Hi everyone. The last time I went to a dr. he told me I was grossly overweight and that I should weigh 100 pounds. 110, tops. He thought I weighed 150 (without weighing me) Well, to be honest, I'd say I'm probably around the 200 mark. I should mention that I'm 5'2. Apparently I don't LOOK like I weigh 200, so that's good. Here's the thing though, I know I'd like to lose weight, but I'm afraid. There. I said it. I'm too afraid to go on a diet. When I was 11, I was already 5'2 and weighed about 140. A little chunky. But doctors kept saying I was obese. Well, that didn't help my self-esteem. Then I got the idea that if I cut out ice cream (I loved ice cream) I would lose at least some weight. Time passed and I lost weight. People kept telling me that I looked better. And that felt great. So I cut back on other foods. Before long, I kept telling everyone that I wasn't hungry. I would eat like an apple or something every day. The weight was falling off. Finally, I got down to 87. Bones were sticking out of me and (looking back) it was kinda gross. Well, I ended up getting force-fed. When this happened, I would just vomit it right back up. Drs couldn't understand why I still wasn't gaining weight. It took a long time, but I finally got to a normal weight. Then the cycle repeated, only not so severe. I'm back, obviously, to a "fat" stage. I would like to go on a diet, but am afraid I might revert to just not eating and/or throwing up. When I told the dr. about this, he completely laughed it off, as if it shouldn't be a concern. When I went in a week later for a check-up (I got hurt at work--they wanted to make sure I was okay) he scolded me for not losing any weight. He didn't weigh me that time either...just kinda "sized" me up. Aside from the being afraid to diet and being overweight, I also have some back problems. They make excercising a bit painful. With all that said...any ideas on what to do? Sorry this is so long. Thanks in advance. :D

Sounds like you might be a compulsive eater, if you just "bulked up" again after weighing so little. Do you eat when you are actually hungry and stop when you are full? Or do you eat for other reasons and stop when you are bursting?... Your doctor sounds a little rude... Not very encouraging or repectful of your feelings... you might want to see a nutritionist or start some sort of food plan if you are trying to lose weight. You have to JUST rely on exercise... especially if it hurts you. Good luck!

first of all I have to say.......what the ****?!!!!!! Your doctor seems a right *sshole!! For one...Im 5 2 and I looked in the so-called 'healthy' range and the lowest weight is around 100lbs and the highest is around 130 or something...so he got it wrong. Secondly...how dare he laugh at your concerns!!!!! I understand what u r saying...I really do...I think u need to consult a nutritionist (do u know one local to u?)..they are the best people to help u work out the right diet for u. How much are u wantin to lose on average? Im sorry to cut this short..my dad just got back from work..have gotta dash!!
will reply to this again soon

Love
Caroline x x x

I'm with eminemworshipper, your doctor sounds like a complete jerk! First off, he has no business being so insensitive when discussing your weight with you. Especially when he knows you have an eating disorder history! That's very unprofessional. Secondly, he's completely wrong in telling you that you should weigh no more than 110lbs. That's near the lower end of the healthy weight range for your height. So to hold you to such a rigid standard is completely ridiculous, and he should know better.

If I were in your position, I would never want to see that doctor again. Doctors are supposed to help you, not to make you feel bad about yourself. I definitely think you should try to find another doctor who will understand your concerns and help you to reach your goals. There are healthy ways to lose weight, but you need help from supportive people to be able to do it right.

I can understand where you're coming from being afraid to diet. I'm pregnant right now, and I'm soooo afraid of what is going to happen when I start trying to lose weight after the baby is born. It's hard to know how to do things like that properly, without becomming completely obsessed.

Oh trust me, I told my workplace that the dr. was a jerk. But he's the company doc. Luckily, the only time I ever have to see him is if I get hurt at work (Thank God!!!) I've actually wondered if I'm a compulsive eater. It's like I have to do something with my hands/mouth ALL the time, or I get all spastic. Um, let's see... As for my target weight I'd like to weigh anywhere from 135-160. I just don't look healthy otherwise. I got lucky and always *look* about 30-60 pounds less than I actually weigh. :D
As for nutritionists, well, after I got hurt at work, my company hasn't called me for more assignments (it's a temp place) Since I'm not working, my insurance was cancelled (they gave me the option to have 6 months coverage...but at 400/month for minimum coverage for just me...whatever!) So, I don't have any $ until my tax refunds come in. But I'll keep it in mind for when that nice, fat, tax check comes in :D

if you have to have something in your mouth or hands at all times, that sounds a lot like me. first of all, you have to be really careful about when/where you eat. if you are sitting on the couch watching TV (like i do all the time) you will snack. there is no way around it... those cupboards call your name whether you like it or not. so, i have started doing things to keep me busy while i watch TV... like i cross-stitch... which is not the coolest activity in the world, but i CAN'T eat while i do it, it just isn't possible. so, you can always try things like that. another thing you can try is chewing gum or sucking on hard candy. although those things may have calories in them, they aren't as bad as say a box full of cookies :)

well, luckily for you, i don't think you really need to see a doctor again. especially since you don't have access to one... you aren't to the extreme where you need a prescription or surgery, you just need to get a healthy diet and exercize program going.

also, i think if you do a search online, you will find 1-800 numbers for nurses and things like that... which are free.

good luck!!