“I bet for an Indian, shooting an old fat pioneer woman in the back with an arrow, and she fires her shotgun into the ground as she falls over, is like the top thing you can do.”
-Jack Handy
Hey guys, it’s Dr. Roddy here. Drs. Marcus and Chaz have their niche, so I’m throwing my ring into this hat (lol, I’m on call, this is what happens when you go without sleep!).
Anyway, today I worked with three patients all of whom were so large they almost didn’t survive their surgery! Certainly their size also contributed to why they were there in the first place, but every step of the way for them has been more dangerous, costly, and stressful for everyone involved. One lady was so big we thought gravy was going to come out when they made incision!
Alright, bad joke…but not really (cuz it’s funny AND tasteless). You can’t take this topic too seriously, because too serious means you don’t talk about it. Seriously! You’re my patient, you’ve crept up in weight to the point that people wonder how you put clothes on! Dang! Let’s talk about it! Addressing the health consequences without discussing the cause is just sweeping it under the rug…and that’s not cool in the long run. Embarrassment is not a good enough reason to ignore this!
What can we do to reverse someone who’s gone so far down that path? Truthfully, I don’t know the answer to that. It takes a lot to stop years of putting on weight.
But as a doc who’s a jock and loves to rock hard abs, I think the solution starts with prevention. Don’t GET that way. Learn early what the good choices are, and do whatever you can to make them every day! It isn’t easy for me, but it’s no harder than anyone else. I have my advantages and disadvantages. That’s the gift basket I was born with, and we each have one.
Alright, dude, how do I turn the early tide, or keep myself from “bigness.”
Step one: Figure out where you stand.
It all starts by asking the tough questions and answering them honestly…How would you rate your health? What would a doctor say about your health? What does he or she know about health and what does he or she see in you that explains his or her thoughts?
If you can answer these three questions, it will go a long way to keeping you where you need to be. Education and determination are the anti-obesity drug.
Let me be the Guinea pig. How do I rate my health? Well, I think my health is pretty good. I’m not as strong or in as good of cardio shape as I used to be, but I did finish a half marathon on Sunday, and I can still get through my lifting and core (yoga) workouts pretty consistently. I eat well most days a week, including fruits and vegetables. I splurge on bad food weekly, but try and limit the amounts. I don’t sleep as much as I’d like. I have a good support system at home. In general, I’m doing pretty good.
My doctor…wait, I don’t have one! (Strike one) I am a doctor, though. My, this is awkward…self-prostate exams are the worst! A doctor would say my health is excellent in terms of risk avoidance and general nutrition/exercises. Sleep is poor, and stress is high. Drinking alcohol and meeting ladies are risks. Accidents are risks, too. Seeing a doctor for a yearly check up is a must at 30 years old. Overall, though, doing okay. Room to improve, and things to watch out for duly noted…
What does the doc know that makes him say that? Well, he knows my behavior, and he knows what risks are most dangerous for someone in my age range and for one who has the daily demands I have. But the positive assessment comes from the avoidance of major risks and embracing good choices that bode well for health down the road. I’m making educated decisions because as a physician there is no “ping” or disconnect between my choices and my knowledge of where to expend my efforts on behalf of my health. Where are you spending your efforts? Are they spent in the best place for your age, obligations, and goals?
No one is perfect, but hopefully I can share some thoughts that will help everyone get closer to good health now, and avoid those bigger problems (pun intended) down the road! Take the time to answer your Step One questions and you’ll know what’s missing for you…
“A recent police study found that you’re much more likely to get shot by a fat cop if you run.” -Dennis Miller
