Weight Loss Failures and ADHD

snoborderphx

Hello,

I just wanted to share my story; male, 31, 6'2.5", heaviest was 393lbs, currently at 372lbs. As many other people, I've struggled with my weight all my life, and have several failed dietary attempts. I used to drink a LOT of caffeine (energy drinks) to keep me focused through the day, not necessarily to give me energy. Back in Sept 2014, I stopped drinking caffeine (all of it) because I was (and still am) worried about the affects it had on my heart. There was such a HUGE impact on my work performance that I literally was demoted from a Lead Tech to a Tech in a matter of 3 months. Well, in November 2014, I started going to a bariatric specialist (which I'm still pursuing), and had to see a dietician. The Dietician said that I could not drink caffeine anymore because it could cause ulcers and would cause me to dehydrate. Since my biggest pride in life is my work (imagine the hit the demotion had on me), I told her about how not drinking caffeine affected my work performance significantly, not because I was tired, but because I lacked focus/motivation. She said that it could be ADHD, as it is believed that many adults go untreated and self medicate using Caffeine. So, fast forward to May 2015, I finally got the process for being tested for ADHD completed, and it turns out that I do have ADHD (16 of the 18 markers). For the last 2 weeks, I've been on ADHD medication and reduced my caffeine consumption to almost nothing. It has made a signficant difference in my focus, as it pertains to my weight loss goals. I just thought that I would let folks know that if you have been having issues with weight loss and you drink caffeine to stay focused (and you have other signs of ADHD), it might behoove you to get tested for ADHD.

Sn0

crazyjerseygirl

Hi, fellow ADD brain drinks-5-cups-a-day here.

Just FYI, some of the meds have an appetite suppresant side effect so take that into account as well

As for me, I'm off meds (went on them briefly when my son was an infant) because having a flighty brain is kinda useful in my line of work!

Best of luck, and keep up the good...SQUIRRILS!!!