Finding The Right Dance Partner

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Perhaps I am old fashioned, but over the years I come to the conclusion that it’s a requirement to like my physician. I used to think that it didn’t matter, that one person could conduct a pap smear just as well as the next, but nowadays, I’ve turned the corner on that old ideology. I think it’s completely necessary to like your doctor.

Around 8 years ago, I got my first job that had employer sponsored health insurance as part of the benefits package. I hadn’t had regular health care since I was a kid, so when it was offered, I researched to find the best doctor I could. I asked all my friends, did some Google-ing and eventually settled an M.D. who was voted People’s Choice winner for “Best Doctor in Western Washington.”

Over the years I tried really hard to like her, but I didn’t. I wanted my daughter to like her, but my daughter really didn’t. After years of feeling like she wasn’t listening, I was the one who checked out. I had reached my limits. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when she prescribed me Ritalin as a way to diagnose me for ADD: “If it works, then it’s likely that you have ADD, if it doesn’t work and you feel like you’re on speed, then you probably don’t have ADD.” I never went back to her again. Sadly, I never took the time to find another doctor, until recently.

Today I saw my new doctor for the first time. Let me start by saying that I love Dr. Duke. She didn’t rush me or try to fix me right away. She didn’t attempt to pump me full of pills. She didn’t look at me like I was crazy. She didn’t pretend like she knew everything. I felt comfortable, like I could debate the efficacy of resveratrol with her over a glass of pinot. And let me tell you, it feels awesome to have someone that you believe will be your healthcare advocate, your champion of well-being. It finally dawned on me – THIS IS THE WAY THAT IT SHOULD FEEL.

So if you aren’t getting what you need from your current doctor, don’t wait another minute – SWITCH DOCTORS. Don’t do what I did, which was spend years waffling and complaining about how I didn’t mesh with my M.D.

So here’s the good news about today’s appointment. My blood pressure is down. Last August or September, I was told that my BP was high … 140/90 and it was suggested that I start medication. But I refused and asked to have some time to lower it through making some lifestyle changes instead. I am happy to announce that my BP is now 105/70 – which according to this chart is excellent.

The bad news is that I have several symptoms that point towards PCOS. If anyone knows more about this, shoot me an email or send me a link of some good, credible information. I have already looked at the site called SoulCysters (which by the way, is the worst name for a website) and want to know if there are sites out there that don’t conjure up images of two engorged sister cysts.

I know, immature.

PS. Good week for health. Marginal week for weight loss.

Tags: cnn, ireport
Posted in Weight Loss, Weight Updates | 21 Comments »

Yo-Yo-Yo

Monday, May 11th, 2009

This morning I got on the scale and just about had meltdown when I realized the scale had gone the wrong direction again. And not just a pound … but three! When this happens …

I am mortified.

I am angry.

I am frustrated.

At myself.

For the self-sabotage (What harm can one margarita do?).

For the delusional thinking (I’ll work off that slice of cake!).

For not maintaining the balance that I so desperately need.

Seriously.

No seriously.

I’ve just realized that it’s so much harder “gradually” losing the weight. Learning to do something FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE is such a challenge. I do much better on the “eat only meat” type of diets because then it’s not about a diet … it’s just a mission to live within a box for a truncated amount of time. Just plow through it till you reach your goal and then it’s over. Your done. Go back to the bourbon and cheesecakes.

But the problem is, I’ve done the “box thing” ad nauseum. I can’t do the box thing anymore. The box is depressing. Stifling.

And hence, I struggle.

I haven’t quite mastered how far I can orbit around my center.

I don’t even know where center is.

But I have a hunch that it’s not between a side of bacon and shot of bourbon on the rocks.

Sigh.

Tags: cnn, ireport
Posted in Weight Loss, Weight Updates | 15 Comments »

My Britches Are Too Big

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

The other day I went to a “Tres de Mayo” party at my friend’s house down in Tacoma. While I was there I was greeted with several kind words from people telling me how much they enjoyed reading my blog. To those people (you know who you are) I would like to acknowledge that you have impeccable taste. And did I mention that you are smart and good looking? And that you are also going to heaven? Yes, anyone who reads this blog is obviously bound for eternal salvation. Tell your friends.

(And thank you.)

While I was mingling, the people who I hadn’t seen in awhile actually noticed that I was a more slimmed down version of myself. In fact, a couple of people noticed that my britches were getting too baggy. And they are right. In some cases I can actually pull some of my pants off without unbuttoning or unzipping them. And don’t get me started on the belt situation. I need to get new holes punched in all of my them because they no longer are doing a good job of holding my pants up.

I used to have the opposite problem.

This probably wasn’t the best outfit choice to wear for my weekly photo – my top is ridiculously baggy. In fact, my pants are baggy too. It’s especially noticeable on side shot – the jeans are so big that they have created “ridges” of fabric (look under my ass) where the excess fabric has bunched up. Those used to be pretty snug on me.

All in all, I’m happy about how I am progressing. I’ve been disciplined about what I’ve been putting in my body – pretty much eliminating wheat and dairy from my diet on most days. I definitely splurged on Tres de Mayo (and the day after) but I’m right back on track again. It’s not as hard when you aren’t in a rush and you aren’t incredibly “nazi-like” when it comes to enjoying yourself. And these days, I’m trying to be all about having fun.

If you are wondering about the ladies in Weight Loss Weekly group, this week Nurit asks the question:

“You’re about to go to an event – a party, wedding, potluck, etc – where there’s going to be lots of (free) food. What are you doing about it? What is your strategy?”

Here’s what Sunny, Bernie and Joie de Vivre have to say.

Tags: cnn, ireport
Posted in Weight Loss, Weight Updates | 15 Comments »