Months back I wrote a post about how it has taken me years to get my team of doctors on board with the fact that a 60+ guy can eat bacon and eggs, lose weight and do CrossFit.
There were times over the past three years when I’d yell at these guys because they were stuck in their old mindset, even though the evidence of my improved health was right before them.
Last week I had appointments with my Primary Care Physician and my Cardiologist. It was quite amusing. Each of them was eager to see me. It’s almost like they are living healthy lives vicariously through me. How bizarre is that?
My PCP visit began with the following dialogue:
Doc: I quit eating grains!
Me: When did you do that Jack?
Doc: Over a month ago.
Me: How do you feel?
Doc: Amazing! I can’t believe how much energy I have.
Me: Have you lost any weight?
Doc: Yes, I’ve lost 11 pounds in just over a month.
Me: That’s great. Are you doing any exercise?
Doc: Not yet, I don’t have time.
Me: Are you getting enough sleep?
Doc: I get 5-6 hours sleep.
Me: I want you to make exercise a priority, and you should make an effort to get 7-8 hours of good sleep, every night. I’d like you to work on that, OK?
Doc: Yeah, you’re right, I need to become more focused.
Me: So, Jack, why am I here?
Doc: It’s your annual physical.
Me: OK, then can we start talking about me now?
You can’t make this stuff up.
The physical went well, my weight is down five pounds, blood work is excellent, blood pressure still on the edge. Doctor Jack went on to tell me that he sees patients who have undergone “transformations” before, then they have reverted back to their overweight, sedentary selves by the time they have their next appointment.
He is thrilled and “inspired” that I have sustained this for three years.
A few days later, I met my cardiologist. He is also amazed by my sustained transformation. He asked me about my blood pressure and weight, and I whipped out my stats from my iPhone.
He asked about CrossFit. I mentioned that I am doing few WODs and focusing a couple nights a week on Olympic Weightlifting. He looked puzzled, so I explained I was learning Snatch and Clean & Jerk. Then his face went ashen and he said, “You mean those lifts where you throw the barbell overhead?”
I explained that it is not brute force, but technique. He was still amazed and said, “Yeah, but you’re in your sixties, should you be doing that?” Again, I reminded him that moments before, he was delighted with my weight, EKG, etc. He chuckled and agreed, “Chuck, you are not my normal patient. I tend to forget that. Just keep doing what you’re doing. See you in a year!”
I used to write about how food and fitness was transforming me. Now I can write about how transforming myself, is transforming my doctors.
How are you having a positive influence on your doctors? Are you able to open their minds to new ideas? It takes time and patience, but it’s almost as rewarding as lifting a barbell overhead.
Love your article Chuck. You should read the book "Healthy at 100" by John Robbins I think you'd enjoy it.
Terrific!
Love the way you think!!!! I am in the process of trying to transform. Break old habits, quitting the grains, cutting the amount of fruit …….. yadda yadda. I am learning that what works for some, doesn't for others. Can only keep trying to see what works for this old broad. Love love the blog!
I was coaching a new guy at our box — he is a PA and started Crossfit because he said he needs to be a better role model for his patients. He kept referring to himself as an "old fat guy." After hearing this four times, I said, "So, old fat guy, exactly how old are you?" He told me and I replied that I had several years on him, so what did that make me? His answer: "I guess it makes me the fat guy"
Lisa, that book may be the pile of "Books to Read" next to my overstuffed chair. The one I fall asleep in, every time I try to read.
Yup, I just found it, it's in the stack.