Just before third grade, I remember sitting in the doctor’s office with my mom and older brother. The pre-school physical was an annual event, and Doctor D was about to have some fun at my brother’s expense.
"OK Thunder Thighs, up on the scale."
I couldn’t help but snort out a laugh, one that would quickly come back to haunt me.
"I wouldn’t be giggling there, Sneaky Fats," the doctor exclaimed.
I was just called Sneaky Fats. By my doctor.
More after the jump.
WHEE (Weight, Health, Eating and Exercise) is a community support diary for Kossacks who are currently or planning to start losing, gaining or maintaining their weight through diet and exercise or fitness. Any supportive comments, suggestions or positive distractions are appreciated. If you are working on your weight or fitness, please -- join us! You can also click the WHEE tag to view all diary posts.
Dr. D. was the last person I would describe as "my doctor". I probably went to see him ten times in my life... the last time more than thirty years ago. Since reaching adulthood, however, I can only remember having two or three physicals, never with the same doctor.
My last physical came 3-1/2 years ago. It was short, to the point, covered all the bases. The doctor turned to me matter of factly and noted "you are seventy pounds overweight."
Guess I wasn’t so sneaky any more.
The first reason I bring this up today is I am going in for another physical today. (Yes, two physicals within five years – I will bankrupt the healthcare system for sure.) And I was wondering what role a doctor should have in "healthy living".
I’ve heard that some doctor’s are reluctant to bring up weight issues, but are happy to discuss if the patient asks. Others, like my current "doctor of record" would note the facts, but not seem overly enthusiastic about getting involved in the process. No course of action recommended. No follow-up scheduled. (In hindsight, seventy pounds overweight seems like a serious medical condition).
So my first question for you today... have you involved a doctor in your desire to live a healthier life? Why, why not, how’s it going?
But pondering this event also raised another question in my mind. And that is... when and how did I make the decision that this time would be the time. That this time I would actually change my habits, live healthier and lose weight. This would be the time I succeeded.
For I know in my heart that at some point in the next year or two I will be at my ideal weight. I will be fit and healthy. This is the time.
I experienced this feeling once before, when I quit smoking.
First of all, I should explain that it’s easy to quit smoking. So easy I did it twenty-seven times. Moderation, cold-turkey, the patch. Tried it all. Four years ago this month, though, I through a half a pack of Marlboro Lights into the trash can and can’t explain it... but I knew I was done. I was no longer a smoker. It was the time.
Had that same feeling this past January. Drew up a chart and had the red line from my current weight down to my ideal weight, and as I looked at that chart, I knew I was no longer the guy who couldn’t control his habits. I was that healthier guy.
And for the life of my, I can’t put my finger on what "triggered" either moment. It certainly wasn’t my doctor, who some time later today will look up from his chart and note, "you’re forty pounds overweight." The aches hadn’t become any more noticeable. I had been wearing size 38’s for years, nothing new there. I don’t know what triggered the moment, and I guess part of me doesn’t care.
My second question for you: do you feel success? Can you see yourself being the healthy, fit individual you know you are inside? Has anything triggered your journey?
Housekeeping: I am very excited to announce that someone new is going to sign up to write their first WHEE diary today! (Not sure who you are, but you know...). Just reply to the TIP JAR and we will add you to the schedule.
Upcoming WHEE diaries:
September 17
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September 20
Sun AM - louisev - Turtle Diary
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Weds AM - Edward Spurlock
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Thurs AM - A DC Wonk -- WELCOME!
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