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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect some help from my GP in losing weight?

543 replies

Chubbychubchub · 27/02/2018 13:23

I am a fatty. Properly overweight. About 8 stone over normal weight range (about 19st, I should be 11st at most according to BMI).

Last year I had some health issues. My GP said I'd benefit from losing weight. Just eat less and move more were her words.

I have tried. However I struggle to control what I eat, and have zero willpower.

I did go to a well known slimming group previously. It made me ill, though I did get down to 13st. But it wasn't sustainable.

I asked my GP for help. I was told 'all they could do was refer me to the nurse, but she would tell me the same. That was all they could do and there was no other help available.

I have heard of people locally being referred to a dietician, or sent to slimming group for free etc. Aibu to expect something similar, or certainly some kind of help beyond trite advice?

OP posts:
raisedbyguineapigs · 27/02/2018 14:10

There was a diabetes nurse on the Jeremy Vine show this afternoon and she talked about all the advice and help she gave people that mostly they completely ignored. You could hear the frustration in her voice. All the help and advice in the world wont do any good if you don't take it. What about downloading a hypnotherapy app?

Blackteadrinker77 · 27/02/2018 14:10

I have no idea what a practice nurse dietitian is

I'm a dietitian and wouldn't know where to begin as a PN.

OP, you have to commit to change yourself, you don't have to eat foods you don't like. Just eat half the amount you currently eat. Aim to lose 1% of your body weight as a maximum each week.

Fill up on vegetables. Flavour them with spices or herbs.

Calvinlookingforhobbs · 27/02/2018 14:11

If you are able to navigate your way on to mumsnet you are able to make use of the internet to figure this out. The NHS is already under enough pressure and can’t offer a free trip to slimming world ffs.

FizzyGreenWater · 27/02/2018 14:12

Honestly, I would try the support of the groups on here before anything. What it sounds like you need (or what is at least worth a try) is the constant input of others, that everyday support to STOP YOU EATING!

You've been a keen exerciser before I see- so it's not that.

It's food addiction. Yes therapy could help, but to be honest it's just as likely maybe that getting into the support threads here might be equally useful.

Good luck!

crackerjacket · 27/02/2018 14:13

I can't download MFP onto my phone unfortunately.

^

Ah, well then.

ChikiTIKI · 27/02/2018 14:14

I admire you for trying to get help and I'm sorry that you haven't been given it! It sounds like you know how to lose the weight but are struggling with motivation. Maybe counselling might help or reading some books on motivation? Do you think for some reason you feel like you're not important enough to make the effort? Your health is one of the most valuable things you have and you deserve to feel healthy. You and your wellbeing are important and you must prioritise yourself. I hope for you that you can find what you need to start making the changes. Good luck.

glitterbiscuits · 27/02/2018 14:15

Come and look at the weight loss board OP.

What @BigFatFanny said is true. Usually thin people don’t understand usually fat people.

Blackteadrinker77 · 27/02/2018 14:15

Beans on wholemeal toast with no butter on is filling, fast and fat free. As is an omelette with spring onion, red pepper and a smattering of strong cheese

Wholemeal toast, eggs and cheese do have fat.

I'm sure you know that but just for people reading.

Ihatemyclients · 27/02/2018 14:16

So many rude and unhelpful comments on this thread Hmm if you struggle with lack of willpower you can't just magic it into existence!

OP I would definitely recommend checking out the diet boards on MN, they are really informative and supportive and you're less likely to get the unhelpful rudeness and judgment on AIBU!

ASDismynormality · 27/02/2018 14:17

I highly recommend the bootcamp threads here on mumsnet. I was 21st 13.75lbs in January 2017, am now 13st 4lbs and still losing. Cutting out the carbs drastically reduces appetite, it isn’t always easy but really works without a huge amount of effort.

Caulk · 27/02/2018 14:20

How about accessing private therapy? I found therapy made a difference to how I felt about myself.

Original poster
Chubbychubchub · 27/02/2018 14:21

I have gallstones so low carb doesn't work for me if done with high fat. I can't eat eggs, butter. Cheese only in tiny amounts.

I don't drink hot drinks other than tea. Never drink water or squash.

I have tried 5:2 a few years ago but I ended up feeling really ill on the fast days and was dizzy/ had blurred vision at work. So I'm not sure that would work for me really.

I have nowhere to heat or store food at work so breakfast and lunch in the week has to be something I can make at home and eat cold.

OP posts:
Steeley113 · 27/02/2018 14:22

Join slimming world. You can eat and lose. And as for exercise, swim! It’s much easier on the joints. Stop blaming the GP, stop blaming everything other then yourself and make the change!

Bambamber · 27/02/2018 14:23

You never drink water or squash? What do you drink then? Having a big glass of water when you feel hungry often gets rid of the feeling of hunger

LondonHereICome · 27/02/2018 14:23

west thats so bloody sad!!

puts perspective on this non issue!! stop being so lazy op.....you say a slimming club made you ill (yet you lost majority of the weight with them)and are now moaning that you weren't given a FREE referral to yet another slimming club??

Celticrose · 27/02/2018 14:24

I have type 2 diabetes and my GP referred me to a dietician which worked well. Though I have now lost her due to moving house and therefore a different GP practice. It did keep me more focused. I have not put weight backon but still need to lose more. DH and I have joined gym and have an event in Nov which should keep me focused to lose more.

IAmMatty · 27/02/2018 14:24

On Slimming World you can technically have unlimited amounts of:

Fruit
Veg
Meat
Rice
Pasta
Noodles

With restricted dairy and bread, and small amounts of other things like dressings, sweets and so on.

It's the easiest thing ever to follow, although there is a wee bit of responsibility in terms of portion size.

Give a go; there's nothing in it that should be unsustainable. (Also not sure about the poster upthread when said she couldn't do SW because she doesn't eat dairy; I don't either and it works out just fine).

DancesWithOtters · 27/02/2018 14:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

anotherchangetomyname · 27/02/2018 14:26

I was losing weight eating food I didn't like

Yep. Thats the issue for me. I can't eat the foods I like and lose weight, even if i eat less of it.

BUT there is nothing anyone can do for you or me, they can't make us have will power, they can't make us like the foods we 'should' be eating. Therefore we will remain overwieght.

Original poster
Chubbychubchub · 27/02/2018 14:27

I can't swim and am terrified of water deeper than a few inches.

I would be willing to go for therapy. But I wouldn't know where to go, and I'm concerned about the cost. I don't have £100s to spare. My GP didn't suggest that (even self funded).

I did slimming world before and although I lost weight I was eating stuff I don't like (eggs - although I can't eat them at all now anyway, yoghurt, cottage cheese, pulses, most fruit).

OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 27/02/2018 14:27

Ok, so you can't Low carb, slimming world or 5:2.

So that kind of leaves us with what the doc said. Eat less.

To be brutally honest, you must be eating a lot to maintain 19 stone. You're probably also eating a lot of the wrong stuff.

Maybe post a days eating and people can comment on what to change simply?

TheVeryThing · 27/02/2018 14:27

I think you're correct that it's the emotional side of it that your struggling with, like a lot of people. have you tried anything like the Paul McKenna or Allen Carr books? Or I'm sure there are others that people have found useful.
I started using the Paul McKenna one to control sugar intake last week and am finding it useful so far. I can't recommend it outright after such a short time but maybe do some research on what seems to work for people.
There is a whole world of information out there on what to eat, recipes etc but if you haven't addressed the underlying issues then it's not much use.

YellowFlower201 · 27/02/2018 14:27

I have some sympathy for you, but at the same time this is all on you. Nobody can really change the situation other than you.
You say you don't have time to walk for more than half a mile. That's a 10 minute walk a day! I don't believe that you do not have more time than that.
Look at your day and see where you can fit in some exercise. there must be more than 10 minutes time! If not, get up earlier. There is clearly quite a bit of scope to do something here.

crunchymint · 27/02/2018 14:28

I agree with you OP. The NHS offer structured help to quit smoking, but nothing to lose weight

LondonHereICome · 27/02/2018 14:28

you could try re-educating your tastebuds other than just "remain overweight"

you have a choice you know