The busy medical doctor, with nary a
glance at your psyche, says, "You should lose 100 pounds. Then
your remaining symptoms will be more readily controlled." The
loose paper gown over your naked body provides little
protection. An invisible protective shield cordons off your
thinking. Doc leaves the room while you dress. Later,
the assistant gives you a nutrition recommendation and tells
you to start exercising.
You leave, go down in the elevator,
make your way to your car, and drive directly to a pleasant
nourishment center (read coffee shop.)
The attractive menu
makes it easy to order a fudge sundae. This may be your last
chance.
Weight control professionals suggest
an initial reduction goal of 5% to 10% of body weight. Five
percent of 275 pounds is only about 14 pounds. Yes, you can do
that. Yes, then you'll decide whether to continue. You
can see yourself being enthusiastic about a 14-pound
difference. You know that is a good beginning. But the
doctor! Doc doesn't seem aware of the wide difference in body
weight allowed by weight charts prepared by well-informed
experts.
You've been to weight control
classes. You've lost a lot of weight and felt great.
Here you are again,back at your old weight. You've also been
to the commercial weight centers that sell prepackaged food.
You've lost weight. Yet here you are back at your old
weight. The liquid diet you tried in a medically supervised
program worked rapidly. Then one night, driving home from
work, you saw the golden arches of a fast hamburger restaurant and
had a Big Mac attack. So here you are back at your old
weight.
You've thought about this a lot.
Now is a good opportunity to seek out a community-based lifestyle
and weight management consultant. This support manager will
provide information, suggestions, and help you design an action plan
suited to your life and will monitor your progress. You will
receive support making sustainable lifestyle changes.
Your thoughts turn to financial
matters. Your insurance excludes that service. It's time
for serious budget planning. You've heard many directions that
seem impossible to comply with. Again you heard, "lose 100
pounds." A small support group may be appropriate for
you. Perhaps you will discover that the out-of-pocket cost is
well worth the possibility of increased self-esteem often resulting
from resolving situations that previously seemed
insurmountable. Take small, positive steps that start you on a
path that is rewarding, healthy, and sustainable.
Make an appointment.
JeanD@adnc.com
