A warm welcome to the new posters trying Alli :)

I have nothing to report, still eating well, taking my alli, doing cardio for an hour a day + a walk in the morning and afternoon. My weigh in is on Saturday and I think I have lost more as my clothes are just looking nicer on my body.

To those who haven't lost any weight yet, I can imagine the frustration, just give it some more time, maybe lower your calorie intake from 1800 to 1600? just for a week to see how it goes. Sometimes your body needs a little kickstart.

Hi ladies,

I wanted to be sure to address the questions posted a while back:

There is no reason to take a double dose of Alli. The research has been shown when they were making the OTC form of Alli, that it had just about the same effect as a dose of Xenical. (The prescription dosage.) I am a firm believer that you should take as little of something to get the effect as possible-even with Advil. :)
Also, even a low fat meal has calories. 1 gram of fat has 9 calories in it. (While 1 gram of protein or carb has about 4.) So, if you eat something with 300 calories and 6 grams of fat in it, then the fat in that food equals about 54 calories out of that 300. If Alli prevents you from absorbing half of that fat, then your body is not absorbing about 27 of those calories. Over time, it adds up.


You will only gain the weight back IF you stop eating low fat and low calorie when you stop taking the pill. If you go back to eating in the way that made you fat, you will become fat again. If you get to your goal weight, then you have to do exactly what you have to do on any other plan-like Weight Watchers, calorie counting, South Beach, or what have you. You have to slowly adjust your diet and lifestyle to weight maintenance, rather than weight loss.

In the case of weight maintenance (and I have been there between pregnancies) you commit to your exercise for life, first of all. Secondly-you have to realize that you can never, ever go back to eating whatever and whenever you want, like a person who has never had a weight problem.

The first step I would use for maintenance, is first stop taking the Alli-but staying with my calorie plan and fat grams and exercise. That is the LIFESTYLE part of the equation.

Once the pill is out of your system for a few weeks, weigh in once a week and see if you are still losing. If you are, then you have to SLOWLY up your calorie intake. If you eat 1500 a day, eat 1600 a day (still with 15 grams or less a meal) for a while. If you stay the same for the next few weeks, then that is what you eat for maintenance. If you lose a bit, then up it to 1700 for a few weeks. You keep going until you find where you need to be to stay pretty much at the same weight. (Obviously there will be small fluctuations up and down with TOM, sodium, etc.)

Depending on how active you are, your age, goal weight, and other factors-some people maintain at 1300-1400 calories, others maintain at 2200 or so. It is personal to each individual, and you have to slowly find out where your weight stabilizes. Maintenance is a process though, and a lifetime commitment.

No, you are not tied to Alli for life. But, you can't simply stop taking it, and stop doing everything else (better diet, exercise, etc.) and revert to the old ways that make you fat. You will gain the weight back if you do, and that is a fact no matter what plan you are following. Your diet and exercise have to be lifestyle changes. :)

aphil, that was a great post :)

Hi everyone,

The last two days I had late night meetings and I did really good with the snacking. I figured I am taking Alli so why blow it with the high fat snacks
(the cost has helped). The thing I like about Alli is that is does make you think about what you are eatting. I finally feel like I can make it to my goal weight. I have not been so good with tracking my calories so I have to work on that.

My question is does anyone come close to eatting 15 grams of fat per meal? The only meal I come close to eatting 15 grams might be dinner
(occasionally).

Bev

Hi everyone! Just catching up on everyone's posts!

About the gallbladder, I have had mine removed and am taking the alli, but have had no problems. I am interested in seeing what the support line says when you talk to them this morning HB.

I am also having a hard time getting enough fat grams per meal. I think I am going to revamp my menus this weekend and see what happens.

Hope everyone has a great day!

I couldn't even get mine close. I'm sure I could....I mean we've all been higher :D But, I went shopping for food that was lower in fat, like chicken sausage instead of pork..etc. I didn't buy any weird frankenfoods, just more veggies, low fat cheese, skim milk, and stuff. I started cooking meals and counting my my calories and such on Fitday and came out with around 1200-1500 cals, with 15-20 grams of fat a DAY, not MEAL.

Now, please don't get me wrong.....I'm not telling ANYONE not to do this pill. I just don't want to up my fat to take it. I have a hard time sticking to diets (I give up way too fast), and finally I'm comfortable eating what I've been doing, so I don't want to change it. But, the part that got me was when I talked to the Alli help line. They said that if I ate less than 12 grams of fat per meal, I didn't need to take the pill. Not only that though........if I had less than 12 grams and took the pill, I would be at the same risk of having the treatment effects as if I went over 15. That means you have to stay within a 3 GRAM difference or you may suffer. So be careful testing the waters both directions.

I sure wish it would work for me as I could sure use losing 50% more.....hey who couldn't :D

Good morning, (or is it?)
weighed in again this a.m. I'm up another 2 oz.! I know I shouldn't weigh everyday, but i just gotta lose something. anything. I do drink my water, all day at my desk. I've just started working out on Monday at curves, so hopefully that will help, although i tend to put on muscle fairly easy, so i will probably gain again with the exercise. (but i can usually tell when my clothes get looser that exercise is working). Anyways, i've started taking a fiber suppliment twice a day. It is helping, but coming from someone who used to be regular, its kinda weird taking a suppliment! I think I'm going to only take alli twice a day now, lunch and dinner and see if that helps. Somethings gotta give! I also tested the waters on Monday. For dinner I ate a high fat cesar salad, and a homemade hamburger with cheese. Took my alli, and nothing. No stomach problems, no running to the bathroom, nothing. Still constipated tho! UGH. I just think that this pill is not going to work for me. Darn.

I don't have a problem tracking my fat grams per meal. If I go over, then the I know to expect the oil spills. :D If I want a certain food, I'm going to eat it. I won't deny myself the food because I know that's all I'll think about and end up binging. And usually it only takes a bite or two to satisfy my cravings.

I have noticed, like others, that my appetite has decreased since taking alli. This past weekend we went to eat chinese buffet and I couldn't finish my one plate of entree and salad - when in the past I went for 2 or 3 helpings. Nice change of pace I think. :cool:

I still haven't put myself on an exercise program and I know if I did, then the weight would come off quicker. But I am happy with the weight loss so far. I weigh in again on Friday and wonder if I will make my goal to get to 219. Even if I don't, I won't have a pity party. I'll just make sure I do better. I've learned not to beat myself up. It took a long time to get this big, and it will take just as long to lose it - but that fact that we're all doing it is great! No matter how much or little you've lost - you lost weight. Better than gaining!

Keep up the good work everyone. With alli we can get to our goals! :cp:

Well, I just ordered my 2nd bottle of Alli. I had the 60 pill Starter pack (or was it 90), whatever. I noticed I am almost out so I ordered it today and should have the refill bottle in the next couple days. I wish I lived closer to someplace that sells it. The closest place is 90 min away. Oh well-that helps me from spending toooo much money shopping..lol
I weigh in every day in the morning and for weeks NOTHING, just the same crappy number, well Tueday I did my weigh in (suposed to be monday but I missed it) so I was down 1 more pound like I said, well today when I checked I was down .6 on my scale also, so that was nice. I am curious though, my scale does the 150.4 or 150.6, all the way to 150.9, so how many ounces are the .?? worth? I mean if it went by 2's I could figure it out, but all the way to .9? WTH! Anyone have any thoughts? I was 175.6 yesterday and today 175.0 (not that I am complaining, I am happy it is moving down at all)

OH- and last night was the FIRST night since starting to take it that I didnt SNACK after dinner!!! That is my BIGGGGG challenge, after dinner I need to NOT MUNCH on anything bad. So last night was a BIG deal for me.

question
 

Hi all, I joined L.A. Weightloss about 3 weeks ago and thought a little extra wouldn't hurt. I am starting Alli today along with my diet. Do you think it's ok?

Happy Wednesday Ladies! :flow1:

Ethereal, yes, they do have the best intentions but sometimes it just drives me nuts. :dizzy: Seriously, men's concepts on weight is so weird. It must be so nice to go thru life as a guy who pretty much never have to think about stuff like that! LOL Wouldn't it be pure bliss to not have to think about portions, measurments, scales, or dress sizes?! What a life!

Melissa, I hear ya on the gallbladder issues. You know me tho', a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-kinda-girl, then ask questions later! LOL Seriously though, I have had ZERO issues with it at all. I guess I figured that since all the dr's would push for me to eat low cal/low fat anyways...... and also, regarding the vitamins; I would think they say take the vitamins at night so as to retain all the nutrients from it while you're sleeping instead of throughout the day when you would either pee it out or possible TE's?? Of course I have not a clue why they say it, it's a giant stab in the dark! LOL Could just be interaction with the pills you take w/ each meal?

Stilltryin, WTG on no snacking after dinner! That is something that I really need to work on. For some reason my brain thinks that this is the time for a major snackfest every single night. Like clockwork! Maybe we'll have to challenge ourselves? KUTGW!

Well girls, I'm a grouch this morning. Not only do I get the profound pleasure of starting Alli (for real) today, but dear ole TOM has graced me with its presence as well. Needless to say, I am tired, achy, and just plain B!&CHY. LOL I think I will go hide under my covers and pray no one wants to talk to me. Nah, my kids would find me in a heartbeat! LOL Luckily, I have all of you to come & check on and cheer me up when I see such great things happening here!

Its been so nice to read all the encouragement and support here for people & their concerns. Truly, this is what makes people a success! When you feel like others care and want to help, then you know you can keep on trying and trying and finally reach success!

Have a fabulous day everyone! Stay strong and believe in you!

KC: Are you taking a multivitamin with your Alli? Did you normally take this vitamin? If not, check to see if it has iron in it.

The reason I ask is that I don't usually take vitamins myself (makes me too hyper and I have trouble sleeping). When I was pregnant, of course, the docs want you to go on vitamins.....with iron. The iron blocked me up so badly, I couldn't go, even with fiber suppliments. I eventually had to stop the vitamins. I took Flintstones instead (pretty sure none of them have iron, but at least they have a "no iron" kind) and I was fine in a few days.

Hello everyone. I finally have some time to really write. (Grandkids got picked up early) I

I

Eeek sorry having problems posting will try again!

I’ve forgotten how much time taking care of children really takes!! Hats off to all you moms with little and not so little ones still at home!!

Thingirl – A big bow to you for your workouts! I’ve haven’t quiet mastered that part of my lifestyle! I just can’t seem to get in the groove… my eating is fine and I know the fitness workouts will help with weight loss… grrr wish there was a pill to make me have a T.E. if I didn’t workout!!!
Aphil – That was a wonderful post! Very well written.

Bev – I totally agree with Alli making a person think!! There is no way of talking your way around a T.E. I know that when I look at high fat foods I see nothing but a big greasy T.E.!!! EEEWWWW I also find I have a hard time meeting the recommended fat amount. Mine is 19 grams. I called up and spoke to an Alli rep today. I’ll write more about are talk in the end of this message.

katallan – I’m glad you posted about your gallbladder being removed and your experience alli my sister has had hers removed and was given to O.K. to take all but wanted to know if others like her had problems. Thanks

elmuyloco5 – I feel if you are happy with your current plan and are losing weight healthy then I see no reason to take Alli if you don’t feel good about adding more fat to your plan.. I think the Alli rep you spoke to and the one I did need to get together for the info they give out. I’ll explain more at the bottom of this post.

kc1casey – I confess to be a scale junkie! I daily…. Actually several times a day. I just don’t take it to heart. Depending on the time of day it can go up 5 lbs. The 1st time I started to do this I was very unhappy. Then I have seen over time that it’s just how the body works. Maybe it hasn’t gotten rid of all that water I drank or other stuff. So I only count my weight on a certain day and time. I don’t know why I continue to step on the scale so much… because it really doesn’t mean anything. Yea muscle is heavier than fat and it also helps one burn more calories. I’m on my 3rd week of Alli and still blocked up. I know I’m getting enough water (well most days) and plenty of fiber. I figure it’s my body just adjusting and I’m going to give it time.

debalina – I like your attitude no use beating up yourself up! I think that it sometimes leads to over eating with me. “It took a long time to get this big, and it will take just as long to lose it - but that fact that we're all doing it is great! No matter how much or little you've lost - you lost weight. Better than gaining!” So True!!!

StillTryin – Congrats on the loss ounces and not snacking!

Sugar-N-Spice – If you take a multi vitamin with Alli you won’t be getting all the benefits from it. Alli will flush some out. At night is when you should get the full benefits form it. I believe I read on the Alli forum that is best to take at least 2 hour before your Alli pill or wait aleast 2 hours after.

elmuyloco5 - I haven’t taken a Flintstones vitamin since my children were young. (daughter is now 23 and my son is 17) As I recall they were yummy!! LOL

Ok for those of you that have stayed with me long enough and are still awake. Here’s what was said by an Alli rep. I called from the 800 on the bottle.

1st Question – Does Alli work no matter how much fat I eat say under 10 grams.
Reps Answer – Yes it will remove 25% of any fat that you eat per meal. The body NEEDS fat and one should eat 15 grams per meal. If you are having problems adding fat add low fat milk with your meal or maybe low fat butter to rolls, or salad dressing just be sure to eat fat.

2nd Question – I need a quick breakfast today and all I have time for is a Slim-Fast Optima Milk Chocolate Peanut Meal bar (5 grams total fat) and my drink is a crystal light. Should I take a pill?
Reps Answer – No since the total fat is under 15 and your body needs fat.

3rd Question – So I should look at the total fat? I wasn’t completely sure since there is trans (I stay away from) and saturated ( I try to keep that under 5) Will I have T.E. if I eat fat lower than 15 grams.
Reps Answer – Yes you need to count total fat per meal. As for T.E. for eating lower than 15 grams of fat you shouldn’t have any but everyone is different.

I then thanked her. Now my experience (3rd week on Alli) is I’ve been under 15 many times and have taken Alli and never had a T.E. I actually never gave a thought to keeping my fat UP at a certain amount per meal to help me benefit from the nutrients of the food I was eating. I just figured my body would borrow it from the fat on my hips, tummy… maybe it does to an extents not sure anyone got info on this? I’m not the best with words I just wanted to post the answers I got from Alli. If anyone would like the 800 # let me know I’ll post it. Also keep asking those questions it’s the only way we learn.