loisbase

Sorry this is a late coment, I've been off the computer for a few days, just being busy. Anyway, you have received tons of good advice here, I say try them all if you have to. Eventually, you will find your way again. Someone once told me "if you're going through Hell, for God's sake keep on going! Don't stop and get stuck there..." It is really true. Even if you don't know the right answer, keep up the fight and the prayers and you will come out on the right side. I wanted to chime in on the medication angle. I work in pharmacy and I have had my own struggles with both thyroid and birth control medication. Both of these drug classes are difficult to dose right. It takes a lot of trial and error for some patients. Do not give up or give in to the docs until your really feel better. One dose does not fit all! If you have access, check in with an endocrinologist (glandular specialist). All of these hormone systems affect each other, so messing with thyroid can change up your emotional status and or your sex hormone status or more. Also, check and see if you are insulin resistant. Those of us who are, with or without diabetes symptoms, sometimes overproduce insulin (to overcome the resistance) and that affects these hormone systems too. Plus, insulin is a potent fat storing hormone and appetite stimulant! AUGHH! That is so unfair for those of us trying to lose weight! A dietician consult can help you avoid insulin peaks and there is medication to fight insulin resistance. FIGHT! Just as an aside, check out Guinivere in the new King Arthur movie. She will inspire the fight in you. She kicks butt! Lois

Welcome Keith! I noticed your username, so may I add Hook 'Em Horns to my greetings? Maybe we can burn off a few calories by yelling and jumping while watching the College World Series this afternoon on the TV! Just no snacking!

I'm Lois, 44, single and a hospital pharmacist in Bryan, Tx. I grew up in Redding,CA. (way up north) so Lakeview, OR, I've been there! I sure miss the mountains, but not the high cost of living. I spent a lot of time with friends either at sporting events (Hook'em Horns) "thelogy weekends" or shopping. I read voraciously and love to ferret out a good buy on an antique. I've been exploring the ABG option recently, as I have struggled with obesity since I was a baby. I have never known "normal", whatever that is. For some reason, this year I'm not willing to go peacefully down that road anymore. I don't want thin, but I do want to feel good again. I've been in seriuos counselling and am ready to take another step if I can. I love this "roll call" idea! Lo

Donali et. al...I am a new poster, in the inquiry phase. Check out my hello in "introductions". I am so glad to have a place to vent when I need it. You are all a great group! I'm turning in early tonight. My very best friend is moving to S.Carolina tomorrow and it is going to be a hard day for both of us. At least I have a new vacation spot on the East Coast! Keep up the good work, everyone. Lois

Hello...I've been lurking and am now into serious consideration for pursuing a lap-band. I'm very large (BMI 61), but thankfully just now sarting to get a few health problems, which has brought this discussion of surgery to a head. I work in health care and am not anxious to pursue RNY, but will be going to Houston for an informational seminar with Dr.Spivak's groug next week. I am interested in the Lap-Band as a less invasive, potentially safer approach. My goal is not to be thin (or even normal weight, whatever someone thinks that is) but to feel good again. I have really slowed down this past year and a half. Multiple foot fractures and back pain from the multiple walking casts! Also new onset hypertension. Both of my parents have died of diabetes and heart disease. Both were obese, although only my father was severely so. My immediate concerns are whether this is done on very large people and whether it really helps control appetite. I actually have pretty good control of what I eat and rarely binge, but when I'm hungry, I eat a big 'ol heaping plateful and then some! A secondary concern is that I do live alone and do not have an"in-house" day to day emotional and physical support person to rely on. I am blessed with really terrific and caring friends.

From the pharmacist (that's me!) There is liquid children's Advil. I take a lot of Advil every day! It is 100mg/5 ml so you may be talking about taking 2 to 4 teaspoonsfull at a time. Also, Donali makes a VERY important point, time-release meds cannot be crushed. Some of the capsules with "pellets" in them can be opened and sprinkled on food e.g. Prevacid used for reflux, but others can't. Any local pharmacist can tell you which can and cannot and can recommend alternatives for you to suggest to your MD. Be suspicious of all coated talets until you know better. Often they have names that end in "CR", "SR" or "TR".