Overweight Nurse

Nurses General Nursing

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This is actually a response for the "practice what you preach" thread. I'm in an ADN program in my second year.

This really hit home and on a hurtful note. I am 100 lbs overweight and it bothers me EVERY SINGLE DAY. Especially being in this field. I don't feel I have the right to preach to others about a healthy lifestyle and than I myself can't stay on a regimen. To those of you who've never had a weight problem - good for you. Don't EVER let it become an issue. I've been able to attain every single goal in my life except that of weight loss. I'm 5'8" and was always around 150 lbs until about 6 years ago. Depression and a thyroid problem led to weight gain. Do not mistake that statement for excuses. I do not have any pretenses about my part in my weight gain.

I have struggled soooo much in the past 4 months trying to get on some kind of program and stay with it. I keep telling myself how important it is for myself, my 1 year old son, my career and my health. Even my marriage has suffered.

So for those of you who feel the need to persecute those who are overweight? Guess what? You're too late - I persecute myself everyday for being this way. It doesn't help the situation at all. So thank you to the person who originally started the thread. I already KNOW I'm overweight and everyday I make new goals to try to succeed in my weight loss. I know that when I attain my weight loss goal (and I will - I know that for a fact), I will be able to demonstrate complete empathy for those in my shoes because I have already been there.

Bottom line - obesity is an emotional and physical addiction. I never realized that until now. It is a tremendous obstacle to overcome. I just hope I can eventually do it.

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I couldn't have said it better myself...

Don't ever give up. I lost 100lbs several years ago, got pregnant & gained 85lbs, lost another 100lbs - was ADDICTED to the gym, etc. I've gained about 40lbs (or more) since I started nursing school last year. So now I'm back up to almost 200lbs and a size 14 (barely). There's nothing ANYONE can say about me that I haven't already said about myself... but still I press on... and one day I'll succeed again.

Good luck to you....

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I began to read the thread on "practice what you preach" or whatever the title and stopped, because I found it had the potential to be harmful.

Teaching people about their health is our JOB. No I don't smoke...but even If I still did I would still TEACH others not to because I know that is in THEIR best interest.

Yep, you caught that right I said "even if I still did smoke", because I used to smoke and quit. So when I talk to people about quitting I KNOW how hard it is to quit, because I have done it.

Am I overweight, yes some, but most of America is. Will that stop me from encouraging patients to get out and walk....NO. Because I get out and walk and can appreciate how hard it is to motivate myself on a continual basis to do it.

Yah, ALL nurses should be trim, young, eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, never smoke and have no illnesses. Yah RIGHT. That is a load.

The best thing that can happen to a patient is to have a nurse who has empathy for them...no mater what their weight or medical condition.

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iliket3-

Sounds like you know both your strengths and weaknesses. Having an obstacle to overcome such as obesity makes you human, and I think some of your patients will appreciate that. Being a nurse doesn't make you perfect, that's for sure. How many nurses and even docs go out for their "respiratory treatments" each shift (cigarettes)? But you can't see that on their bodies.

Battling obesity is not an easy battle, that's for sure. If it was, everyone would be thin. But like Shelleybelle said, don't give up. And try to ignore the ignorant and rude comments people make. I have seen some really rude nurses- treating the obese patients like trash. It's horrible and wrong. I took care of a 500 pound woman who was so sick from obesity & complications, she couldn't even stand. She had trouble breathing, too. She sure as heck didn't want to be like that. The woman needed support and compassion, not condemnation.

You are right- it is an addiction just like any other. Good luck & I hope you find the support you need to reach your goal for good health. You can do it- keep trying until you find what you need. Support groups can help.

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shell

How did you lose the 100 lbs? I know for one thing that I have to get my Synthroid again. That just makes weight loss a little more difficult but what did you do? How often and how long did it finally take you to lose 100 lbs?

Oh lord, I need to hit the books instead of these boards. Anyway, thank you for the encouragement. I have had many "difficult" situations in the past with abuse issues and I've done the therapy and the "work." I'm just wondering if I should continue to see what the emotional basis of my eating is. I did get a "buddy" to walk with me. We've been doing that all summer. 200 minutes a week is our goal. Not much to speak of but its a start.

Thank you again Shelley

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I will never understand why people feel it's their "right" to hurt others with their pontificating.

It's not right!

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iliket,

Good luck with your goal! I think that it sounds very reasonable and because you are doing it for yourself and on your own terms, you will be successful!

I know how painful it can be to have other people make hurtful statements about your physical appearance.

Mean people suck!

Gator

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that original thread (practice what you preach) is getting a little long. i always find it amusing how nurses get arrogant about how healthy they are and cannot understand why everyone else is not the same. well you know what, there is not anyone in this world who is 100% healthy. even more amusing are those who write "i am a vegetarian". just because you are a vegetarian and exercise does not make you healthy. everyone and i mean everyone has a vice. everyone has something that is not "healthy" whether it be physically or psychologically. health is a state of mind. i have seen people that are overweight and very happy. they accept themselves for their positives and their negatives. to me we should strive to be happy for who we are and what we are. so nurses (not all of you) need to get off your high horse, get your nose out of the air and get back down to earth.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Skipping this one, i see this turning into the other thread very easily.

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I was very thin my whole life and exercised quite a bit. I too had a judgemental attitude towards overweight people, like "why don't they just lose it"? I found a wonderful man, settled down, got comfortable and ate out too much and gained 30 pounds. I am still not really "overweight" but I am uncomfortable with the weight. It is my first experience with being at a weight I do not like and has been a real eye opener for me. For whatever reason someone gains weight, once it is there it is very hard to lose. I think of my discomfort with my 30 lbs extra weight and realize if I had a different body type it would be 130 lbs and I just want to cry for people that happens to. It takes incredible discipline, sacrifice and focus that many (myself included) have not been able to manage along with what else is going on in our lives.

I believe the "practice what your preach" thread was started by a very young person. I know the type. Attractive, young, does yoga, eats healthy, gets straight A's. (That was me at one time). Most importantly has not lived long enough to know that we are all just human, that weight gain is a HUMAN RESPONSE to many different factors and that someday, your life will have a "social problem" you will have a hard time fixing. Until then, you just wont understand.

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I read the post too, I do agree it is good to set a good example for the patients - but patients are normally going to have to go through some experience before they realize they really need to exercise and work on their health more - I don't think seeing a "skinny nurse" is going to turn a patient around. Being healthy is great - but that is a personal choice like going to church or whatever.

I can see where you can take offense, because I used to smoke and when I don't I get fat - simple fact! I hate being overweight but I know it is my fault because I munch on ice cream and drink Dr Pepper almost daily :) so I have no excuses!! But it does really hurt when skinny people make comments - who wouldn't want to look like Madonna? Not everyone may have the time to go to the gym - I know I have a two year old and go to college at night, so no I don't have time to go.

I think she was referring to people who can do something about their weight and don't . Regardless, that is each persons business why they are overweight anyway. With the thyroid problem and depression - I can see where it is hard to control. When I am down, I eat a ton or shop to feel better. I either hurt myself or the checkbook one! :)))

Cheer up! :))

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Don.t down yourself turn that negative feeling about your self and turn into a positive become proactive start a exercise group for overweight nurses and know that if you can accomplished all those goals that you have a accomplished you can accomplished this you will still a great nurse your compassion and the hurt you feel can be turned into something to contribute to your patients love yourself first check if there is something medically wrong and if not there are alot alternatives i am beginning my nursing career im overweight but i care and i have compassion and i will start a group for overweight nurses but i am big but i still feel handsome beleive in youself. the way you accomplished your goals before you will suceed, get proactive and take your time i'm looking at the adkins diet and im starting with a personal trainer but take one day at a time i have 140 pound s to lose but i know i can defeat this if you can make it through nursing school you can conquer anything . BELEIVE, BELEIVE.

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