AW: My old OB can suck it :) (long-ish)

Mrs.HisOnly · June 2010

December 2008 I sought out a new OB after my insurance changed. At that point I knew something was up and was determined to get things checked out. After waiting over a month for an appt. with this highly recommended OB I met with her and she ran all the tests etc. She was ultimately the one that diagnosed me with PCOS. At that follow-up appt. she basically told me that the reason I had PCOS was because of my weight and that I should lose 50lbs and come back in 6 months. At that point, apparently, all my PCOS symptoms should have been resolved and I would be able to get pregnant on my own with no intervention. She also proceeded to tell me that if I got pregnant she would be very concerned and automatically label me high-risk because of all the problems I would have with pregnancy due to being overweight/obese. She was very opposed to my getting pregnant and downright refused to help me.

Thus began the downward spiral of emotions that led to crying everyday etc. I was a big FAT faliure. Literally.

I finally sucked it up and contacted an RE and started seeing her in July of last year. We can all see how that turned out. (see siggy )

Fast forward to today..... I had my 35 week appt. and GBS test. I also received the results of my 3 hr GD test. As of today (knock on wood).....

Total weight gained during pregnancy = 0lbs. The most I have ever gained is 1lb but I've always lost it by the following appt. Very weird.

BP = No more than 120/80 during the whole pregnancy

GD results = 83, 112, 138, 120 which means NEGATIVE. Not pass by the skin of my teeth negative but flying colors negative.

I was very proud of myself leaving the OB today.

Dear Dr. Lopez-Beecham, IN YO FACE! Love, Me

karenlisa714 · June 2010

You are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TayLynn · June 2010

Good for you, hon! Woohoo!

cocojack10 · June 2010

Woohoo. Glad u stuCK WITH YOUR GUT AND NEVER GAVE UP HOPE.

jojuan · June 2010

Awesome!!! you have done a great job.

taxbride · June 2010

Congrats on a doing great with your pregnancy!! Amazing non-weight gain, and good on you for passing the glucose test (although there are plenty of women who are hardly overweight who "fail" it, so that is not always connected anyhow).

It sounds like your old OB did not have the best bedside manner, to put it mildly. To be honest, though, and not to discount how well you have done, everything that she told you sounds medically correct from what I have read: women who are significantly overweight are more likely to have high risk pregnancies and deliveries and are more likely to have c-sections due to emergencies. There was just a whole article about this in the New York Times. There are obviously a lot of women who are overweight who have no problems at all, too. But when I first mentioned to my OBs that I wanted a natural delivery, the first thing they told me was that I should limit my weight gain.

But all that said, you have every right to be proud of yourself and how well you are doing!!! And only 5 weeks left! Wow. Your little one will be here before you know it!!!

Tani

Mrs.HisOnly · June 2010

taxbride:

Congrats on a doing great with your pregnancy!! Amazing non-weight gain, and good on you for passing the glucose test (although there are plenty of women who are hardly overweight who "fail" it, so that is not always connected anyhow).

It sounds like your old OB did not have the best bedside manner, to put it mildly. To be honest, though, and not to discount how well you have done, everything that she told you sounds medically correct from what I have read: women who are significantly overweight are more likely to have high risk pregnancies and deliveries and are more likely to have c-sections due to emergencies. There was just a whole article about this in the New York Times. There are obviously a lot of women who are overweight who have no problems at all, too. But when I first mentioned to my OBs that I wanted a natural delivery, the first thing they told me was that I should limit my weight gain.

But all that said, you have every right to be proud of yourself and how well you are doing!!! And only 5 weeks left! Wow. Your little one will be here before you know it!!!

Tani

OMG I read that article and it had me on a bad one for a couple of days. The only thing that upset me about that article was the whole article was based around this one woman who was already severely overweight and then gained a ridiculous amount of weight being pregnant. The first thing my RE told me was that I should not eat for 2 and that I should not exceed 15lbs and that was pushing it.

They did something similar in the Times with an infertility article. It was all negative based on one persons experience.

I do get that the weight could be an issue but I just really hate the fact that she only focused on that and killed all my hopes. the first thing my RE told me was " Yes, the weight can be an issue and all Dr's will tell you to lose weight because it's obvioulsy healthiest but that something we can work around"

Mrs.ClariC · June 2010

I am so proud of you! And VERY happy for you!!:)

taxbride · June 2010

Mrs.HisOnly:
OMG I read that article and it had me on a bad one for a couple of days. The only thing that upset me about that article was the whole article was based around this one woman who was already severely overweight and then gained a ridiculous amount of weight being pregnant. The first thing my RE told me was that I should not eat for 2 and that I should not exceed 15lbs and that was pushing it.

They did something similar in the Times with an infertility article. It was all negative based on one persons experience.

I do get that the weight could be an issue but I just really hate the fact that she only focused on that and killed all my hopes. the first thing my RE told me was " Yes, the weight can be an issue and all Dr's will tell you to lose weight because it's obvioulsy healthiest but that something we can work around"

I agree--it sounds like she needed to work on seeing you as a whole person instead of focusing on the weight alone. That singular focus is not helpful AT ALL. As your RE more nicely put it, it can be an issue but is not the only thing to focus on. I gained 40 lbs in my first pregnancy and was freaked every time the OB mentioned the weight thing (which was every time I mentioned wanting a natural delivery). I cannot imagine gaining ZERO pounds. That is incredible to me. Again, go you!!

Albah · June 2010

taxbride:

To be honest, though, and not to discount how well you have done, everything that she told you sounds medically correct from what I have read: women who are significantly overweight are more likely to have high risk pregnancies and deliveries and are more likely to have c-sections due to emergencies. There was just a whole article about this in the New York Times. There are obviously a lot of women who are overweight who have no problems at all, too. But when I first mentioned to my OBs that I wanted a natural delivery, the first thing they told me was that I should limit my weight gain.

Concern by docs can sometimes be taken as being negative and perhaps hurtful by the patient, but what was written above is completely correct. RE's are very used to managing PCOS so their approach is in general very different than a regular Ob's.

Nevertheless, I am very happy that everything has turned out perfectly for you! It is a great accomplishment and you should be proud! Wish you all the best in these last few weeks!

MrsVictoriaB · June 2010

yay Justine, you are doing amazing!!

totoloche · June 2010

Congrats you rock!!!!

EliStar · June 2010

I am so impressed! ZERO lbs?! You are officially my role model, lol...

You go girl!!

allison8878 · June 2010

AWESOME! As women, it is SO imporant that we trust our instincts with doctors. Some things are hard to hear, yes, but it is not just what is said but how it is said to us that really matters. Some women like straight facts and details, while others -- like me -- need a warm and fuzzy beside manner. Sounds like your OB just wasn't a good fit for you and it is great that you made the change.
As a fellow PCOSer, I always recommend that women see an RE once their OB suggests they have it. REs are so used to dealing with PCOS and treating it that they realize that there's more to getting pregnant than losing weight. Sure, a big characteristic in women with PCOS is being overweight, but it is usually a symptom of the syndrome, NOT the cause. You are a success story and an inspiration for all women dealing with IF and PCOS, be proud of that.
Congratulations on your pregnancy and cheers to enjoying the last few weeks before baby :-)

mjz · June 2010

Good for you!

MrsJOSEnADRI · June 2010

Congrats, Justine! You should be very proud of yourself for sticking to your instincts. I think doctors are just more concerned about liabilities/risk/malpractice than patients. So, most have lost that personal, caring touch.

VandRicky · June 2010

That's really awesome that you haven't gained any weight, you'll end up lighter after having the baby.

Let me tell you though, from personal experience, that the heavier you are, the harder a pregnancy is on your body. I was a size 12 when I got pregnant with Sebastian, a size 16 when I got pregnant with Nate and a size 18 with this one and let me tell you, every joint of my body feels the extra weight. I've only gained 6lbs this pregnancy, thank God or else I think I would be dead. I definately want to lose 50lbs before I even consider having another one, because the pain I am in is just terrible!