Last week I had a trip to the emergency room for chest pains. Thankfully, the ticker is doing fine. However, it seems that my esophagus is having spasms. In going over my “risk factors” with me, the doctor said the ‘O’ word. Yes, I’m still in the “obese” category. That stung.
What amazed me was the questions I was never asked. I was never asked whether or not I exercised on a regular basis. I was never asked what my diet consisted of. I got the feeling that it was assumed that I was a junk-food-eating couch potato and that was what landed me there.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I had just drank a green smoothie; and that is what brought on the chest pains. I also missed my Tuesday night run with my running buddies because I was at the hospital.
This doctor, a woman, had no idea who I was or where I have been. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished the last few years. I’m not where I want to be yet; but I know that, so I’m going to keep working on it. I refuse to listen to nay sayers, no matter how many letters are after their name.
Instead I will listen to the encouraging words I have heard this week. At a conference this past weekend, I saw someone on Friday that I only see once a year or so. She referred to me as “tiny.” Saturday morning, I had breakfast with a former co-worker that I haven’t seen in probably 20 years. She was flabbergasted that I’m still in the obese category. This evening, a woman in the grocery store recognized me from the Couch to 5K program. She stopped me and told me that I looked “great.”
This is why I never criticize anyone on their appearance. Unless it is someone you know, you don’t know where they’ve been or what they’re thinking. Perhaps that very large person that you just poked fun at is in the middle of a weight loss journey and has already lost a substantial amount of weight. Or, maybe she just started her weight loss journey, is having a hard time, and really needs some encouragement right now. Or maybe that skinny lady that you’ve been envying is on the other end of the spectrum and is desperately trying to gain a few pounds so she, too, can be at a healthy weight.
I realize this doctor was doing her job, and the majority of her patients probably are obese, junk-food-eating couch potatoes. Still, those people need encouragement too. Most people listen to their doctor. Perhaps with the proper encouragement instead of negativity, they would make the changes needed in their lives.
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11
LoriCamper.Com 
I love this my friend and I love that you are not listening to those naysayers because you are doing an awesome job. keep up all that good hard work you’re doing. Love you girl
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Thank you, my friend! Much love.
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Very well put Lori! Glad you are ok. Doctors can say some pretty bad things … been there.
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Thank you.
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You’re right! I am considered a bit too skinny by certain family members snce I lost 36lbs juicing and becoming vegan, whilst I look great to others. However, despite being clinically healthier in terms of weight, I have no doubt that you are in fact fitter than me -as is my daughter who is also regarded as overweight – as you both exercise regularly and I do none at all (due to longterm back injuries). Doctors only see what’s in front of them. They also have a maximum of 6-7 hours of training in diet and nutrition. Much of the fat you’ve lost has no doubt been converted into muscle because of all the exercise which may seem like you are not losing weight. Keep on doing what you’re doing. I admire your progress in your fitness journey and look on you as an inspiration. 👏🏻🌷
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Thank you for being my corner coach!
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😊💜
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I used the specific examples in my story because they are people I know. The last time I saw one of my neighbors down the street, we challenged each other to get into the 100 lb club. She is underweight and her doctor wanted her to hit 100 lbs or more, I was overweight and trying to get to a weight that started with a 1. I made it, but I have not seen her yet to see if she has.
Running has definitely increased my endurance, and I think I’m probably fitter now than I’ve ever been. As far as strength, I know I get stronger when I lift weights at the gym. Once I stop going, that goes away. Running does not build muscle.
I have always been strong. In junior high, the boys I played football with named me “diesel power” because of my strength. My adult daughter is aggravated by the fact that I can always out-lift her at the gym. Where this comes from, I don’t know. Good breeding, I suppose. I tell people that you have to be strong to carry all this extra weight around. When we see brawny people with the bulging muscles, I turn to my daughter and say, “That’s what I look like under all this fat.” Time will tell.
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I totally agree with you Lori. I’m in the opposite category but receive just as much insensitivity & insults. I come from a family of skinnies who are all under-weight according to the ‘experts’. And people think it’s okay to ask if we have an eating disorder or will say ‘How much do you weigh?’ It’s my one bug-bear, so I can imagine how irritating this is for you. ‘Obese’ is such an insultive word: I once watched this progtamme where a ordinary-sized lady was told she was Morbidly Obese. It was ridiculous. Forget the statistics – if you know you are eating properly and doing sufficient exercise, then you are doing very well indeed. Thin people are assumed as being fit, which is so unfair for larger folk because it is assumed they are unfit, unhealthy and like you say, eating junk. Sterotypes can cause much emotional pain and this ‘professional’ should know better than to treat you like that.
We are all made different, and should be accepted as such. I think maybe you should write a letter letting them know how hurtful their words are when not said in the right way. xx
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I let it roll off my back. I know she is a doctor and was looking at it from a medical point of view. I was more upset about the questions that weren’t asked and the assumptions that seemed to be made. Of course, I only saw her for one, brief moment; so it’s not like I had a chance to say, “What about . . .”
It has made me do some thinking and calculating. I’ll have to lose 17 lbs to get to the “overweight” category. Sounds like a goal to me!
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