage
2. Meetings are pretty supportive
3. Nice little points/incentive programs
4. Good accountability

Cons:
1. They really push WW brand foods, which are full of fake sugar and lots of other additives
2. It gets annoying logging points all the time
3. It's time consuming to figure out points values when you make things that aren't from a WW recipe
4. The online tools cost additional $ on top of the meetings

If you don't want to try WW, some online calorie tracking tools I like are www.myfitnesspal.com, and www.livestrong.com. Whenever I start tracking calories I'm always surprised by how many calories I'm actually eating!

With regards to exercise, the doctor probably mentioned walking because a lot of people are intimidated by the gym, or try to do too much, too soon. Walking is wonderful exercise, requires little to no special equipment, and is something you can do almost any time, any where. Maybe she was just trying to say that every little bit counts? It sounds like this doctor is just really lacking in communication skills, which is unfortunate.

In the past ladies on this forum have started a weight loss support group - I'm sure that there would be people interested in starting one again, myself included!

alb · Marc Jacobs

I am so sorry to hear what you are going through and for how rudely you were treated by the gyno. It sounds like the doctors have ruled out PCOS and a thyroid problem - are there other problems that you think you could be tested for that might be the cause of the weight gain? Are you on any medications that could have weight gain as a side effect? After you have ruled out a medical issue, or even at the same time, you could try WW and see how you like it. I am a huge WW fan. WW helped me lose my baby weight (plus more) after the birth of both of my kids. I love it. The point system works really well. I love the fact that you can eat anything you want as long as you factor in the points for it and you get extra points to use on the weekends or whenever you want (ie if you are going out to dinner or to a party, etc.). Because of that, you don't feel like you are going on a diet at all - it's more of a lifestyle change (as cheesy as it sounds). If you sign up, def. elect for the points system (I think they have two systems to choose from now). Also, the message bd on their site is great. You can get tons of ideas on point friendly lunches, snacks and just how the system works in general. The mtgs are weekly and I actually enjoyed going b/c it was fun to "weigh in" and see how much weight I lost. It's great - I seriously believe it is the easiest way to lose weight (and is the only diet I would recommend)! Good luck!

Kelly · Hermes

First of all, I'm so sorry you're going through this and that the gyno was so harsh!

I have PCOS and from what I understand, you can have normal periods and still have PCOS. Heck, you don't even have to have ovarian cysts to have PCOS! The syndrome involves a huge group of symptoms and most people don't show ALL of them. So it might be worth going to get a second opinion - at least someone who will do bloodwork or something. I find it crazy that she said so definitively that you don't have a problem when she didn't even really check.

An endochronologist could help you figure out if you have a hormonal imbalance (PCOS or anything else).

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I have tried WW and it is okay. I am not really in the mood to count points all day long, but it has helped me when I've been willing to track my diet. I haven't stuck with it to get to where I want to be and follow their maintenance program, so I cannot comment there. I find it rather pricey. And, I hated the meetings. Truely,I was paying $14 a week to be weighned in, and to get the plan info in the first place. The online program may be a way to go.

It doesn't sound like the doctor was particularly helpful. Telling someone to lese weight but not saying much more beyond, join weight watchers and start walking isn't helpful.

I can't say that it was good or horrible advice. If your thyroid and glucose are good, that rules out some medical reasons for weight gain. Not being a doctor, I don't know what other tests are relevant. Weight Watchers is *one* way to lose weight. Not the only way. Walking is a start, but isn't going to shed a lot of pounds. As for the carbs, without knowing what you eat I can't say, but most doctors aren't fans of low-carb diets, but that doesn't mean you don't eat too many carbs. Maybe you do, maybe you don't. I also don't know if the holiday season is the best time to evaluate someone's diet.

It sounds like she thinks losing weight will restore your hormones, which in turn will make your body more in tune and hopefully make it easier for you to continue to lose weight.

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks so much for the support ladies! You could teach this doctor a thing or two.

I probably should have gone to an endocrinologist in the first place - I really have no idea why my derm. suggested an ob/gyn in the first place - I suppose b/c she was thinking I might have PCOS?

I have done WW in the past, and I did lose weight, but I of course gained it all back, and then some. I think they have a lot more options in WW now than when I went back in HS. One thing that I don't like abiut WW is that you have to keep track of everything you eat, and I've tried writing down what I eat in the past, but I always end up dropping the habit after a few days. I suppose I won't really be able to improve my eatint though if I don't have a full picture of my food intake.

I think I might go ahead and see an endocrin. At least then I'd be able to rule out PCOS or a thyroid problem. I also find it odd that she didn't do any tests - those tests were almost a year old! Overall, it was just a horrible appointment - I thought she'd be nice. My derm told me she was the kind of doctor she would want her daughter to see if she had a daughter. Well, frankly, I thought this woman was a bitch.

Alb - I'm only taking one medication (which I just started) for my skin, and that doesn't have weight gain listed as a side effect. I was on bupropion for several months though (which a lot of people LOSE weight on) and I didn't lose a pound.

Also, I'm aware there are risks to taking birth control, but I honestly thought she wasn't going to let me start seasonale again. It was a bit weird. She said, well you'll probably have headaches and mood swings, and there are other risks like blood clots - are you SURE you want to take those risks? I just found the whole thing rather ridiculous. I've been on bcp before, I don't know what she was trying to get at.

Gingembre - I feel you on the whole low fat/no fat subs. I hate them - they're flavorless and often them pump them full of sugar & salt just to make them bearable to eat. Have you tried doing WW online? I'm not sure if I would be able to follow it online, or if I'm one of those people who needs to go to a meeting & face real people.

Boots · Gucci

How that doctor treated you was simply uncalled for and unprofessional IMO. And not particularly helpful.

I lost about 50 or so pounds 10 years ago and have keep all of it off ever since. It was hard and maintenance is also hard. Anybody who tells you different is lying. But it can be done.

I lost the weight on my own through completely changing my lifestyle. I started to not only to eat healthier, I also paid very close attention to portion control. I think the portion control is key. For example, yes, you are eating healthy fat with peanut butter, but you'd be surprised as to how little it takes to rack up the calories. A good nutritionist will be able to help you with portion control.

I also started exercising. I saved my money and bought a treadmill because I knew that I'd use it more often if it was at home than if I spent the money on a gym. There is no excuse for me not to work out when my equipment is at home, but I'm sure I could come up with plenty of excuses if I had to go to a gym instead. And honestly, after a year or two, the gym membership would have been the same as what i spent on the treadmill.

I concentrated on losing small amounts at a time. I couldn't think about losing 50 pounds. I concentrated on losing 2 pounds a week. It took almost a year to fully lose it. And a hell of a lot of will power.

I have a SIL who is in WW right now and is encouraging my brother to join her (he has to lose about 100 pounds for his health.) She likes it and I think the 2 of them doing it together will make it easier for both of them to lose. I think what WW gives you is a routine that can be followed in your daily life, plus it offers a support group that will hold you accountable for your actions. She knows that she has a weigh-in coming up and doesn't want to be that person who didn't drop a pound in her group.

Honestly, what I really want you to take from this post is that you can't beat yourself up. Feeling bad about your weight doesn't make you any healthier. You can do something about your health. You are a smart, capable woman. You can do anything that you set your mind to.

Yana · Dooney & Bourke

Hi! You sound frustrated! Sorry...don't bear a grudge against the doc - she's not your friend, she's the doctor to tell you the facts as she sees them. Peanut butter, avocadoes, nuts do have fats, although healthy - the key here is portion control. The most important thing is that your tests came back good!!! You're healthy - most important & you can watch & work on this imbalance. I know nothing about WW, however a few of my friends tried Jenny Craig - great results. Also, you can try nutritionist - just getting healthier perspective on food. Or endocinologyst ( Sorry if I mispell). YOu state that you're overeating, I certainly don't mean to pry - but it's a form of addiction. Is everything else is in balance in your life? Career? Social life? YOu don't need to answer here in an open forum, just think for yourself. I"m sure you'll find a way to feel better & eat healthier, as my constantly dieting cousin says: I can't disciminate food":))))))))). Best of luck! Feel much better!

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Wetbandit, is your doc in NYC, on 5th ave around 20th street? (above the Juicy store)??? This is the exact same BS I went through - for years, I gained 10 lbs per year regardless of diet or exercise. I complained of acne, excess hair, and pelvic pain. Rather than studying my hormones, my doc gave me hours of speeches about diet and exercise, stressing that WW was the cure.

A year later, I went to an endocrinologist, who finally diagnosed me w PCOS. My periods were pretty regular but there is no denying the massive cysts that showed up on a recent, unrelated MRI of my hip.

I feel like giving a big FUCK YOU to each and every doc and gyno that I saw since the age of 18.

If you are having hormonal imbalances, you should go to an endrocrinologist. Certain imbalances can affect appetite as well as metabolism. It could also explain your lack of energy. I think your doc is of the old-fashioned mind of "oh she's an addict, big shopper, big eater, needs to stop eating munchies on the couch" instead of looking at the REAL problem.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

wetbandit42 wrote:
On the flip side, while I am obsessed with food, I do not eat all day long, which is what she made it sound like I am doing.

This sounds like me - I used to be thinking of food all day long, planning lunch while eating breakfast. I would have a bagel in the morning and be hungry for lunch at 10:30. A lot of that I think was a reactionary chain of events caused by eating too many carbs/sugar. The more you eat, the more your body craves. You may want to look into low-carbing like South Beach to put your cravings down to scale, if they are overzealous.

Stolen blurb from this site about cravings:

Insulin resistance. When you are resistant to insulin (which can happen as a result of a long-term diet high in refined carbohydrates and low in micronutrients), glucose is not able to enter your cells and ends up staying in your blood as a result. This means your cells are starved for the fuel they need to operate, and signals are therefore sent to your brain to increase insulin. This results in cravings for sugar because even though you may be eating enough, your cells arent able to access the food.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

What a bizzitch! She was focused on totally the wrong issues, and--obviously--her delivery left little to be desired.

I think it's important to remember that entities such as WW are meant to provide structure to the process of losing weight and leading a more healthful lifestyle. If you feel you are the type of person who benefits from that external structure, then definitely think about joining. Resist the pressure to buy WW food. The ingredients are miserable, and there is enough information on eating well online if you're unsure about something.

I think a great move would be to talk to a dietitian--whether or not you do WW. At the very least, they can help you come up with new ideas and add more variety to your diet. A RD will be essential if you find out there is some sort of medical reason for weight gain.

I'm a big proponent of clean eating.

This is a decent, short description of it.

People who are addicted to sugar and/or carbs often transition with little grace when they first start eating clean. The fatigue, cravings, and irritability last for just a few days, then it get's better. If you're going to start a clean diet, it's best to start it on a long weekend or when you have a couple days off (warn your family members too!). Some people like to kickstart their clean eating journeys with a smartly conducted cleanse, but that's a whole other story (and is optional).

My favorite healthful recipe and tip website is www.eatingwell.com ----- just in general, it is a great site.

They post really helpful lists like this one:

25 Healthy Casserole Recipes and Cooking Tips

and this one:

25 Healthy Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes or Less

Best wishes, and please try not to let the obgyn's hurtful attitude get you down. She is the one with the problem. I am glad you brought your concerns to us! Gotta get it out!

NCshopper · Hermes

Wait, was that your doctor that told you that or the nurse??? If it was the nurse, I'd call the office to file a complaint. I'm not sure how you'd go about filing a complaint for a doctor. Either way, I'd find another practice and make sure you let the current place know that you were treated so badly that you're leaving.

Anyway, go get those other tests done. Who knows, they might rule something out or they might give you some answers.

Good luck with everything though. This sounds incredibly frustrating for you.

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks so much for all the support! It's really encouraging.

Xtina - I live in WI, but your Dr. sounds exactly like mine! I was appalled that she didn't even do any tests or even feel my ovaries - nothing (do they do that when looking for PCOS?). It was like she just looked at me and decided there was nothing wrong with me. Is one of the symptoms of PCOS weight gain? Maybe this was due to puberty, but once I started developing & started my first period (which I got when I was 11) I just kept gaining weight. I had been overweight before that, but I was also quite tall (I think I was the tallest person in my class until like 5th grade). I just found a diary from h.s. last time I was at my parent's house and I had written down my weight and measurements (hips, waist, etc). These measurements are from 10 years ago, and I've gained 75-80 pounds since then. I was shocked when I saw that. Also, I think reducing my carbs is a good idea - I might check out the South Beach Diet book from the library.

Boots - it's so inspiring to hear about your weight loss. I know part of my problem is that I keep thinking about how much weight I need to lose and then I get so overwhelmed that I throw in the towel. I need to start thinking in smaller chunks, like a few pounds, rather than the total amount I need to lose.

Pollyjean - Thanks for the info on clean eating! I do need to eat more whole foods and less packaged stuff. I would like to start cooking more so that I can control what goes into my food. I have some low-fat cookbooks (Cooking Light & Cook Yourself Thin) I made one of the recipes last night and it was actually quite good.

NCShopper - nope, not the nurse but the doctor who said those things! I was quite appalled, especially with her gastric bypass comment. I will definitely never go to her again!

-- Edited by wetbandit42 on Tuesday 14th of December 2010 12:23:51 PM

-- Edited by wetbandit42 on Tuesday 14th of December 2010 12:24:33 PM

Suasoria · Chanel

The doctor sounds like an idiot with zero bedside manner, and I would explore all the avenues you can to rule out other conditions.

Interesting that an MD would pretend to have nutritional expertise. They generally get about three hours of nutrition education in medical school. And you're 100% right, her diet/weight advice was banal, offensive and totally outdated. As for her comments on WW...I have found that many people who lost weight on WW talk about it like it's a religion - and the *only* religion at that. 'Nuff said.

If we're dishing out food/diet resources ("dishing out;" get it? GET IT??) I like Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Dr. John McDougall. Both emphasize whole foods, plant-based diets, with little to no processed/added oil, no counting calories, points, fat grams, etc. Intuitively it seems easier to me to not have to keep track of everything I put in my mouth, but like Gingembre said, some people benefit from structure.

http://www.drfuhrman.com/
http://www.drmcdougall.com/

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

wetbandit42 wrote:

Thanks so much for all the support! It's really encouraging.

Xtina - I live in WI, but your Dr. sounds exactly like mine! I was appalled that she didn't even do any tests or even feel my ovaries - nothing (do they do that when looking for PCOS?). It was like she just looked at me and decided there was nothing wrong with me. Is one of the symptoms of PCOS weight gain?

Yes and no - in general, people have a really hard time losing weight and a propensity for gaining weight on PCOS. I think too much emphasis is placed on regular periods, esp if you've been on birth control. I too, had a lot of people "look" at me and say no it's nothing, I'm being crazy, dramatic, stop reading too much on the internet (by my regular doc, "I know what you're getting at, no you don't have a hormone disorder"), by my gyno(s, many of whom knew I had cysts and other symptoms) and by my dermatologist (who also knew of all my symptoms). No one put it together bc my periods were "regular".

I'm not trying to diagnose you but to me, rapid weight gain without much change in behavior indicates that SOMETHING is up. I'd def pursue several other doctors, in addition to healthy eating and diet, but 50 lbs in one year.. without any change in behaviors indicates that something is up, IMO.

Hermes

Ugh. I know exactly how you feel. After my ovaries were removed (and I cannot do hormone replacement therapy in any form because it could bring my cancer back), I put on at least 50 lbs. My doctor is not sympathetic either. I desperately need to lose weight. The chaos my life, especially in the past year, has been has thrown my schedule off too, and I really need to get exercise in regularly.

I bought Jillian Michael's "Master Your Metabolism" and it's all advice based on hormones. I was really bummed because I can't do any of what she suggests, as it involves hormone therapy. It might be a good book for you to pick up, because it sounds like it would work.

If someone wants to start up a weight loss support group, I should probably participate...

wetbandit42 · Marc Jacobs

Thanks Xtina - I definitely plan on having some blood work done. This is not normal. Before, I put on weight slowly, but steadily - like 10 pounds a year, so 50 pounds in one year is just not normal. I might have a better idea of whether my periods are regular if I started keeping track of them - I always forget to write down on my calendar when it came and went, so when my doc asks me if my periods are regular, I always say yes, cause I really have no idea.

D - thanks for the book suggestion! I'll check it out - sounds like it could be useful. I know what you mean. This weight gain has been awful. I mean, I was overweight before and very uncomfortable in my own skin, but now I feel awful - I don't even like to leave the house because I'm so embarassed. Feeling like a hostage in your body is not fun.

Btw, I don't know why so many jerks go to med school! They are seriously lacking in the empathy department. I have a friend who's graduating from med school in May and she's become intolerable to be around. I saw her recently and talking to her made me want to stab myself in the eye - she acts like she knows everything b/c she's a doctor, but despite that she seems to have forgot that people aren't perfect & make mistakes when it comes to their health. She kept making offensive comments about people & their health choices. She better work on her bedside manner! Even worse, she's going to be an ob/gyn...

ETA: I'd be game for starting a weight loss support group as well! Good luck to you D!

-- Edited by wetbandit42 on Wednesday 15th of December 2010 05:41:31 PM

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

wetbandit42 wrote:

I might have a better idea of whether my periods are regular if I started keeping track of them - I always forget to write down on my calendar when it came and went, so when my doc asks me if my periods are regular, I always say yes, cause I really have no idea.

-- Edited by wetbandit42 on Wednesday 15th of December 2010 05:41:31 PM

Start tracking it! I use an iphone app to track it and I started discovering my cycle is shorter, and that I've skipped without realizing it. My app also lets you log details and it's pretty simple to use. This may be helpful:

http://www.geeksugar.com/iPhone-Apps-Track-Your-Period-8575724

If you don't have a bberry or iphone you can track via your calendar or there are websites that email you alerts and whatnot:

http://www.mymonthlycycles.com/

Hermes

You know, wetbandit, they are people like you and I. I consider them akin to car mechanics, in that they provide diagnostic and repair services for your vehicle/body. I often know more than my primary care physician does. I only go to her because of her location and hospital affiliation. I think she's an idiot. This fall, during my last physical, I told her I had the flu. She as usual, was dismissive and told me it was too early for the flu. I then told her there had been several flu diagnosis in our county in the last month (she then said nothing.) There's other things she's done too that just demonstrate how unknowledgeable she is about common ailments. You really have to be your own doctor and hire them for diagnostics and repair -- totally discovered this while I was sick.

Back when I was having periods, I kept track of them on mymonthlycycles too. Even had my doctor look up my records online during an appointment once. It was very convenient. I'd imagine a mobile app would be even more convenient.