what is your opinion and have you ever?? Deb's "getting neked"

As I continue on my personal quest to "know thyself"... I am so much a binge eater, okay YES I do have a food addiction, I rarely know what hunger feels like because I don't allow myself to actually get hungry. All the shame and guilt goes along with it, but it just isn't enough to actually stop me from eating something. My son was struggling with his first year of college, with reading and staying focussed... so I suggested he talk to his physician, he was given a low dose of ritalin and his studies have improved greatly.... and also his guitar hero ability. On top of that, he doesn't want to eat, it totally is interfering with his habitual eating.... I was actually concerned for him because he was packing on weight eating out with friends.... anyhow, the boy has lost 38 lbs since the end of January. I put a call into my doc's office... I am hoping I can try it, I know it isn't something to play with as it is restricted... I have a healthy heart and I am not looking to od on the stuff. My boy started at over 300 and is taking just 20 mgs a day. Has anyone been treated for ADD? After reading up on it, I honestly think I have had it all my life. I was a sweet kid, and behavior alone would put me into the advanced classes, but I struggled with homework and was a C student at best. I HATE TO READ, if I read something, I have to read it again and again because I am processing so much at the same time... Have you ever thought about this?

My aunt was diagnosed with ADD in her 40s. She was never obese but 15-20 lbs overweight - she lost that and also gained a measure of control in her life she had never had before. She was always starting projects (re-do the bathroom, make a quilt, scrapbooking, take a martial arts class) and going gangbusters for a little while but not finishing anything - we called her a magpie because she was always darting off to the next shiny thing. Now she finishes what she starts. Good luck - I hope it will work for you. LauraSlidell

oh I am a master of starting projects... and I am the go to person if something needs to get done, I get the vision, start it, then....LOL thank God my husband will help me finish. I laugh about it, it drives Mike nuts, I do stuff like use the scissors or nail clippers and never put them back in the same spot... everyone thinks I am organized...??? because I get others to carry out my mission... I just want to stop wanting to eat and if that is a possiblity, I hope I can get someone to understand my reasons...but I just spoke with my doc's nurse and told her, bottom line I think I could benefit from it, but what is most important to me is for weightloss... so I am being up front with them. Thanks Laura... Magpie.... I LOVE IT! Being on top of all my paperwork would be outstanding, especially for tax time.

I would give it a try. If it doesn't agree with you or if it doesn't work you can just stop. I may be ADD but I am a daydreamer, so I am always preoccupied with my own inner world and the rest of the world be damnned!!! I am a calm person, but when my mind races out of control with things I do not want to do or think about, I want to eat. Good luck

My middle son is like you... daydreaming got him into more trouble in 3rd grade. I am going into it backwards, I told the nurse I am looking for some appetite control, (can't someone come up with a "I hate food" pill), I think losing my band re enforced my addiction issues. I was reading up on fasting the other morning... thinking oh that would feel great if I could make it past the third day.... then I found myself eating lunch at 10:30. Laugh with me Phyllis, just laugh.

Deb, I know nothing about ADD, but kudos to your son! Are you saying you want to try Ritalin? I'd say see your doctor, and be tested for ADD, and go from there. You never know, it may be a big help to you! Keep us posted, hon!

Hi Deb. I don't know about adult ADD, but I have heard that if adults take it that don't need to, it can have adverse affects. I'm not saying you don't need it, but keep that in mind. It could do just the opposite of what it's intended for. On the other hand....my son is 12 and has ADHD. He's been on meds since he was 6. When he started on Adderall he lost his appetite too. His lunches came home uneaten, he lost 10lbs in a month! I told his teacher to keep me updated on his overall behavior in school....I found out after a month or so that he was a total zombie in class. The teacher never said a word to me!! So we switched his meds immediately and he's been on Concerta for 6 years. He is growing normally and wants to eat more like a growing boy should! I will be curious to see what your doctor says! Karen

oh my son was too...a zombie, and then everyone thought he was manic depressed because he went from being social and jolly to Lurch-like... so after some counseling and yet another... he ended up pushing himself, and taking responsablity for his grades. He always went for med checks, and he is 6'3" so no stunted growth for him.

That's great Deb...I'm so proud of Kyle, he made high honor roll this 10 weeks. His grade went from an 84 to a 91! He holds back his emotions but I know he was quite proud of himself as well. These kids with ADD/ADHD are very bright. Kyle's favorite subject is math...he's a wiz at it. I'm fortunate that he never had the abusive side of the ADHD, he just couldn't sit still for anything. Some kids get very violent and can't be controlled. I feel fortunate.

That is wonderful. 2 years ago, Zack wasn't doing great with grades, and we did the ritalin with him... he became so withdrawn. He was never an angry guy, he just daydreams, drums, taps, is bored easy and was there for a social life. He is out going and everyone loves him, until they were trying to teach and he wanted to chat... I had a full eval with the school physc team, and they concluded in his testing that he scored above average, that he could do the work, just didn't want to... oh that was fun too. He is my natural athelete, and musician (guitar), he is also my risk taker... always have to brace myself with him! He also is very devoted. You are fortunate, because I cared for an angry child when I first started daycare, he kicked in the side of my couch and all I heard was the rip sound... I couldn't believe it, this child was a kindergartener with rage... He had to move along..