Obesity and health issues

Nurses Stress 101

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Well, I'm a new RN, obviously we all know obesity is bad. I'm 30, male, 5' 10 1/2", high 260, low 270s in weight, I seem to be fairly large framed but know I've got excessive fat around the belly. I've been noticing that my BP has been going up in the past year, and my heart rate has been in the 120s to 130s (I do have anxiety and drink caffeinated beverages often) I'm developing sleep apnea (both my parents have it, and have CPAP machines).

Anyways, I don't really know what to do... the old adage about losing weight is hard... I like Mt Dew and Kool aid, but would love to lose weight obviously... I just don't know what to do about it. I figure a lot of it is from the sugars. I just don't want to have to go through withdrawal for several weeks while having to work. The stress of being a new RN at a rehab facility on night shift gives me anxiety. I figure with running around as hard as I do at work gives me enough exercise that way.

Anyways, I don't know if this is really a question, or a statement... I obviously don't want to have a heart attack eventually. But my body just seems to like to put on the weight easily.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Well per TOS we are not allowed to give medical advice so I will tell you what has worked for me. About 20 years ago I lost 100 pounds then stalled for many years around the 200 pound mark. A couple of months ago when I was feeling crappier than usual I went to the doctor and found out I now have type two diabetes. I am not a sugar person and as a general rule I don't eat a lot of refined carbs. But I have managed to take off another 25 pounds in two months following an eat less move more attitude. Also White foods bad - except cauliflower- green foods good. I don't drink soda pop, rarely eat desert and walk every day. It's all about choices my friend. You can do it and you will be amazed by how good you feel. Also a good complete physical with blood work is a good place to start.

Hppy

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

I will chime in here to say that the walking done at work probably won't do much, at least it didn't for me. I have gone to the eat less and move more and have been successful at slowly losing weight. I haven't really altered what I eat, just less of it. If you can work in a good walk about 5 times a week, it would help.

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Specializes in medical surgical.

Hospital nursing and night shift are not conducive to weight loss. I was at my highest weight right after starting at a hospital with night shift work. I also developed breast cancer in that time frame. It scared me so much that I quit my night shift job. I went back to NP school and now work 3 days a week. I am almost 30 pounds down now (17 pound loss the first year). I do not know if it is quiting night shift or the cancer scare, but I feel darn good these days!

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Losing weight may be challenging, not impossible. Start focusing on the possible, not the impossible.You have already identified that sugar is a culprit. Concentrate on the what you will get vs what you have to give up. Find healthy alternative to your Mountain Dew and Kool Aide before you totally give up sugar. If you need support, reach out as there are many people that can help you with your transition. Check to see what wellness services your company offers. You will find a ton of support if you look for it. Many companies now have a RD to help staff make healthy changes. I agree a good place to start would be with a trusted physician, especially one who specializes in prevention or lifestyle medicine.

You will find once you eliminate sugar, you may have more energy since you aren't constantly navigating the sugar rollercoaster.

Wishing you great success!

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Is there a weight loss support group in this forum? I am 5"1 and 190lbs I am so sad

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

One of the biggest changes I've made in my own 80+ pound weight loss is not drinking soda (not even diet). I drank the equivalent of a six-pack of Coke a day for most of my adult life. I don't know exactly how that happened---I just don't have cravings for it anymore, and I drink water instead.

It helps that I don't eat a lot of greasy foods or sweets, although I do eat what I want, when I want, as long as it's not later than 7 or 8 PM. I also don't eat a great deal of it. Since my husband died last year I haven't had as much of an appetite as I once did, so it makes it easier to not overeat. Now I pay attention to my body's signals that I'm satisfied and it's time to stop eating.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
Is there a weight loss support group in this forum? I am 5"1 and 190lbs I am so sad

If you're interested, the 'regulars' on the blue Breakroom side are an easy-going group who offer support to those who stop in to touch base. Check out the daily dated room.

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Thanks! I will look into it. I cut down on over eating and fast foods & I am losing weight little by little. Currently I am 178 but still in obese category. I need to be a normal weight of 130

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I feel the same way. I'm also tall and heavy. I went to the Dr. today and to my surprise I have gained more weight and I am trying to loose. Ughí ½í¸ží ½í¸© I have reached my maximum weight. Anywho continue to make small changes and I will do the same. One step at a time.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I am going to get all sorts of constructive feedback here (lol), but I practice daily extended fasting for weight control. Typically I fast from 10pm until at least 5pm the next day (excepting special circumstances or whatever)

I do drink coffee with skim milk whenever I want and I will eat veggies whenever. I've been doing this for years, and typically I have no desire to eat during the day, even with the weekly bagel/donut work thing and the endless birthday cakes lol. You really do lose that sense of limbic hunger after a while.

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But of course it's not for everyone. How many liquid calories are you taking in a day? I bet you could lose weight just by cutting that out. I doubt it will be as hard as you think, as long as you maintain your caffeine intake (don't want to go sugar and caffeine free at once!).

I do not feel that discussing dietary strategies could be in any way construed as medical advice. But obviously consult your PCP because this is just my own experience and personal understanding of the data. It's always a good idea to discuss weight loss plans with a health care provider, especially if you have underlying issues like impaired glucose control or kidney issues or what have you.

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