I went to my physician on 9/19/07 and we had a positive discussion about me wanting to lose weight. She was so supportive and encouraging. She told me it's a new year, a new time, that weight reduction would really help some of my medical problems and that I would feel so much better, etc. I was in shock, I thought she would fuss at me like most doctors have. It did something to me. I came home, started a food journal. Then a week later I was diagnosed with diabetes. My physician put me on a calorie counting carb counting format. I do not call them diets. My one good friend named it my "weight loss campaign". I can live with that. I'm losing weight and feeling so much better. It's not easy, it's hard, but the rewards far outweigh what I have to put into it. I feel very thankful for the talk with my physician. Very thankful.

i went to my doctor cause I felt i needed some alternative help, not just diet sheets and weigh ins, but she was no help at all.

Hi Mike, that eating when you are not hungry is exactly why I know those surguries to limit intake are not for me... it's like the problem is in my head, not my stomach. I talked my doc into letting me take Meridia, a drug that works by blocking the re-uptake of seritonin and other brain chemicals and what it does is flip the switch in my head to tell me that's enough, I don't want anything else... it makes it a LOT easier. It is NOT speed. Just makes that "all done" signal work right. I think I ignored that signal for so many years that it broke. That sounds goofy... but the only way I know how to explain it. It's still up to me WHAT I eat, like if I eat candy and chips instead of a healthy meal, I will not lose wieght, but it sure helps stop that out of control mindless munching. I had to get some medical tests done first as Meridia isn't the safest medication and some people just can't take it. In some people, it jacks up their blood pressure. And I had to go off my anti-depressant to take this because SSRI also block the re-uptake of seritonin to avoid some seritonin symdrome. You can always google it to read all the pros and cons. I've been on it about 5 weeks and have lost about 15 pounds so far. I could do better watching the calories... eh, I have good days and bad days but I'm just messing up at meals and not all night long so it is a definate improvement.

You have to think too about WHY you are eating, is it boredom, depression, etc. For some people, treating depression or doing things to alieviate boredom can make all the difference, too.

Just talk to your doc, let the doc know what's going on and ask for help... and if the help don't help, tell them... and keep asking!

Hi Mike. I'm from MA too. Go Sox - LOL!
I'm 37 years old and have been fat from birth. I go to a doctor in the North End Community Health Center who is affiliated with MGH and she herself has been dealing with her own weight issues. She has lost a tremendous amount of weight over the past 2 years and looks amazing. She has inspired me to give it another go. Believe me, I was feeling the way you've described in your post. I have gone back onto the South Beach Diet - I don't follow it to the letter, but it helps me with making food choices and what I buy at the supermarket. My blood sugar level is elevated and so I have to watch it. I don't want to get sick, and I don't want my reason for getting sick to be the food I eat.
I hate clothes shopping! I've found a couple of "plus size" online stores that offer styles that I like. I don't venture into malls much anymore because I normally go home feeling awful because I couldn't find anything that fits right and I stop at the food court and eat something really bad for me. I hope you find support in Daily Strength - I know I do. If I can help, please let me know.

Hi Mike

My doc has been really good, she referred me to an eating disorders unit, and I also go to the doctors for a weigh-in and a chat once a month.

I was offered various weight loss medications, but they're something I want to avoid if I can.

Good Luck, I hope you decide to see your doc and work out something that might help you!

Sharon xx