General Diet Plans and Questions - Meridia - anyone else out there?

I started about three weeks ago at 170 and now I just weighed myself and I'm 165. If I tried dieting without it the scale would have said 170 (believe me). I'm not a Meridia salesperson but this stuff is something that actually works for me. Yes, it costs $3 a day but, let's be honest, a trip through McDonald's that I'm not doing costs more than that! A good weight for me is 143 and I think I will be able to do it this time. I had been gaining and losing the same 8 - 10 pounds for about five years and finally had enough of that. I'm looking for a dieting buddy.

I just started Meridia on 2/21/01. I'm a phen-fen vetern who gained it all back (plus 20). I've been doing WW (still am) since January and exercising 3 times a week. I started at 210 and got to 202 by then end of January, but got stuck there. I'm currently at about 198. I'm hopeful that the Meridia will help keep things moving along. I'd like to get to somewhere around 175-180 by May when I go to Mexico on vacation. I have to admit that I'm a little afraid that I'll gain all the weight back as soon as I stop the Meridia. That's why I'm trying to make sure to stick to the WW plan and keep exercising. This has to be a lifestyle change for me - Meridia only a tool.

elliott
210/198/140

I'm glad to see someone else out there taking Meridia. I have two teenagers 15 and almost 17. I had them in 1984 and 1985 and played around with losing weight after they were born and in 1991 I got down to 140 with Weight Watchers. I kept it off for two years and then gradually got lazy with the exercise and diet and it very gradually crept up. I think if I religiously keep up with exercising three times a week this won't happen again after I lose the weight. Weekly weigh-ins are important too. I only plan to use the Meridia to get down to the 140 range and once I'm there just continue to eat healthy. If I don't I might be just like my parents and have a heart attack. Luckily my mother survived her mild heart attack but my father died at age 52.

I'm sorry to hear about your parents. I'm 26 and I'll probably use Meridia to help me get down to around 140-150 (if it works that long), and then keep up with the diet & exercise. My husband & I hope to get pregnant this year & I'd really like to get my weight low enough before then that I'll never have to see 200 lbs on the scale again. I'm only on the beginning of my second week, but I'm having pretty good results so far. My weekly weigh in showed I was 3 lbs down. Yipee!! How are you doing? I find that I still get hungry, but less food satisfies me. I also don't feel speedy like I did on phen-fen. In fact - so far - no side effects. keep me posted on your progress.

elliott
210/196/140

I'm glad to have found both of you. I just started taking Merida at the end of January. I had the prescription for a month before I got it filled---was afraid to take it. So far no side effects except for dry mouth (very) and it has helped me tremendously. Have lost 19 pounds in five weeks

I agree it is only a tool. I am a part of an obesity clinic at one of the major Boston hospitals. I go to a behavior modification group, led by a psychologist, once a week, monthly visists with a nutrionist, and every six weeks, visits with my doc (an endricronologist).

There are no forbidden foods....just try and eat low fat. My biggest problem is with exercise. I am on again, off again.

I too am the mom of teens---no wonder I have a weight problem. Look forward to keeping in touch with you both.

Wow! I'm really impressed with your success!!! I'm having a hard time with exercise right now due to some schedule changes - not lack of desire. I think that's a first for me. ;) My second week isn't going as well as my first, but then again it's also TOM and that could be contributing.

How much are you trying to lose? Your program sounds very interesting. I keep meaning to go to a nutritionist, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm just trying to get in all my fruits & veggies and maybe a bit more protein. Have you found anything really surprising in your meetings with the group or nutritionist?

I am trying to lose 100lbs---well now 81lbs. I was in a serious car accident 5 years ago (Feb,96) and literally had to sit in my house for one year....and gained the whole 100 in those 5 years--my doctor was very impressed, lol
I think what is so different about the behavior modification group is that the physicologist makes us think about all aspects of eating. For example one night we discussed what we would eat when having friends over for Sunday football. From there we discussed what were the short term effects of eating lots of junk i.e pleasure, social etc. and then discussed the long term effects...i.e. depression, weight gain, risk of high blood pressure etc. In short the group found that the long term effects of overeating totally outnumbered the short term effects. Have also learned about the hunger curve. Anyway, it obviously hard to tell all that goes on in a group that meets once a week for 1 1/2 hours but for me it is an awakening.
However, as I said, the Merida has really helped. I am on 10mg. What dosage are you on?

Also 10mg. Its been 2 weeks now and I'm down 6lbs. It hasn't been easy though. The mental desire to eat is still there, but it's becoming more manageable. I'm starting to vary my exercise because I was starting to get bored. I'm really enjoying weight lifting. I love that my arms are becoming firm.

I still need to work on meal planning though. I've been eating a lot of easy foods. Applesauce cups, yogurt, baby carrots, raisins. Good things - but I need to work more on actual meals. I've been using www.fitday.com for planning and so far it's working well.

How do you do meal planning? What happened to Don'tWorry BeHappy?

elliott
210/193/140

Congratulations on your 6 lb in two weeks weight loss. Everyone says that if you lose two pounds a week you are doing good so you are doing super.

I have never met anyone who took PhenFen. Obviously you had no side effects, thank goodness. From what I heard about PhenFen it was like "speed". Did it curb your appetite more than Merida?

Sounds like you are eating healthy quick things. Because of the psychologist (more than the nutrionist) I went out and bought a low fat cookbook which is amazing since I only own one other cookbook. I learn to cook one new meal every weekend and then rotate them thoughout the week. So far, I have stuck to the fairly easy things--tonight was scallops, red onion, green pepper and rice.
Don't know what happened to "Don't worry" Keep up the good work. I intend to join WW when I'm done with my group. Do you enjoy the meetings? Is there an initial cost?

Thanks! Phen-fen did curb my appetite more than merida, but I (now) don't think that was such a good thing. I didn't learn to eat healthy - I just didn't eat hardly anything. It definately made me feel speedy - very hyper - couldn't sleep.

Congrats on learning to cook some new things!! I love to cook & have TONS of cook books. You dinner last night sounds really good.

I'm doing Weight Watchers on my own. I joined last year when there was no initial fee & it was $8.95 a week. I liked the meetings for the most part, but I'm not really much of a joiner. Now I just keep track of my points and the breakdown of carbs/protein/fat. I try to get the bulk of my carbs from vegetables because I tend to go nuts on sweets and breads if I don't watch it. Overall, I think WW is a great program. It's very user friendly and emphasises maintenence.

Well - the weekend is here. It's always a challange for me. It's the habit of eating badly then. I did well last Saturday, but not so well Sunday. I'm going to plan it out tonight, so hopefully I won't have any temptations that I'm not prepared for.

I know what you mean about weekends. They can be so HARD. I always allow myself several planned treats including a blow pop (I know, sounds childish) on Friday and Saturday nights. My weekends never feel quite the same without junk food. That's hard for some people to understand. Think it helps me to cook a new meal every weekend. I have not, in the past six weeks, gone out to dinner. That will be the real test of Merida and my will power.

I was talking to a friend in work today about WW and quess here in Massachusetts it is now $12 a week. Suppose it's a small price to pay if it helps.

Having my weekly Dunkin Donuts Coffee Coolada tonight. It's the only thing that I have for dinner on Fridays. Get my chocolate and caffine together.

Have a good Saturday...hope we can both stay OP.

P.S I am sooooo jealous of you and your veggies. I hate almost all of them. Keep eating them and drink your water.

...have you tried eating vegetable soup?

I used to HATE almost all veggies myself (still, don't get any Brussels Sprouts NEAR me - ick!). One of the ways I got my veggies in (and still do sometimes) is with a nice bowl of vegetable soup, like a good minestrone, preferably homemade (but even canned is good - just check the sodium). In fact, the eating plan "Volumetrics" (book by Barbara Rolls) suggests eating soup before meals as a way to fill your tummy a bit...

Another way to train yourself to at least tolerate veggies is to mix them in a casserole, or stir fry them and serve them with rice. At my previous job, I used to eat regularly at a local Chinese restaurant - the proprietors got to know me as the "no-oil" lady! With a light sauce and little or no oil, some crisp-tender veggies served over a mound of steamed rice is guaranteed to fill you up...now I'M craving them!

Also, check your area to see if there's a farmer's market you can go to - seeing all the freshly-harvested veggies on the farmer's stands (as opposed to the supermarket) may make you change your mind about them...there's nothing like the taste of fruits and veggies that were harvested hours before you ate them! Mmmmm....

MrsJim, first congratulations on your weight loss. You must have really changed your eating habits. Thank your for your advice on the veggies.

I am a hopeless case because, I don't like soup either. So you can see the reason that I am where I am today. Not enough veggies and soup. Actually, I do like salad and had one for dinner last night. Do like green beans, carrots and of course, corn so maybe there's so hope.

We have wonderful farm stands around here and I will take you suggestion and look around for some veggies I can slice and cook with some soy sauce and a tiny amount of oil. Since I like rice that seems like a good idea also. I really am trying to eat new things.

Elliott, hope you had a good weekend. It is almost 10 here on Sunday night and I have managed to stay OP all weekend. For some reason this weekend was easy while last weekend I wanted to EAT junk. However, no exercise since Friday---got to get motivated.

WHAT?!? From Mass. and you don't like soup? I thought New Englanders LIVED on soup! :)

I should have also suggested a couple more things that might work...

First, how about V8 juice - which is actually a suspension (it does have some fiber in it). I really like the regular kind - the low-sodium is just not that flavorful to me!

Also, pick up a copy of "Vegetarian Times" magazine, or check out their cookbook from the library. You'll find a lot of good recipes in each issue - not all low-calorie, but most are. Experiment - take a vegetarian cooking class - or just browse the recipes until you find one that sounds yummy!

Happy Monday! Sorry I didn't have a chance to check in this weekend. I did okay - not great, but better than usual. I know exactly what you mean about the weekend not being the same without junk food.

Friday night I had Chinese - shrimp egg foo yung, rice, & a real coke. That's it though! Usually I would have had 2 eggrolls & Mongolian Beef. Saturday - I was really busy & probably didn't eat enough. Very weird for me. I had to laugh when I read your message though - Dinner was a XL skim mocha from Caribou Coffee. YUM!!! I also went to the gym & worked out. Sunday was a good day - no problems. For a change I finished the weekend at the same weight I started, instead of 3 lbs up.

Veggies - I guess you should just work in the ones you like, and keep experimenting. You may be surprised.

MrsJim. like your suggestion about the V8 juice. I actually like it and will out go and buy those little cans so I can take them to work. Don't think I'm quite up to a vegitarian cookbook yet. I was so pleased with myself that I bought a low fat cookbook and am actually cooking. You are right--I don't know anyone here who doesn't like soup....it's the cold winters. I live about 15 minutes from downtown Boston and every restaurant serves soup. It is a good thing to have before dinner---cuts down on your appetite.

Elliott, laughed when I read about the Caribou mocha coffee. Guess Caribou must be a chain of stores where you live. Late Friday night, I was on the live chat on this site (really nice people) and someone looked up what I was drinking---no fat (surprising) but the 32oz cup had 600 calories. Empty calories to boot. That's why I have it instead of dinner.

Was a tad bit hungry today but held on. That Mereida is either excellent or it's mind over matter. Exercised when I got home tonight so feel good about that. My group is tomorrow night and I enjoy it. It still hasn't quite sunk in that this, for me, has got to be my way of eating for life. That's why so many people join WW...it is a plan for life.

Hang in and if you have any leftover Chinese please pass it this way.

This is my second month on it. I have lost six pounds in five weeks which isn't bad for me. At this rate I will lose my desired 20 - 25 pounds at the end of four months. I was always bothered by "crazy hunger" on diets before (you overweight people KNOW what I mean) and with this I am honestly NOT HUNGRY which makes a BIG DIFFERENCE. I still am not going to feel comfortable in my bathing suit in Miami at the end of March but I least I feel I'm on my way to my goal and not treading water.

I posted over at the Exercise area about my treadmill - I LOVE IT and it's so easy to keep up your exercising commitment by having it right in the house. It's so hard to stay committed to going to a health club - it takes twice as much of your time too - driving there - changing, etc.

nikolas - I've also wondered about the mind over matter question. I guess it doesn't matter as long as it works.

Don't Worry - Great job on the exercise. I've been going to the park district to work out. I prefer to exercise at home, but I've got a workout buddy I meet at the gym 3 days a week. I'm going to Mexico in May & know I won't be where I ultimately want to be, but I'll definately look better than if I wasn't doing anything. I've decided that I'm not going to ruin one moment of my trip by feeling self-concious. After all, I'll never see these people again! I don't know if it's possible, but I'd like to be down to 175-170 by then. I've also got my best friend's wedding right after I get back. We're going bridesmaid dress shopping tonight. I'm going to be her maid of honor. I'm really excited but, everything out there is sleeveless & the other bridesmaid that's going shopping with us is a size 4. I have a feeling that its going to be a long night trying to find something that looks good on both of us. Arrgh! Sorry - I just needed to vent.

elliott
210/194/140

Hey - I just read over the thread again - sorry to hear you were laid up so long - that would make anyone gain weight. Good luck - it sounds like you're on the right track. My sister-in-law sent me this today and I thought it was good. I love my daughters to death but sometimes teenagers can make you want to tear your hair out.

Children

You spend the first 2 years of their life teaching them to walk and talk. Then you spend the next 16 telling them to sit down and shut-up.

Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your children.

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like clearing the driveway before it has stopped snowing.

There is only one pretty child in the world and every mother has it." - Ancient Chinese Proverb.

Mothers of teens know why animals eat their young.

I asked Mom if I was a gifted child... she said they certainly wouldn't have paid for me.

Children are natural mimics, who act like their parents despite every effort to teach them good manners.

Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word-for-word what you shouldn't have said.

The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

We child proofed our home 3 years ago and they're still getting in!

Be nice to your kids. They'll choose your nursing home.

Finally posting after a hectic four days at work. Today, the company brought in ice cream sundaes. Merida must really be working. I did want one but was able not only to resist but to not keeping thinking about them

Don't Worry Be Happy, Elliott and I wondered what happened to you since you started this post. Glad you like your treadmill. Mine is downstairs collecting dust. I used to walk the track 5 miles every day and used the treadmill in the bad weather. One of the things that I always found helpful was to listen to music. I made a tape of favorite songs and it was great---made the time go by. I have been doing Richard Simmons tapes which are much less demanding on my ankle than walking. Thanks for sharing what your s-i-l sent---gave me a few chuckles

Elliott, how did your dress shopping go? It is so much fun to be in a wedding and quite an honor. I know it is easy to say but don't get down about your size. You will find dresses that look good on everyone. There are people in my group that would KILL to be at your weight. We have two people that weigh over 400 lbs. It is amazing to see their courage--it is a struggle for them to just come to our group.

Take care, both of you. Stay OP, drink lots of water and exercise......now I need to take my own advice.

Hi there, I've been on 5mg for two weeks, and my doctor raised my dose to 10mg today (I have about 200 lbs to lose). I've experienced almost no side effects (not even dry mouth, which has to be the most common side effect of all prescription drugs), except I have noticed that when I wake up (especially when the alarm rings) I'm hyper alert, almost startled (with a slightly increased heartbeat), otherwise I was surprised at how subtle the drug's effect has been. I haven't felt at all "wired" and even the change in my hunger is subtle. I'm still "hungry" almost as much as without the drug (we'll see if that changes at the higher dose), but it seems easier to live with the hunger (I'm not getting the I'll die, faint, go crazy.... if I don't eat something feelings). I also just joined Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating (a meal service that provided all meals on a weekly basis for dieters and diabetics - and I guess anyone who doesn't want to cook) I love to cook, but it is my weakness. I have to admit though, that not cooking or cleaning the kitchen is very nice.
I've gotten some criticism from friends/family about Meridia and/or the meals arguing that they're "crutches," and they're right, they're just forgetting that trying to walking "with a broken leg" isn't a very good idea, and for me unassisted dieting is about as futile.

Welcome to Cee Cee - I live in Illinois too (Elmhurst). Good luck with Meridia. I think once you get in the habit of eating well like I have been the last six weeks that it becomes second nature. Meridia definitely helps me with portion control. I can sit down and eat a large bag of Doritos - low fat ones but low fat calories add up too. I always felt starved and weak on diets before. I said it before but don't stop exercising - that's how my weight went back on once I lost it. You should exercise at least forty five minutes to get your heart rate into the fat burning zone. Exercise at least three times a week. I have lost seven pounds in six weeks. At forty-six the weight seems to stick to you like glue but this is actually working for me so I'm happy. The other night we had gotten a free night at this really nice hotel and I got on the scale (yes, they even had a scale in the bathroom) and it registered the same as mine so I was happy. Nikolas - yes - I got busy and didn't post for awhile but now I'm back. I'm glad you enjoyed the teenager thing my sister in law sent. I especially laughed about the one "for two years you teach them to walk and talk - then the next sixteen you tell them to sit down and shut up"! Take care - Joan

Hi all! I haven't been here in a looooooong time! I am considering using Meridia in conjunction with Jenny Craig (I'm currently on JC and doing okay, but not as well as I could be). Here's my question. I don't know quite how to express what I want to know, so this will be sort of roundabout...hope y'all can follow :)

My biggest problem is not hunger, but emotion. This past week I did really poorly on program simply because I was stressed/tense/angry/sick all at the same time. Rather than saying what I'm thinking, I push it all down and eat. I'm getting better at this part...I'm not such a pushover lately, which is stressing me, because the response has not been good (too bad!), and because I have started journaling. But when I slip, I can just taste the food in my mouth and the craving is so strong I can't leave the house for fear I'll pass the store that has the stuff I want and I'll pig out. I realize that mostly this is psychological, but when I get this way, does the Meridia help with the physical part of the cravings? I'm not looking for Meridia to make it go away completely, just diminish it some, or take the edge off.

Thanks so much in advance! BTW - I've lost 24 pounds on Jenny Craig and 4 on my own for a total of 28 gone! Woo Hoo for me!! :D I still have 150 more to go, but I'll get there :)

Welcome to Cheekdog - good luck - I think you're doing great so far. If I were you I would try Meridia. I too am an emotional eater and I don't find myself turning to food anymore for comfort.

The U Can Purge 2 - you can't be serious. This is a place for serious dieters - not someone making fun of us. People can prolong their lives and make their lives so much better by losing their excess weight.

Welcome Cee Cee and Cheekdog. Cee Cee, I too have gotten some negative comments about the Merida and I am not usually a pill taker but knew that I needed HELP. I loved the analogy that you used about the broken leg and the crutches. I'll be sure to remember that.

Cheekdog, we all eat emotionally. I eat when I'm happy, sad, depressed, tired, bored. I eat when it snows, bascially my body has adjusted to eating all of the time. The Merida is not a wonder pill rather it works like Nicorette gum or the patch does with smoking. Psychologically you may still want to smoke/eat but the intense craving is not there so it makes it easier to resist. If your doctor says it is safe then do try it but watch for side effects.

Don't Worry Be Happy, evidently there was some negative post that you were responding to. It must have gotten deleted. You are right about the exercise. I am not yet to a point where I can do 45 minutes...working on about 25 right now. Hope within a month to be able to do 45. I now try to exercise every day. Just ordered three of Richard Simmon's new tapes--maybe some day, I'll be able to walk the track again.

Have a good weekend everyone. Weekends are hard---come on and post or chat live. It helps.

Thank you both so much! That is exactly the kind of information I am looking for. I have been to several websites that give me the technical info, but I couldn't find any sites that had stories of personal experience. Then it hit me - 3fatchicks.com! You all are awesome! :)

If anyone else wants to reply to my original post, please feel free...the more info I'm armed with, the better able I am to make a good decision. I may or may not go with the Meridia, but at least I have an idea of how it works from folks who have used it.

Thanks again! :)
xoxo

Thank you all for the warm welcome. Having been on Meridia for only two weeks, I can hardly be a spokesperson, but I identify with Cheekdog's post. Although I no longer work in the field, I actually have a master's degree in psychology (I'd like to think I've helped some people change their behavior, but it hasn't helped me much in changing my own). I actually chose Meridia, when I read that it's original intended use was as an antidepressant. While I'm not clinically depressed (not that living in a 360 lb body doesn't pull me in that direction), emotions play a huge role in my eating. I've been on tenuate dospan in the past, and it made me jittery and it became less and less effective after the first couple months. So far, I've been surprised at how I feel less "drugged" on Meridia than I did without it. I've had no energy and no motivation for diet or exercise in over a year. Already since beginning Meridia, I've had more interest in getting out and doing stuff. I've gone from sleeping up to 10 hours and still feeling exhausted to sleeping 7-8 and feeling immediately alert when I wake up (it hasn't been uncomfortable, but it makes me nervous just because it's so unusual for me). I'm not expecting a miracle cure, (I haven't completely resisted the urge to snack) but I've still lost six pounds in four days and I don't feel like I'd sell my soul for a "real meal" (which would probably feed three people). The hardest part has been changing the habit of eating, preparing and thinking/talking about food. I collect cookbooks, love to cook and am addicted to ethnic restaurants and very spicy food. I'm trying to adjust to giving most of that up. Wow, look how I've rambled on. Sorry guys.

You are certainly headed in the right direction toward losing the weight. I have gone from 170 to 163 in six weeks and I only plan on getting down to 140 on it but this will make a huge difference in how I feel about myself. That's great you have a Master's degree -you have did something that not too many people can accomplish and you should be proud of yourself. Carrying around a lot of weight though is not healthy. I have a few older friends who are heavy who have a lot of health problems they probably wouldn't have if they had lost the weight (knee problems, diabetes). I'm glad you mentioned the anti-depressant capabilities of Meridia too - I have noticed my PMS is a lot less severe this week - that's when I do a lot of binge-eating. Good luck and stay with it!

Don't tell anyone - who has to know about it anyway except your doctor and you?

Thanks. You're right (about everything) of course. Today's been a bit tough, but less than most weekends. Losing weight has never been TOP priority for me, because when I was younger it didn't stop me from doing most of what I wanted to do, but now I am getting those weight related problems (borderline high blood pressure, joint and back problems, and chronic fatigue), that I know will only get worse as I get older.
And to be honest, I'd also like to have a normal social life. Pickings are slim when it comes to men who like or accept "big gals." Keeping sight of the long term goal without thinking about how long the long is, is my challenge, but felling optimistic.

Hi everyone---just checking in. It is Sunday night around 9:30 here. I was hungry this weekend but other than a small piece of Irish bread didn't give in and binge. Think I need to drink more water on the weekends. Still, of couse, taking my Merida but this is the part where the mind takes over and says "feed me". Hope you all had a good weekend.

Hi all! Sorry I haven't been around. My dog has had cancer for about 2 years and Saturday it was time to say goodbye. I'm very depressed & don't want to bring anyone down. Just wanted to pop in and say hello.

Regarding emotional eating - I've always been an emotional eater - but between WW & meridia- I've been able to get through this time without overeating. In fact, I've actually had to be told to eat. I've never had that experience.

Exercise has taken a backseat, but I'm starting back on my regular routine tomorrow.

Nik - We did pick out a very nice bridesmaid dress. Periwinkle, 2 piece, straight skirt, bodice with spaghetti straps, and a wide wrap. I actually feel pretty comfortable in it.

I'm glad to see a couple new faces on this thread. Welcome! I'll check in soon.

elliott
210/190/140 - Hit 20 lbs Sunday!

Elliott, I am sorry to hear about your dog. I have two of my own and had four before these two. Needless to say the other four have gone to "doggie heaven". Each one's loss was devasting to me. Take good care of yourself.

Your dress sounds very pretty. Love perriwinkle. When is the wedding??

It is nice to reach those even goals. 20 lbs gone is super.

I went to my group tonight. I have lost 24 lbs and know that if exercised more, more lbs would come off. I need to speed up my metabolism, so that will be my goal until my next meeting----EXERCISE.

Keep posting everyone.

I was glad to see another person from Illinois. I live in Elmhurst. Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog too. We have a 10-year-old orange persian cat who is like our baby. My daughters have a doll cradle she is always curled up in. I have two teenage daughters 15 and almost 17 and my husband and I have been married 23 years. I have been having good luck with sticking to my diet with Meridia. I only weigh myself once a week and I have lost eight pounds now in about a month and a half. I started out at 170 and now I'm about 162. I'd like to weigh between 143 - 148 - that's a good weight for me at 5' 6". We're going to Miami next week for Spring break - I found a cute bathing suit at www.cyberswim.com - they have a lot of suits for "the larger woman". TTYL

I just wanted to take a moment and tell you that you are all doing a great job!!!!

I also too Meredia for a few months. It helped me alot I lost 14 pounds my first month and then 9 the next month. My health insurance didnt cover the Meredia and it was very expensive for me. Unfortunately I had to stop taking it. I wish I could still get it as I know it helped me. I have 100 pounds to loose. I've been trying to do WW at home but some of the days are VERY VERY hard. It's like an obsession that I have with food. I remember when I took the Meredia I didnt have this problem. I think I'll call my insurance and see if they have changed their minds about covering this. I doubt it but anythings worth a try right?????~~*~~

Okay, y'all, I am soooooooooo upset!!! Just went to my doctor to get on Meridia and guess what?? Clinic policy is that they don't prescribe it, but wouldn't you like some Xenical?? Like I need some drug to give me abdominal cramping, diarrhea and the inability to absorb vitamins a, d, and k!

The reason I am so upset is this: why the heck couldn't they have told me that on the phone? I told them I wanted Meridia and that was why I was making an appointment. So now, 2 things have happened: 1- my insurance is going to get a bill for a doctor's visit that amounted to squat. 2 - (and this is really the bottom line): I am such a private person and my weight is such a huge struggle for me. I don't share it with everyone unless I truly feel it is going to help me. So there I am baring my soul and he's telling me no. Not just no, but this long, drawn-out explanation (that he gave 2ce, just in different ways - typical male) of why not. I felt so humiliated. Don't get me wrong, I respect their decision and appreciate the reasons why it is so, but why oh why didn't they just tell me up front? That's why I come here! Because I can be anonymous about it! Holy cow am I mad!!! Oh, and when he asked about my plan (and good job for losing 31 pounds) he was happy about Jenny Craig but kinda winced when I told him I'm up to 3 days a week on my treadmill. Said I really need to do 4 or 5, 3 isn't enough. Well, by God it has been enough to lose 31 pounds!!! Guess he doesn't realize just how @##$%$^ hard it is to start an exercise program when you are morbidly obese! It is physically painful and hard on your heart at first. You have to work into it. I told him that's what I'm doing and he said keep it up, just get to 4 or 5 days a week. Screw him! And anyway, it doesn't take as much exercise for an obese person ... we are carrying around enough extra weight...thin people have to use hand weights and ankle weights. Ha!

I feel just a tiny bit better. I just needed to rant and rave but didn't know to whom. I truly hope I have not offended anyone, but I'm just so damned mad! Here I am doing everything I can and then getting shot down for it and being treated condescendingly :(

Well, I guess I'll start calling other clinics until I find someone who DOES prescribe Meridia. Push comes to shove I'll order it off the net. Or maybe not. Who know.

Thanks again...you all are the best!

Cheekdog

I really feel for you Cheekdog! I went for me Meridia checkup yesterday and my doc took it away!!! He said that my bllod pressure was nice and low, but that my pulse was too fast. I tried to explain that I wasn't really surprised by that since I rushed over there on my lunch hour, got lost because of bad directions, and was a ahlf hour late and getting later by the second for getting back to work. He said - you lost 11 lbs in 2 months without it - you don't need it. I think what really sealed my fate though was that I told him I was trying to drop some weight before I got pregnant. He said that he didn't want me getting pregnant while on Meridia - well, duh! I said I wasn't trying to get pregnant now - was using reliable birth control, etc. Basically it came down to this - he felt that since I was doing WW & exercising, I didn't need it. I probably wouldn't have gotten it in the first place if he had been available the day I originally went in. I saw his associate who had no problems with it. Yeesh!!!

Anyway - I would think twice before ordering any prescription drugs off the net. Good luck to you!!

Can I still post here? I'll keep you all informed on the journey after Meridia - I'm terrified that I'll rebound back up like I did after phen-fen.

elliott
210/190/140

Seems there's a run of bad luck/ insensitive medical professionals. My insurance doesn't cover the Meridia, either. I've been working overtime at work to cover as much of the expense of my food program and the Meridia as possible. I can understand that insurances don't want to pay for "fad" medications or diet pills for people who have 15 lbs to lose, but in my case (with 200 lbs to lose) it has to be cheaper than what they'll end up paying if I don't lose the weight. Every December, the company I work for allows us to choose from three insurance providers. Hopefully one of the other two pays for Meridia (and too bad I didn't think about this a few months ago).

Boy, there really has been a run of bad luck. ChrissyB, it is tough when insurance doen't cover Merida---mine does not either although I can go through the appeal process with Blue Cross. I had to make some adjustments to my budget (so my hair gets long) but I found the room for the Merida. Chrissy, WW is supposed to be #1 so don't give up on it---you can do it.

Cheekdog, my doctor also offered me Xenical but the thought of spending my days looking for bathrooms didn't appeal to me. Also the type of eater I am. led he and I both towards the Merida. The doc that saw you was way out of line. I'm not talking about the Merida but the way he treated you. Doctors should be supportive. It is tremendously hard to begin to exercise when you haven't done so in a while and you are carrying lots of extra lbs. My first attempt lasted 5 minutes but then 5 turned into 10--now I'm at 25. I am VERY lucky, my doctor is fantastic. He is an endricronolgist and treats obesity as a disease. Sounds like you're doing great, 31 pounds lost. Keep on going.

Elliott, do keep posting and let us know how being without the Merida effects you. Had you felt rapid heart beats? Perhaps your heart rate was so fast that your doc was really concerned. I do worry about the side effects. If you are doing WW and have already lost 20 your change in behavior is there. I am at the end of my 2nd month on Merida and I think it is less effective than it was was I first started. Don't think I will ask the doc to increase the dosage because eventually I WILL have to do this on my own. Longest you can take Merida is one year.....you will do fine.

CeeCee, are you doing Jenny Craig?? Think I remember you saying that. That is a very expensive program and combined with the Merida you must need to work OT. Ahhh well, think about it, when you work there is less temptation for you to eat. I find it easier at work, since I can only eat what I bring with me. I also was very angry when I found my insurance didn't pay. I am morbidly obese and if this weight doesn't come off it will cost the insurance company many $$$$$$$ more than the cost of Merida.

Take care everyone---we can all do this together, one day at a time.

You don't want to gain all your weight back. This is really the only thing that's worked for me in a long time. Think of the millions (billions?) of dollars the weight loss industry makes! From diet doctors, Jenny Craig Centers, Slim Fast shakes, etc. etc. etc. They DON'T want us to lose the weight permanently and keep it off - they want us to keep using their products. Xenical didn't work for me - I didn't get diahhrea - just didn't work. See ya'll in a week after my trip to Florida.

I've been mostly lurking on this board. Like others, I'm interested to see everyone's results with Meridia. My opinion is that after the phen-fen/Redux debacle of the 90's, the manufacturers and the medical establishment in general are trying to be MUCH more careful about what they say or promote about Meridia and Xenical. The only time I've seen ads about Meridia on TV is during the "peak time" of right after the holidays. As I stated in a much earlier post on another thread, my doctor also refused to let me take Meridia - and took a lot of time to explain his reasons why - I believe one of his main reasons was that he felt it hadn't been tested enough - also I believe a lot of doctors (again after the Phen/Fen problems) are just not really confident promoting a diet pill to any patient that isn't significantly obese...

I do think it's a shame that many medical insurers (mine as well) don't cover weight-loss treatment - after all, they do cover smoking cessation & alcohol/drug abuse programs, etc. $80 a month to me is a significant amount of money for a prescription, especially when I only pay $5 each through birth control and Claritin! And you're positively right - if insurers paid for weight loss programs/prescriptions (when warranted) they would most likely see a savings in other areas - like diabetes treatment, heart problems, etc.

And what you said about the weight-loss industry making billions - you are so right! I think we ALL have it in ourselves to lose weight - if not to get to that perfect model's body, at least to where we can each feel comfortable, happy and at ease in our bodies.

A book that you should read if you're interested how the whole diet industry really works is called "Losing It: False Promises and Fat Profits in the Diet Industry" by Laura Fraser. Be sure to get the paperback version over the hardcover if you can (should be in your library) because it has been significantly revised. I mention this book because of your comment that the diet industry makes billions off us who yo-yo up and down...

oops, I've gotta run - we're leaving for Carmel soon and I haven't even packed yet!!!

Take care y'all!

Hello :) The reasons you stated about Meridia are the exact ones my doctor gave me for not prescribing. While I COMPLETELY appreciate the clinic's being cautious, my biggest beef with him was that they didn't tell me that when I called. I was embarassed at going through all that and then being told no. Like I said, I don't talk about my weight problem with just anyone so it was a big deal for me to open up. Not to mention the exercise thing.

Elliott...so so sorry about your doggie :( My yorkie (Cheeky, the one I get my screenname from) is almost 5. She's my baby, since we're not having any luck getting pregnant. She sleeps in the bed with me and stands on my chest and growls at my husband when he tries to kiss me. She even pitches a fit when you say "cheeky, where's the cat". I lost a dog to cancer when I was a teenager. It is sooooo hard to let go. Keep strong getting through this - you can do it!

He lives in Carmel, doesn't he? Oh well, you probably left already. Anyway, sometimes we all need a little help. You took the liquid fasting stuff and I'm taking Meridia. Otherwise I will be on a perpetual diet forever gaining 7, losing 10, gaining 12. This way, I will get down to 140 and fluctuate between 140 and 148 like I want to! OK, no more from me until I get back!! Good luck to you all - this is a great support group!

Mrs. Jim, I love Carmel. I lived in San Diego for a year and thought I was in heaven. Have been back a few times and stayed in Carmel overnight. Loved driving the Big Sur.

I have also copied the name of that book and e-mailed it to myself. Sounds like fascinating (and depressing) reading. You have done a great job with your weight loss. Congratulations

I thought long and hard before beginning Merida. As I have mentioned in prior posts I go to one of the best hospitals in Boston. My doctor and I went over all the "solutions" to weight loss. I have gained all of my excess weight in the last five years and made several unsucessful attempts to lose it. Don't know why Merida works for me but it does. I am monitored every four weeks (blood pressure, heart rate, blood work) and had no co-morbidity factors. Merida, for some reason, curbs my appetite (that was out of control) and I can actually eat in a "normal" fashion. I don't like to take any type of pills (I took Seldane(allergy med) years ago and developed tacacardia (sp?) and of couse Seldane was taken off the market)

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. I have stayed OP. Actually had ONE slice of pizza last night---don;t think I've ever eaten just one slice of pizza in my whole life.

Take care---keep posting.

Hi all! Thanks to everyone for your kind words. Cheekdog - I also get my screen name from my puppy! Elliott was 8 years old and had been fighting the cancer for 2 years. I'm happy to say though that the last year was basically symptom free and that he was able to enjoy his life. This week end was hard - being the one week mark without him. :(

Well, my calories have been up since I've been off Meridia. On avereage about 500 calories per day. not too bad considering that most days I would one get in about 1100 calories. I've been making good choices - went grocery shopping and stocked up. I've started back on my exercise. I hope to be at 180 by 5/12/01 for my best friend's wedding and vacation the next week. I'm trying to convince myself that it's just mind over matter. I keep telling myself that it makes no difference if I'm on Meridia or not. It's only my actions & decisions that matter.

Hi Im going to a metabolism doc in over a week and trying to get meridia i have about 90 to lose

I wouldn't call this book "depressing" per se -- it's really a good read. The author, Laura Fraser, opens the first chapter (after the intro in the 1997 paperback) with a look back at her "adventures in Dietland" as a child and young adult. I identified with that so much - she went through many of the same experiences I went through. The rest of the book is very good investigative journalism. The author interviewed people such as Richard Simmons, Susan Powter, etc., in addition to going to diet doctors, bariatrics conventions, Jenny Craig, Overcoming Overeating and other programs out there.

Amazingly, this book was initially hailed by 'fat acceptance' groups as recommended reading upon its first hardcover release. In my reading of the book, Ms. Fraser is not saying to readers 'give it up and be fat because diets don't work'. This is why I recommend the paperback version of this book - because the last chapter has some great tips on how to eat healthy and be fit without going nuts or adding to the billions made by the diet industry each year.

I quoted part of her book in my thread called "Eating Mindfully" - one of her tips called "Eat like an Italian".

Elliott, keep up the good work with or without Merida. Sounds like you have good things to look forward to--your best friend's wedding and then your vacation.

Mrs. Jim---I haven't picked up the book yet but will get to Barnes & Noble sometime this week. Can't weight (wait) to hear what some of the interviewees have to say.

KO, let us know how you make out with the doctor.

I had my group meeting tonight. Next week is our last weekly meeting and then we go to once a month for four months. I will really miss this group and don't know where I can find the support this one offers. If it wasn't so expensive I would enroll for another 10 weeks even though the psychologist covers the same material. Haven't decided yet what I will do for support. Think I will ask around on this board.

I'm back from a long weekend (and a couple of nights without internet access due to "technical difficulties). My sister just had a baby boy. I gained no weight during the weekend long celebration.

Nikolas - I'm not on Jenny Craig, I'm on "Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating" although I think the costs
of both are similar on a weekly basis. It's not really a program, because there are no joining fees, and you order food week by week, and there's no pressure to buy every week. It's also real food (although no red meat, which I do miss a little) with fresh fruits and vegetables. You don't get to choose meals though, and
the food is good but not very exciting (I love ethnic and very spicy food). It is too expensive for long-term use, but I'm really addicted to food. I collect cookbooks (haven't bought one in over a month, I'm going through withdrawal), love to cook (haven't turned on the stove in three weeks either), and love buying unusual food (I did buy an ugli fruit last week, it's a tangerine grapefruit hybrid that looks like a green wrinkled grapefruit and tastes like lemonade). Anyway, I decided the longer I could stay away from food choices and preparation, the easier it would be to get out of food obsession mode.
In a couple weeks, I'll try a week of meals "on my own" and see how I handle it.

Cee Cee, it is so interesting how different we all are in our habits. You said that is is better for you to stay away from food preparation and for me it is much better that I have been preparing full (low fat) meals. When I bought my low fat cookbook is was only the 2nd cookbook I had ever owned. Prior to this cooking, most of the weekdays, I stuck with steak and potato, pasta, hamburgs and fries, ---quick and easy. Now I plan every meal when I shop (except for Friday nights) and end up eating different foods every night of the week. Still try to make the quicker recipes but it seems to be working.

I have never heard of your food program. Find it interesting that you can't select what you are going to eat. But if it's working, great. I had looked into Jenny Craig but just couldn't afford it.

Think we may lose many of our posters....I was THRILLED to "meet" people who were taking Merida. In the group I am in only one other person takes it and many people have not even heard of it.

Keep up the good work. The weekend is here and am going to a friends for dinner tomorrow night......this is the first time I've had dinner out since I began my program---we'll see what happens

Take care

i just scanned over some of the posts and have not figured out who is taking meridia, and what their results with it have been. please let me know, i am very curious.

i went to my gp last week and he has decided to let me take it as long as i stick to a healthy weight loss plan...i have joined ww 4 times in the last couple of years and just can't seem to stick with it, right now it is a time issue, as i have 2 little ones at home....yes, i know you are suppose to find time for yourself, but it is just not do-able right now..i have tried. the dr. suggested weight watchers, but i find i would cheat ocassionally and not spend my pts as wisely as i should have been and i was not the greatest keeping up with my journals either...and i get hungry...that is where the meridia should help...anyway, i have decided to join ediets...the meals are planned out for the week, so i figure i can print out my shopping list and post my daily menu on the fridge and mark it off as i put it in my mouth. i believe for my current wt, they have me at about 18-1900 cals a day...i should be able to live off that.

well, that is my plan....any feedback would be appreciated, from those of you who have taken it...hopefully it is all positive :)

would ya'll consider starting a meridia 2? this thread is a little long, and takes awhile to pull up..

will check in soon...thanks..robin

Yes - we need to start a "Meridia 2" subject because this post has almost 100 replies. I have been taking Meridia for about a month and a half. I really like the fact that I can control my portions with this. Before this I had a "bottomless pit" type of appetite. Now I seem to be able to eat like a normal person. I have lost about eight pounds - I was on vacation this week so didn't lose anything this week but you will probably find the constant food cravings to not be there.

Per suggestion, I have started a new thread.