Phentermine/Adipex?

[ame]

Have any of you taken this drug for appetite suppressant?

It's prescription, and my former GP mentioned it in the past but then said how about MediFast, hands me this brochure and then spent twenty minutes trying to sell me that MediFast, can't take the time to look at me, but can sell me stuff. I felt that was weird, and while I have the brochure on MediFast, it's wicked pricey. I am seeing a new GP next week because I am sick of everything being called "Anxiety" or a "virus" (strep is not a damn virus!) and their general lack of concern for our health.

I saw the Ortho about my leg today and he also pushed the MediFast. I don't dispute that I need to lose weight so I can buy more time on surgery on my ankles and knees. I also need to because I need to.

 

[sonnyjane]

Phentermine is no joke. It is also not recommended to be a long-term solution (recommended 12 weeks or less). How much do you have to lose? You don't have to post it, but most doctors, at least responsible doctors, won't prescribe it unless it is for SERIOUS weight loss. There is a long list of potentially harmful side effects that come from taking Phentermine and usually there are better ways to go about it than by taking drugs. I'm not saying it has no place, but just be careful if you do decide to pursue weight loss drugs!

 

[ame]

I'm not gonna be shy about it. I need to lose 75 or 100 depending which doctor you ask. I haven't been below 175 in a few years but I'm back up to around 225-230 and I am about 5'5". The ortho was pretty blunt today about it more so even that my endocrinologist usually is. It's less about the amount as how many times in 7 years I have lost the same 50 lbs and gained it back. It's been a lot. Both say that time window and that much up and down are harder on my heart and system and joints than if I'd not yoyo'd like this. I can't manage to get a full on start and prior to this leg thing I did work out, I wouldn't say I ate well. But I was better. Somewhere in the Summer the wheels completely fell off.

I do plan to do some kind of overhaul, I've cut down diet coke to 4-8 ounces a day if at all, which is HUGE bec I drank like 4 or 6 cans a day alternated with water. I'm trying to eliminate it. In part for that reflux issue and in part bec I know it's probably makin the weight an issue. I look pregnant in a lot of ways and I am not at all.

Since he tossed it out there, I've thought about it a lot. But today was the second doctor tellingme I need medifast or something.

So I would think 50 would even help. I talked to a nurse friend of my moms tonight an she said that it's often a like 2-3 months on 2-3 off and then back on. She did say that it's not long term but that it's usually not a one shot deal.

 

[aviastar]

I don't know anything about the drugs, but I have watched a friend of mine lose significant weight (75lbs-ish) in the last six months with Medifast. I asked her about it and she said the key was not minding the food, but for her it wasn't an issue.

Also have a friend getting great results (3-5lbs a week) with the Primal diet, which I understand is more a lifestyle change than diet and its supposed to be great for blood sugar, adrenal issues, gut issues, etc.

I really admire your soda cutdown, it's something I struggle with, so good on you!

 

[sonnyjane]

I'm not gonna be shy about it. I need to lose 75 or 100 depending which doctor you ask. I haven't been below 175 in a few years but I'm back up to around 225-230 and I am about 5'5". The ortho was pretty blunt today about it more so even that my endocrinologist usually is. It's less about the amount as how many times in 7 years I have lost the same 50 lbs and gained it back. It's been a lot. Both say that time window and that much up and down are harder on my heart and system and joints than if I'd not yoyo'd like this. I can't manage to get a full on start and prior to this leg thing I did work out, I wouldn't say I ate well. But I was better. Somewhere in the Summer the wheels completely fell off.
.

Oh ame, I so understand your mindset. Currently I'm not overweight, but I am overweight for me if that makes sense. At the end of last year, I found out I had thyroid cancer and so it had to be removed completely. I also needed radioactive iodine therapy afterward, which meant that for the few months between my surgery and my RAI treatment, I could not take thyroid replacement medication. I just now started taking Synthroid, but it's just a trial dosage and we will keep tweaking with that in the next year or so. My next appointment to look at the numbers is March 15.

I'll be honest, I used to think that "thyroid issues" were just something a person that was overweight used as an excuse, but now after first-hand gaining weight post-surgery and not being able to lose it even when eating quite well and being active, I understand that your thyroid actually IS quite important to the weight-loss process! This time last year I was about 15 pounds lighter, but once I had surgery, I just wanted comfort food, and like Pringles, once you pop, you can't stop! After I gained five pounds, I figured "ehh, I'm sick I deserve it!". Then after I gained 10 pounds, I figured "oh, once you get back on medication it will come back off, so don't worry about it!". Now that I'm at 15 pounds, I'm thinking "ehhh you're getting a little out of control" but literally as I type this I am about to sit down and eat some Ben & Jerry's! It's a really tough road and it plays with your mind.

If you think that a weight-loss drug will be the kick-start you need to start this process, I will certainly not condemn you, I just want you to be aware that there are some very serious side effects you should research before you begin. Good luck!

 

[ame]

Good luck wih your trial dosing! It's frustrating but it will get better.

I was born without a thyroid at all (I'm actually famous for this to endocrine specialists, not really the type of fame I wanted in life, ESP not with those hideous baby pics in the texts.) so I have been on synthroid my whole lifetime, and I hope they get your dosage settled soon. I have been up and down between 200 and 300 or like 7 years based on weight. If I am this high he raises it bec I simply need more.

I just need to get in control and I feel like I need medical intervention to get that going. I don't want to be on it forever either just enough to make a dent.

I appreciate the candidness as well!

I do think I have a hit of food addiction maybe too. I just don't WANT to eat and I do it out of boredom way often.

 

[Amys Bling]

I'm not gonna be shy about it. I need to lose 75 or 100 depending which doctor you ask. I haven't been below 175 in a few years but I'm back up to around 225-230 and I am about 5'5". The ortho was pretty blunt today about it more so even that my endocrinologist usually is. It's less about the amount as how many times in 7 years I have lost the same 50 lbs and gained it back. It's been a lot. Both say that time window and that much up and down are harder on my heart and system and joints than if I'd not yoyo'd like this. I can't manage to get a full on start and prior to this leg thing I did work out, I wouldn't say I ate well. But I was better. Somewhere in the Summer the wheels completely fell off.
.

Oh ame, I so understand your mindset. Currently I'm not overweight, but I am overweight for me if that makes sense. At the end of last year, I found out I had thyroid cancer and so it had to be removed completely. I also needed radioactive iodine therapy afterward, which meant that for the few months between my surgery and my RAI treatment, I could not take thyroid replacement medication. I just now started taking Synthroid, but it's just a trial dosage and we will keep tweaking with that in the next year or so. My next appointment to look at the numbers is March 15.

I'll be honest, I used to think that "thyroid issues" were just something a person that was overweight used as an excuse, but now after first-hand gaining weight post-surgery and not being able to lose it even when eating quite well and being active, I understand that your thyroid actually IS quite important to the weight-loss process! This time last year I was about 15 pounds lighter, but once I had surgery, I just wanted comfort food, and like Pringles, once you pop, you can't stop! After I gained five pounds, I figured "ehh, I'm sick I deserve it!". Then after I gained 10 pounds, I figured "oh, once you get back on medication it will come back off, so don't worry about it!". Now that I'm at 15 pounds, I'm thinking "ehhh you're getting a little out of control" but literally as I type this I am about to sit down and eat some Ben & Jerry's! It's a really tough road and it plays with your mind.

If you think that a weight-loss drug will be the kick-start you need to start this process, I will certainly not condemn you, I just want you to be aware that there are some very serious side effects you should research before you begin. Good luck!

My mom went through exactly this about 5 years ago- coupled with high blood pressure and high cholesterol- she really need to get her eating and weight under control and was told for her it was better to be a bit too thin than a bit overweight with her family history and all. She joined WW with a friend a month ago and is already down 9 lbs. She has learned to make lifestyle changes and many other family member have been super successful with WW and permanite lifestyle changes. Slowly but surely, making better choices have helped my aunt lose 100lbs, my friend loose 30, and other aunt lose 50, and my dad lose 75. All with a WW type approach.

 

[tuffyluvr]

I heard Dr Drew talking about these on the radio today. He was saying that phentermine is sketchy but adipex is safe and useful as an appetite suppressant.My good friend lost about 50lbs with Topamax (I think it's really similar to Adipex). She has gained most of the weight back over the course of about 5 yrs since she stopped taking it.

I think that if you need to lose a significant amount of weight and it helps curb your appetite, I don't see anything wrong with it. Knee and ankle surgeries/replacements are serious! You are out of commission for 6 months or more! Good luck with whatever you chose to do!

 

[Hera]

I use to take it in the 90's so I'm fairly acquainted with it. For some people, it's really really works because it helps suppress the appetite and it's a bit of a amphetamine so it gives an energy kick. It also comes with it fair share of side effects:

Excerpt from PUBMed Health:
Phentermine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dry mouth

unpleasant taste

diarrhea

constipation

vomiting

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

increased blood pressure

heart palpitations

restlessness

dizziness

tremor

insomnia

shortness of breath

chest pain

dizziness

swelling of the legs and ankles

difficulty doing exercise that you have been able to do



I honestly do not think this is a good idea for anyone who may/may not have anxiety issues as one of it's main side effects is nervousness. It feels basically like you have three cups of coffee in you at all times and you can feel a little on edge all of the time. People also report depression issues when trying to get off of the medication and therefore it is quite habit forming.

I highly suggest that you take the side effects VERY seriously.

Also, when it comes to weight loss, long time success really depends on the ability to learn how to change your attitude and behavior around eating. A pill might initially help you lose weight but I don't think it's successful in the long term. I highly suggest WW as well because I have heard of a lot of success stories.

Good luck and I hope they find out what's going on with you soon

 

[ame]

Thanks!!

Yea the side effects usually freak me out pretty good. I also plan to either restart WW or try MediFast, NutriSystem, something either simultaneously or right when I go off of it. I do not want to gain it all back AGAIN.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

The drugs are going to keep you yo-yo'ing. You've got to make lifestyle changes.

I also eat out of boredom and started leaving bottles of water on my kitchen counter, so when I go in there, I make an effort to grab for one of those rather than a few crackers.

There was a story about another weight loss drug and it is in debate right now, but I guess it worked really well, but most gained the weight back when they went off of it because they relied on the drug and just returned to old habits. Habits are hard to break!

 

[Amys Bling]

Thanks!!

Yea the side effects usually freak me out pretty good. I also plan to either restart WW or try MediFast, NutriSystem, something either simultaneously or right when I go off of it. I do not want to gain it all back AGAIN.

I've had family members yoyo with nutrisystem because thy didn't learn how to eat right- and once they stopped the food delivery they went back to old habits...,

 

[Saoirse2]

Great post heraanderson
Phentermine.... this “anorectic” drug is addictive, increases one's heart rate and blood pressure. These drugs are strongly discouraged by many doctors for many reasons.
I cannot discuss individual cases but in the last 4-5 years I've undertaken good people that have died from horrific car accidents due to confusion and blurred vision while dieting on Phen-related drugs like:
Apidex P, Anoxine, Fastin, Mirapront, Obestin, Phentrol, etc.
All of the above will cause Cardiomyopathy sooner than later......Take Care

 

[maplefemme]

Ame, I really do feel you. I'm finally on top of my weight but I used to weigh over 280lbs, and like you; if I added how many times I'd lost 50lbs I can honestly say I have lost the equivalent of a few bodies
I just want to throw something out there for you - are you actually 'hungry' all the times you are eating? I ask because you mention your issue with soft drinks and possible food addiction and you are talking about taking an appetite suppressant. Most people with food addictions eat regardless of hunger, it's a psychological compulsion, much more emotional than physical hunger, so I question how well an appetite suppressant would work and I'd be concerned with the potential serious side effects for you more than anything, Ame.

I'm anal retentive, I'm a workaholic, I used to overeat because of control issues. Food I could control, I could eat what I want, when I want. There was a huge psychological comfort factor also, food was my drug of choice. I'd eat hi GI foods as well so that only intensified cravings and physical lethargy, very vicious circle!
I see some similarities in you, and if I'm wrong - sorry, tell me to take a hike.
My turnaround was a few factors, from daily physical pain...to being aware that eating a large pizza all by myself, and not really being full after, was not normal...to running for the train and thinking "what's that thing behind me thudding - oh, that's my A$$"....to a client asking me "don't take this the wrong way, but do you think your ex husband cheated on you because you're fat?"

I tried Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem and yes you loose weight, but the food is TERRIBLE quality, not nutritious at all.

My SO is a health nut, and bless him, he never made me feel guilty about what I ate or my weight when we met. He did however introduce me to really healthy and fun food though and my anal retentive self got into healthy, tasty, recipes and portion control.
I got to the point that if I could make very tasty food, I'd focus on the taste of each mouthful instead of shovelling it down.
I eat way more often now, not less. I have more of an appetite now than ever, I'm hungry more often. I was never hungry before, I really never got hungry, it wasn't why I ate.
Availability is a big factor, having meals planned and healthy food on hand, prepping food the night before or a few days worth helps so I'm not likely to grab something bad because I have nothing good.

Anyway, this isn't about me, it's about you. I'm just sharing my thoughts and seeing if anything resonates with you as to the trigger for your eating and if it's really hunger at all.

Whatever you do Ame, I'm just wishing you success, good health and happiness.

 

[ame]

There are a lot of similarities. I do definitely get hungry, and I do know that some of my day eating is boredom. But I often just feel like NOTHING is satisfying me or making me feel full.

I do want to say that I hope you beat the life out of that client. How else can such a comment be taken!? WOW!

 

[Upgradable]

The drugs are going to keep you yo-yo'ing. You've got to make lifestyle changes.

I also eat out of boredom and started leaving bottles of water on my kitchen counter, so when I go in there, I make an effort to grab for one of those rather than a few crackers.

There was a story about another weight loss drug and it is in debate right now, but I guess it worked really well, but most gained the weight back when they went off of it because they relied on the drug and just returned to old habits. Habits are hard to break!

I took phentermine during the fen/phen era. My Dr. didn't like the combo, and it turned out she was right on the spot with that. It helped me lose 50 lbs. However, as with MC's post, I didn't adjust my lifestyle enough (or wasn't dedicated enough) and gained back the weight. Only side effects I suffered with were the dry mouth and agitation when I took the entire dose. Half dose seemed the best for me.

 

[maplefemme]

There are a lot of similarities. I do definitely get hungry, and I do know that some of my day eating is boredom. But I often just feel like NOTHING is satisfying me or making me feel full.

I do want to say that I hope you beat the life out of that client. How else can such a comment be taken!? WOW!

I know what that feels like, Ame, my stomach is an abyss... full is a feeling I have never had. I even looked into a medical explanation at one time. I wish I had an answer for that, I would love to help somehow. Low GI food definitely helped my cravings, I know that.

The client was a 65 year old retiree with a plastic surgery addiction. I told her she was lucky I already had the color on her head because if she'd said that to me prior I'd have turned her hair green. She laughed, I said "Oh, I'm not joking, trust me".
The following year, her husband had an affair with his ex wife. Now, I could have made a vengeful comment, but I'm a better person than her

 

[Sparklelu]

I lost 45 lbs on Medi Weight loss. It is dr supervised weight loss program that includes low dose phentermine or a similar drug, vitamin B complex and some other shot as well as low carb diet.It is pricy and you have to go for weekly weigh ins and booster shot, but, I was successful in about 7 mos and as long as I stay relatively low carb I can keep the weight off. As soon as I eat carbs something clicks and the appitite gets out of control and the pounds climb on! I think I have a carb addiction. I have been known eat an entire sleeve of Chips Ahoy cookies and not blinked an eye! Gave up carbs for Lent and I notice the appitite is much better.
Keeping a journal helps as well as exercise, my knees are both bad and I feel so much better now at 45 lbs less! They will feel even better I'm sure when the next 20 comes off.
A friend is mine lost a lot of weight after going on Bio identical hormones. As a Breast Cancer survivor I know my hormones are wacky! So I am thinking of looking into them too.
I feel your pain and wish you much success in your journey!

 

[boxwithsecret]

Pills like adipex have yo-yo style. So, when you stop taking it you will gain all the pounds u've lost very fast. And when you're taking this diet pills you will definitely feel some side-effects of this supplement. Some say that phentermine is sketchy but adipex is safe and useful as an appetite suppressant. That's a lie, 'cause Adipex and Phentermine is the same AS, but with different names.

 

[gemtastic]

Have you considered the lap band procedure? I know surgery sounds drastic, but I have really seen it have amazing results for some people (if they are committed to change). A friend of mine had it done about 8 months ago (she is a physician) and the results are amazing. She was always super active and a former college athlete. She just never felt full or satiated.
I have also seen people "cheat" around their new small pouch or stomach and gain the weight back......I think this is where emotions come into play. Unfortunately food addiction is under-recognized/treated. People can quit drugs and alcohol and survive, but can't do the same with food.

 

[gemtastic]

sorry, didn't realize this thread is super old......