Advice About Discussing the Weight of a Cushing’s Patient

Welcome to a new end of the week, everyone! Today I’m discussing a huge, tricky topic: weight.

I think weight is the most popular topic in the Cushing’s community because it’s one of the most visual symptoms of the disease. Acne, facial hair, red cheeks, and a sweaty face are also major physical symptoms people can see, but they’re not on everyone’s minds. Weight — no matter who you are, whether you have Cushing’s or not — seems to always be a topic at hand. Our society as a whole is problematic in that regard, and I truly think that we could do better. (Just one woman’s opinion!) But for now, society’s obsession with weight is the reality, and it is a topic I think needs some discussing.

Often, all I get in chats are comments about my weight, whether they’re from other Cushing’s patients or people who don’t have a clue what the disease truly does to us. And that’s OK — it’s nice every once in a while to be acknowledged for looking healthy again. BUT, it’s also a bit frustrating. I am more than my weight (and we all are), and it would be nice to receive a, “But how are you feeling?” comment once in a while. Who is with me on this?

Seeing as weight will be the main topic of discussion in society for God knows how long, let’s discuss a few things:

Don’t give unsolicited advice. If someone posts about or discusses their weight, don’t give advice if they don’t ask for it. Cushing’s patients already worry enough about their weight. They don’t need the extra comments or unnecessary advice. Cushing’s patients generally try everything possible after surgery (and even before, though nothing works) to get back down to a healthy weight. Our weight is so much more than a diet change, so it’s best to keep comments to yourself, even if you’re also a Cushing’s patient.

Yesterday, a woman commented on my Instagram photo (below) saying that I look like I should be on human growth hormone (HGH) and that I should go to my doctor immediately. My HGH is fine, but thank you for your unsolicited advice on my post about how happy I am.

(Courtesy of Catarina Louro-Matos)

Before asking someone how they lost their weight, ask them how they are feeling. Until last week, I felt absolutely crummy, even though I had lost 72 pounds in a year and a half. How much weight we lose is not equal to how we feel. How we feel is more important.

Be supportive without being a jerk! It’s totally possible. If someone hasn’t lost as much weight as you think they should have lost, wherever they are post-surgery, keep it to yourself. This point kind of ties in with the first point about unsolicited advice. Just keep your opinions to yourself! It’s really not hard. If someone posts that they’re happy with their progress (which is a very hard emotion to achieve when you feel like garbage every day), support them by cheering them on and applauding them! There’s no need for extra comments.

Is there something that people do or say about your weight that bothers you? Feel free to discuss below!

Until next week,

XOXO, Catarina

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