Last week I had my physical. Things look pretty decent and I have to go for routine blood work but the worst part was getting on the scale.
The doctor’s scale always adds more poundage and they, at the physician’s office, do not allow one to get naked for weighing in. Trust me, I have no shame in shedding any article of clothing in order to make my weight appear less than what it is.
And so, I had to get on the scale fully dressed and fully wigged!
You can say that again! Getting on the scale on the doctor’s office is unhealthy because they weigh you before they take your blood pressure!
I gained 15 pounds since the summer.
Was I surprised?
No—but I was disappointed in myself for being weak and giving in to some horrific eating habits which started approximately in late September throughout the Holiday Season!
Cake batter. Ummmmmm…it’s so silky and yummy.
Cookie dough. Even better because the texture is so chewy and chock-full of fatty goodness!
For every cookie I bake, I eat a cookie’s-worth of dough!
Cheese. Because…. well, it’s CHEESE!!!
And the cheese doesn’t stop here–I make a killer cheesecake!
Bread. Bread goes well with cheese. It also goes well with butter. And is great for slopping up sauce. Bread out of the oven is leaven heaven! It’s comforting. Carb-loaded and I ate a ton of it.
Home baked bread–it’s now purely for the husband because I haven’t had this leavened deliciousness in three weeks now!
Pasta. You know how the box of pasta gives you the amount of servings—like 8 or 10? Um…that’s a joke! My need is to cook an entire box……………and I can eat it too!
My macaroni and cheese has the best of both worlds. Pasta and cheese–is there anything better?
Those are just a few of the reasons that I gained the weight that I did. And to tell you the truth, the turning point was a pair of pants (OK. two pairs of pants and one pair of jeans) that I couldn’t zip up or close.
Food is comfort for me. After a stressful day of work, food eases the weight (pun intended) of stress. When I’m feeling a pity party coming on, particularly unhealthy food like a pint of ice cream, with chocolate sauce poured, not drizzled over the cold, creamy, delight, topped with whipped cream and salty nuts relieve the pity.
When my anxiety punches me, the best way to fight it back is with food.
And I need to stop relying on food for everything that ails me or as an emotional rescue!
Not only was this me when the doctor suggest I exercise, but it was also me when I had to have a Tetanus shot!
But wait! There’s something else.
If you are a regular reader, then you kind of know that I worry incessantly about my health. It’s obsessive. And as lazy as I am about exercising, you would think that I hit the gym during my free time. But I can’t be bothered.
Now THERE’S a way to get me on the treadmill!
So anyway, I put off the blood testing because something happened. I had a symptom. And let’s just say that this particular symptom had me calling up the colonoscopy doctor because I thought that perhaps my August probing should be moved up.
AGAIN! One symptom can have me obsessing!
I was beside myself—thanks to Web MD and other online medical sites. Not to mention I read about diseases every day at work.
Probaby the ONLY thing Web MD got right!
The appointment was this morning and I made sure that I had my prettiest matching underwear on because—it’s that kind of doctor.
And when I arrived at the office, I was greeted with new insurance paperwork to fill out and a question.
The question being “May we take your photo for our Portal?” Yes. Everything is online these days—even your doctor’s office.
Well—due to the rather sensitive nature of my visit, and because I only had one thing on my mind. My face suddenly had a horrified look. And I was asked if I was ok. My answer was an astounding reply…
No–a photo of my face NEVER crossed my mind!!
“YOU WANNA TAKE A PICTURE OF MY ASS???????”
There were both looks of horror and women trying to hold in laughter as the receptionist assured me it was my face they wanted to photograph. Hey. It’s a gastro/colon office—why would they want my face?
And everyone was all smiles as I further explained that my hair changes on a daily basis due to the wigs but my face remains the same.
This is the face and hair they got today! I took a car selfie after I left the doctor’s office!
The outcome of the doctor’s visit? My probing will still remain in place for August and I’m forbidden to go to Web MD—or any other medical site.
Seriously. We can’t seem to get away from all this medical stuff—no wonder many of us are hypochondriacs. It pains me to watch the news at night because every single ad is for medicine or some hospital specializing in critical disease. These things trigger me.
And yes, I did have to get on the scale this morning. On the coldest day of the year while wearing the heaviest sweater I have, heavy tights, and a wool kilt skirt. But the great thing is that I weighed one pound less than last week during my physical. I would say that if I had been stripped of all clothing, I would have been an additional pound less, making the total two pounds. And doctor scales are heavier than home scales because at home I weighed 152 this morning and at the doctor’s office I weighed 156.
What I wore to the doctor today. The coldest day of the year and I was bundled up in heavy-weight wool!
So yeah—I have a few pounds to lose and I’m doing fine with it.
I’ve completely cut out all white flour, bread of all kinds, sugar and baked goods. No in between meals. No processed food. I’m watching my portions but I’m not depriving.
Saturday night dinner is already planned. Escargot and steak. I’ve decided to stop formal dieting and just started to watch what I eat. I’ll tell you I sucked food up like a Hoover during the holidays so now is a good time to get back to my comfortable weight—besides. I have a wedding to attend!
That being said, I’ve been lucky enough to fit into most of my clothing with the exception of those two pair of pants. And I haven’t been posting what I’ve been wearing for quite some time. And on this cold, last evening of January, I’ve decided to return to posting what I’ve always loved.
Here’s some of the clothing getting me through the weight loss!
I’m on a Kilt kick. Yesterday I wore my favorite kilt because it’s the same plaid as my old school uniform. I don’t know what it is but the skirt/tights/sweater/loafers combo remains one of my favorite winter looks. And the skirt is expandable so it moves with my tummy!
Black–or any monochromatic tone of clothing always slims! These stretch velvet pants are a great choice while losing the pounds. I felt very Beatnik in this get up!
Three weeks ago I could not zip these pants up. Now they fit–albiet snug but they fit! Giving up bread and pasta have been a godsend in slimming the stomach!!
Another example of one-tone dressing. Navy sweater, navy skirt, navy shoes! I fake tanned the legs because I hate pantyhose. This was before the weather fell into the single digits!
A favorite Saturday Look! This olive-green sweater I bought at J. Crew Factory earlier in the season has been my most-worn sweater this winter. I love loose jeans a snugly sweater and loafers!
This loose sweater hid some overflowing muffin top on the pants that got a bit tight!
Casual Friday at the office…..
And slightly dressed up with a velvet tee and a plaid lady jacket! This is where jeans with stretch are your friend. You can gain a few pounds and the jeans will stretch with you!
So that’s it for now. I have a few new makeup/skincare items that I’ll be writing about this weekend! Have a great evening! And don’t read Web MD!
Have a great evening!
If you have any weird doctor visit stories–by all means! Share them in the comments!!!!! XOXOXOXO
Catherine,you always look slim to me.
Omg I loved when you used to post your scale photos. My daughter and I have been sending weekly shots of ours. Intermittent fasting is my new phase. Look into it,
Peggy. I was going to post a pic but when I saw it I realized I was naked and the lighting was just giving off too much information! I’m going to wear a thong for my next pic. weigh in!!! LOL!! XOXOXOXO
I hate going to the doctor. I also love pasta and baked goods. Good on you for doing a difficult thing!
Thanks Jess! Oh…I think all my doctor’s take meds before I show up at their offices! I’m not kidding! My best girlfriend is a nurse and she almost dreads my phone conversations due to my hypochondria!!! I’m hoping I sit next to her at my daughter’s wedding!!! XOXOXOXOXO
You always look slim to me too! I find it hard to believe you weigh 150 lbs? You must be tallish? Love the navy sweater/skirt pearls look – so classic. It’s hard not to eat more this time of year – when the weather outside is frightful we all need comfort food.
Hi Homey! Yeah…I think I may be taller than average–5’6 and taller with heels but…and this is key–I’m big boned. I’ve got bones like a freaking Woolly Mammoth!! And..I come from Irish farm stock!!! LOL!! XXOXOXOXO
I am Irish background too, but of leprechaun descent!
I always love the way you look,Cathe…and I wouldn’t worry about the lbs…it’s more about how we feel! Always remember, we are elders, not “elderly”…❤️💚
Thanks Liz…I hope all is well with you–I saw the quilt pic and it’s absolutely gorgeous! I think about you a lot!! XOXOXOXO
Ha, I was worried about you not posting! DO NOT READ WEB MD!! Or Dr. Google as we call it at work. It’s very anxiety producing…I do have a doctor visit anecdote though. One time I was going for a physical and my Australian accented Doctor pointed out ( whole checking for new moles on my butt because…melanoma) “Oh my you have a bite mark on your buttock!” . “My cat bit me.” The doctor blurted out in shock ” Your cat bit you on your BUTTOCK? Does he do that often?” ( I think he was hoping for an answer more sinister and BDSM like) I had to explain that my young male cat was having misdirected domination issues as I was the only family member he bit..I would have my backed turned and the little devil would take a run at my bum, grab a bite and take off!. The doctor was intrigued and asked what I was going to do about it. I told him that our vet suggested kitty be put in the basement for a time out, my Australian’s retort “Well it’s a good thing your husband didn’t bite you!” Those Aussies are hilarious..
Glad everything is fine and yes, I hear you about the extra poundage..it sneaks up on us!
Hey Momcat. You know me so well….yeah–my stress was keeping me from posting! BTW, that doctor story is a hoot!!!!!!!!!! I’m amazed that your cat bit your ass–that’s why I’m a dog person. If I had a cat, we would have a “bitch off” every night! Yup–that poundage sneaks up in the worst way and in the worst places!! And I am in the midst of making a bordelaise sauce for the frenchman tonight!! XOXOXOXO
You always look lovely and slim in your photos – i would never have guessed you were carrying too much weight. I am/was in a similar situation in April last year when I topped the scales at a whopping 14st 2lbs. The doctor referred me to the gym and since then with the aid of Slimming World and the gym I am now 12st 5.5lbs. I would like to loose the 5.5 and reach 12 stone for our visit to America in April – that would be a weight loss of 30lbs! I guess you don’t need to loose anywhere near that amount so I am wishing you well at reaching your goal. Have a lovely weekend. Love – Jill stylishatsixty x
Wait. Jill. Where in the USA are you visiting? How long will you be here? Do you visit often? I hope you don’t come across the MAGA people when you’re here! And when you are touring here you’ll most likely be walking so much that you won’t gain an ounce!!! XOXOXOXOX
We fly to Atlanta Georgia and are then part of an organised coach tour. Amongst other places we visit Nashville, Savannah and New Orleans. Sooooo excited. We have a 2 week holiday x
Just looked up the meaning of MAGA and I also hope we don’t meet any x
HiCatherine you look slim and you are a beauty!
I have major depression and when laid of from by admin assistant job, I fell apart. You inspire me to start taking care of myself and play with makeup and fashion again. I’m a fellow New Yorker from Queens!
Hiya Fellow Borough Girl! What pawt a’ Queens are ya from????? I spent the first six years of my life and summers up until high school in Ozone Pawk! I still miss it! Depression sucks to put it bluntly and it upsets me that our health care doesn’t do more for us when our depression decides to visit. I fell apart when I lost my admin. asst. job too–three companies I worked for closed. But I kept pushing and have an admin job now–it isn’t paying as much as my other jobs did but it’s an excuse for me to get dressed and out of the house. I’m pushing for ya kid!!! I’m pushing for ya!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Just slice a bit of of yourself and glue it on me because I went to the doctor Wednesday and I have to gain weight! I love food too, but it is Just rediculous what I have to dat now! Pfff, so much!
Muffin top? These guys are brilliant
https://nutritionovereasy.com/weighless/
And I’m not on commission!!!!
X
Oh friend, I hate the scale at the doctor’s office too! It’s the worst part really and that sounds insane but I am nuts. I gained 8 pounds in 2 weeks and it’s been so hard trying to get it off. Drives me crazy!
I love your posts, so real and funny! You are beautiful!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann. What is it with the doctor’s scale anyway? Do they not realize it is a cause of emotional stress and rising blood pressure? Perhaps a scale is their secret way to get us to take more pharmaceuticals!!! XOXOXOXO
You’re adorable and have great fashion sense. in my experience, 95% of weight loss is done in the kitchen, not the gym. Exercising more just makes me hungry. I’ve cleaned up my eating and, after successfully following Wheat Belly (no grains of any kind), adopted Paleo way of eating — think what you can hunt (meat/fish/poultry) or gather (berries/nuts/some seeds/plants/veggies). No dairy, grains or sugar. Down 20lbs since Christmas and feeling marvelous.
Without grains for 3 years now I am rarely sick, no more respiratory infections and my skin glows 🙂
And I love your plaid pants, the cutest! You, my lady, are my style #goals!
MJ
Thanks Emjay!!!!! Your compliment is a high one and touches my innards in the best way!! I”m going to check out this Wheat Belly–I’ve been very pleased with how I feel by giving up bread and flour..and Hummus is the love of my life but I’m making it with Cauliflower and Tahini these days–no chickpeas. I’ve given up beans too–but I’m still tootin’ if you know what I mean!!! XOXOXOXO PS. Trinity’s Library is incredible! I was there back in 2004–Dublin is one cool city!!! XXOXOX
Beautiful outfits!!! I’ve been feeling for all you folks living under these cold conditions.. Out here in Oregon, the natives can’t imagine it, but having grown up in Minnesota, I know what -50 degree windchill is all about. It’s no wonder that winter time is when comfort food is front and center.
I haven’t weighed myself in nearly two months. I think perhaps I should go buy a new scale since the one we have is in storage after our house fire. My clothing fits, but it would be good to check this out. We’ve been under tremendous stress and that certainly plays into this sort of thing.
All the best, Cath. You look gorgeous in your photos!!
Thanks Vava! I hadn’t been on the scale in a month of Sundays and finally did the dirty deed. It was around what I thought it would be and I would be fooling myself to think that all the food I consumed between November and New Years wouldn’t have an effect! Luckily, I was within range of 90 percent of my clothes so now the work has commenced. I’m very proud that I’ve not been tempted by bread and I’ll continue that trend. Hey. I can keep it up through February and March and April because the weather is still cool! Enjoy your weekend my love!!! XOXOXOXO
Oh, love it CATHERINE. I got Abit bogged down with a cold virus, jobs & blogging this morning and deciddd to sign off for the day and have a nap. The nap did me good and I couldn’t resist checking my inbox. As always CATHERINE your post has cheered me although there is of course a serious side to it. I will revisit and comment.
Have a lovely weekend 🌝
Hi Margaret! Thank you!!! The weekend is shaping up well! Hope your’s is turning out to be a good one, albiet I hope your cold virus decides to give you and Irish Exit and leaves quickly and without warning!! XOXOXOXOXO
Love it 😍
Sending you & your readers 🌞 Warmth 🌞 to chase away the biting cold! And a cauldron of Gumbo 😉.
Think our bodies are still adapted to the feast/famine cycles of yore. The cyclical cold/hot, dark/light for that matter, too. I’m learning to let “Lily” work her own magic towards weight. Yes, TeeHee!… I call my body Lily. Decided it was better to consider her a friend & develop a more loving relationship.
Last Drs appmt, the height measurement part of the scale & I had a disagreement 😖. I said, “62-inches”. Tool said “60-inches”. Scale said, “Twenty pounds over, two inches under.”
Guess Lily & I need to become better friends with “Brian”. He’s my brain. We’ll make a great team! UmmHmm… I explained all of that to my incredulous Dr, too.
Beverly–I love the way you think. I’m gonna call my body Marilyn! I’m not even going to print the name of my scale!! XOXOXOXOXO
Researching any medical symptoms online is always a terrible idea. I tend toward hypochondria too and it’s so easy to freak out. Also, your post made me hungry so thanks for that… 🙂
Hi Turner! OMG. It’s so awful being banned from WebMD. I freak out every day. I haven’t freaked out in 24 hours so perhaps the ban is good. Tee hee! I’m honored to have made you hungry!! XOXOXOXO
Hahaha. Your photo quip cracked me up. I wouldn’t mind the ass photo quite so much because then, hopefully!, no one could identify me.
LOL!! Melanie–My ass to my face–those who know me wouldn’t notice the difference!! XOXOXOXO
It’s the “peaches & cream” “smoothe as a baby” look we all aim for 😎.
You got that right Beverly!!!! XOXOXOXO
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I’ve definitely dealt with 70lbs weight gain over the last three years. Starting to look at mindfulness as away to stop binge eating. I started a fb group to have people motivate each other. I sure hope you are interested! Love your post! Very interactive and something I can totally relate to!!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2231286827137453
Thanks Angie! I’ll check out your FB group. We need to support each other in all ways!!! XOXOXOXO