I have struggled with sleep for years. Definately stress related. I know exactly what caused my stress and it was mostly out of my hands. Serenity prayer just doesn't cut it - if you know what I mean. About 5 years ago I started taking both temazepam and lorazepam. I have to admit I became horribly addicted to them. They both have side effects of weight gain and memory loss. Well, I've decided to go cold turkey and get off these meds. It hasn't been easy, but I'm doing it and yes, I'm having some troubles sleeping. I'll try to list out some changes I've had to make that helps me sleep. First of all, I've had to reduce caffeine intake. I try to not consume any caffeine after lunch time. The next thing is I turn down the thermastat in my house at night. I sleep much better in cooler temps. I also have a ceiling fan that I run on slow to move air. I have had to change to a high thread count set of sheets. I am one of those guys that can feel a ball of lint in my bed so the high thread count just makes it feel smooth to me. The next thing I have to do is turn off the iPad and the TV. I turn on my radio with the sleep mode set to two hours. I have to go to sleep to music. If I don't have music, my mind will not shut off. I have two pillows. One is soft and the other is a special chiropractic pillow that aligns my neck. I go back and forth between pillows. It just depends on which one feels right. I also have to have my room completely black. The little light that is on chargers has to be covered. If there is any light I will focus on it and it will keep me awake. Another thing I have to do is make my bed daily. If the bed is unmade, it just doesn't feel right and I will toss and turn all night. Lastly, I try to drink a bit of milk right before bed or a glass of water about 3o minutes before I lay down. I know this all sounds a bit like OCD, but it is what I have to do. It's either this or meds I don't want to take anymore.

I wish you luck with this. I know how frustrating it can be.

Sorry you can't sleep. Try melatonin & warm milk.

Other doctors call Almanza a butcher. If you google him, you will know exactly what there talking about.

So sorry you had a bad experience! Hopefully things turn around for you soon! Prayers & hugs for you!

So sorry for your experiences. Hope once you heal it will all be worth it to you. Good Luck and God Bless...Mem

Scroll down the page a bit and start at day 1...it's free and works!

Bodybuilding.com - Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer - Phase 1: Building Muscle - Bodybuilding.com

I am sorry you had a bad experience! I had Dr Almanza and had the best experience ever.....It is not where you have the operations in the state or somewhere else that is stupid hate when they think it is because you went elsewhere...it could of happened anywhere...but you will get better it has been 1 1/2 and feeling great....you will too!

I would suggest you go to the local gym(s) and talk with the owner(s), to get some professional advice. There are personal trainers that can give you some advice also. A lot of people will go to the gym and work on the machines and that is great! It is good to have a goal, plan or idea of what you want. For example, at one gym the guy what a body builder and had a completely different theory than the guy who was a personal trainer. Good luck!

I'm so sorry you had such a terrible experience. I had my surgery in The States, also, and so far I've done well. I hope things change for you starting right now. I hope that your body heals itself and you feel good so that you can accomplish what you set out to do--become as healthy as possible. Wishing you all the best.

Sorry for your experience, but its done and over. You got the tool (sleeve) the next chapter will be easier I hope...I had a Dr in The States, no problems at all.Good Luck

You poor thing! I pray for all to heal quickly for you and find a smoother path. Make sure that you find a great doctor (looks like you are from Georgia) in your area to help you on your path.

Sounds like a nightmare. Hope you get better soon.

I keep getting denied too. Jumped through hoops for a year and a half now. They also keep denying my sleep study test because if it is determined I have sleep apnea that will qualify me for surgery automatically. I am on my 4th try for the sleep study. Hopefully they will approve it now that it has been ordered by a sleep specialist doctor. In the mean time my health continues to deteriorate.

I'm sorry for the both of you...that insurance process is just a nerve wrecking ordeal. I was denied by my primary BCBS of MS and my secondary BCBS of TX approved it...it's crazy how the same company but different states has so many different rules...I pray that the both of you get some good news!!

I totally agree. I met all of AETNA's requirements but they are still the ones who decide. it was denied, and yesterday my Dr. spoke with one of their Dr.'s (they call it peer to peer) and we are just waiting for the result now. When I started this in Feb, I wanted the surgery right then and there. it has been a long wait but I have put it into God's hands. If it is meant to be, I will be approved.
Best wishes

This is the type of stuff that worries me. Insurances are playing so many games and make it so hard for us people who want a better way of life. Crazy. But I wanted to share this quote from someone. I feel for these people. Makes me worry about even trying to get some type of affordable health care since it is so messed up.