Naysayers!!

[GiGi Lafoo]

It's so nice to have encouragement from others when you are trying to help yourself, inside and out by dieting. What is annoying are the people who try to tell you that you don't need to lose weight and "that diet will kill you" . Or my favorite ones, the people who act as if they are offended by anyone who diets and make fun of everyone who tries. Oh, and the ones who say you don't look any different when you're down a size in two weeks. And then there are the ones who disregard any success and tell you that it will all be gained back "as soon as you start eating right again".

My DH, a couple of close friends and a coworker are the only ones offering any encouragement or not scoffing at me aside from online support. When I went for bloodwork recently I asked my the doctor for advice on any weight loss she might be able to offer and she snorted, rolled her eyes and said she wasn't even going to discuss it. I pointed out that according to the chart in her exam room I was overweight (admittedly according to the chart I should weigh 124 and you can count my ribs at that weight). She still disregarded me. 15-20 lbs over my desired weight is enough to make me look and feel miserable. I would think if anything a medical professional would maybe try to at least acknowledge the gain and support a physically healthier plan.

Anyhoo, I am just venting a bit and want to take the time to thank everyone here for supporting me and each other. If not for forums like this it would be a lot harder for us all to hang in there.

[presidentholmes]

These fools are sent to test our resolve.
Rise above them.
We'll show em!!!!
We might be losers, but they're really losers!!!

[CoolBlackChick]

He's right. Don't worry about it, GiGi Lafoo. I have lost 'friends' over this diet.

Instead of 'friends,' I like to refer to these people as 'The Haters' because often, they are the type of people who hate to see ANYTHING positive happen to someone else.

Thank God you husband in particular is being supportive. He sounds like quite a blessing!

[staziaw]

Your doctor SNORTED at you?!?!?! No way! That is so incredibly rude! Here you are looking for advice and she snorts?! Grrrrr, that makes me mad. Have you thought about seeing another doctor who doesn't dismiss your needs, wants and concerns?

Okay, rant over. I've had a few "bad" doctors in my life and am eternally grateful that I finally found one who actually listens to me (and laughs at my stories, very important). She has been completely supportive, non-judgmental, and a dear about giving me non-prescription medication advice on handling various issues, such as my now decreasing cholesteral.

I'm so happy to hear that your husband and friends are supportive. Having support at home is so important. And, bonus, you have all of us here cheering you on!

XO
Stacy

[G-Mom]

It has been my experience that doctors despise Atkins. Sadly, an open mind could have helped prevent a huge gain during my pregnancies.

I say seek out another doctor for sure, and don't worry about the naysayers who aren't docs, they just don't understand. After reading the book and educating yourself on the science of Atkins, you should be able to successfully stick up for it in the future.

People have to remember that Atkins is a healthful way of eating, not just a way to lose fat. Switching to Atkins is good for even those of us only needing to shed a few pounds.

[dreamof145]

We can't control others actions and comments...but thank goodness we can be in control of our own lives and how we live and eat. I have made it a habit not to listen to negative comments about my low-carb life-style. It did upset me at one time, but after the first 50 pounds were gone, I no longer allowed others to control my feelings. I am so much more happier with myself and my life.

[CoolBlackChick]

Before Atkins, a now FORMER doctor told me that I was overweight. (No kidding, I was 5'2", 210lbs). She did not ask me what I was eating or how much. She ASSUMED I was pigging out everyday. If she had asked, she would have known that I had been eating lowfat for quite a while and that I was not stuffing myself none-stop.

She told me to take whatever I ate in a day and only eat half, then gradually eat only half of THAT amount. Was she trying to wean me off food!?!?

Needless to say, that was the first and last time I went to her. Unfortunately, that was not the only doctor related 'Ignorance Episode' I have experience.

I would love to go to her office and say (in a polite way), "How ya like me now?"

[Waterbabe_Helena]

"She told me to take whatever I ate in a day and only eat half, then gradually eat only half of THAT amount." - made me scream with laughter. Eventually all you'd eat all day is half a boiled pea!

The main problem here in the UK is that the entire country has gone "Five A Day" crazy. It's really hard to fight when everyone's brainwashed into the same mantra - five a day, and some of that has to be fruit. The whole of the UK now believes if you don't eat this way you will die, and soon!

[Elizellen]

Originally Posted by Frustrated

"She told me to take whatever I ate in a day and only eat half, then gradually eat only half of THAT amount." - made me scream with laughter. Eventually all you'd eat all day is half a boiled pea!

LOL, Helena at your comment!!

The main problem here in the UK is that the entire country has gone "Five A Day" crazy. It's really hard to fight when everyone's brainwashed into the same mantra - five a day, and some of that has to be fruit. The whole of the UK now believes if you don't eat this way you will die, and soon!

Of course we can eat rhubarb which most people think of as a fruit!!
And our 3 'cups' a day of veggies is about 6 'servings' if I recall correctly!

The funny thing is how the '5 servings' can be a few glasses of orange juice and a plate of chips (fries) according to the propaganda!!

[Waterbabe_Helena]

I hate to contradict my dear friend Elizellen but the 5 a day does not include potatoes; however you do have to look quite deeply into the literature to discover this.

But you got one on me there - rhubarb! Not fair -it's the one food I cannot stand, even when in crumble and covered in custard!

And yes, it annoys me no end that drinking fruit juice counts as 5 a day and bottles of juice are now labelled as such - getting on the 5 a day bandwagon of course.

My boyfriend took the 5 a day thing to great heights the other day; his were: bread (wheat=vegetable); coffee and chocolate (i.e coffeee and cocoa beans are vegetables); and potato croquettes!

Helena