This week I lost 2.6 pounds, but only .1 body fat percentage.  This makes me think that I went a bit “off the rails” when it came to making sure I lost weight.  Although to be fair it could also be my body compensating for such a huge loss last week.  Either way it was an interesting development and something that I’ll keep my eye on. While it would be easy for me to blame it on my switch over to a new routine at this point I’m more inclined to think it was a dietary issue.  I’ll have to watch and make sure that I am taking in enough food as well as the right kinds of food in the future in order to better regulate the situation.

Both my weight loss challenges are wrapping up.  I have no idea if I’ll win the one I’m participating in.  Since it’s based on body percentage lost, those who started off weighing less have a slight advantage.  It will be interesting to say the least since the person who beat me last time is in this same competition.  Overall I’ve done pretty well this go-around though.  As for the one that I’m leading it’s going all right.  I don’t know if I’ve really found my stride leading the group, but I’ve been learning.  I’ve been trying to make the slides more fun and encouraging interaction between those who are participating.  I’ve also been trying to allow people to focus on the “why” of their eating as well as the “how”.  Everyone in the competition has done fairly well and I’m encouraged enough to keep going.  I’m toying with the idea of a Saturday morning class, but I still need to iron out the details with the folks of Nutrition Connection since that’s where I’m thinking of holding it.  I’m going to try and get some feedback from our outside participant about what she thinks of their standards versus ours.

I’ve also had some interesting feedback this week.  I went to get some lab work done in order to see what may be causing the redness and swelling in my legs.  They took a copy of my driver’s license for their records and the clerk just about had a fit at the difference between my picture and my face.  She asked all the normal questions such as “how did you lose the weight” and “how do you feel”, but she was the first person to ask if I got any surgery done.  I don’t know if people feel that’s more of a personal question or not, but I am a bit surprised that I don’t get asked that more often, although I guess “how did you lose the weight” kind of covers all avenues.

I do admit that I was brave enough to mention Herbalife, although I wish I knew how to introduce and follow-up on that fact a bit better.  I think most times people either gloss over that fact by pretending they know what it is, or it immediately turns them off.  I probably undersell it too by saying that I did a lot of exercise and tracking of my food as well, but I feel that’s the most honest answer:  “I used Herbalife nutritional supplements, I kept track of my food, and I did a metric ton of exercise.”  That’s what worked for me.  Will it work for you?  I don’t know, but it could.

Back to the lab though, that brings me to my main topic.

I don’t  know if I mentioned it recently, but I finally switched doctors.  Well, I actually switched back to one that I saw in 2004, but had left due to office hours.  My previous doctor was one that initially worked out well.  He got me on medication that I needed without any issues and he helped me reign in my blood pressure and depression.  However, over the years the service and advice that he provided steadily degraded to the point where it was a rampant pile of crap.  Finally, I had enough and decided to switch doctors to one that I had more faith in and should that not work out I will switch again.  But it got me thinking about what we should look for in a Doctor; especially when we’re trying to lose weight.

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• Get a referral
  
• Generalist or specialist
  
• Check credentials
  
• Determine if age is a factor
  
• Male or female
  
• Partner or leader
  
• How long is the appointment wait
  
• Paper or Electronic records
  
• Questions by email
  

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• Ask if you need to lose weight
  
• What should your goal be?
  
• What are any health related conditions
  
• What other conditions may develop
  
• Do my prescriptions contribute to my gain
  
• Is weight loss medication right for me?
  
• What about weight loss surgery?
  

Daniel writes:

Just listening to the latest cast.  Binge eating? Man, it keeps kicking my ass. And once the junk craving starts I find it so hard to get back on track. I am off the rails today, but I am just gonna enjoy it and not get down on myself.

But tomorrow is another day…

I’d also like to thank Jason Fitness Gym Life (@fitover30) for sending out a Tweet and promoting the blog

• 
  
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Please note that all content here is strictly for informational purposes only. This content isn’t a substitute for any medical advice and does not replace any medical judgment or reasoning by your own personal health provider. Please always seek a licensed physician in your area regarding all related health care related questions and issues.

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