2 months after stopping phentermine
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acabrera23
Posts: 4 Member
Hello MFP,
It's been 2 months since I stopped taking phentermine. I'm still going to the gym burning at least 800-1000 calories. I'm still eating healthy with my cheat days. I try to have my 500 calorie deficit each week.
I've gained 5 - 7 lbs since I've stopped phentermine. When I weighed myself in the morning the first week off it, I was 174/176 now I weight myself 2 month after in the morning and I weight 179/181 my pants are starting to fit a little tighter which is hard to believe after only 5 or 7 lbs of weight gain.
I'm very frustrated because I obviously don't have the same appetite suppression as I had with phentermine. I'm always tired and moody, and I can have 7-8 hours of sleep and still feel exhausted. I normally work out in the evening but I noTice working out in the mornings are way beneficial and I have energy throughout the day. Being tired isn't an excuse for me though, unless I'm truly falling asleep while driving to the gym I don't work out.
I've been doing mostly cardio and avoiding too much lifting. I live plyometrics and boxing but I haven't been doing those because I don't have time. I only have 1 hour at the gym and I'd rather spend the hour burning fat.
I'm beginning to be desperate and get back on phentermine as soon as I see my doctor to make sure my heart is ok to take it. But I don't want to depend on this med in order to be happy and have the body I had 2 months ago when it was alert, strong and agile.
I have hunger pangs but when I end up eating I eat less than I measure so I guess that's a good thing.
But I feel like I need help. I need advice as to how I can get my energy levels back up. I don't want to take phentermine again and I miss my body being the way it was before even if it's just a couple of lbs over.
Help?
It's been 2 months since I stopped taking phentermine. I'm still going to the gym burning at least 800-1000 calories. I'm still eating healthy with my cheat days. I try to have my 500 calorie deficit each week.
I've gained 5 - 7 lbs since I've stopped phentermine. When I weighed myself in the morning the first week off it, I was 174/176 now I weight myself 2 month after in the morning and I weight 179/181 my pants are starting to fit a little tighter which is hard to believe after only 5 or 7 lbs of weight gain.
I'm very frustrated because I obviously don't have the same appetite suppression as I had with phentermine. I'm always tired and moody, and I can have 7-8 hours of sleep and still feel exhausted. I normally work out in the evening but I noTice working out in the mornings are way beneficial and I have energy throughout the day. Being tired isn't an excuse for me though, unless I'm truly falling asleep while driving to the gym I don't work out.
I've been doing mostly cardio and avoiding too much lifting. I live plyometrics and boxing but I haven't been doing those because I don't have time. I only have 1 hour at the gym and I'd rather spend the hour burning fat.
I'm beginning to be desperate and get back on phentermine as soon as I see my doctor to make sure my heart is ok to take it. But I don't want to depend on this med in order to be happy and have the body I had 2 months ago when it was alert, strong and agile.
I have hunger pangs but when I end up eating I eat less than I measure so I guess that's a good thing.
But I feel like I need help. I need advice as to how I can get my energy levels back up. I don't want to take phentermine again and I miss my body being the way it was before even if it's just a couple of lbs over.
Help?
1
Replies
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Find a decent caloric deficit, eat at least half of your exercise calories (especially if you are burning upwards of 1000!), Eat filling foods so you don't need to artificially suppress appetite. And weigh out all solid foods and semi solid foods with a digital food scale.
I really don't know about this drug but you will have to retrain your body. Maybe start by eating maintenance calories before entering a deficit again.
And why avoid "too much lifting?" There is no such thing.7 -
Your deficit after taking exercise into account is 500 per day, or 500 per week?
My best guess is that your exercise burn is inflated (1,000 calories in an hour is the equivalent of running 7.5 miles at an 8-minute-mile pace), or that your non-exercise activity level has dropped (consistent with being tired).10 -
You're not burning 800 calories in an hour. Sorry.
Look at the quality of your calories - fruit and veggies? Enough protein, fat, whole grains?
Check your iron levels.12 -
A lot of this sounds concerning and like you believe a lot of diet myths...some things that sort of standout: 1. Your calorie burn at the gym - how are you tracking this? 2. Not having any energy and being exhausted. 3. Boxing and plyometrics are excellent calorie burners. 4. The reliance on a medication. 5. I easily notice in my pants when I gain even a few pounds.
I would go back to basics...1. Calculate your TDEE (I like Fat2Fit calulcators: http://www.fat2fittools.com/tools/), 2. Log your food intake accurately using a scale. 3. Estimate your calorie burn appropriately and choose exercises you enjoy.
What are your goals? It sounds like you are highly motivated and enjoy exercising and are not terribly overweight or anything...I would reckon you would lose weight consistently at a moderate deficit while not starving yourself. Please don't use a drug that could affect your heart when you have free and healthy tools right here at your disposal.10 -
Since it's been 2 months, its not a physiological addiction, but it certainly sounds like it could be psychological.2
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Phentermine isn't meant to be taken long term. It's been two months so it should be out of your system any time now. I think finishing powering through being off it will benefit you more in the long run than going back on it. With phentermine you are artificially suppressing your appetite with an amphetamine-like drug that just happens to be legal. You don't want to be like me - 50 years old, and wondering if current heart issues were caused by phentermine use in the 90s.
Do discuss your energy levels with your doctor and ask to be tested for deficiencies in iron, B, D, and have your thyroid checked.10 -
Check your calorie burns. How long are you spending at the gym? 800-1000 sounds like a minimum 3-4 hour workout, maybe longer, daily. I'm assuming you probably aren't doing an intense workout for that long every day. If you're working out for an hour only I'd assume you're not burning more than about 200-300 per workout at the most.
What exercise do you do (and at what speed) and for how long? You said what you're NOT doing (you said you like boxing but that you're not boxing).
If you're hungry all the time, try upping your protein, fat, and fibre intakes and decreasing the non-fibrous carbs. Try different ratios until you start feeling full. I like a 25% protein 35% fat and 40% carb split. Some people like 30/30/40 (p/f/c) split. Some people like a 40/40/20 split. Find what works for you. Some people do well on high carbs (and fibre) instead of protein and fat. You could try a 20/25/55 split. Check what you're at now and change it.4 -
Check your calorie burns. How long are you spending at the gym? 800-1000 sounds like a minimum 3-4 hour workout, maybe longer, daily. I'm assuming you probably aren't doing an intense workout for that long every day. If you're working out for an hour only I'd assume you're not burning more than about 200-300 per workout at the most.
What exercise do you do (and at what speed) and for how long? You said what you're NOT doing (you said you like boxing but that you're not boxing).
If you're hungry all the time, try upping your protein, fat, and fibre intakes and decreasing the non-fibrous carbs. Try different ratios until you start feeling full. I like a 25% protein 35% fat and 40% carb split. Some people like 30/30/40 (p/f/c) split. Some people like a 40/40/20 split. Find what works for you. Some people do well on high carbs (and fibre) instead of protein and fat. You could try a 20/25/55 split. Check what you're at now and change it.
At OP's size, I'd disagree that she burns 200-300 per workout at most. I'm lighter and burn 330 an hour just walking at an incline.. although yeah it's still nowhere near 800 calories (that takes me 2.5 hours!).2 -
Check your calorie burns. How long are you spending at the gym? 800-1000 sounds like a minimum 3-4 hour workout, maybe longer, daily. I'm assuming you probably aren't doing an intense workout for that long every day. If you're working out for an hour only I'd assume you're not burning more than about 200-300 per workout at the most.
What exercise do you do (and at what speed) and for how long? You said what you're NOT doing (you said you like boxing but that you're not boxing).
If you're hungry all the time, try upping your protein, fat, and fibre intakes and decreasing the non-fibrous carbs. Try different ratios until you start feeling full. I like a 25% protein 35% fat and 40% carb split. Some people like 30/30/40 (p/f/c) split. Some people like a 40/40/20 split. Find what works for you. Some people do well on high carbs (and fibre) instead of protein and fat. You could try a 20/25/55 split. Check what you're at now and change it.
At OP's size, I'd disagree that she burns 200-300 per workout at most. I'm lighter and burn 330 an hour just walking at an incline.. although yeah it's still nowhere near 800 calories (that takes me 2.5 hours!).
It's closer to 500 than to 1000. I did a 70 minute 10K(at 240) and calculations put that around 900-1000. And I'm a good bit heavier.
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I took phentermine for about 6 to 7 months back in 2000. I took it again, briefly, in 2008/2009. Just my perspective, but both times I immediately began to gain back the weight (and eventually more) after stopping the pills. This was in spite of continuing to workout and eat carefully, although I would eventually drop back into old habits because I'd get discouraged I was gaining weight. I believe the drug damaged my metabolism over time, and made it even harder for me to lose and maintain a loss the natural way. That being said, when I started MFP and this healthful journey in late 2012, I was determined to stay the course and push through. It took me about 18 months to lose 70+lbs, and I've kept it off since then, with minor fluctuations. To do it, I had to make big changes and workout consistently to rev my metabolism back up. Lots of cardio and some strength training added in have helped me to improve the "machine" and make it more efficient. For those reasons, I really am not a fan at all of phentermine, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who asked me about it.
All that being said, you CAN get back on track. Your experience may be completely different than mine, but I had to fully commit to doing it naturally for long-term success. I feel like phentermine made it easy to lose weight in the short term, but much harder in the long run by altering the way my body works, and not in a good way.
Just my thoughts and experience here!! I don't have scientific data to back any of that up, I'm just relating what worked (and didn't work) for me!!
I wish you well!!7 -
acabrera23 wrote: »Hello MFP,
It's been 2 months since I stopped taking phentermine. I'm still going to the gym burning at least 800-1000 calories. I'm still eating healthy with my cheat days. I try to have my 500 calorie deficit each week.
I've gained 5 - 7 lbs since I've stopped phentermine. When I weighed myself in the morning the first week off it, I was 174/176 now I weight myself 2 month after in the morning and I weight 179/181 my pants are starting to fit a little tighter which is hard to believe after only 5 or 7 lbs of weight gain.
I'm very frustrated because I obviously don't have the same appetite suppression as I had with phentermine. I'm always tired and moody, and I can have 7-8 hours of sleep and still feel exhausted. I normally work out in the evening but I noTice working out in the mornings are way beneficial and I have energy throughout the day. Being tired isn't an excuse for me though, unless I'm truly falling asleep while driving to the gym I don't work out.
I've been doing mostly cardio and avoiding too much lifting. I live plyometrics and boxing but I haven't been doing those because I don't have time. I only have 1 hour at the gym and I'd rather spend the hour burning fat.
I'm beginning to be desperate and get back on phentermine as soon as I see my doctor to make sure my heart is ok to take it. But I don't want to depend on this med in order to be happy and have the body I had 2 months ago when it was alert, strong and agile.
I have hunger pangs but when I end up eating I eat less than I measure so I guess that's a good thing.
But I feel like I need help. I need advice as to how I can get my energy levels back up. I don't want to take phentermine again and I miss my body being the way it was before even if it's just a couple of lbs over.
Help?
How long did you take it before you stopped?0 -
I took it about five years ago. It was basically speed and gave me awesome energy. I had to quit it and gained weight. I found that building up endurance is the way to go. I do a hard routine that is more than my ability at my pace. I eventually can do the routine and I feel Amazing. Also, weights are really amazing for the same reason. You are challenging yourself, for yourself. I just use dumbbells. I do move up heavier when it's easy again.1
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I got just about the whole list of side effects when i used phentermine, it was a horrible experience for me! I took it for 2 weeks before i threw them in the trash.0
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you burn fat in a calorie deficit,you burn calories exercising. it doesnt matter what workout you do, cardio burns more calories than lifting weights,but lifting weights is great to maintain lean mass.You get stronger too.I would get blood work done to rule out any health problems that could be making you tired(like anemia,vitamin D deficiency and so on).acabrera23 wrote: »Hello MFP,
I only have 1 hour at the gym and I'd rather spend the hour burning fat.
most fat burning happens when you are at rest(like when you are sleeping).If you are gaining weight you are eating more than you think or your pants would not be getting smaller, unless you are pregnant? is that a possibility?
eating healthy means nothing when it comes to weight loss, you can gain weight even eating healthy foods if you eat too much of them. a cheat day can easily wipe out a deficit as well.
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If @acabrera23 is really doing a 1000kcal workout every day, which is entirely possible, no wonder she's tired! Back off a bit and balance out your life. You may even get into better shape.
When younger, I used to get myself into the workout cycle, where I felt I needed to do big workouts to balance my preferred eating and drinking habits. It's a treadmill (pun intended). Instead, use MFP to balance your eating to your preferred lifestyle. If you get it right, you won't be hungry all the time, either.
Note the drinking part. Alcohol doesn't fill you up, but adds significant calories. It pays doubly to set limits.1 -
Wow, Thanks everyone for your responses. I've learned to balance my diet and exercise so I'm not feeling weak and tired. I obviously had withdrawals then I was sick with an infection which explained the weakness and fatigue. I will get blood work done just to be on the safe side. I was on phentermine for about 7 years on and off and I've been phentermine free for 6 months now. I never felt better! I actually don't miss the jitters and migranes. I naturally have energy once I begin working out. I notice while doing cardio if I keep up my heart rate I burn way more calories and I feel great!
To the skepticals, in regards to how much I burn, yes I do use the cardio machine calorie counter and so far, it's working. I lost 5 lbs since this post and I've maintained my weight by adding some plyometrics workouts and getting back into boxing.
Now remember, everyone's has different bodies. Just because you weigh more than me, that doesn't necessarily mean you burn more than me.
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Do you drink coffee or green tea? I have been adding coconut oil to mine. I get an amazing boost of energy and it kills my appetite for hours!6
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No such thing as "fat burning exercise". You just burn calories. More than likely, you're NOT burning what you think and likely consuming more than you think.
Weight gain happens when you consume more than what you burn.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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To the skepticals, in regards to how much I burn, yes I do use the cardio machine calorie counter and so far, it's working.
And the machine is very probably giving you a very exaggerated number.
To burn 1000 cals in an hour takes an extraordinary (elite) level of fitness.
If you want to try to "calibrate yourself" row for an hour on a Concept2 rower and enter your numbers in their calorie estimator. http://www.concept2.co.uk/indoor-rowers/training/calculators/calorie-calculator
Or use a high end exercise bike that uses a power meter to give a far more accurate number.
How far can you run on flat ground in an hour?
Nine miles would still be less than 1000 net cals if your current weight is 174lbs.
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One thing that helped me immensely - Vitamin B! Get a good complex vitamin B and take it every day. In about two weeks you will have a huge energy boost. I found that the sublingual drops worked really well. Also, definitely start lifting weights, whether they are free weights or gym machines. You have to build up the muscle to help burn the fat. You WON'T bulk up and you will help tighten the skin and lose the 'jiggle.'0
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