Preparing for an appointment

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care team. Ask a family member or friend to go with you, if possible, to help you remember key points and give a fuller picture of the situation.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Your symptoms, even those that may seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
• Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins, herbal products, over-the-counter medications or other supplements you're taking, and their dosages
• Questions to ask your doctor, so you can make the most of your time together

Some questions to ask your primary care provider or mental health professional include:

• What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing for me?
• How will treatment affect my weight?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your primary care provider or mental health professional will likely ask you a number of questions. He or she may ask:

• How long have you been worried about your weight?
• Do you think about food often?
• Do you ever eat in secret?
• Have you ever vomited because you were uncomfortably full?
• Have you ever taken medications for weight loss?
• Do you exercise? If so, how often?
• Have you found any other ways to lose weight?
• Are you having any physical symptoms?
• Have any of your family members ever had symptoms of an eating disorder, or have any been diagnosed with an eating disorder?

Your primary care provider or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.