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Topic: RE: how to permanently cure oneself of ever drinking too much again
You are very blessed in your being able to stop drinking and detox safely.
As for AA, I am afraid you are misinformed about some stuff in AA. The only requirement for membership in AA is the desire to stop drinking. PERIOD. They don't make you say you are an alcoholic. I choose to say it because I am one.
As for the 1st step, if you honestly look at that last drunken episode, were you able to stop yourself from getting that plastered that weekend? Also, the first step says, "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, and that our lives had become unmanageable." If you could have stopped yourself from getting that plastered, why didn't you? Also, when you got drunk, didn't bad things happen? You blacked out. You passed out. If your two day binge is not a sign of powerlessness to you, then you might need to re-examine that two day binge honestly.
The God stuff in AA is about spirituality. You don't have to buy into it right away. It is the belief that there is a Higher Power in the world, and that many of us have found strength in that Higher Power, and the ability to only stay sober because of that Higher Power. I can't do it alone.
The 1st three steps for me are very simple.
I can't stop drinking.
God can help me stop.
I think I will let God.
BUT, the only requirement for membership in AA is the desire to stop drinking. You don't have to do anything to attend a meeting and learn how the program works. The 12 steps are suggestions that have worked for millions of people, and many of them have been able to stop drinking for years at at time.
If your way works, great. BUT, I tried it your way, and ended up demoralized with my last relapse.
Good luck.
Trish
As for AA, I am afraid you are misinformed about some stuff in AA. The only requirement for membership in AA is the desire to stop drinking. PERIOD. They don't make you say you are an alcoholic. I choose to say it because I am one.
As for the 1st step, if you honestly look at that last drunken episode, were you able to stop yourself from getting that plastered that weekend? Also, the first step says, "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, and that our lives had become unmanageable." If you could have stopped yourself from getting that plastered, why didn't you? Also, when you got drunk, didn't bad things happen? You blacked out. You passed out. If your two day binge is not a sign of powerlessness to you, then you might need to re-examine that two day binge honestly.
The God stuff in AA is about spirituality. You don't have to buy into it right away. It is the belief that there is a Higher Power in the world, and that many of us have found strength in that Higher Power, and the ability to only stay sober because of that Higher Power. I can't do it alone.
The 1st three steps for me are very simple.
I can't stop drinking.
God can help me stop.
I think I will let God.
BUT, the only requirement for membership in AA is the desire to stop drinking. You don't have to do anything to attend a meeting and learn how the program works. The 12 steps are suggestions that have worked for millions of people, and many of them have been able to stop drinking for years at at time.
If your way works, great. BUT, I tried it your way, and ended up demoralized with my last relapse.
Good luck.
Trish
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
Topic: RE: how to permanently cure oneself of ever drinking too much again
Dear Trish,
Thank you for reading my long and rambling post and replying. Yes, I am fortunate to be alive today and know you can theoretically die from detox without medical supervision (my boyfriend actually looked all that stuff on line when i strated detoxing because i was so obviosuly physically ill.) the funny thing, it was just from those 2 days of binge drinking--i have drank in the past , sometimes (never ever even remotely like that though), never has blackouts/withdrawal before and, ironically, prior to that i'm pretty sure i haven't had a drink in about week. I did consider going to the ER or something because i literary left like i was about to die and was at a point where i was allmost past the embarassment factor. however, after the first night and after my bf called his doctor the next day to ask about what needs to be done, he was pretty much told that by then i was probably out of mortal danger and, frankly i felt too sick to even get out of bed take a shower, wash my hair, get myself dressed---basically make myself presentable enough to go out in oublic (even to the er).
like i said, i felt like sh't for a week--haven't even left my bf's place (he's an angel or just plain insane for staying with me after this little episode, btw.)
it's been maybe around 5 weeks since it happened and i haven't done anything like that since (thank god). for a week or so, just the mere thought of alcohol was repulsive. i have been drinking occasionally since--but at a "socially" acceptable level with no side effects. also i neer did or would drink and drive--i may be self -destructive but i don't want risk hurting some innocent driver.
maybe i should try an AA meeting afer all, and, no i do not have to take SEPTA or anything, i did get a car a few months ago, thank god:) but, from what i understand about AA meetings, you have to admit you are an alcoholic and that you have no control over alcohol and also it involves believing in/relying on some higher power and you have to genuinly want to never have another drink ever again. all of those things may be true but i don't like to lie. and i maybe the stupidest person alive or completely in denial but deep down inside i am not quite sure i am an alcoholic and also i do feel that i have ultimate power over alcohol (especially now after i found out the hard way what alcohol withdrawal feels like). also, i'm not religious, i'm an agnostic jew so claiming to rely on a hire power, which i'm not 100% sure exists would not be very honest. last, i'm not even sure that compete abstinence of alcohol is my goal--i'm totally cool with enjoying a glass of wine. my goal is just to not be a problem drinker or let it affect my health ever again. it;s like my food addiction--i did learn to control it (even though it took getting my tummy stapled and insides re-routed), but now i can enjoy food in moderation without it ever becoming a problem.
so i'm not sure a person like me would be welcomed there unless i admitted to something i do not quite believe--and i have too much respect for people who attend AA to come there and bullsh't.
i might be wrong about those things--pls. correct me if i am.
Thank you for reading my long and rambling post and replying. Yes, I am fortunate to be alive today and know you can theoretically die from detox without medical supervision (my boyfriend actually looked all that stuff on line when i strated detoxing because i was so obviosuly physically ill.) the funny thing, it was just from those 2 days of binge drinking--i have drank in the past , sometimes (never ever even remotely like that though), never has blackouts/withdrawal before and, ironically, prior to that i'm pretty sure i haven't had a drink in about week. I did consider going to the ER or something because i literary left like i was about to die and was at a point where i was allmost past the embarassment factor. however, after the first night and after my bf called his doctor the next day to ask about what needs to be done, he was pretty much told that by then i was probably out of mortal danger and, frankly i felt too sick to even get out of bed take a shower, wash my hair, get myself dressed---basically make myself presentable enough to go out in oublic (even to the er).
like i said, i felt like sh't for a week--haven't even left my bf's place (he's an angel or just plain insane for staying with me after this little episode, btw.)
it's been maybe around 5 weeks since it happened and i haven't done anything like that since (thank god). for a week or so, just the mere thought of alcohol was repulsive. i have been drinking occasionally since--but at a "socially" acceptable level with no side effects. also i neer did or would drink and drive--i may be self -destructive but i don't want risk hurting some innocent driver.
maybe i should try an AA meeting afer all, and, no i do not have to take SEPTA or anything, i did get a car a few months ago, thank god:) but, from what i understand about AA meetings, you have to admit you are an alcoholic and that you have no control over alcohol and also it involves believing in/relying on some higher power and you have to genuinly want to never have another drink ever again. all of those things may be true but i don't like to lie. and i maybe the stupidest person alive or completely in denial but deep down inside i am not quite sure i am an alcoholic and also i do feel that i have ultimate power over alcohol (especially now after i found out the hard way what alcohol withdrawal feels like). also, i'm not religious, i'm an agnostic jew so claiming to rely on a hire power, which i'm not 100% sure exists would not be very honest. last, i'm not even sure that compete abstinence of alcohol is my goal--i'm totally cool with enjoying a glass of wine. my goal is just to not be a problem drinker or let it affect my health ever again. it;s like my food addiction--i did learn to control it (even though it took getting my tummy stapled and insides re-routed), but now i can enjoy food in moderation without it ever becoming a problem.
so i'm not sure a person like me would be welcomed there unless i admitted to something i do not quite believe--and i have too much respect for people who attend AA to come there and bullsh't.
i might be wrong about those things--pls. correct me if i am.
Topic: RE: attention from men is addictive
SOOO been there so here are my 2 cents based on my personal experience:
the bad news: the increased attention from men will continue. you are a very attractive woman and men will try to express interest/try pick you up or however you want to call it on regular basis. so you might as well get used to it.
now the good news: you will get used to it and will learn it's not an addiction or a bad thing. You are a beautiful woman and men will continue to approach you. Since your surgery your body image has probably improved and increased attention from men helps validate your attractiveness in your own mind. at first, it can be addictive and, yes, it can be a little difficult to turn some people down because getting all the increased attention is flattering and you are not yet quite used to it. however, after a while, you'll just take the attention for granted and, well, it won't be so tempting (unless, of course, the guy is really cute:] so it will become a flattering, sometimes even annoying but an occasionally entertaining part of your life.
the bad news: the increased attention from men will continue. you are a very attractive woman and men will try to express interest/try pick you up or however you want to call it on regular basis. so you might as well get used to it.
now the good news: you will get used to it and will learn it's not an addiction or a bad thing. You are a beautiful woman and men will continue to approach you. Since your surgery your body image has probably improved and increased attention from men helps validate your attractiveness in your own mind. at first, it can be addictive and, yes, it can be a little difficult to turn some people down because getting all the increased attention is flattering and you are not yet quite used to it. however, after a while, you'll just take the attention for granted and, well, it won't be so tempting (unless, of course, the guy is really cute:] so it will become a flattering, sometimes even annoying but an occasionally entertaining part of your life.
Topic: RE: Adderall anyone???
What about pre-op?
I have had adhd my entire life, but I was never hyperactive in the traditional sense. I was impulsive.
I had my surgery in October 2008 and I have dropped an average of almost 9 lbs a week since then so I am down 192 lbs. I asked my PCP if I could get some meds or something because my memory, concentration, and all the things that used to be somewhat manageable, were terribly unmanageable now. He said, 'College isn't for everybody'. I was pissed. I said in today's economic status and job market you damn well better believe a college degree means something. When a CEO is delivering pizza's because he cannot find a job with his degree and qualifications what chance does someone without a degree have of making a living?
So I went and saw my surgeon and asked if my weight loss would have altered the chemicals or something in my body to make the adhd worse. He told me no way and it had nothing to do with weight. He advised testing. My insurance will not pay for that sort of testing and it was going to cost $2500.00 and up. So I figured I hit a dead end.
My wife, a special education teacher for the last 14 years, said to try the universities student disabilities/counseling center. I contacted them and they met me and it took 4 weeks of testing and I have a slew wrong with me, most of the issues I have learned to cope with and can manage. The adhd has gotten so bad because pre-op I was 'self-medicating' with food/drink. I drank 3-6 bottles of soda daily plus anywhere from 1-2 pots of coffee, I make strong coffee. I was also eating lots of chocolate and other foods that had stimulants in them and I didn't even realize I was craving these types of foods.
I quit drinking all that in September per my surgeons and nutritionists recommendation. I have yet to drink a single soda, I only drink decaf coffee and decaf tea, I use no sugar. I have not used a single grain of sugar since October (week before they tell you have sugar stuff during liquid diet for energy).
Opps, I take that back, if we are out and I want something to drink besides water I will get unsweetened tea but it has only happened 3-4 times. Normally I carry a container of decaf unsweetened tea with me everywhere, or crystal light (walmart brand) so I have something. I will occasionally buy bottled water but I hate paying for something that is free. lol.
My symptoms got worse and unmanageable due to the lack of self-medication. I was worried about taking pills because I am on codeine for intestinal problems (everything from water to meat shoots through me within 30-60 minutes and the codeine stopped that from happening).
Anyway, I just started the adderallxr 20mg and I do not notice a difference. So they bumped it to 30mg, still nothing noticeable.
I see my psych. Dr today at the university and my NEW PCP Friday for the second time to talk about dosage. I am not sure how I am suppose to feel when on adderall or what it is suppose to do. I feel the same when taking it.
Depending on if you self medicated with some other stimulant or not, my thought is maybe you need a higher dosage to compensate for your lack of natural stimulants.
I hope my issues help you determine something about your medication. I would talk with your surgeon and tell him how you feel and talk with your Dr that prescribes the adderall, concerta is suppose to be great. My insurance doesn't cover it but yours might.
Good luck,
-Jaime
I have had adhd my entire life, but I was never hyperactive in the traditional sense. I was impulsive.
I had my surgery in October 2008 and I have dropped an average of almost 9 lbs a week since then so I am down 192 lbs. I asked my PCP if I could get some meds or something because my memory, concentration, and all the things that used to be somewhat manageable, were terribly unmanageable now. He said, 'College isn't for everybody'. I was pissed. I said in today's economic status and job market you damn well better believe a college degree means something. When a CEO is delivering pizza's because he cannot find a job with his degree and qualifications what chance does someone without a degree have of making a living?
So I went and saw my surgeon and asked if my weight loss would have altered the chemicals or something in my body to make the adhd worse. He told me no way and it had nothing to do with weight. He advised testing. My insurance will not pay for that sort of testing and it was going to cost $2500.00 and up. So I figured I hit a dead end.
My wife, a special education teacher for the last 14 years, said to try the universities student disabilities/counseling center. I contacted them and they met me and it took 4 weeks of testing and I have a slew wrong with me, most of the issues I have learned to cope with and can manage. The adhd has gotten so bad because pre-op I was 'self-medicating' with food/drink. I drank 3-6 bottles of soda daily plus anywhere from 1-2 pots of coffee, I make strong coffee. I was also eating lots of chocolate and other foods that had stimulants in them and I didn't even realize I was craving these types of foods.
I quit drinking all that in September per my surgeons and nutritionists recommendation. I have yet to drink a single soda, I only drink decaf coffee and decaf tea, I use no sugar. I have not used a single grain of sugar since October (week before they tell you have sugar stuff during liquid diet for energy).
Opps, I take that back, if we are out and I want something to drink besides water I will get unsweetened tea but it has only happened 3-4 times. Normally I carry a container of decaf unsweetened tea with me everywhere, or crystal light (walmart brand) so I have something. I will occasionally buy bottled water but I hate paying for something that is free. lol.
My symptoms got worse and unmanageable due to the lack of self-medication. I was worried about taking pills because I am on codeine for intestinal problems (everything from water to meat shoots through me within 30-60 minutes and the codeine stopped that from happening).
Anyway, I just started the adderallxr 20mg and I do not notice a difference. So they bumped it to 30mg, still nothing noticeable.
I see my psych. Dr today at the university and my NEW PCP Friday for the second time to talk about dosage. I am not sure how I am suppose to feel when on adderall or what it is suppose to do. I feel the same when taking it.
Depending on if you self medicated with some other stimulant or not, my thought is maybe you need a higher dosage to compensate for your lack of natural stimulants.
I hope my issues help you determine something about your medication. I would talk with your surgeon and tell him how you feel and talk with your Dr that prescribes the adderall, concerta is suppose to be great. My insurance doesn't cover it but yours might.
Good luck,
-Jaime
Topic: RE: Adderall anyone???
Good question believe it or not --- I didn't really drink pop and maybe 2 or 3 cups of coffee maybe--how are you with it?
Sarah Rushing
Topic: RE: Adderall anyone???
I am sorry!! I realized after I asked I feel so dumb. sorry
Sarah Rushing
Topic: Grateful Post..
Happy Hump Day..
Today I am grateful..
For my co-workers that keep me grounded..
For my job..
For the car that I have..
For being okay today..
That I am still here..
Today I am grateful..
For my co-workers that keep me grounded..
For my job..
For the car that I have..
For being okay today..
That I am still here..
Ramon Lopez
Co-Founder
http://www.rydobesity.com
Interview on www.weightlosssurgerychannel.com Please check it out.. http://www.weightlosssurgerychannel.com/programs/wls-journeys/wls-journeys-guest-ramon-lopez.html/
Video, about me, made by my best friend Yvonne.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gCxNTyRUo0
PEACE
464/409/200
Thanks Obesityhelp.com
Co-Founder
http://www.rydobesity.com
Interview on www.weightlosssurgerychannel.com Please check it out.. http://www.weightlosssurgerychannel.com/programs/wls-journeys/wls-journeys-guest-ramon-lopez.html/
Video, about me, made by my best friend Yvonne.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gCxNTyRUo0
PEACE
464/409/200
Thanks Obesityhelp.com
Topic: RE: Adderall anyone???
Hi Sarah!
I do not mean any disrespect to you and my intentions are not to embarrass you but I would like to know if you have much caffeine and whether or not you used to get much caffeine before your wls?
It is relevant to your question I promise. I have combined type, attention def. disorder and attention def. hyperactivity/impulsive disorder and I have had it my entire life. I am 36 years old now and I just started adderallXR. I will explain more once you have replied to my previous question(s).
-Jaime
I do not mean any disrespect to you and my intentions are not to embarrass you but I would like to know if you have much caffeine and whether or not you used to get much caffeine before your wls?
It is relevant to your question I promise. I have combined type, attention def. disorder and attention def. hyperactivity/impulsive disorder and I have had it my entire life. I am 36 years old now and I just started adderallXR. I will explain more once you have replied to my previous question(s).
-Jaime
Topic: attention from men is addictive
I need help. Not quite sure what to say other than I am receiving attention I have never received before and I just don't quite know what to do with it. I have been married for 14 years and don't want to screw things up. I am planning a high school reunion (my 20th) and several men from my past have seen me on facebook and have shown a lot of interest in my new look. It is hard to turn down attention from men because it validates that indeed perhaps I am attractive. I find it to be a real mental *%ck. HELP!
Topic: RE: Adderall anyone???
Hey Sarah,
Duh. I'm sorry. LMHC=Licensed Mental Health Counselor (State Credential for therapists).
Duh. I'm sorry. LMHC=Licensed Mental Health Counselor (State Credential for therapists).
Every morning in Africa
It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning inAfrica
It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle
when the sun comes up you'd better be running.
RNY 2/9/09 Buh bye Gallbladder 8/28/09; 100% EWL (181 lbs.) on 2/19/10;
It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning in
It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle
when the sun comes up you'd better be running.
RNY 2/9/09 Buh bye Gallbladder 8/28/09; 100% EWL (181 lbs.) on 2/19/10;
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