Overweight Nurse

[iliket3]

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.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

NurseStacey143, the original poster on "that other thread" is 31, was once unhealthy and overweight himself. The original post wasn't that bad either, it's what was said later on that got people all hot and bothered.

[tgibson3770]

As the OP of "Do nurses practice what they preach?" thread I am announcing my dismay over the backlash that I am receiving over the two threads. Being exposed to the food and beverage indsutry as I have (restaurant management) and now starting in a field in the health industry, it is quite troublesome to see many people that show very little regard to thier own bodies.

There is a bible verse that reads along the lines of, "How can you cast out the mote in your brother's eye when you yourself have a beam in your own eye?" The principle of providing excellent health care is not only the sympathetic side of passion that can be invaluable to any patient in any condition. But also, leading by example as sort of a type of role model. We all are aware of diet and nutrition as this was one of the pre-req courses required by most or all nursing students. And as a nurse, you are exposed daily to the effects of a unhealthy lifestyle and what bad eating habits can do to an individual. So there is aboslutely no mystery to the science of nutrition. So why in the hell are so many people defending their cause to live a haphazard life? It is selfish. There is so much more to this life. And for those who are struggling with obesity, there is a way to become free. You are more powerful than what you give yourslef credit for. For those who counteract what I have stated in my posts, are yet fighting internally with your own personal demons of affliction, because you do not want to be in your current condition but have given up the fight because of past failed attempts.

Weight loss is fairly simple. Take in less calories than what you use. One can achieve that by avoiding fried, fatty and sugar-laden foods which are addictive, mentally and physically. Eat as natural as you can. Raw foods are the best source for this. You will feel weak, tired, unsatisfied, depressed and shaky. But these are symptoms of withdrawal. Work through this difficult stage and eventually you will aquire a taste for the raw fruits and vegetables and detest fatty, fried and sugary foods. I know you may have a difficult time believing this, but I challenge anyone to try a raw foods diet for a minimum of three weeks and I will guarantee many positive things will result from this. Try it.

Good luck for those who want a better life for themselves. For others who still want to fight it, your day will come. Either you will come to terms of finding out what your body needs or you will end up six foot under.

[JUSTYSMOM]

Hi,

I just wanted to add my 2 cents in to this conversation.

Being overweight my whole life, I know for a fact that "fat" people are discriminated against big time. I had lost 70 lbs a few years ago. I was treated so much better being thin as opposed to being fat. Let me explain...

Whenever I passed someone, I would would be greeted and smiled at. People were more apt to help me in a department store. I had chairs pulled out for me when I went to sit down in restaraunts etc. There is just an aire of respect.

Since gaining weight, I do NOT get treated the same way. It's almost like being heavy gives many people the right to be disrespectful. Sometimes we are almost treated like we are invisible.

Obesity is a chronic disease. It is similar to being an alcoholic. The only exception is that you can't "see" an alcoholic's disease. For heavy people, what we eat on the inside in private, shows on the outside. People discriminate.

I have seen plenty of overweight nurses and doctors. In fact, I know of a phychiatrist who weighs close to 400lbs. I don't look at them any differently than the thin ones. Maybe that is just me.

As far as smoking.. I know many nurses who smoke. But then again it is also an addiction. It doesn't undermine your skills.

The only thing I can't understand are those people who exercise like a maniac and light up a cigarette right after their workout. Now that to me is hypocritical.

Just my opinions, no flaming please :)

[Ada]

Anyone ever considered that one might be eating a normal diet and exercise even though they're overweight?

I'm 5'6 and weigh 175 and instruct 6 aerobic classes a week! I'm in better shape than most of my peers.

[blkdawn]

Originally posted by tgibson3770

"I know you may have a difficult time believing this, but I challenge anyone to try a raw foods diet for a minimum of three weeks and I will guarantee many positive things will result from this. Try it."

Eating your way will KILL me. I'm allergic to all but a very few (about three) number of RAW fruits and vegetables. Now what happens to your guarantee?

You are entitled to your opinion, but please do not presume to know for a "fact" that there is one magic prescription for everyone. That's simply not true. My mother is probably by far the healthiest person in a three state area, eating the raw food diet, no refined sugars, no flour PERIOD. She makes her own almond "milk" fer cryin' out loud. She's also an RN and after years of making me sick, literally, by trying to do things her way, she now realizes she doesn't have the answer for me. Neither do you. I hope you can understand why people reacted the way they did to your post.

[Crystal J]

TGibson

I don't doubt your knowledge of nutrition - you have proven that you know what is good to eat and what is not. But to come on the board and call fellow nurses selfish and basically lazy for not trying to have a better life? Rude!

I do agree that when I exercise and go to the gym four times a week - I feel great. Can't argue there at all. But when I work full time and go to college at night, I can't go that often. Regardless, you are entitled to your opinions. But I do know this much, I am a student right now - and I hope when I am a nurse I work with someone that has more compassion for peoples feelings and most of all judges me for my skills and effort - not my size.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

As I have Ulcerative Colitis, must pass up the raw foods diet.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I, too, have a condition that makes the "raw foods diet" impossible for me. My irritable bowel syndrome that I have all my life requires a low fiber diet. That means minimal fruits and vegetables.

I think there are lots of us in this thread who feel the same way about a few things. It's not the information about healthy nutrition that we object to: it's the "holier than thou" preachy attitude that often comes with it that is offensive. People with such an attitude have very little hope of ever helping their overweight patients. If they truly want to help people, they need to change their approach.

Upon more reflection, I want to revise my earlier remarks and say that I CAN take weight-control advice from thin people (etc.), but that advice and information has to be given with a generous and compassionate spirit. The nurse/care-giver/whatever has to be understanding and willing to work WITH me in order to help me -- not be condenming me, bullying me, or in some other way beating me down.

I guess that's what being a "helping professional" is really about -- delivering your care in a way that is most likely to help the patient -- being willing to adjust your approach so that you have the best chances of helping that person instead of just spouting off at the mouth whatever your (sometimes selfish) emotions want you to say to satisfy your emotional needs.

llg

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by tgibson3770

As the OP of "Do nurses practice what they preach?" thread I am announcing my dismay over the backlash that I am receiving over the two threads. Being exposed to the food and beverage indsutry as I have (restaurant management) and now starting in a field in the health industry, it is quite troublesome to see many people that show very little regard to thier own bodies.

So why in the hell are so many people defending their cause to live a haphazard life? It is selfish. There is so much more to this life. And for those who are struggling with obesity, there is a way to become free. You are more powerful than what you give yourslef credit for. For those who counteract what I have stated in my posts, are yet fighting internally with your own personal demons of affliction, because you do not want to be in your current condition but have given up the fight because of past failed attempts.

Good luck for those who want a better life for themselves. For others who still want to fight it, your day will come. Either you will come to terms of finding out what your body needs or you will end up six foot under.

Some of us wish for a better life with better bodies and better minds - and that does not necessarily mean thinner.

I see nurses with personality disorders that wreak more havoc and damage to patients/coworkers/friends/family, than they would if merely weight was the issue.

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

Originally posted by caroladybelle

[

I see nurses with personality disorders that wreak more havoc and damage to patients/coworkers/friends/family, than they would if merely weight was the issue. [/b]

Boy, can I "Amen" that one!! Toxic nurses- now is that ever a problem!!! Susan

[llg, PhD, RN]

Originally posted by caroladybelle

Some of us wish for a better life with better bodies and better minds - and that does not necessarily mean thinner.

I see nurses with personality disorders that wreak more havoc and damage to patients/coworkers/friends/family, than they would if merely weight was the issue.

I certainly agree with that. Unfortunately for those of us who are overweight, our "sins" are out there for everyone to see and to pass judgment upon. Some of the less "visible deficiencies" are potentially much more dangerous for our patients.

llg

[MandyInMS]

iliket3...I wish you the best in your quest (((((hugzzzzz)))))

I'm a little frustrated with some of the obesity oriented threads on this BB as of late, and have not posted in a while. I guess my thoughts are...There is no "I'm right/Your'e wrong" ...you could argue back and forth forever on the subject. As nurses "I" feel like we need to search for the common ground as to health/wellness..There is no BLACK / WHITE in most instances..I choose to look for the GREY area, and take each situation with it's uniqueness and go from there.