So tomorrow I have my first class medical, and I’m really concern that I might not do well, as I’m a little overweight and I’m worried about the blood pressure and/or diabetes “symptoms” which can be caused for being overweight. (not that I have any symptoms) Currently I am 5’8 weight 245lbs. Do you think I should be worried or alarmed about anything? Any tips would be helpful.
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Earv,
Take a quick spin over to your local airport and check out all the big fa…I mean “healthy” looking pilots there are. You should be fine if all else is ok. Now the blood pressure can definitely be an issue. Do you have high blood pressure? If you do you really should address that BEFORE your First Class. The FAA does allow high blood pressure (I have it) provided it’s properly managed. If yours is normally high AND you’re stressing I can almost guarantee it’ll be at an unacceptable level. If it’s a little high watch what you eat tonight and tomorrow. Watch the sodium and caffeine and drink plenty of water and try and calm down.
Adam
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Thanks Adam,
I don’t believe I have high blood pressure or diabetes but I do know just by being overweight, those type of things do and can occur. So im just a little worried lol.
Earv,
You either have diabetes or you don’t. If the doctor discovers that you do then that is not necessarily a bad thing as it needs to be addressed. Also, for blood pressure, that again is something that needs to be addressed if you have high pressure. There are medications out there that are approved by the FAA and will lower your blood pressure. Even if you don’t walk out of the office with a medical certificate tomorrow, the odds are that you will have one soon and that you will also address some issues that you need to anyways.
Chris
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Thanks Chris!! You are indeed right, As of now I don’t have high blood pressure or diabetes, I was just worried since I haven’t visited my doctor in quite some time. I have a feeling I may be over thinking it, as I just want to start training already. lol
I passed with flying colors!! Now I’m about to call ATP and confirm my start date!! #excited
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Congrats Earv! I know that’s a big weight off your mind (pun intended) 
Adam
Another concern is the weight and balance of the aircraft. For instance in the Seminole having 2 pilots who are both in the 200-pound range has a high probability of throwing the CG out of the envelope.
Earv,
Great news! Congratulations. Please keep us up to date as you continue through the process.
Chris