Hi - I know calorie counting is not generally considered a part of SBD. I have been doing SBD since May and have lost 40 lbs. I began taking a migraine medication about a month and a half ago (Topamax) which is also prescribed for weight loss because SOME people have the side effect of appetite suppression. Apparently, I have this side effect (a small miracle for me, usually I get the BAD effects!).

The problem...literally, I could go all day without eating...and sometimes I feel nauseated when I do eat because I feel full already. There have been days when I have been ready to go to bed, and said, "what did I eat today?" done the math, and said, "that's only 800 calories!!!" realizing that I'd done more than 800 calories of exercise that day, in order to avoid going into some sort of starvation mode, I went and fixed myself a late night snack in order to get myself over a 1200 calorie intake.

So I have incorporated a new policy...minimum of 1200 calories by 9pm, and I have to record what I eat. My other problem is, when I do have cravings, it is for fruit, for light soups, for salads. And when I eat, I satisfy very quickly. I have even found a little trick, not to drink (water/tea) before or while I eat.

This is the exact opposite of any diet problem I have ever had before. I've always blown through 1200 calories by 3pm before, and been all whiny and cranky.

Everything I've read says I should stay above 1200 calories, that's correct, right? I don't want to lose muscle mass, I have been trying to walk my dogs for 2 miles a day or go to the gym or do something. I have been losing 2-3 pounds a week, and I can really feel and see a difference in my body shape and tone.

What a problem to have! I did count calories at first since I was wary of overeating on SB and was sure I wouldn't lose. I usually eat similar foods everyday, so my calories tend to be about the same. I assume the Topamax is working well for your migraines and you don't want to change it. I think getting in exercise is a good idea to prevent muscle loss but I think you will have to be careful to make sure you get your minimum calories in. Congratulations on your weight loss!

I don't calorie count on SB and am losing steadily approaching 6 months OP. If I were in your situation, I certainly would.

Congrats on your weight loss and I'm really glad you're hanging out and posting here at the beach. It's nice getting to know you.

What I'm feeling is probably best described as a chemically induced WLS - I feel full when I'm not.

I think that as long as I am honest with myself and set good eating habits for myself (which I am), the side effect is just another tool, like SBD, exercise, and 3FC. I just don't want to be the fat anorexic girl.

I'm especially excited because I'm hitting weights and sizes I haven't seen for 12 years...today I'm wearing a large shirt from Kohl's that my mom gave me...and today I tried on a pair of Old Navy size 16 capris that came in an EBAY lot that never fit me. They were tight, but they closed. By 1/9, when I leave for Cozumel (199, 199, 199!), they might be TOO BIG!

I was so excited, I took my husband and the dogs for a 2 mile walk. Used to be, I would have celebrated with a pint of Ben and Jerry's!

I'm in a similar situation- I have sleep apnea and was given nuvigil to help with the fatigue and appetite loss is a side effect that apparently I have- it's day 4 and I barely have been eating- I've been making sure to get 1200 but other than that I literally make myself eat 3x a day now.

I AM NOT complaining though!