Obese, diabetic with high BP; need help with food addiction

Posted by minda77 @minda77, Oct 4, 2016

Diagnosed 1 year ago. Can't take Metformin or Glipizide due to side effects. Felt like a zombie, could hardly do my work. Didn't make much difference in my levels as I am also a food addict. Weight at 312 (was 320 2 1/2 weeks ago). A1C at 10.2 and sugar was 345 on Saturday morning. Feel better off the Meds, actually walking and getting to the gym. I know a lot of this will get better if I lose the weight.
Anyone out there a food addict like myself? How are you coping?
Also would like to know if there are any vitamins that help with the high blood pressure or the diabetes since the meds only make it worse for me.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Minda

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group.

@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

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I'm camping now. I woke up in my tent with my little dog. I am glad a brought a heater. This was a goal I had for awhile because I could not stay overnight my first try. It's raining a bit so I'm waiting for it to stop. There were bird sounds earlier today.

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

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***Confetti***
Congratulations @ihatediabetes!
I'm so proud of you. It's not many people who can say that they met their fears head on. Well done.

I bet your little dog loved the adventure. How does the air feel as you take in a deep breath crawling out of your tent?

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

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@ihatediabetes Let me add some more confetti to your parade! You have become a great encourager for healthy living and for the Mayo program! Thanks for sharing and encouraging others. Teresa

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

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Hi everyone, well I decided to camp a second night. It was so much work to set up tent and heater that I decided I needed another night to consolidate the experience. I did take dog home. Then I came back and went hiking for miles. My fitbit says that I went six miles today. I also met the staff naturalist and we talked about the bluebird monitoring program. Bluebird monitoring goes under both physical activity and resilience under my healthy living program. It's physical activity because it is a 4 mile hike to check all the boxes on my route. Its resilience because nature is peaceful and helps me with mindfulness. Lots of thought goes into a wellness plan. Plus you can change it any time you want. Find out what works for you. Peace.

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

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Hi @ihatediabetes, what a wonderful experience, both physically and emotionally! Thanks for keeping us posted on your trip and your progress! Teresa

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

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My husband is coming up to visit me in a few hours. I talked him into it. I do hope to get him into camping too. Then I don't have to go alone. I told him about the heater and how it keeps the tent warm. I actually like being out here with no ticks, or bugs, or allergies. The air is very clean and fresh.

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

Jump to this post

I'm home now. Camping was spiritual experience for me. I got my toolbox from the staff naturalist for the bluebird monitoring program. She told me how to deal with wasps. Yikes. But I did it. I went camping for two nights. That's one thing to check off my bucket list of things that scare me. Can't wait to tell wellness coach about my camping experience!

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

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@ihatediabetes, Thank you for this update. I am so-o-o happy for you that you did it! And that you enjoyed it, and will continue to do so!!
I love the outdoors, and it is always a spiritual experience for me, too.
I am interested to hear from you as you continue your trail walking and blue bird watching.
Are you starting a birthday wish list? waterproof boots, rain gear, warm sleeping bag...?
I have a feeling that your coach will be happy for you:-)
Sleep well tonight.
Rosemary

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@noreenf

I definitely know about food addiction. I am 68, and over the years, I have lost more weight than I weigh right now. I put on weight after my first child, and more with my second. My family called me fat my whole life, but looking back at pictures, I never was a bit overweight. I did put on weight my senior year of high school, mom took me to her Dr, who was really obese, he gave me a diet to follow, and diet pills. I lost the weight, then met my husband. My first real weight loss was when Weight Watchers came to our area. I lost over 100#, then my husband, who was in the Air Force, got transferred, and I lost my support system, of the weekly meetings. The next time I joined Overeaters Anonymous, when they first got started, and lost the same over 100#. Then the group lost the meeting place, so I lost my support system again, and gained the weight back, again. Then, I started hearing about bariatric bypass, and had that done 7 years ago. I lost 60 pounds, then quit losing. I maintained that 210# for about 4 years, then was put on meds for nerve damage pain, and started to put it back on again. I'm at 235# now, and not happy about it. The doctors thought I would be a good candidate for the surgery, since I had managed to lose the weight twice, but they didn't realize that the reason I was able to do it was the weekly meetings, and I thought they would have more support than the once a month support group they provided.
If it was possible to undo the bypass surgery, I would. Actually, I wish I hadn't had it in the first place, because now my body doesn't absorb nutrients, so I have to take loads of vitamins, and am supposed to eat lots of protein, etc. I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place. I went to an Overeaters Anonymous meeting a couple of times, but it has changed so much, it didn't help me any more.
So, I have pretty much given up. I try to eat the things that will help me lose the weight, but my husband expects me to cook him the foods he likes for dinner, when I would rather just have a salad, etc, but I don't know how to cook meals he likes, and not eat what he eats, like casseroles, hamburger helpers, etc, We end up with more leftovers than I can use as it is.
So now I pray and do the best I can. I know God doesn't want me to keep hating myself over this, so I take it a day at a time.
This is the first time I've seen this site, maybe it will help, hearing other food addicts share what they are dealing with.

Jump to this post

I have been counseling several different times, over the years that we have been married. It helped me a lot originally, but the last couple of times, really didn't help. When I would be with the counselor, I'd feel like I could make changes, but once I got home, it was like "real life" was back.
My husband has many good qualities, and I love him, but he's an "old fashioned man", and has certain expectations, and me cooking him supper, is the main one. If I don't cook for him, he won't cook for himself. Sometimes he will have micro popcorn, or a sandwich, or he just won't eat.
I have started just fixing something for him, and I will have a salad, or something that I would rather eat. He doesn't even seem to notice, so I assume he doesn't mind. He knows I'm not happy with my weight, so he probably just realizes I'm trying to get the weight down. So I'm making at least a little progress at taking care of myself.
Thank you for caring.

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@gailb

@noreenf, I had the RnY gastric bypass nearly 3 years ago and lost 85 pounds. I was 65 years old at the time. I have diabetes (still, although it's much better now), and high blood pressure, and was using a CPAP machine at the time. I had lost and gained more weight than I can count over the years after my son was born. Most of the time, when I look at photos from those years, I was beautiful and my weight was just fine. However, between my ex, and my mother telling me I was fat, I grew to believe it. I had very low self-esteem at the time and was pretty easily manipulated. I know better now.

I had my surgery on the recommendation of my physician. I am so glad I did! I have maintained my weight, and recently lost 6 pounds when I started taking Jardiance for my diabetes. It is working well and I'm sure that is the reason for my recent weight loss. I don't understand how some people gain weight after WLS. I can barely eat 1 cup of food at each meal. I try not to snack in between meals, and if I do, I always have nuts and fruit available so I can grab them. I love plain Greek yogurt (Fage), strawberries, Splenda, and ice in a smoothie if I want something sweet. It is filling. I also eat 4%cottage cheese as a high protein snack. You can put some fruit in it too if you like the sweet and salty taste, yum. There are many ways you may be able to take control of your situation. You still have your "tool". Perhaps you can make an appointment with your original surgeon's office and request their help in re-establishing your weight loss. What kind of WLS did you have? I belong to a couple of WLS private Facebook sites and can let you know what they are if you would like. They are very helpful and discuss many ways to get back on track.

Some of us will always struggle with our weight and our body dysphoria. I sometimes think I weigh 230 pounds rather than 148 pounds. I awaken in a sweat some days fearing I have gained all my weight back. But then I step on the scales and see that I am the same weight. I am always relieved. I am hoping the best for you. If there is any way I can support you I will do my best. Gail B

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I also had the RnY gastric bypass, 8 years ago. I originally weighed 275#, and lost 60# after the surgery, and I kept it off for 4 years.
I had spine surgery, a Laminectomy, at the back of my neck, that was supposed to relieve numbness and tingling in my right hand. It wasn't carpel tunnel, they had done that surgery, and replaced disks through the front of my neck, the laminectomy, was the last effort to fix the numbness in my hand. Instead, I ended up with nerve damage in my neck, shoulders, both arms, and hands. So I was put on meds to take care of the pain, from the nerve damage, and I started gaining weight again. I'm on a different med now(Lyrica), but I had started "grazing".
I am doing better lately, eating more fruits & salads, and feeling better about myself. I think this site has helped, too, actually getting responses from people. I really appreciate reading your responses, thank you so much. God Bless.

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