I'd go to a doctor first. I did and it helped me discover that I have hypothyroidism. If something is wrong, then you'll know how to fix it and you can work around weight loss techniques.
I'd go with a GP and I'd ask for a full set of bloodwork, basically a full physical.
Like a few other people have said, your symptoms sound more like a hormonal imbalance of some sort (thyroid came to mind right away when I read your symptoms - I am on thyroid replacement for life so they were quite familiar to me!) rather than just a symptom of your weight gain.
GL, I know it sucks to see a doctor as a heavy person. but there are many many great ones out there who will immediately be 'on your side' instead of judging you. Keep looking until you have one of those.
I went yesterday. Interestingly enough, I got sent to the lab this morning. He's concerned about diabetes and yes, thyroid function. In addition to that I have a horrid yeast infection AND I also have uterine polyps and they've scheduled me for surgery on Tuesday the 18th for a D&C and then a uterine ablation. Great, right? Yuck.
I went yesterday. Interestingly enough, I got sent to the lab this morning. He's concerned about diabetes and yes, thyroid function. In addition to that I have a horrid yeast infection AND I also have uterine polyps and they've scheduled me for surgery on Tuesday the 18th for a D&C and then a uterine ablation. Great, right? Yuck.
Labwork should come back tomorrow or Thursday.
Wow, I'm really glad you went in for a check up! I'm sorry that you're going to have to do a lot now to get everything settled but I'm glad you're getting help and I imagine it will actually aid you quite a bit in your weight loss journey.
DEFINITELY see a doctor first. It sounds like you have a hormonal imbalance. Untreated, you will find that losing weight with a hormonal imbalance will be difficult if not impossible. I have hypothyroidism and literally could NOT lose weight until I got treated.
You need to have a regular doctor and your insurrance company should have a listing of all doctors in your area that they cover. If they don't cover nurse practicitioners (which is dumb as they are a cheaper alternative and work with doctors), then just say, "I can see anyone from this office but the nurse practitioner for my insurance".
Seriously - it sounds like you need a doctor. If you explain to the office that your insurance won't cover the NP, they should be able to work with you. You can also call your insurance company (or go online) and look for a listing of PCP's in your area.
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Considering the fact that you said you haven't been to the doctor for a checkup in 10 years, I think it would be a great idea to do that first. Especially since you're thinking about setting forth on your weight loss journey -- it's always a smart idea to get the okay from your doctor to start, especially if you've not embarked on a fitness regime before. Plus, you'll want to make sure you're not diabetic or anything like that.
All labs came back within healthy ranges. Not sure how but it's true. Thyroid function is ok, fasting glucose was great - now to just focus on the surgery.
I'm going to spend the next two weeks being brutally honest and making sure I write every calorie down and see where that gets me.
Best of luck with the surgery, hon. I know endometrial ablation means that you no longer have periods and can't carry a pregnancy; is the same true of uterine ablation?
Best of luck with the surgery, hon. I know endometrial ablation means that you no longer have periods and can't carry a pregnancy; is the same true of uterine ablation?
yes that's true - we're done having children though and I had my tubes tied two years ago.
Well - there is a chance that I could have a period still but it's supposed to seriously reduce them and currently they're the type that put me flat on my back for three days.
Weirdly good timing, then. Were the polyps what was causing the monster periods? I've only had cervical polyps, which are pretty minor in the grand scheme of things.
I am so very glad you went to the doctor, by the way. Starting a healthier lifestyle is always great, but don't go for anything too extreme. Your body will be under enough stress already, and weight loss tends to mess with hormones a bit too.
Especially since you're thinking about setting forth on your weight loss journey -- it's always a smart idea to get the okay from your doctor to start, especially if you've not embarked on a fitness regime before. Plus, you'll want to make sure you're not diabetic or anything like that.
