Sleep Apnea Weight Loss

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Does mild sleep apnea affect weight loss?
   My husband was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea last year and has been trying to lose weight to help. He's had no success. He started a construction job last march and has been eating better and has not lost one pound. We are trying to find out what could be causing the no weight loss after being working in such a labor intensive field..
   Any ideas?

   • ANSWER:
     Is he a soda drinker? what about a late night snacker? Both of these things make it very hard to lose weight I have found when I stopped both it really helped a lot.

2. QUESTION:
   Mild sleep apnea and weight gain?
   I have been struggling with my weight for some time now. My body fat is stuck at just over 20%. I have a high intensity weight training routine that I do three times a week and a job where I'm very active the whole 8 hours. My diet is very clean and I don't drink at all.
   I have about 15 apnea episodes an hour. Could this be the cause of my plateau? I have been trying to use the Cpap for almost a year now and I'm having trouble tolerating it. I just got a new mask and I'm hoping that I can fall asleep with it on. Has anyone had any experience with mild sleep apnea and weight loss?

   • ANSWER:

3. QUESTION:
   can exercise and loss of weight help eliminate sleep apnea?

   • ANSWER:

4. QUESTION:
   Can weight loss solve the problem of sleep apnea?

   • ANSWER:
     You have posted this question 6 times. No weight loss will not solve the problem

5. QUESTION:
   my pcp dosent think sleep apnea is a good reason for weight loss surgery. what do i do?

   • ANSWER:
     Hi, Stephanie!

     It depends how overweight you are:

     - in you have an uncontrollable weight gain.
     - a large neck (>16 inches around in women, >17" around in men)
     - if your Body Mass Index is above 30 (obesity)

     then you should consider that obesity is the first cause in prevalence of sleep apnea.

     Before choosing surgery, you should try to loose weight. Weight loss surgery is only for people who have no other option, because they are in danger to die.

     Weight loss surgery is a danger procedure, and you should think twice before using it.

     I hope it helps!

6. QUESTION:
   Can i lose weight with severe sleep apnea?
   I have tried all kinds of tricks and taken all i want in prescription weight loss. I have not lost anything, but gained.
   Please read the question before you answer. In response to tricks { I have gone through weightloss programs...changed eating habits} weight is not coming off.

   • ANSWER:
     You certainly can...that being said your sleep apnea has to be under control. You did not mention whether or not you are treating it with cpap or bipap. If not, losing weight will be very very difficult. If you are treating it, I would start with going for walks daily and eating healthy. If physical activity is difficult to start with, I would try water aerobics or just swimming. Join a health club that has these things available to you. Stick to this and increase your activity with time. Keep in mind that if you do lose weight and you are on cpap or bipap your pressure will more than likely go down. So it would be in your interest to get retitrated with significant weight loss. One thing I have learned in having a healthy lifestyle is: if its easy its not working! And all good results take time. Good luck.

7. QUESTION:
   i have sleep apnea and its' ruining my life, besides weight loss is there anything i can do now to be happy?
   my sleepiness is affecting my whole life!

   • ANSWER:
     There are numerous treatments for sleep apnea these days. One of the most effective is a breathing device you wear at night (it helps force air gently into your body, to help regulate your breathing and keep you from stopping suddenly). You should see a doctor to talk about options. They might recommend that you spend a night at a sleep clinic for a better evaluation of your problems.

     But even losing a little weight will help, so I hope that is definitely one of your goals! Regular exercise can make a big difference as well, and you may find you sleep better in some positions rather than others (i.e. on your side instead of on your back).

     Good luck and don't hesitate to see a doctor about this. Sleep apnea is actually quite dangerous and can affect your heart in the long-term. Don't monkey around with it!

8. QUESTION:
   Have a serious question about sleep apnea and weight and antidepressants?
   Hi, I have taken paxil since 2005 when I had a serious depressive episode. During that episode, I did not sleep for a good 2 months. I also think during that bad episode, I developed sleep apnea. I was 140 lbs during that time. I remember telling my husband that I could not sleep because I would wake up gasping for air. Now, after being on paxil for 3 years, I am ok, overweight, (210), I do snore according to family and spouse, and if I forget 1 dose, the next night, I wake up gasping for air. When I do take the paxil, I no longer forget to breathe. Do you think it could be the weight that has made me snore or have the apnea? Or could it be the paxil that has made me have sleep apnea? When I take the paxil, I do not dream, I usually sleep well and get rested for the most part. When I miss one dose, I seem to remember my dreams, I feel so tired. I am thinking of doing a drastic weight loss so I could stop the snoring. Like go from 210 t0 130. I wonder if it would cure the snoring?

   • ANSWER:
     Being overweight is linked to snoring. I believe that has been medically proven. There is a machine that your insurance will pay for that will correct your sleep apnea. I am assuming you are thinking gastric bypass??? You should definitely consult some doctors about your ideas. I am going by people in my life, books I have read, shows I have watched, journal articles I have read, and my opinion! I strongly believe that being overweight can lead to sleep apnea. I know it leads to snoring and making the snoring louder. The machines for sleep apnea are available. Best of luck to you. I send you much congrats on getting control of the depression. Kudos to the Paxil!

9. QUESTION:
   After losing 15% of body weight, if existing sleep apnea were to disappear, might it do so after some delay ?
   I know someone with sleep apnea. They lost 30 lbs (15% of former weight) and they still have sleep apnea. I wonder if their sleep apnea might ever disappear (as a result of this weight loss) or if its initial failure to resolve indicates that it is highly unlikely to go away (and therefore, likely unrelated to their having been overweight).

   • ANSWER:
     Sometimes even with weight loss, sleep apnea needs to be treated with something called a polysomnography which is the Gold Standard for treating sleep apnea....

     Here's More:http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020115/229.html

10. QUESTION:
    What does everyone think of weight loss surgery?
    I am having weight loss surgery November 27. I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (I sleep with a BiPap machine already) and it's getting worse and I am not losing weight fast enough for the Dr's and really need to have it. they said this will alleviate the problem and of course I will be thin again. So do any of you have any advice or stories about your WLS that you'd like to share with me? or possible recipes that you used.
    Thanks in advance!

    • ANSWER:
      I think weight loss surgery for some is a good option. Most people that get weight loss surgery have to give 5 years of medically directed proof that they have attempted all forms of weight loss and not succeeded. I had an aunt and a cousin both who had weight loss surgery (gastric bypass). Both lost a lot of weight and 5+ years down the road are doing great with the weight still off. Good luck to you and I hope that your other health issues are improved after the surgery. Below are some links on weight loss surgery that you might read before your surgery. The second link is a book that was written. Please don't let the title bother you. I have read some of them for other things, and they can be quite good. Good luck.

      I'm a community moderator at the site I'm referencing below. We have a few threads on weight loss surgery. If you want to come in and talk with others about your surgery, and especially let us know how your doing after surgery we would love to have you.

11. QUESTION:
    What everyone think of weight loss surgery?
    I have a 27th surgery November. I suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (I sleep with a BIPAP machine already) and it is getting worse and I do not need to lose weight fast enough for Dr. and really, to have it. they said it would alleviate the problem, and of course I’m thin again. To have any advice or stories about your WLS want to share with me? or earnings potential utilisé.Merci Thanks in advance! Reply

    • ANSWER:
      I had weight loss surgery (Gastric Bypass Surgery 6/20/2006, my BMI was 54 at the time) the weight loss resolved all my health issues (GERD, severe obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure), I'm off all medications (prior to surgery I was on 8), went from a size 28 to 4. *It's not a solution for everyone* but it was the right one for me. It was the head start I needed to change my life but I want to stress... weight loss surgery goes hand in hand with HEALTHY EATING, DAILY EXERCISE and MOST IMPORTANTLY (and the hardest part IMHO) working on the head stuff (the why's of why I got fat.) This is a lifelong war versus obesity and having weight loss surgery was just one battle everyday I wake up and fight.

      Best wishes to you in your research.

12. QUESTION:
    Are there any weight loss supplements out there that won't affect some who had a kidney transplant?
    I had a kidney transplant six years ago. I've been trying to lose weight that I gained from peritoneal dialysis, but my energy level is not what it used to be. I've recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea also. I got sick when I was 21 and I will be 35 next month. I need to do something or it will all be down hill from here. I need something that will give me an energy boost and help me burn calories without damaging my transplanted kidney.

    • ANSWER:
      I am a kidney/pancreas recipient, and am very protective of my organs. I don't take supplements in general, and if I did, I would check w/ the transplant team or nephrologist first. There's just nothing worth losing these organs over, or taking something that interferes w/ the immunosuppressants.

      Re the lack of energy - are your hemoglobin levels normal?

      I just rejoined Weight Watchers, which has worked for me in the past. I'd recommend that over a supplement.

13. QUESTION:
    Insurance company denied weight loss surgery. Has anyone had this happen and then later approved?
    Just asked primary physician for referrel and got denial letter a week later saying that I don't have severe enough cardiopulmonary disease, diabetes or sleep apnea. That my current high blood pressure and hypo-thyroidism are being managed well with medication.

    • ANSWER:
      I have not had this happen to me, but I know a few people who have had the surgery. Whether your insurance company grants you permission to go ahead with surgery, you have to meet their criteria. You need to know exactly what their criteria is, and then speak with your general physician who will try to help you or counsel you against surgery if they don't think it is reasonable for you at this time.

14. QUESTION:
    Does Leg Hair Loss occur from Sleep Apnea & Leg Edema?
    38 YEAR OLD MALE,SOUTHSIDE IRISH = CHICAGO= I was recently diagnosed with severe Sleep Apnea..Im on Lasik water pill for Leg Edema (fluid retention) resulting from sleep apnea (doctor says overweight caused leg edema) and I lost major hair on each of my shins & calves ..is this from leg edema? Also my weight shot up from normal 240 to 330!!! I have been on new CPAP & water pill for 3 weeks...My weight dropped to 315..and is staying there!! HELP!!

    WILL LEG EDEMA GO AWAY & WIL WEIGHT DROP ON CPAP?

    I HAVE BEEN CLEARED OF NO HEART PROBLEMS VIA ECHOCARDIOGRAM

    • ANSWER:
      Edema is often caused becuase of the CO2 retention. ARe you using CPAP or bipap. My edema went down after being treated with bipap. Doing great with bipap, it has been 7 years. Just had sleep study number 8. Lost over 100 pounds. Still need the bipap but I feel great. My obstruction appears to be anatomic and not related to weight. As I have lost a lot of weight and still have apnea.

      I would recommend visiting www.sleepnet.com. I found it very helpful intially. Email me if you have any questions. Best wishes.

15. QUESTION:
    I have been sick for 2 years now, vomiting, weight loss, 3 surgeries?
    I was diagnosed with pancreatic pseudocyst, and had exploratroy surgery, then had my gall bladder removed, and adhesion removal in a six month span of june 05 to dec 05. Since then my weight has gone from 174 to 128 to 174 back into 150's. I throw up almost everything I eat. I get a choking sensation when I eat, and nausea usually follows. I have diarehha most of the time with small bouts of constipation. I have sleep apnea. I have abdominal pain in mainly my left side but sometimes my right side as well. Was a athlete all my life and joined the military in very good health. I am only 31 years old. I get physically drained quickly now. Get direct abdominal pain before finishing all meals. Amylase comes up low sometimes, bilirubin comes up high, alt comes up low. Have GERD, Hiatal Hernia, please help, also left eye twitches now, this started in the past 2 months. I am going through the VA right now, and no doctors have been able to diagnose correctly yet. Thank you to all

    • ANSWER:
      Keep pushing your doctor for a diagnosis. If they don't get it right, get a better doctor. It only takes one doctor to get it right, and the more doctors you see, the more likely it is that one will come up with the answer. Damage to your pancreas done by the exploratory surgery could explain some of your symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain, the gall bladder removal affects your body's ability to process fats which could have caused your weight to yoyo like that, but those are all guesses as I'm not a medical professional. If your doctors haven't come up with those, feel free to suggest them but keep going because there is an answer to all of your symptoms, or at least most of them, and there will be treatments. Most people suffering through that would have gone completely nuts so you're doing a pretty good job, just keep trying and there will be an answer somewhere.

16. QUESTION:
    I am going for surgery in 2 weeks time and i have sleep apnea..?
    i am going for a weight loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) in 2 weeks time and i have a mild case of sleep apnea.. i was required to get a cpap mask and use it for 2 weeks prior to my surgery. if i were to skip it (the cpap mask), will it be fatal?

    • ANSWER:
      my dad has sleep apnea and has sergerys a couple times a year on his knee and shoulders hes still u r just scared my dad has a bad case of it to u will be fine trust me

17. QUESTION:
    does anybody know of natural medicines to treat sleep disorders?
    Current taking dexamphetamine for sleep apnea, but causes extreme weight loss want something natural, doctors thinks ritalin but dont want to go there.

    • ANSWER:
      i have used a natural substance called melatonin. it naturally occurs in the body to tell your brain that it is time to go to sleep. it is sold in health food stores, and probably in wal mart too. it is non-addictive and it actually works.

18. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to get Adderal XR for sleep apnea?
    I've fit all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD PI since I was little

    It got more severe when I started "snoring" and I have zero energy

    I'm moderately overweight but my dad also has sleep apnea

    I've taken adderal 1 time illegally (I didnt know it was illegal to take another persons meds at the time though...) and it WORKED

    I'm 14 years old

    I'm wondering if I should just go for the ADHD PI diagnosis (also because weight loss has a significant chance of curing sleep apnea as adderall is an appetite supressant and raises metabolism)

    or

    Should I get a sleep apnea diagnosis and get absolutely nothing done because the masks for breathing WOULD NOT stay on me during sleep as i move around A LOT and take a small chance of getting it prescribed

    The point is to stay focused and secondarily to lose weight not primarily to cure apnea

    • ANSWER:
      One condition doesn't rule out the other. Get the ADHD PI diagnosis and get Adderall.

      I don't understand why you would try to get Adderall for sleep apnea specifically, that's not going to work.
      Get other treatment for the sleep apnea as well. If you think the sleep apnea diagnosis will somehow delay getting treatment for the ADHD, get the ADHD diagnosis first.

19. QUESTION:
    Im not sure (yet) If I have sleep apnea..?
    My doctor thought I did for some reason and set up a
    sleep doctor appt. I HAD NO SYMPTOMS TILL SHE SAID
    ANYHTING. NOW I have day drowsiness all of a sudden !
    Can this apnea thing be controled with weight loss?
    (assuming I have it which we do not know-yet)

    Im 5 9 260 male in great health 50 as of last Tue

    • ANSWER:
      sleep apnea is very common. it can be very dangerous to your health. a night at the sleep clinic is best. chronic daytime sleepiness is one sign.

      there is a book called "the promise of sleep" you can look into. he has a scale that says the faster you fall asleep, the more likely it is you have s/a.

      overweight is a factor, losing can help.

      and happy birthday.

20. QUESTION:
    I am considering weight loss surgery,have you had it,which kind,and would you recommend it,and any other info?
    I have sleep apnea real bad,hoping that would fix it,or make it better,thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I didn't have it but a friend had the adjustable lap band put in. She lost 15 lbs in the first month and then ended up in the hospital with an ulcer and stomach bleeding that was caused from having the procedure. The doctor removed it.

      Since then, she has started exercising, eating healthier and lost 40 lbs.

      If you are only getting it because you are too lazy or because you don't want to give up eating junk, then don't do it.

      It's a complete lifestyle change and not something you do just because it's available.

21. QUESTION:
    Is sleep apnea permanent?
    I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea in October 2003. I have been using a CPAP machine ever since. I started out at an air pressure of 9, but over time ended up at a pressure of 14. Back in January of this year (2007), I began following a steady exercise program and lost fifteen pounds. My doctor had me re-evaluated through another sleep study, and my pressure was reduced to the original pressure of 9. I am sleeping better and feeling better. I view my sleep apnea as being a result of my overweight body, and because I was able to lower my pressure through exercise and weight loss, is it possible to "cure" my sleep apnea if I keep on exercising and losing weight?
    I didn't think about it before, but there a probably people reading my question who don't know what sleep apnea is, much less what a CPAP is. Here are a couple a links: http://www.sleepdisorderchannel.com/osa/

    http://www.entnet.org/healthinfo/snoring/cpap.cfm

    Yes, I still have my tonsils. The doctor I see for my sleep apnea has not mentioned my tonsils as being part of the problem. He mostly centers on weight loss and is happy whenever I report any amount of loss. He's very encouraging.

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is able to be cured with good health and strong lungs. When you exercise practice good breathing, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Practice breathing right. Most people forget 'how' to breath even though most are born with the instinct of doing correctly, we simply uncorrected it. You'll notice when a baby is breathing the stomach goes up and down. A child, young adult or adult who has forgotten how to breath correctly with breath with their full bodies, shoulders moving up and down. If you're not sure how you breathe, lay down on the ground and place a book on your stomach to see if it moves when you breathe. Breathing correctly will help your lungs.

      My daughter had sleep apnea, came of CPAP, had to wear an alarm for a while but with increasing good health was able to come off and it's been gone for years now.

22. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to get Adderall XR for Sleep Apnea?
    I've fit all of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD PI since I was little

    It got more severe when I started "snoring" and I have zero energy

    I'm moderately overweight but my dad also has sleep apnea

    I've taken adderal 1 time illegally (I didnt know it was illegal to take another persons meds at the time though...) and it WORKED

    I'm 14 years old

    I'm wondering if I should just go for the ADHD PI diagnosis (also because weight loss has a significant chance of curing sleep apnea as adderall is an appetite supressant and raises metabolism)

    or

    Should I get a sleep apnea diagnosis and get absolutely nothing done because the masks for breathing WOULD NOT stay on me during sleep as i move around A LOT and take a small chance of getting it prescribed

    • ANSWER:
      You want an MD to treat sleep apnea in a chubby teen with amphetamine?

      No.
      q

23. QUESTION:
    Weight Loss Success Stories?
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hello- After deciding that my weight was mostly responsible for my divorce last year I decided to focus on myself and get the weight off.

    I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea in eary 2008 and put on 80 pounds and got up to 316 pounds by the end of the year.

    My wife left me and I decided to lose weight, no questions asked.

    Well, I started reading magazines and watching videos of success stories and found them to be VERY motivating.

    Now, I'm down 36 pounds (still a way to go) and I'm wantin to fulfill my lifes dream of writing a book. I just didn't know it would be on the subject of weight loss.

    If you would like to share your success story with me, please visit my blog (brand new) at Diet Success Stories and email me at losing100lbs@gmail.com.

    I'd like to publish about 100 (both male and female) success stories with before and after photos.

    If you'd like to participate, I'd love to hear from you.

    Thanks much!

    • ANSWER:

24. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea mouthguards, do they work ?
    I quit drinking a little bit ago and am having trouble sleeping. I have been noticing that I find myself gasping right before I fully fall asleep which leads me into a hypnogogic hallucination (creepy stuff lol!!) Anyway I was curious about the sleep apnea mouth guards and their effectiveness. I could only find "sales pitch" opinions online.

    oh and i understand sleep apnea is a very serious condition i am just trying to beat it with weight loss throat exercises and maybe this device. Give it 2 months (until I get health insurance)and if no improvement seek sleep professionals and dental help

    • ANSWER:

25. QUESTION:
    Help w/ weight loss...kinda long but plz read?
    Hey, I have a few questions about dieting & weight loss....... Well first off I'm 20 yrs. old & weigh 160 lbs. I'm only 5'0......Anyway, I know I'm over weight & I really want to lose weight because I would like to be healthy & feel better about myself. I would like to be able to wear a swim suit when summer rolls around again & I haven't wore one since I was 11) I'm also tired of people telling me I'm fat or asking if I'm pregnant. I never had good self esteem so I didn't really care in the past if I gained a few lbs. & now I'm suffering because of it. But I want to get in better shape now before it gets to late.... I already found out I'm at high risk of * Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, Coronary heart disease
    Stroke, Gallbladder disease, Osteoarthritis, Sleep apnea, Endometrial, breast, and colon cancer. So my being lazy & not caring is finally catching up to me.

    So my questions are...

    1. How can I keep up a routine of exercising ?

    2. I have a treadmill, I've only used it a few times because I heard it doesn't do anything but were out your joint & you have to basically kill yourself for results. Can you tell me how I should use it to see results, like how many miles, how long, how many days a week?

    3. I can't really afford those ads on t/v that send you healthy meals... what should I look for at the grocery store thats healthy?

    I know pills don't work, because I tried some that were highly recommended (stupid I know ) & they made me feel like I was going to pass out & I didn't lose weight. I just need some tips for healthy diet & exercise

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Slimfast and lean Cuisine helped me. there are so many different meals of healthy choice and lean Cuisine and they're all soooo Delicious!!! yum!!! 4 exercise i think that if you run 1-3 miles 3-4 times a week along with strength and resistance training you'll lose weight like that!! and here's my absolute fab website. i get everything from here.

      www.ediets.com

26. QUESTION:
    What to expect in the steps toward weight loss surgery?
    My mother & I are both interested in weight loss surgery. Trying to decide if Gastric Bypass or Lap Band are best. Any opinions? We are attending a seminar on August 30th. What can we expect at the seminar & what can we expect through the whole process like what are the steps? Looking to hear from those who have had either of these done. Appreciate all responses.

    I am close to 200 lbs & only 5 foot tall. There are many people in the family that have medical issues. [Sleep apnea, heart disease, stroke, obesity]. I have difficulty breathing when laying down, arthritis in both knees, depression, migraines, always tired. Not sure if any of those are due to my weight.

    But I'm interested in trying to find out more about these surgeries & hopefully qualify to get one of them.

    • ANSWER:
      I am getting gastric bypass Monday August 16th, 2010. It's a week from today. I am very excited. I would DEFINITELY for for the gastric BYpass instead of the lap band. You don't lose weight as fast as the gastric and there are other little things that make it slower. I want to lose weight as fast as I can before my health gets any worse. So definitely the gastric. I am 20 years old, 266 lbs, and only 5'3". So my BMI is about 47. There is a lot I had to do in order to get to this stage.
      First, you ask your PCP about the surgery. If he or she recommends it and thinks its a good idea, they will give you a number for a Bariatric Surgeon.
      Second, You'll call the surgeon and set up a schedule to see him. You'll fill out paperwork, show proof of insurance, etc. They will meet you with the surgeon, and then a dietitian will give you a binder of signed prescriptions for (1) Blood work (to check for thyroid levels, and etc). (2) Upper GI. (3) Psychological evaluation. You will also have to go on a 1200 calorie diet for 6-7 months.
      Third, after you got all the blood work, dieting done (you'll weigh in once a month at your PCP's office), upper gi, psych evaluation, and alll the paper work complete, you will call the Bariatric hospital again, about 7 months later, telling them your diet and work is done.
      Fourth, Once the gastric bypass clinic has all your information, they will send it to the insurance company. About two days later, they will tell you whether its approved or not. Then, very shortly after, they'll call you back and set up a surgery date.
      Last, you'll see the surgeon one more time before the surgery for last minute blood work and paperwork. Then you'll get your time for the surgery date. They'll tell you what to do before and after the surgery and all goes well :]

      Good luck! I hope you push through the process like I have and get your surgery. It'll change your life forever.

27. QUESTION:
    Could I have sleep apnea? Or another problem?
    I snore apparently. If i am not woken up I will sleep for like 10-11 hours. I don't wake up naturally. Also, when i wake up, I am extremely groggy and sleepy and it's very hard for me to get out of bed. I'm not really overweight but would weight loss help? Any input?

    • ANSWER:
      You seem to be really overtired. Your body should not require that much sleep, but since it is something may be going on. Although, snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea I do not think you have sleep apnea unless you have other symptoms of sleep apnea.

      symptoms of sleep apnea include:
      Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
      Loud snoring, which is usually more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea
      Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
      Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, which more likely indicates central sleep apnea
      Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
      Morning headache
      Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

      http://www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-125382/Sleep-apnea?q=sleep+apnea+symptoms#symptoms

      However, whether or not these apply to you I would recommend seeing a doctor. Also, none of what you are saying seems weight related. Good luck and I hope this is helpful!

28. QUESTION:
    I am considering weight loss surgery.. Either the lap band or gastrict bypass, where should i start, expect?
    5'11, 295 pounds, lots of sweating, sleep apnea, risk of heart disease

    • ANSWER:
      You do not sound so overweight where it is morbidly obese. You know these procedures are the extreme and for extreme cases. I suggest you trying a diet and excercise program and speaking to a doctor first, to get a professional opinion.

      Those are not procedures that should be taken lightly. Even if you had one of those done, you would have to diet and excercise anyway.

29. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had/seen an increase in sleep apnea from benzodiazpines?
    I was just diagnosed and have been on clonazepam at hefty doses for 10 years. I wonder if theres a correlation?
    I am overweight..I know ppl can walk away from cpap
    with weight loss. Are MY chances greater of walking away from cpap with weight loss...if I can come down or off the
    clonazepam as well??????????

    • ANSWER:
      benzodiazepines are linked to respiratory compromise. There is every chance that is you lose weight and stop taking clonazepam your sleep apnoea will go or improve greatly

30. QUESTION:
    Possible Obstructive Sleep Apnea ?????
    I think my son may possibly have this condition. He is 8 months old and I haven't slept hardly at all in nearly a week! These are the symptoms I pulled off a website that are also associated with snoring;
    ~failure to thrive (weight loss or poor weight gain)
    ~mouth breathing
    ~enlarged tonsils and adenoids
    ~problems sleeping and restless sleep
    ~excessive daytime sleepiness
    ~daytime cognitive and behavior problems, including problems paying attention, aggressive behavior and hyperactivity, which can lead to problems at school

    I've noticed these sypmptoms:
    ~snoring
    ~mouth breathing
    ~problems sleeping and restless sleep
    ~problems paying attention and hyperactivity.
    he may have enlarged tonsils because I have them if they are hereditarily linked.

    Any advice on how I could get some rest would be great too! Tried everything so far including diaper change, feeding till hes full, rocking him...etc... Do you think this condition may be whats wrong with my son?

    • ANSWER:
      My son Billy had identical symptoms as an infant and todler and I went to the pediatrician and ENT when he was three years old. I was told that there was not a problem. It took me two yers before we reached the point where he could not start kindergarden. When your 5 year old can not start school you worry imensely and I took him to the sleep center at Rush medical school in Chicago. It turned out he quit breathing 60 times an hour! He was a restle sleeper, did not sleep much, was a snorer and a heavy sweater at night. After diagnosis he had tonsilectomy to open his airway and he grew a couple of inches, slept through the night and after being held back became a straight A student. He graduated college double majored magna cum laude. If he had not slept for 25 years who knows what would have happened. Because of the experience with my son I became an asst professor at the sleep center at Rush. I am a dentist and a major part of my practice became treating sleep disorders. I was a founding member of the slep disorder dental society now the academy of dental sleep medicine. When I went back and read hs record the initial impression was overconcerned parent., My son quit breathing 60 times an hour, there is never enough concrn when it comes to kids. The new guidelines of the academy of pediatric medicine says there is no snoring that should not be invstigated. ADD, ADHD, Dysleia are among the conditions ssociated with sleep apnea. Research has shown changes in growth and sexual hormones in individuals suffering apnea as well as permenant changs in the brain and brain function.
      Do not panic but do insist on a sleep test for your child.
      For more info on slep apnea go to my website. www.ihatecpap.com
      Ira L Shapira DDS DAADSM

31. QUESTION:
    weight loss help, for someone low income?
    im a 23 year old mother of one, who currently is in the low income bracket.
    I've gone back to school, for accounting/clerical programs, to try and better my financial situation in the long run.
    But with the way food prices are these days, it seems like the cheaper options for food choices while grocery shopping, are those that are high in calories/fat. and when your trying to stretch your food budget as far as you can over a month, sometimes you have to resort to those options.
    or at least that is the exscuse i've been allowing myself to believe over the last few years....

    I guess its easy to blame to economy for stress and weight gain....

    but in truth, i have no one to blame but myself.

    i am 5'4" and 215lbs.
    i've done everything i can think of to lose the weight. I workout, i measure exact portion sizes with a food scale, stopped drinking soda and drink tons of water...

    my weight is a serious issue for me, i have severe Sleep Apnea (where i stop breathing upwards of 80x per hour), I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and i worry about the possibility of diabetes which runs in my family...

    I've heard of personal trainers, or fitness/health programs that sometimes offer services at a discounted rate to those who are low income.

    can anyone offer me any advice or help on where to look into these avenues, or just any general information on how to boost my weightloss?

    I'm desperate...

    • ANSWER:

32. QUESTION:
    how to break a weight loss plateau?
    Help! I lost 12 pounds and kept it off, but now I cannot lose any more! I have tried increasing exercise, decreasing calories, eating more calories, and switching around the kind of exercise I do. Nothing is helping. I am female 5'2" and weigh 156 - 158 lbs. I have visible fat everywhere, but especially on my upper and lower tummies. I really want to lose the excess fat because I now have to use a sleep apnea machine at night and I hate it. The machine forces air into you so you keep breathing when you sleep. But the mask just feels aweful, and when it leaks and blows air into your eyes, it wakes you up out of a dead sleep. It's just NOT natural. My doctor said if I could lower my bmi, than there is a good chance the sleep apnea might stop. But I'm having problems losing more weight. Please help. I know to eat lots of veggies, restrict how much meat I eat and drink lots of water. I also jump rope, and do pushups, and I bike and sometimes jog. Then there is all the walking I do b/c I don't have a car. Any Ideas would be great.

    Thanks,
    Mel

    • ANSWER:
      p90x? Try different exercises, ones you don't normally do.

33. QUESTION:
    Flip-Flopping Weight Loss?
    My boyfriend is 5'7 and weighs about ('I'm guessing), in the 450-489 range (mostly stomach area). The problem is that every couple of months or so, he's always saying that he wants to lose weight, he hates the way he look, or that he wants to be around for his 30th birthday. He has sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and was also diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I try to encourage him, tell about things he could do, but he does nothing. At one point he had signed up to get the gastric bypass done. But when we broke up for a few weeks and then got back together, he changed his mind. And now it seems like he's gotten bigger. He claims he has lost weight, but I don't see where. I'm starting to think that his excessive weight is messing with his sex drive. He can never ****with me, he has to do it manually cause it takes him so long. I mean nearly 45 min. He keeps saying what he's gonna do, but he's not doing anything. Anybody know of any good dieting tips or programs he can join?

    • ANSWER:
      sounds like the whole problem is that he's not doing anything. the key to any diet is willpower and commitment, and it doesn't sound like he has that. i don't understand why, because it sounds like it's screwing up every area of his life. but you're his girlfriend, so you probably know more about what makes him tick.

34. QUESTION:
    weight loss?
    about 5'7" tall. in my late 40s.weigh more than 250. also have sleep apnea but use bi-pap machine to sleep.
    what would be a good way to lose weight safley and quickley

    • ANSWER:
      if you want to lose weight, improve your health generally, and have more energy then getting some nutritional help is vital. Once your body starts to absorb the right nutrients and vitamins and protein then you’ll be amazed how quickly you will feel the difference, usually within the first 48 hours if you get the right supplements and help. I had no energy and felt just generally rotten all round so I sought the advice of a nutritional coach (whose advice was FREE) and got myself some great products, I even got free samples before I got started so I could see just how good they were!! There is a website called myhealthabc.com If go on there and fill out the details page you will get a call with no pressure about what you need. There is a mall area as well that’s got some great info and its all set out with easy to follow headings so you can find what you want. It’s so easy and the stuff they have is excellent. I have been using their products for over two years and I feel great. I lost 70 pounds in less than seven months!! My sister lost 60 pounds in five months. The stuff is amazing

35. QUESTION:
    help me find a good healthy way to lose weight?
    i need to lose weight desperately. i have always been overweight and i even had gastric bypass surgery five years ago. i lost 165 pounds. i have gained about 50 pounds back. i am terrified to gain the weight back. before i lost the weight i had uncontrollable high blood pressure, asthma and sleep apnea. i had to sleep with a breathing machine every night. i dont ever want to go back to that way of life but slowly i seem to be heading in that way. i keep trying but i cant get with the program. i cant do any thing like slim fast because i cant have alot of sugar because of the bypass, it makes me VERY sick. i wonder if anyone knows of a good healthy program. i am 43 and have a 3 year old little girl. i couldnt have children before the weight loss and as soon as i lost the weight i was blessed with this wonderful daughter. so i have alot to live for. i need help so if anyone knows of anything i would really love some advice. thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Theres no need to sacrifices yourself in order to loose weight.

      Eating more dosn't mean gaining weight either. Eating 50g of sugar and 50g of vegetables are 2 completely diffrent things.

      First of all the most simple option: Exercise.

      No need to force yourself to go jogging everyday (though it would be good). You can just change your daily activites into exercise like instead of using the car get on your bicycle or walk. Or playing tag with your younger ones.

      The secound important thing is: Eating Healthy

      Now eating healthy dosn't mean limiting the amount of sugar you eat, just means balanacing out your diet. If you eat 5g of sugar a day, you'd need to eat 10gs of fruit and vegetable each.

      Just remember that you would need double the amount of vegetables and fruit compared to the amount of fats, sugar and salt you eat.

      Thrid and final thing: Avoid Fast Foods and don't eat if nessosary

      When you're out, try not to dine at fast food stalls since... their not healthy. Even their vegetables will make you fat! Avoid them at all costs, if you really want to eat at a fast food stall, try and limit it to once or twice a month. If that's not enough, try making your own hamburgers at home!
      Also remember not to eat when it's not breakfast lunch or dinner, small snakes are ok during the day... but if you find yourself nibbling on a chip packet for 2 hours before dinner...it's time to stop.

      The most improtant thing about weight loose is commitment, if you're commited to loosing your weight, then you can do it!

36. QUESTION:
    Health/Weight questions?
    1.
    Having too low of a percentage of fat is unhealthy.
    A) True
    B) False
    2.
    Girls and boys use the same BMI percentile charts if they are the same age.
    A) True
    B) False
    3.
    BMI is measured and interpreted the same way for adults and teens.
    A) True
    B) False
    4.
    If you want to lose weight, you have to go on a strict, formal diet.
    A) True
    B) False
    5.
    A smart weight loss tip is to "never eat foods you like".
    A) True
    B) False
    6.
    If you are trying to lose weight, you should eat low-calorie foods from all five food groups.
    A) True
    B) False
    7.
    You can estimate the number of calories burned during moderate activity by multiplying your BMR by 0.50.
    A) True
    B) False
    8.
    One pound equals 3,500 calories.
    A) True
    B) False
    9.
    To lose a pound a week, eat less and burn more calories through exercise so that your total calories equals 500 calories less per day.
    A) True
    B) False
    10.
    Body composition refers to________________?
    A) How much you weigh.
    B) The percentage of lean body mass and fat.
    C) How fat you are based on your weight and height.
    D) All of the above
    11.
    Which of the following statements about BMI is TRUE?
    A) BMI measures body fat directly.
    B) BMI is an expensive method of determining body fat.
    C) BMI is a reliable indicator of body fat for teens and children.
    D) All of the above
    12.
    Healthy weight ranges vary according to which of the following factors?
    A) Your gender.
    B) Your age.
    C) Your height.
    D) All of the above
    13.
    Which of the following is a consequence of being overweight?
    A) Type II diabetes
    B) Sleep apnea
    C) Heart Disease
    D) All of the above
    14.
    The secret to weight loss is to:
    A) Burn more calories than you consume.
    B) Take a pill every day so you don't have to worry about exercising.
    C) Eliminate foods that you enjoy eating so that you eat less.
    D) Lose it fast so it will stay off longer.
    15.
    Some tips for weight management include
    A) Eating alone.
    B) Eating slowly.
    C) Eating standing up.
    D) Not eating at a table.
    16.
    Which of the following individuals is using the smart weight loss strategy for snacking?
    A) Jared is snacking on a bag of chips in front of the TV with his friends.
    B) Diane is snacking on a bowl of ice cream while sitting at a table.
    C) Kyle is snacking on a serving of low-fat yogurt with fruit that he dished out and is eating at a table.
    D) If you are trying to lose weight, you should never snack.
    17.
    To determine how many calories you burned in a day you need to know which of the following?
    A) The number of calories burned during activity.
    B) The number of calories burned during digestion.
    C) The number of calories burned during rest.
    D) All of the above
    18.
    ALL of the following describe BMR EXCEPT:
    A) BMR= female body weight in pounds x 10
    B) BMR= male body weight in pounds x 11
    C) BMR is the number of calories burned during rest.
    D) BMR stands for Burned to Maintain Rest.
    19.
    To estimate the number of calories burned during food digestion, you should take which percentage of your combined BMR calories and activity calories?
    A) 10%
    B) 25%
    C) 50%
    D) 75%
    20.
    Which of the following individuals will LOSE weight?
    A) Ryan consistently consumes more calories than he burns.
    B) Karen consistently consumes and expends the same amount of calories.
    C) Eric consistently burns more calories than he consumes.
    D) You don't have enough information to determine who will lose weight.

    • ANSWER:
      Exercise out doors as far as possible. There are two advantages of doing whatever you are doing out side. One advantage is that it gives your body a chance to get a lot of the much needed fresh air and sunshine. The second advantage is that the surroundings keep you perked up and it is a break form remaining cooped up all day long

37. QUESTION:
    Can obstructive sleep apneas go away?
    I did an at home sleep test to check for sleep apnea. I had an average of 8.6 obstructive apneas per hour; central apneas were 8.3 per hour and mixed were 6.8 per hour. My AHI was 37.1. So it seems clear I have (had) a problem with sleep apnea. FYI, I lost my insurance right after the test was done but before I was able to meet with a doctor.

    This was last summer. Since then, I have moved and lost a bit of weight (although not more than 10 lbs). Why moving might be important: If my problem seems to have been primarily obstructive sleep apnea, and I don't have allergies in my new home along with a bit of weight loss, could that explain why I no longer have problems?

    Also, I have an anxiety disorder and I read they normally don't want you to take xanax before sleep because it can depress the system even more. However, on the occasions I take it before bed, I sleep better and without apneas (at least as noticed by my significant other). Is this normal or can it be explained? Thanks for your help in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      Well, xanax is different for everyone, it was recommended that you didnt use it but that is only a recommendation, not like you will die if you took it. Now since i dont really know you it is hard to find an exact answer to why you are able to have this.

      Thanks

38. QUESTION:
    Can someone please tell me what these sleep study results mean?
    Ok. Long story, I had a sleep study in November of Last year in which my doctor never talked to me about it. Well anyways I have the paperwork here with me and I have Mild Sleep Apnea, and it say's possibly hypoxemia. Let me tell u what my results say on my oxygen saturation:
    Initial oxygen saturation was 98% with the lowest saturation reached being 70%. The mean oxygen saturation during sleep study was 89.5%. During 38% study of the study, her oxygen saturation was greater than 90%, during 60.8% of the study her oxygen saturation varied between 80-89%, and during 1.2% of the study her oxygen saturation varied between 70-79%. Her sleep efficiency was severely reduced to 63.1% with a decrease in the amount of REM sleep to 11% of total sleep and no deep sleep was noted. Her sleep onset latency was prolonged to 127 minutes and her REM onset latency was prolonged to 210 minutes. Ambien 10 mg was taken. Her combined apneic and partial apneic index was very mildly elevated at 5.7 with an apneic index of 2.0 and partial index of 5.5 .The vast majority of the esisodes were obstructive in type with the longest partial apneic episode being 16 seconds and the mean length being 11 seconds. The total study time was 6.5 hours and the total sleep was 4 hours. No arrhythmias are noted, no periodic limb movements are present, and snoring was moderately loud, intermittent and present.

    His impression is Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and Hypoxemia

    His recommendation for my doctor is this: (my doctor has never talked to me about this or done anything about it): I recommend supplemental oxygen for sleep at a flow rate of 2 liters per nasal cannula. I would recommend an overnight oximetry on supplemntal oxygen in two to three weeks and hopefully note normalization of her oxygen saturation. I also recommend weight loss of 25 pounds. Lastly I recommend an otolaryngology evaluation as in a 30 year old patient a possible surgical approach would be indicated. I will obtaining the home equipment and followup care to dr. phillips. I am not sure why her oxygen saturation remains low other than being overweight, but if appropriate, a cardiac and pulmonary evaluation would be in order.

    Note by me the patient: I am having trouble breathing all the time and can't sleep even on sleeping pills because I can't breathe even worse when I lay down. Please let me know why my doctor hasn't gotten in contact with me about these results. His nurses told me I'm fine, but I'm not so sure, This was the stupid nurse who doesn't care about anyone.

    • ANSWER:
      your oxygen level sould be in the 90's, at 70 percent you are not getting enough oxygen for your body, its natural response is to rouse. so you dont sleep well you end up waking up. It sound as if you may be overweight, this means your body has to work harder to get the oxygen to you and make everything work smoothly. it soumds as if you may need to consult a new doctor and see what they have to say.
      at the end of the letter it seemed that a breating device should be used at night to increace your percent oxygen. it seems that he suggested a re asessment of your 02 percentage after a few weeks of assisted night breathing.
      i would suggest loosing weight if you can, it will help with the breating. and getting someone else to look at the doctors notes.
      good luck.

39. QUESTION:
    Can diabetics get lap-band surgery?
    My friend has Type 2 diabetic and its not on insulin all the time. He is also over weight and has sleep apnea. The doctor suggested weight loss surgery but said he can't get the lap-band because he is diabetic. Doc said he can only get gastric bypass.
    I thought lap band was good for diabetics and would have easier heal and recovery time than bypass.
    Thanks for those who responded.

    Lego....I was just trying to get some insight in why the dr would not recommend one procedure over the other from other diabetics.
    Thank you Syl. I know everyone is different and some people are not candidates for one or both procedures because of other health issues or maybe the doctor knows the patient will not adhere to the new restrictions.....at least one thing my friend has going for him is that he does not drink (only a couple beers for his bday once a yr) He really has done better on his diet since being diagnosed as diabetic and is losing some weight just not enough.
    I was curious as to why the dr said no if it was because of his health or if its just because the HMO does not cover the procedure or they just do not want to pay for it.

    • ANSWER:
      Excess body fat is not simply a cosmetic problem; it constitutes a health risk as well. As the amount of adipose tissue (body fat) increases, the concentrations of substances produced in adipose tissue can become grossly abnormal. In addition, fat becomes deposited in the pancreas, liver and muscle, leading to metabolic derangements such as insulin resistance and/or diabetes. Obesity causes hypertension and abnormal levels of fat in the blood.

      Because of the low success rate of calorie restriction (i.e., diets) in reducing morbid obesity, surgical intervention is increasingly common. Individuals are considered candidates for surgery if BMI>40 kg/m2, or if BMI is 35-40 kg/m2 with significant co-morbidities.

      Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is the most commonly performed bariatric operation in the US, and often considered the "gold standard" by which other surgical procedures are judged. This procedure involves a rearrangement of the gastrointestinal (GI) architecture so that food bypasses about 95 percent of the stomach and large parts of the small intestine. In contrast, LGBS involves only a restriction on the stomach, so that less food can be ingested. In this procedure, an inflatable silicone band is placed around the top of the stomach in order to create a small stomach pouch. The band can be filled with varying volumes of saline so that the outlet from the small stomach pouch can vary in size. Thus, the speed of emptying food from the stomach can vary. With LGBS, there is no rearrangement of the gastrointestinal architecture and food that is ingested does not bypass any of the GI tract.

      Many studies have shown that RYGB is very successful in controlling diabetes, even before substantial weight loss has occurred. Fewer studies investigating reductions in cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors after LGBS have been published. This study was undertaken to determine the overall and gender-related effects of LGBS on body composition, insulin resistance, and metabolic risk markers six months after LGBS.

      Your friend needs to speak to his doctor and ask him specifically why he won't recommend lap band. There has to be a specific reason as to why he is recommending one over the other but as far as being a diabetic and overweight this should be far the best reason for this procedure unless the dr. feels gastric would better benefit his medical profile at this time. Speaking with a gastric/lapband specialist is also something he can consider if his dr. cannot help in this area.

      Good luck you're a good friend for looking out for his health.

40. QUESTION:
    desperate to anyone that can help im over weight and cannot get it off?
    i am 28 yrs old i weigh 244 pounds and am 6 ft considered obese im not huge but do have a belly for the longest time i have exersied watch what i eat tried over the counter products as well and no matter what i do nothing has worked for my weight loss no results nothing im desperate for loosing weight and health reasons doctors have been no help i currently am being treated for sleep apnea i only seem to gain and not loose im not sure what other ways i can do to try and loose the weight i have had testing done and nothing has shown up if anyone might have answers please let me know thanks

    • ANSWER:
      if you have no underlying condition that is causing the obesity (such as a hormonal imbalance), then i *know* that the following will work - IF you stick to the plan faithfully, that is...

      losing weight is easy. *keeping it off* is the hard part....by doing the following, i lost 155 pounds in less than a year....and i've *kept* it off for over 5 years...the key is, you have to become your own "Food Warden"....

      first of all, get a calendar just for this purpose (you can even print one off your computer) - set a *reasonable* goal weight, based on your gender, age, height, and body type - write that down on the top of the calendar - now, write down your current weight on "Day 1" of your calendar - that's the first date/day of your new way of eating...

      here we go:

      toss/give away ALL JUNK FOOD. for example: if you are addicted to twinkies and have a stash, GET RID OF THEM and don't buy any more! if family members keep junk food around, buy a big plastic toolbox with a LOCK - and tell them to keep those things LOCKED UP (a combo lock works best..and of course, dont let *yourself* know the combo!). Ask friends not to tempt you with food.

      as for meals - simple: 1st off: NO DEEP FRIED FOODS. everything else is FINE! within reason, and here's the trick: eat HALF of what you'd *normally* eat - if you are not sure how much "half" is, put everything on your plate like you'd normally do, then put HALF of it BACK!

      switch to water or diet beverages. personally, i prefer 4C Light Iced Tea. it has 15 calories per 8oz - guests can't even tell it's diet!

      snacks: two fresh fruits per day - your choice. and then, one "sweet" per day (i'd save that for night time, when you're really feeling hungry!): a container of pudding, yogurt, or my favorite: having a bowl of pre-sweetened *cereal* with skim or 1% milk works wonders to satisfy a sweet tooth. i usually have six boxes to choose from. then, each night, when i want a snack, if i want peanut butter, chocolate or whatever, i can still get that taste! but only ONE bowl - and not a HUGE one! (about a cup of cereal).

      as for exercise, i've gotta be the laziest person on the planet. so i decided that WALKING was my best option. around the block once, then increase weekly to 2x, etc. during winter, no excuse - just walk around your house. I DO! or go to the mall and walk - take a look at all of the clothes you'll soon be fitting into. and stay away from that food court!

      weigh yourself each morning, NAKED (so you can't blame clothes for adding any weight!) and keep track of your results on your calendar. you'll be amazed at how much you can lose in just ONE MONTH! - reward yourself after that first month - but not with FOOD!

      IMPORTANT: after you reach your goal weight (yes, you will get there!), you need to *make sure* you add in an extra snack or two (about 300 calories total) per day, so that you don't continue to lose weight...yes, this is a very real possibility, as it happened to me...yet, don't go back to your old ways of eating, or you'll be back to your old weight sooner than it took you to lose it - and maybe even gain more.

      good luck.

41. QUESTION:
    Can anyone tell me about Cushings Disease? I have read some about it on different Internet sites.?
    I'm just wondering if there's something that I've missed.

    I'm having a heck of a time losing weight. I just posted another question about weight loss, please check that one out too. Anyway, I do have thyroid disease and am medicated for that. I've gained more than 80 pounds since having my thyroid removed and need to get my weight under control before I gain anymore. Of course, I'd actually prefer to lose, but the way things are going, not gaining is okay for now.

    I do not have sleep apnea according to the latest sleep study. My son read a bit about Cushings Disease and suggested that I be checked for that. I am a bit round in the middle, eat very little and don't have much of an appetite normally. I do crave sweets, such as chocolate, chocolate milk, sweet tea...

    Bottom line is this... Can you tell me about Cushings Disease?
    I'm getting lots of great answers---I DO HAVE THAT HUMP ON MY BACK AS DO MANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS!

    Wow! Although I don't want a disease, I do want an answer to why I can't lose weight and continue to gain.

    • ANSWER:
      According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH),

      "Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Sometimes called "hypercortisolism," it is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every million people are affected each year.'

      'Symptoms vary, but most people have upper body obesity, rounded face, increased fat around the neck, and thinning arms and legs. Children tend to be obese with slowed growth rates.'

      'Other symptoms appear in the skin, which becomes fragile and thin. It bruises easily and heals poorly. Purplish pink stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts. The bones are weakened, and routine activities such as bending, lifting or rising from a chair may lead to backaches, rib and spinal column fractures.'

      'Most people have severe fatigue, weak muscles, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Irritability, anxiety and depression are common.'

      'Women usually have excess hair growth on their faces, necks, chests, abdomens, and thighs. Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop. Men have decreased fertility with diminished or absent desire for sex."

      Treatment depends on the specific reason for the cortisol excess. See your doctor if you suspect this disorder.

42. QUESTION:
    My wife has been asking about adema?
    Hello and thank you all who have been helping my wife with me and my adema situation. We are lost yes I have all the symptoms of heart failure, but yesterday my cardialogist did a echo test and stress test he said I am fine with no heart problems. What else could be causing all this water weight and weight gain. I have gained over 50 pounds in less then two months. It started the day before i have back surgery and now that I had back surgery its gotton worse to wear it hurts now. I only eat once a day. I have sleep apnea and diabetes which doctor said will get better with weight loss, I have start of emphazima, high cholestrol. The pills I have taken are lasiks 120mg a day for two weeks now, percocete for pain and vicodin, I have taken provigil to stay awake, and I have two inhalers I take daily. Anyone with any suggetions or advice or clues to what this might be. thank you all so much.

    • ANSWER:
      The diabetes needs to be gotten under control immediately!!! You need to eat 4-6 SMALL meals per day--good protein, veggies and fruit. Watch your sodium intake (especially be cautious of processed foods--canned, frozen, etc.-fresh is best). Drink lots of water. Watch your carbs--whole grains are best. Diabetes can cause serious kidney damage, which can cause edema. You're taking a high dose of diuretic--maybe a different one would work better for you.

43. QUESTION:
    How do I tell my fiance he is fat?
    My fiance is one of those people who tends to gain weight easily. I get that, so do I. But it has really gotten out of control. He gains 30-50 lbs, then decides he is over weight and goes to one of those quack weight loss doctors. There they pump him full of god knows what and cut down his calorie intake to a sickening amount per meal (something like 180/200 calories per meal / 540/600 calories per day). Of course he loses the 30-50 lbs, and does it in about 3 weeks. Then he doens't maintain it, he thinks that since he lost all the weight he can eat ANYTHING he wants - including whole half gallons of ice cream and whole bags of potato chips in one sitting. Needless to say, about a month or two later he has gained ALL the weight back, sometimes a little more. He has done this diet/gain/diet thing about 4 times in the past year. He hasn't done it in about 3 months. Yet he has gained every pound plus 10 back from what he started at the last time. I'm starting to get a little upset over this. Not only is the constant up and down in weight VERY unhealthy, it has given him other medical problems as well. He now has sleep apnea due to him being 60+ lbs overweight. He just went to the doctor for his annual physical, at which point he told the doctor about his excessive snoring that keeps me awake all night. The doctor then tells him he has sleep apnea and tells him he has it because he is 60+ pounds overweight. My fiance comes home and tells me what the doctor said - the goes straight on saying that the doctor doesn't know what he is talking about - if he were the weight the doctor is saying he needs to be he would look sick. Blah blah blah. He is doing absolutely NOTHING to lose the weight and continues to eat triple servings at meal time and junk all the time. I am really starting to worry, as I have researched sleep apnea and you can die from it! On top of that, his excessive snoring at night has created problems in our relationship. I no longer sleep in bed with him at night because of his snoring, which has created a lot of tension in our relationship. I'm am at a loss of what to do. I just don't think he believes he is over weight, he called the doctor a "f-ing idiot" for telling him he needs to lose 60 lbs. What is his deal?? And how do I tell him he is fat so that he will lose the weight and get rid of the sleep apnea?

    BTW: I have tried everything to help him lose the weight. I have started cooking very healthy, only to find fast food wrappers in the bottom of the trash can. I have suggested he exercise with me everyday (I work out about an hour 5 days a week) or even to just take a short walk every night, and he refuses, and instead plays video games for hours. I have told him to get a second opinion, and he says it is a waste of time. I have asked that he get help for his snoring and sleep apnea, which he replies that he doesn't want to be hooked up to a stupid machine when he sleeps....I really love him and want what is best for him. I just don't know what to do. I don't want to leave him, that would be selfish and cruel. Any one have suggestions?? Thanks
    ADD: I have thought about telling him the wedding is on hold until he loses the weight, but I thought that might be mean.

    • ANSWER:
      Get him to do more exercise without knowing it. Do you still have sex? Get him to 'work out' for half an hour, and get him to go for walks not just for exercise but for fun. If he absolutely avoids exercise, you're gonna have to be cruel to be kind and tell him that you're asking him to lose the pounds, then when he reaches a milestone reward him with something.
      Incentives.

44. QUESTION:
    Possible to Raise GPA with 6 Classes to graduate Spring 2011? Help ASAP!?
    The following details about my personal life are relevant to my question.
    I have had it really rough last Spring semester & this current semester; even summer. During the last Spring term, my ex broke off our engagement due to her treating me poorly & being unfaithful; 3 weeks before the semester ended, and a little over a month before our wedding. This lead to situational depression, anxiety/stress, inability to focus, major weight loss, frequently ill during this current semester, & developing sleep apnea. And this is no exaggeration. I've been to the doctor about over 10 times within the last 6-7 months to be prescribed a number of different medical prescriptions.
    Last Spring semester, I took 5 classes (15 credits total = 3 credits per class), and received a C+, C, and had to take 3 incompletes due to my circumstances at the time. My professors were very understanding and suggested an incomplete to give me more time. The incomplete policy at my college states that I have to finish the assignments for my incomplete classes by the end of the following semester (excluding summer/winter sessions); this current Fall semester.
    Although, I should have finished these over the summer period, my situational depression and other symptoms hindered my ability and motivation to do so. But I do take responsibility for not finishing them during that time. My mental/physical health did improve slowly into the current semester.
    This semester, I took 4 classes (13 credits total = 3 credits for 3 classes, and 4 credits for 1 class). Again, my previous health-related symptoms relapsed during the middle of this semester and have sustained up to this point, while trying work on my incomplete class papers and current classes. I took my final on Monday for my 4 credit class, and found after talking to the professor that I had failed the class; missing class due to illness, doing poorly on semester long-research paper, & failing the final, which both were a big part of the grade. An incomplete was out of the question, as well as retaking the class this Winter or Spring 2011 since it is not offered. One Spring 2010 semester paper is in the final process of completion due by this Monday.
    I am a Political Science major. I meet all the requirements for the College of Letters & Science to graduate in Spring 2011. But my dilemma is my major's program that requests an overall cumulative 2.5 GPA for my Pol Sci credits (inlcuding transfer credits), and a cumulative 2.5 GPA for all my Pol Sci credits taken at my current university to graduate.

    My Pol Sci credits are as follows ( I = incomplete with grade next to it in parentheses is predicted):
    Class Credits Grade
    Pol Sci X = 3 B+
    Pol Sci XS = 3 A
    Pol Sci 106 = 3 A
    Pol Sci 203 = 3 I (C-)
    Pol Sci 302 = 3 (A) will take Spring 2011
    Pol Sci 310 = 3 (B) in progress
    Pol Sci 325 = 3 I (C-)
    Pol Sci 340 = 3 F unable to retake
    Pol Sci 359 = 3 (A) will take Spring 2011
    Pol Sci 370 = 3 B
    Pol Sci 371 = 3 (A) will take Winterim 2011
    Pol Sci 382 = 3 C+
    Pol Sci 390 = 4 F just took/unable to retake
    Pol Sci 421 = 3 (A) require/need/will take Spring 2011
    Pol Sci 423 = 3 F (A) retake in Spring 2011 (professor is very tough & failed me twice)
    Pol Sci 500 = 3 I (B- or )

    My college grades on a standard scale: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0
    I meet all the other requirements for my Pol Sci major, except GPA.
    Overall Pol Sci cum. GPA required = 2.5, my actual = 2.380
    University Pol Sci credits cum. GPA required = 2.5, my actual = 1.333

    I assume to take all Pol Sci classes for my Winter & Spring classes, which I predict and have to get all A's. But to more effectively boost my GPA, should I retake Pol Sci 203, Pol Sci 500 or both (more likely 203)?
    Plus, should I take a 5th class in Spring, another Pol Sci class or Pol Sci 103 or 104 (required, but is equivalent to a transfer class Pol Sci XS, but can still count separately)? Or even a 6th class?
    To what affect will retaking 1 or 2 classes have on boosting my GPA?
    To further complicate things, I am required to graduate in Spring 2011 due to a military officer obligation/deadline in June (my dream to serve USA for years). They require a cum. 2.0 GPA per semester ( GPA < 2.0 = bad). I have already changed my graduation date twice & cannot request another extension. If I do not graduate college this Spring, I get dropped from the program & will not be re-accepted in military program.
    After you calculate my GPA & requirements, if very close to meeting requirements, would I be able to appeal my situation for last Spring & this Fall as reason to the university/adviser/college/major for coming up just under the requirements?
    I am willing to do whateve
    As I ended my lengthy situation, I am willing to do whatever it takes to graduate this Spring 2011! The military officer program is something I have worked hard for the past 3 years. I know previous semesters I did not apply myself to school as much; followed by the major mental and emotional breakdown for months following my broken engagement. That almost had put me at the brink of not being able to fix or continue with school. I had been a better student before getting all caught up in a relationship, and I know my full potential. But the only thing to do now is plan and think ahead, work/stay ahead, and overcome this major feat. I am not going give up no matter what the outcome may be. I take the full responsibility of my I have finally realized what my mother always said to me, "Can you look back and say that you did everything in your power to do the best you could have achieved?" Finally, so close to finishing college, and I finally get it!

    To ask those of you who take the time

    • ANSWER:

45. QUESTION:
    Please help me win a treadmill and change the quality of my life. (vote 1x day thru 8/2)?
    I am a finalist in a contest to win a treadmill. You can vote 1x day through August 2nd. This boils down to a popularity contest, and I don't have enough friends to help me win so I'm appealing to you for help.

    http://bit.ly/simplydab (my name is simplydab)

    Some of the people are trying to win because they have 30 pounds to lose. Some are trying to win because it's what they do. I'm trying to win to literally change my quality of life. I'm morbidly obese (I have to lose more than 1/2 my body weight). In addition, I have rheumatoid arthritis in both knees, asthma, fluid retention problems and sleep apnea. I need to exercise more to lose weight, but I can't do a lot of exercise because of my weight, asthma and knees - and I can't walk outside in this heat/humidity. I was scheduled to have WLS this summer but it was postponed due to concerns about my legs (the fluid and also blood clots). It's now been rescheduled for late fall.

    Owning this treadmill would mean I could walk in my home (where it's cool!) for short periods of time multiple times a day, improving my lung function, leg circulation, etc. As my health improved I could walk for longer periods of time, and after my WLS this would be a vital piece of equipment for me to not only help lose my excess weight, but tone my body and sustain the weight loss.

    Please don't use this appeal as an opportunity to publically bash me - I get it all day, every day from the time I get out of bed in the morning until the time I go to sleep at night. You can not make me feel worse about myself than I already do. I'm hoping that there are still people out there that would lend a virtual hand to a complete stranger and help someone who is trying to help themselves, but can't do it on their own.

    Note, this is a once-a-day vote - you can come back after 24 hours and vote for me (simplydab) again. Also, if you have multiple computers/internet devices, you can vote on each of them so please put those laptops, smartphones, etc. to work!

    I appreciate you taking the time to read all this, and any help you give me. If I can ever return the favor, please let me know.
    Here is a clickable link, which takes you directly to the page. http://www.mamavation.com/2010/07/top-20-smooth-fitness-nominees-go-vote.html

    • ANSWER:
      OK..

46. QUESTION:
    Any atrial fibrillation recovery stories out there?
    I'm a 61 year old woman, diagnosed with recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. I've been worked up by a cardiologist and everything seems to be fine with my heart. I was found to have high blood pressure, and am taking beta blockers (as well as low-dosage aspirin) and my blood pressure is now where it should be. I've been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and am now sleeping on a CPAP.

    When my A-fib occurs I spontaneously convert within 7-14 hours. Which is good because cardioversion does not work, nor does IV metoprolol nor procainamide. As well, calcium channel blockers do not prevent episodes but do keep me so weak that I have to stay in bed. Beta blockers do not prevent episodes either, but don't interfere with my ability to function.

    Over the years that my sleep apnea progressed, undiagnosed and untreated, I gained a lot of weight. And because I was so tired I stopped exercising. I am now dieting and have lost 10 pounds in the last 10 weeks. Also starting to exercise. But I have to be careful. I can do treadmill work with no problem, but when I start working with weights I usually have an episode that night. Since starting to use the CPAP, my episodes have started to change ... less A-fib and more PVC's. They say this is good, but both keep me from sleeping and leave me exhausted for a week.

    I am hoping that with time, the CPAP, exercise and weight loss, I might be able to reduce the frequency of these episodes (even if they don't they are good for my overall health). I sure would like to have the energy to have a life after work, and I don't dare travel unless I can "tame" my heart.

    I have read that sleep apnea increases blood pressure going into the right atrium, which stretches the R.atrium and irritates the cells at the SA node, which triggers atrial fibrillation. If this is so, DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THE RIGHT ATRIUM CAN SHRINK BACK DOWN (similar to one's abdominal skin after a pregnancy) after corrections for sleep apnea and high blood pressure?

    DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANY RECOVERY STORIES?
    Thank you JB.
    That's a shame, though ... meds don't control it, cardioversion doesn't work, I'm not a candidate for ablation. The cardiologist cannot help me in any way and will not work with me. The only thing med.sci. can do is treat the high blood pressure and my family practitioner does that. Yes, maybe some treatment will come up in the future.
    Thank you all for your responses. Information I needed, much to consider, more to learn about.

    I've been worked up by two different cardiologists, resulting from visits to two different hospitals for attempted cardioversion (which was unsuccessful) ... two echos, two stress tests, one chest x-ray.

    Busy cardiologists, too busy to sit down and exchange information, who threw out (between the two of them) there was no treatment that would help, I was not a candidate for ablation, and that it would get worse as I got older, that I could expect to eventually go on warfarin, I would come under the treatment of a cardiologist, and that I would probably have a stroke at some point. I guess both too busy to communicate with someone they couldn't help at this point in time. I see this not as a failure on the part of the cardiologists, but a failure of the system, that they have too many patients and too little time. SO THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR RESPONSES.
    I want to think everyone for their answers. I picked as Best Answer, the response that sent me on the most-information research hunt.

    • ANSWER:
      Your condition sounds identical to mine...I have had P A-fib for over 10 years now...episodes are triggered by alcohol consumption (or over), highly salty food, lack of sleep, and, on occasion, just to annoy me. My episodes have increased from once a month, to 2 to 3 times a week. I have noticed if I sleep it off and take a brisk walk up a hill in the morning, it almost always converts over.

      I actually had an echo recently, where despite the increase in episodes, my right atrium was actually smaller than my baseline measurement? My EP cardiologist was a bit surprised...

      I have been to 5 different cardiologist in the past decade...I wouldn't stop looking until you get consistent answers.

      I am scheduling myself to the clinical trial of the Cardiofocus Laser Balloon procedure. It is a variation of the catheter ablation they have done for over a decade, but with a camera which will hopefully make it more accurate and they expand a balloon at the entrance of the veins to keep the laser in place.

47. QUESTION:
    I'm having an array of troubling symptoms before I go to the doctor, I want to be sure I need to no insurance!?
    Over the past few years I've had my fair share of memory problems. Nothing too severe, just slight forgetfulness, and it really never impacted my life. Well, the last few months, I've been having severe forgetfulness. I forget names of friends and family members, how to spell simple words without using spell check, songs I used to play from memory on the piano, I forget appointments, simple daily tasks, and things people just shouldn't be forgetting at my age. In addition to this, I have periodic dizzy spells, every day I have a headache of some form. Some days it's nauseating migraine headache, and others just a slight pulsing pain. I'm also always feeling tired, I often get over 10 hours of sleep and it does help me, but I don't always feel rejuvenated.

    There are a few things that I suspect could be causing this. The #1 is my weight. Granted I don't consider myself to be obese, I'm 5'8" and 253 pounds, but was over 275 in the summer, and am continuing to slowly lose weight, yet with the weight loss the symptoms have not subsided.
    I've also suspected sleep apnea, I believe I have a deviated septum, as I simply cannot breathe through my nose, and I've awaken many times during the night because I closed my mouth and could not breathe.

    I know I should definitely see a doctor, but I want to have all of my needed information before I go, as I cannot afford to go. If anyone has some advice or helpful tips, I would appreciate it. Just let me know if you need more info. Thanks for your help.
    Just realized I didn't post my age or gender. 23year old male.

    • ANSWER:
      hi, sorry to hear about what you have been going through, it must be difficult for you

      1. get checked for hypothyroidism (TSH, T4, autoantibodies)

      2. and if you are overweight (cehck your BMI, we use kg over here) check for type 2 diabetes

      3. and think about getting an MRI to check for a brain tumor (frontal lobe = executive functions)
      that would be my primary concern

      in australia medical tests are free in public hospitals

48. QUESTION:
    His obesity is ruining our relationship!?
    I'm at wits end here. I do love my fiance, but his weight is ruining everything. He has gained 60lbs over the past two years and just keeps gaining more. I think is ridiculous - but it happens. Problem is, he won't do anything about it. And just to put out there, no he hasn't gained weight due to any underlying medical issues. He's simply gained weight due to not leading a healthy lifestyle. (which he lead when we met) In fact, his weight gain is actually CAUSING medical problems. He was a little chubby when I met him - so this 60 lb. weight gain has him tipping the scales of being moderately obese. (according to his doctor) His obesity has caused him to get obstructive sleep apnea, as well as high blood pressure & low testosterone levels. (not sure if the low testosterone levels are specifically caused by him being obese - but the doctor says that weight loss might bring his levels back around normal)Now we are currently waiting to see if he has fertility issues due to the low testosterone levels. To me that is just the icing on the cake. My biggest goal & desire in life is to be a mother. And now I feel like his obesity is starting to invade in our relationship. I've just gotten to the point that I'm over him being fat and I'm getting to the point that I'm over him. Him being fat has ruined our relationship! We can no longer go to the beach because he feels self conscious, we've had to start buying more food because he eats so much, and not to mention is has completely destroyed our sex life. His low testosterone level has made him uninterested in sex - as well as my sexual advances. In a way I'm happy about this because the thought of him crushing me during sex or having to grab onto his fat rolls simply disgusts me. I'm not claiming to be perfect, so do not take this as me just bashing him. But to get it out there - yes I am in shape, and yes I lead a healthy lifestyle. I have tried everything to get him to follow suit, to no avail. He refuses to go to the gym because he feels like "people are staring at him", he refuses to walk or jog because it's too hot outside (we live in FL), he refuses to diet because he says he doesn't want to be starving all the time, & he won't go see a nutritionist or dietician because he claimes he works too much to fit it into his schedule. His doctor has given him a CPAP machine to help with his sleep apnea, which he does not use - because "it's annoying". And he has refused any help from the doctor in referring him to weight loss programs or the like again to his "busy work schedule". Simply put - he refuses to do anything about his weight, but expects everyone just to deal with him being fat. I have tried the whole "we can exercise" and "we can diet" - which hasn't worked one bit. I have tried not bringing junk in the house, he just goes and buys it himself. I have tried everything, nothing has worked. His sleep apnea has caused us to sleep in seperate rooms (due to me not sleeping well next to his snoring), we have no sex life (it has literally been over 4 months), and our electric bill & grocery bill has gone up due to him always being "hot" and eating too much. Our relationship has dwindled... I love him, but I'm ready to give up. Has anyone been through this or have any advice? (serious only) Just to add, we are not married and have no kids.
    **And I do agree that if a woman does this same thing she is just as guilty. Anyone (man or woman) who becomes this unhealthy and overweight due to pure laziness is wrong. Those who have valid medical causes (ie thyroid, being pregnant, etc) have some room to stand on. But they're ailment definitely shouldn't become a crutch or excuse to continue to be unhealthy.
    Before people jump my case for being a cold hearted b*tch. I do love him, if I didn't I wouldn't have tried in the first place. I would have left him at the first signs of weight gain. To say that I've never loved him or even that I despise him (as one person so kindly put) is ludicrous. What I despise is the fact that he shows a lack of concern for our relationship - and our future. I despise the fact that he'd rather cram a ho-ho down his throat and play video games than do something to make himself healthier. And I despise the fact that there is nothing else I can do. Which is why I'm asking for advice - not insults.

    • ANSWER:
      I'm just an outsider looking in, but it sounds to me like both of you need some help. First, I think if you love someone, you love someone. No matter what they "look" like. When my husband and I first started dating, his weight was at about 135. Now he runs between 185-210 depending on what time of year it is. I love him just the same as I always have. I have to say, we are 10 years in, and our sex life is still running on a full throttle. I do think that his lack of a sex drive could be a big problem. I also think that sleeping in searate bedrooms would definitely put a wedge in your relationship. It does sound like he has gotten lazy. His lack of willingness to even try to lose weight is sad. Especially since it is affecting his health. People tend to get comfortable with each other after a period of time and start to let themselves go. I do think you need to give him an ultimatum. Either he starts taking care of himself or your gone. Not because he is "fat" and your not attracted to him. But because you love him and would like to have him around for another 20 or 30 years. Your definitely not in a healthy relationship figuratively and literally speaking. Tell him your going to leave him if he doesnt change his ways, and voice all your concerns you have told us about. The kid thing and his health and the sex. Hopefully that will put a spark under his ass. If it doesnt, then he obviously doesnt love you like he should and you need to end the relationship. Good Luck.

49. QUESTION:
    My health is fading...please help?
    HELLO! MY NAME IS SANITA I AM A 28 YEAR OLD FEMALE LIVING IN OHIO. I
    WEIGH 425LBS. AND I AM MISERABLE. I HAVE NO MEDICAL INSURANCE BECAUSE
    MY JOB DOESNT OFFER IT AND I CANT GET ANY INSURANCE ON MY OWN DUE TO
    MY WEIGHT. I HAVE TRIED TO GET EMPLOYMENT THAT OFFERS HEALTH
    COVERAGE, BUT ALOT OF PEOPLE DO NOT WANNA HIRE ME BECAUSE MY
    EXPERIENCE IS LIMITED BECAUSE I AM SICK ALOT AND HAVE GAPS IN BETWEEN
    JOBS. I CAN BARELY TAKE 10 STEPS WITHOUT FEELING LIKE I AM ABOUT TO
    FALL OUT. I CAN'T STAND MORE THAN 5 MINUTES WITHOUT MY BACK KILLING
    ME. I HAVE TRIED LA WEIGHT LOSS AND WEIGHT WATCHERS I ONLY LOSE ABOUT
    20LBS AT THE MOST.
    I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE PROGRAMS WHO OFFER THIS SURGERY FOR FREE
    OR HAVE A REASONABLE PAYMENT PLAN EVEN IF I HAVE BAD CREDIT. I REALLY
    FEEL LIKE IF I DONT GET THIS SURGERY I MAY DIE SOON. I HAVE SLEEP
    APNEA, ASTHMA, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, ACID REFLUX AND CONSTANT BACK AND
    CHEST PAINS. PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME.

    • ANSWER:
      Sanita,

      You are in a very difficult situation and I wish I could help you better. The other people here had good suggestions. You doctor may be able to help you with the right contacts and programs. Social services, perhaps your church or similar could be another option.

      It depends on which surgery you mean - lipo suction - which is where the fat is being sucked away (a dangerous procedure) or reducing the size of the stomach.
      Both are severe surgeries.

      It must be incredcibly hard to lose 200-250 pounds with dieting. But - I strongly suggest that you give that another try. In the end only eating less will really help.
      It is not true that can lose only 20 pounds. Thats is only your weakness, that after a few weks of dieting you want to eat, you have cravings and all that.

      I think a very strict diet, supervised by your doctor combined with a mental training (like self hypnosis) to help you go through it. And a plan for you life. Make it a 3 year plan. Like year 1: lose 80 pounds, year 2 : lose another 80 pounds year 3: lose another 80 pounds.
      You see - this will take a long time of hard discipline.

      At the same time keep yourself extremely busy and distract yoruself. Also keep your fridge always empty, have perhaps only a few fresh veggies in there (carrots to munch on).
      Go to school and get some good education so that you can score a better job.

      You are young and you are smart so you can do it - if you really want. It is only in your hands to turn your life around.

      And once you did it - you can help others, better than anybody else. They need you, so go and try and be strong.

      Praying while dieting also helps - if you are religious.

      Best wishes!

50. QUESTION:
    Fitness/Fat Camp in WA?
    Hey Guys,
    I'm 20 years old, 5'9" and i weight apporx 114kgs, i've been trying to lose the weight for years but have only ever succeeded in small weight losses that were eventually put back on with extra. my biggest loss being 7kgs in august 07, that put me at 103kgs, but since i've put even more on and am up to a personal record of 114kgs. It feels hopeless trying to lose the weight in my current environment as i'm doing 12 hr shifts most of the time and the time i have off i'm exaughsted because i dont get enough sleep during my work days (i have sleep apnea). I want to take 1-2 months off of work and go on a camp, away from home, out of my comfort zone, but all i can find are Boot Camps run by local gyms, which dont involve going away and which arnt as involved as i the program i want. Can anyone tell me of any programs similiar to the one i am looking for??? i am even prepared to fly over east if necessary!!!
    Wah! Help Me!!

    Kind Regards,
    Paul Malarowski.
    Sorry, i should add that i live in:
    Perth, Western Australia (WA).

    • ANSWER:
      Try www.campcalifornia.ca they do kids, teen and ladies.