I've been taking Meridia since the end of April and after eight weeks I've lost 16 pounds. I lost 18 the first month (I think I never had a day that I ate all 1500 calories that I was allowed to eat. I was afraid that I wouldn't lose weight!). The second month I settled down and ate more sensibly and also was on vacation for a month. I only weigh in at my doctor's check ups - once a month.
The only problems I've had are dry mouth and constipation. I just drink more water and every couple of days have some prunes for one of my fruits!
I feel like Meridia has been a God-send for me. It doesn't make me irritable or nervous. In fact the main thing that I notice is that I don't fixate on food. I still have hunger pains when it is time to eat (regular meal times) but I'm able to stop when I've satisfied that hunger. I don't feel depraved and actually don't feel like I'm "on a diet". I just feel like I'm able to eat the way my thin friends and relatives eat. Smaller amounts and not snacking all the time!
I've started exercising which is hard since my knees hurt (308 pounds was too much for them!). But it is getting easier every time.
I need to lose 150 pounds and I feel like I'm going to be able to do it this time. I also am not afraid that I'll gain it all back once I quit taking the drug. By then I'll be down to a size that I can be proud of and will be able to be more active...
If you have questions about Meridia, look up their website at
www.4meridia.com The website has a place where you can sign up to get their info pack with contains a video and a prescription discount card (25% off the first 3 months and 50% off the next 3 months which is helpful since my regular price is $90 a month). No, I'm not an employee or a salesman...I just finally found something that helps.