I am 37 years old---just joined this site. I have a very busy life, like everyone, I guess. I had a bout with high blood pressure last fall. I did all sorts of tests--the only thing the doctor could come up with was my added 30 pounds, as far as the cause (And maybe the stress of being a mom, working, etc....). Anyway---he put me on phentermine--15 milligrams to jumpstart my weight loss. I began exercising, the phentermine took off the hunger edge, and my energy level went up! I am now at the point where I should stop taking the medication, but I am so worried about continuing without it! I know it has to do with my lifestyle change, but the pills have taken my cravings away and allowed me to lose over 40 pounds. Now I am wondering if I can do something naturally to curb the appitite and also continue on in a healthy way?? I need ideas---I am very close to continuing my perscription--but I know I need to do this on my own. I am looking for any ideas, lots of encouragement, and am hoping someone out there has been in my shoes. Thanks to anyone who can help!
Taffer
I'm surprised your doctor put you on Phen - it supposedly raises blood pressure.
I'm also taking phentermine - but the 37.5 mg. It definitely elevates the energy for sure! I'm only about 3 weeks into taking my prescription, but when I'm finished in about 8 more weeks, I'll take about a month off and then go back on them if I'm not at my goal weight (I have about 26 lbs to lose). I think as long as you adopt good, healthy food habits now (and keeping calories to a minimum and exercise at a maximum after you are finished with your script) you should be okay.
Yes, I was surprised too, at first, but he said that it was such a low dose, and the weight would come off a bit faster, which was the goal (hows that for a run-on sentence??)> MY blood pressure is now normal, although it has been a bit elevated now and then--nothing like it was last fall. Its been such a crutch----although it shouldnt be, because I am living much healthier.
Thanks for the reply!!
Taffer, I think you have to get into the mindset that you are NOT addicted to them, even if you worry about it that may be all the trigger your mind needs to hold onto it. As far as keeping the cravings away, I tend to try and stay busy. If I am really into something I don't notice that X amount of hours have past. If I am sitting watching tv (not too much lately) then I want to snack. Come join us on the week of thread. We will be more than happy to support you in whatever decision you make.
Taffer - these ladies have given you some great advice - and i'm going to jump in as well..
one of the biggest keys in maintaining - or continuing - a weight loss is to develop great habits while you're on drug therapy [it also applies to weight loss surgery and just about any other diet plan - but that's not what we're talking about here].
so, that means figuring out what your eating triggers are - figuring out how to schedule your food, and what you eat, and to hard-wire portion sizes into your life. and to make sure you continue [or set up?] an exercise program that works for you and your schedule.
i'd suggest viewing the phen as a tool - one that you won't need forever, but that's ok to use to get you where you need to be. it's not just about the food, but also about setting up your whole life for success.
Taffer, have you tried weight watchers? I have tried just about everything out there and this is the only thing that has worked for me. I find that I am eating so much that I am full just about all the time. And if I do feel hungry, I eat some veggies (most of which are no points on the plan). I eat a lot more fruits and veggies and they keep me pretty full.
Also like Lisa said, getting into something can keep your mind off eating and food. There are plenty of good crafts available. Do you have a Michael's near you? If you are into crafts or want to start doing them then that's the place to go!
The exercise will also help. If you feel a craving coming on, go for a walk, or housework or anything to get you moving. It's easy to eat when you're just sitting but if you get up and move you not only avert the craving, you get a little exercise in which can't hurt.
Just a few suggestions, hope you can find what works for you!!
How long has it taken you to lose your weight on phentermine?
I was given a prescription for it years ago, and my Dr seemed upset that I only lost 12 pounds in one month.
Hi everyone! Thanks for all the wonderful advice! I am sorry I have not responded sooner---Life takes over! I am graduating with my masters next month and had a major presentation last weekend, so thats my excuse! I do have to trust myself----I am exercising regularly and I am doing pretty well with the eating issue----I just have days where all I do is eat a huge amount of carbs--carb overload!! Then I panic and I wonder where I would be without the phen. I lost 40 pounds in 7 months----and have maintained that weightloss (still on phen) for 4 months. I am worried I won't be able to maintain----Weight Watchers might be possible---I have heard mixed reviews, but I suppose its whatever works for each individualm and maybe its worth a try. Low carb has worked for me in the past, and Ive been thinking I could go back to that---seems to work well for me......just hard to get started.
B-Fan---I did not lose that much in my first month! I think 12 pounds in a month sounds like a lot!! I am not sure what to say about that.
Thanks for all of your advice! I REALLY appreciate it and its given me a lot to think about. Since I am new, I am not familiar with the week of thread. What is that? I would like to be a part if it is support! Thanks again everyone!
Taffer
Taffer, the "week of" thread is where we do our chatting. Here is the link for this week's http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80596. We start a new chat every week. There is a lot of support. That's where I got my start here on 3FC. We chat about everything. Life, kids, husbands, jobs, weight loss/gain, just about everything. Come join us. Maybe you can get some ideas from others there. We aren't all on the same weight loss program and we all have different life styles. Maybe you'll find something there that you haven't tried before or weren't sure of.
I lost 50 pounds on phentermine in 1997. Then they took me off it due to all the lawsuits & I crashed. Gained it all back & then some.
I would ask to be weaned off it, if I were you, just to be on the safe side. I should also mention, I was on a higher dose than you.
Also, I wanted to mention sometimes weight has nothing to do with blood pressure. I was told by my doctor that he has a 16 year old girl on HBP meds, and she weighs 110 pounds.
If you are exercising regularly & watching what you eat, you should be fine.
Hello! Just registered to this site. Looks like fun. I stumbled on this thread and would like to add my 2 cents. I am too am currently taking phentermine as prescribed by my General Practicioner. I have taken it in the past with good results. My Dr. was wasn't exactly "gung ho" for the drug but insisted that it was all there was....hmmmm? She also said you will build a tolorance for it and it will be less effective. This I can say is true. The 1st time I took it I just about jumped out of my skin...this time no problem. It is an excellent tool to get moving. After my son (hes' 10 weeks!) I was very run down and HEAVY. I have lost 16 lbs in 3 weeks.
DIET DRUGS_--I need your opinion!!!
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