Phentermine to jump start weight loss under Dr.s supervision

kansasbelle

My dr. and I discussed coming off another medication that had caused me some weight gain and has made it difficult to jump start my weight loss. He thought that wouldn't be beneficial and suggested I try phentermine for 3 months only to get me into healthy patterns. I will be strictly monitored going in once a month to be weighed and then given the next months script. I have been taking it for a week and lost 4 pounds. I have been drinking lots of water, and watching my calorie intake to no more than 1400 calories. I went for a half an hour walk when we were in the mountains on the 4th. I am going to start exercising today. I will be trying to fit in mini workouts into my busy schedule. A mile walk at lunch and when I get home from work. I also need to do some serious toning. I don't need condemnation over this. I would like some positive feedback. I lost over 40lbs on MFP but after changing birth control pills to stop my cycle which would last over 8 days and soak through ultra tampons in 2 hours and Celexa (can't change this it works and I have literally tried everything out there) Anyway, I gained it back. My Dr. said that a 20% weight gain can be attributed to both meds for a total of the 40 pounds I gained. Which is why he was willing to let me do this. He knew that I had gotten to the point of wanting to stop a medication that was tremendously beneficial. I am a 43 female 5'2- 228.8 as of today. I would like to lose 30 pound in 3 months. I would really love to hear of anyone else on Celexa.

Thanks,
CW

aharper84

My sister is taking this medication and has gone from a size 20-22 to a size 10. Thankfully, she has added regular exercise to her routine, but, unfortunately, I don't think that she has really gotten the diet aspects. I worry about where she will be once she comes off of the meds. I think you know from your posting what you need to do to get healthy, and I hope that you get the jump start that you need.

nomeejerome

My dr. and I discussed coming off another medication that had caused me some weight gain and has made it difficult to jump start my weight loss. He thought that wouldn't be beneficial and suggested I try phentermine for 3 months only to get me into healthy patterns. I will be strictly monitored going in once a month to be weighed and then given the next months script. I have been taking it for a week and lost 4 pounds. I have been drinking lots of water, and watching my calorie intake to no more than 1400 calories. I went for a half an hour walk when we were in the mountains on the 4th. I am going to start exercising today. I will be trying to fit in mini workouts into my busy schedule. A mile walk at lunch and when I get home from work. I also need to do some serious toning. I don't need condemnation over this. I would like some positive feedback. I lost over 40lbs on MFP but after changing birth control pills to stop my cycle which would last over 8 days and soak through ultra tampons in 2 hours and Celexa (can't change this it works and I have literally tried everything out there) Anyway, I gained it back. My Dr. said that a 20% weight gain can be attributed to both meds for a total of the 40 pounds I gained. Which is why he was willing to let me do this. He knew that I had gotten to the point of wanting to stop a medication that was tremendously beneficial. I am a 43 female 5'2- 228.8 as of today. I would like to lose 30 pound in 3 months. I would really love to hear of anyone else on Celexa.

Thanks,
CW

See the bold because that is a very important sentence. Losing weight comes down to a math equation--a calorie deficit. (exercise is great for fitness) While you will probably lose weight because of the 1400 calorie per day goal, it will be difficult to learn the appropriate long-term behaviors associated with long-term success. The pill is not going to do that for you.

By all means continue taking the Celexa if that is what works for you. The medication did not make you gain weight, a calorie surplus did that. It is not impossible to lose weight while taking the Celexa, but it can be more difficult. Set reasonable goals that will allow you to learn new behaviors.

Branstin

Is there a reason you weren't referred to a qualified dietitian to help create a weight loss plan that works with your medication as opposed to taking Phentermine?

mg1123

Oh man, first thing I'd recommend is an endometrial ablation - or even a hysterectomy. I'm assuming that at 43 you're not planning on any more children. That gets you off of the BC pills, and all the side effects and risks with them. You could be looking at another 15 years before menopause kicks in and it finally ends. Talk to your gynecologist.

levitateme

If you lost 40 lbs with MFP, what exactly are you "jumpstarting?" I see you gained it back, but really, why take drugs if you know you can do it on your own?

Weight loss takes a long time. Log your food every day and be patient.

Unknown

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christarae1

I have taken Phentermine in the past. Yes it works! THe problem is, it suppresses your appetite so much, that you have no desire to eat. I could go days without eating. 15 years ago, that seemed awesome! Looking back on it, how stupid! Sure I lost a lot of weight, but if your doc is a good one, he won't let you stay on them for long. As soon as my doc quit giving them to me, the weight piled back on because I didn't work on changing my eating habits.
I'm not condoning them, but PLEASE be sure you eat right. Good luck!

gingerk62

Jump starts are important and i pray you will get enough encouragement to continue the journey. Keep logging with MFP and watch your self talk as you go forward. Also keep an eye out for high blood pressure that can develop but is easy to track and control, especially if you catch it early. Hang in there and don't set unrealistic goals or get down on yourself when you have a bad day; just log the food honestly and remember if you want to eat more, you just need to stay aware and exercise enough to counter balance the calories!

Robotponysaurus

I don't need condemnation over this. I would like some positive feedback.

Oh, so you've decided what you want to hear already? Why not just stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself how awesome you're doing?

"I'm great. I'm wonderful. People like me. It is good to use drugs to lose weight. I'm great. I'm wonderful. People like me. It is good to use drugs to lose weight. I'm great. I'm wonderful. People like me. It is good to use drugs to lose weight. "

Post like this are annoying. If you won the lottery would you turn the money down? You ended up rich without working for it afterall. I'll answer for you. You'd keep the money. Because in this case the destination does indeed trump the journey. I imagine weight loss is the same. Furthermore, you seem to be assigning some sort of moral value to how a person loses weight where there is none. People do the same thing to people who have weight loss surgery. While it's one thing to talk about the medical risks of these methods in a constructive way it's another to assign a value judgement.

That analogy actually works against you.
If you win the lottery and you don't work for it, once it's spent it's all gone and you're poor again.
Once the pills stop - wait for it - you will most likely gain the weight back.
Just my two cents D;

Also, as a side note, you don't get to post a question on a forum like this and then demand only positive responses. A lot of weight loss drugs are not only ineffective in the long term, but are actually pretty dangerous.

kbshannon

If that were the case, no one would ever be overweight, as we are all logical beings. It is more than calories in vs. calories burned. Medications, as the OP mentioned, causes some really nasty things to occur to metabolism and other things. I wish the OP the best, and hope that health continues to improve. Celexa can and is a lifesaver to many people. Depression isn't something to mess around with.

Unknown

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Robotponysaurus

I don't need condemnation over this. I would like some positive feedback.

Oh, so you've decided what you want to hear already? Why not just stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself how awesome you're doing?

"I'm great. I'm wonderful. People like me. It is good to use drugs to lose weight. I'm great. I'm wonderful. People like me. It is good to use drugs to lose weight. I'm great. I'm wonderful. People like me. It is good to use drugs to lose weight. "

Post like this are annoying. If you won the lottery would you turn the money down? You ended up rich without working for it afterall. I'll answer for you. You'd keep the money. Because in this case the destination does indeed trump the journey. I imagine weight loss is the same. Furthermore, you seem to be assigning some sort of moral value to how a person loses weight where there is none. People do the same thing to people who have weight loss surgery. While it's one thing to talk about the medical risks of these methods in a constructive way it's another to assign a value judgement.

That analogy actually works against you.
If you win the lottery and you don't work for it, once it's spent it's all gone and you're poor again.
Once the pills stop - wait for it - you will most likely gain the weight back.
Just my two cents D;

Also, as a side note, you don't get to post a question on a forum like this and then demand only positive responses. A lot of weight loss drugs are not only ineffective in the long term, but are actually pretty dangerous.

What you said makes sense and doesn't all at the same time. You're example only works if you operate under a couple assumptions. The first being that someone who works for their money and gets rich won't spend all of the money they earned. This simply isn't always true. There are numerous real world examples of this. Second, you're operating under the assumption that someone who wins money will spend it all. This may not be true. The true is we don't know in either case. Either way, it's beside the point because I was speaking more to the value judgements people make about one vs the other. You aren't any better or worse a human being if you win money or earn it. You're not even any better or worse if you spend it all and go broke.

I realize responses won't be all positive regarding weight loss drugs or surgery but isn't it reasonable to expect them to be constructive. The post I was responding to implied the OP was a bad person for wanting a quick result via medical assistance. This might make the OP uninformed but it doesn't make her a bad person.

I see. While I don't think this makes her a bad person, I do still believe that this probably isn't in her best interests. You would be shocked at how ill informed most primary care doctors are about nutrition and weight loss. Seeing a specialist would probably be a better idea than jumping on the weight loss medication bandwagon from the getgo. Aside from the dangers, you don't really learn anything from taking medication.

FIT_Goat

Post like this are annoying. If you won the lottery would you turn the money down? You ended up rich without working for it afterall. I'll answer for you. You'd keep the money. Because in this case the destination does indeed trump the journey. I imagine weight loss is the same. Furthermore, you seem to be assigning some sort of moral value to how a person loses weight where there is none. People do the same thing to people who have weight loss surgery. While it's one thing to talk about the medical risks of these methods in a constructive way it's another to assign a value judgement.

There are so many things I disagree with in your post, it's hard to pick where to start. Let's talk about the destination vs. the journey comment first. There is no destination. There is only the journey. It is also untrue to say that the destination (we'll pretend one exists) trumps the journey. How we get to the destination can greatly impact how happy/successful we are after we get there. If we get there through dangerous rapid weight loss and lose a large amount of muscle mass, damage our metabolism, or injure ourselves along the way, we're worse off than when we started. Imagine that instead of winning the lottery, we robbed a bank. What should it matter, right? The destination trumps the journey. Now that we have the money, it doesn't matter how we got it! Sure, we'll probably spend years in hiding and stressed about being caught (if we don't end up caught and in jail). But, we have the money! It actually matters quite a lot how we get the money.

As for assigning a moral value for how weight is lost, that's just silly. Morality doesn't factor into this. Like I said, it's not an issue of morality, if anything it's an issue of risk vs. reward. The destination (reward) is the same at the end, but the journey can be more or less harmful (risk).

But, all of that is moot. I don't really care if she uses drugs. It doesn't matter to me. My response was only to her comment requesting only one specific type of response. If you only want to hear one thing, then there's no point in having any discussion with other people. Just stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself what you want to hear. If you involve other people, you should allow them to freely express their opinions and be open to hearing them.

SLLRunner

My dr. and I discussed coming off another medication that had caused me some weight gain and has made it difficult to jump start my weight loss. He thought that wouldn't be beneficial and suggested I try phentermine for 3 months only to get me into healthy patterns. I will be strictly monitored going in once a month to be weighed and then given the next months script. I have been taking it for a week and lost 4 pounds. I have been drinking lots of water, and watching my calorie intake to no more than 1400 calories. I went for a half an hour walk when we were in the mountains on the 4th. I am going to start exercising today. I will be trying to fit in mini workouts into my busy schedule. A mile walk at lunch and when I get home from work. I also need to do some serious toning. I don't need condemnation over this. I would like some positive feedback. I lost over 40lbs on MFP but after changing birth control pills to stop my cycle which would last over 8 days and soak through ultra tampons in 2 hours and Celexa (can't change this it works and I have literally tried everything out there) Anyway, I gained it back. My Dr. said that a 20% weight gain can be attributed to both meds for a total of the 40 pounds I gained. Which is why he was willing to let me do this. He knew that I had gotten to the point of wanting to stop a medication that was tremendously beneficial. I am a 43 female 5'2- 228.8 as of today. I would like to lose 30 pound in 3 months. I would really love to hear of anyone else on Celexa.

Thanks,
CW

See the bold because that is a very important sentence. Losing weight comes down to a math equation--a calorie deficit. (exercise is great for fitness) While you will probably lose weight because of the 1400 calorie per day goal, it will be difficult to learn the appropriate long-term behaviors associated with long-term success. The pill is not going to do that for you.

By all means continue taking the Celexa if that is what works for you. The medication did not make you gain weight, a calorie surplus did that. It is not impossible to lose weight while taking the Celexa, but it can be more difficult. Set reasonable goals that will allow you to learn new behaviors.

This.

And, there is no "jump starting" weight loss. All you can do is learn calorie restriction (not FOOD restriction) to eat at a reasonable deficit.

Unknown

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FIT_Goat

So taking weight loss medication is the same as robbing a bank. That is, it's wrong? I thought morality didn't factor in to it.

Reading comprehension is hard, I get it. I didn't say that taking drugs was the same as robbing a bank. I said that some methods of reaching a destination have costs and risks associated with them that are worse than others. I didn't actually specify any. It could be a very low calorie diet (500 calories a day), experimental drugs, untested supplements, weight loss surgery, whatever. Winning the lottery is a poor comparison because there are no [few] negative consequences from winning the lottery. But, obtaining the money through other means could have severe negative consequences. Again, no value judgement. I'm not saying robbing a bank is right or wrong. I simply pointed out that if you rob a bank, you will have many consequences that you could have avoided otherwise (stress, life of hiding, jail, etc.). It is like pointing out that skydiving has greater risks than riding a roller-coaster. It's not about morality, it is about reality.

Edit: If you struggle with the bank robbery / morality issue, think of it like speeding then. If you drive the speed limit, you'll get to the same destination. If you speed, you get there faster but at greater risk (accident / ticket). There's nothing morally wrong with speeding (at least not in my mind), but you are taking on a greater risk for the same reward.

SezxyStef

Your jump start should consist of logging accurately on MFP and accepting a reasonable weight loss in 3 months...such as 15lbs not 30.

s_pekz

I'm on celexa and have been for several years. After about four months of taking the medication I started gaining a huge amount of weight. But it wasn't the meds per se - it was the fact that I enjoyed social events and eating again. So I ate a lot.
I am still on the medication as well as BC and Welbutrin XL. I am still losing weight and feeling better than ever.
LIkely never going to be off my meds but thats ok - I just needed to learn how to live normally again instead of the state of depression I had lived in for so long.

AnswerzPwease

I have taken Phentermine in the past. Yes it works! THe problem is, it suppresses your appetite so much, that you have no desire to eat. I could go days without eating. 15 years ago, that seemed awesome! Looking back on it, how stupid! Sure I lost a lot of weight, but if your doc is a good one, he won't let you stay on them for long. As soon as my doc quit giving them to me, the weight piled back on because I didn't work on changing my eating habits.
I'm not condoning them, but PLEASE be sure you eat right. Good luck!

^ This.

If you want to take Phentermine, plan on having to remind yourself to eat. It removes every desire of eating you may have.

AnswerzPwease

So many people take such extremes.

Option 1: Its great and you won't have to care about eating! Hooray

Option 2: Youre an idiot and wont learn how to eat properly and will gain it all back.

Does no one consider the middle ground? That Phentermine suppresses your appetite and helps you to learn how to eat less and be OK with it? Much of our hunger, at least for the obese, is mental. If you can be on Phentermine for 2 months and re-program your brain that eating less is good and you are fulfilled, it can lead to long term success.

There doesn't have to be a rebound.

missyrogers6622

Take all the help you can get! I took it in the 90's and it was so very helpful, helps give you the edge to make better decisions/choices. Take care of yourself first and don't worry about others.

1974lynnette

I'm taking Phentermine now. It's helping me & I feel great. Don't worry about those that make negative comments. Do what you need to do for you & good luck on your journey.

amandzor

Lindzpnc

My dr. and I discussed coming off another medication that had caused me some weight gain and has made it difficult to jump start my weight loss. He thought that wouldn't be beneficial and suggested I try phentermine for 3 months only to get me into healthy patterns. I will be strictly monitored going in once a month to be weighed and then given the next months script. I have been taking it for a week and lost 4 pounds. I have been drinking lots of water, and watching my calorie intake to no more than 1400 calories. I went for a half an hour walk when we were in the mountains on the 4th. I am going to start exercising today. I will be trying to fit in mini workouts into my busy schedule. A mile walk at lunch and when I get home from work. I also need to do some serious toning. I don't need condemnation over this. I would like some positive feedback. I lost over 40lbs on MFP but after changing birth control pills to stop my cycle which would last over 8 days and soak through ultra tampons in 2 hours and Celexa (can't change this it works and I have literally tried everything out there) Anyway, I gained it back. My Dr. said that a 20% weight gain can be attributed to both meds for a total of the 40 pounds I gained. Which is why he was willing to let me do this. He knew that I had gotten to the point of wanting to stop a medication that was tremendously beneficial. I am a 43 female 5'2- 228.8 as of today. I would like to lose 30 pound in 3 months. I would really love to hear of anyone else on Celexa.

Thanks,
CW

I have been loosing about 4 lbs a week WITHOUT the phentermine (not usually bur for two weeks)

and I have been diagnosed with PCOS- hospitalized due to bleeding out from menstrual cycles (almost died from it) , been on every type of birth control out there and the only thing that helped was weight loss

gained and lost throughout the years but every time I lose weight the mensies get better so anyway

use the phentermine if you MUST but you can most def do this without it... having taken it in the past honestly you will prob gain the weight after stopping.

Lindzpnc

Oh man, first thing I'd recommend is an endometrial ablation - or even a hysterectomy. I'm assuming that at 43 you're not planning on any more children. That gets you off of the BC pills, and all the side effects and risks with them. You could be looking at another 15 years before menopause kicks in and it finally ends. Talk to your gynecologist.

this is exactly what my doctor said to my at 23, scheduled for a hysterectomy and all.. or he said you could lose weight

I now how a beautiful baby girl and it was worth every single pound I had to lose to get to where I am... 5 years later and im still not at goal but hey I will get there one day

ahoy_m8

If that were the case, no one would ever be overweight, as we are all logical beings. It is more than calories in vs. calories burned. Medications, as the OP mentioned, causes some really nasty things to occur to metabolism and other things. I wish the OP the best, and hope that health continues to improve. Celexa can and is a lifesaver to many people. Depression isn't something to mess around with.

^^^ here, here! ^^^

mg1123

Oh man, first thing I'd recommend is an endometrial ablation - or even a hysterectomy. I'm assuming that at 43 you're not planning on any more children. That gets you off of the BC pills, and all the side effects and risks with them. You could be looking at another 15 years before menopause kicks in and it finally ends. Talk to your gynecologist.

this is exactly what my doctor said to my at 23, scheduled for a hysterectomy and all.. or he said you could lose weight

I now how a beautiful baby girl and it was worth every single pound I had to lose to get to where I am... 5 years later and im still not at goal but hey I will get there one day

It all depends on your circumstances. At 23, you have a lot of childbearing years ahead of you. At 43, they are likely behind you. An endometrial ablation is a less invasive way than hysterectomy of stopping the massive bleeding. It won't help if you are experiencing terrible cramps, though. BC pills have a lot of risks involved, and if they are hindering her ability to lose weight, an EA may be the way to go.

kansasbelle

The reason MFP was created was to build people up to help them lose weight, not to tear them down because you disagree with their methods. I stated I wanted positive feedback because I already am aware of the negative aspects of this medication. I have read numerous threads with personal attacks. I knew there was a lot of Hostility towards previous OP's on this topic. Having been a victim of domestic violence for 11 years I would prefer to avoid people who try to degrade me further for my choices. So I made a simple request. Instead of gleaning helpful information I feel as I have entered a political race. Judging people makes things worse not better. Does it bring joy to you or others to crush others with judgement? Some of the responses seem to be venomous. I am an adult under Dr.s supervision. I didn't make this decision lightly. I weighed the pros and cons. The two medications I am on made my eating out of control. Not being a women men might not understand how hormones can affect or even control your appetite. And not being on both an SSRI and BCP at the same time it was easy to lose 40 pounds. I am not taking phentermine long term only 3 months. I would like to lose 10 pounds a month or 2.5 pounds a week which drs agree is a healthy rate of weight loss. I will be OK if I don't lose that much. It's a desire not a necessity. I am also working hard to lose weight and am making sure that I do eat the appropriate calorie intake for the day regardless of being hungry or not (meaning I am not starving myself because I am not hungry) The jump start I was speaking about was to get my body acclimated to consuming less calories and my stomach and appetite following. I don't see it as a free for all don't eat anything. I'm making better choices and occasionally letting myself have a treat every once in a while because I know that to be successful in the long term I will have to watch my calorie intake for the rest of my life. I am not finishing my plate of food or getting seconds and thirds, I'm teaching myself it's ok to not eat everything that is served to you and to serve smaller portions. I am creating habits that will follow me after I stop this medication. I just wanted to hear from other people who had experience with this medication. If you have never been on the medication and you're not a Doctor how can you contribute to this thread?

The reason I am not seeing a specialist is that I live in a rural community of 7000 people where I have to drive over an hour to see most specialists. My Dr. is young and well educated. He reviewed with me the risks. Told me not to eat after dinner. That this is not a quick fix. I am to take my blood pressure daily, and do cardio exercises. That I will have to work hard and continue to work hard. That this will help me lose a enough to get back into a healthy pattern of eating. (which Is why I am on MFP.) It will help retrain my body into wanting less food.

It's so sad that on a site dedicated to motivating others that I feel as if I have to defend myself and my actions. I am not an anorexic who is trying to lose to much weight., I am not on a starvation diet, I am not doing this without a Dr.s Supervision. I am not trying to drop a 100 pounds over night. I am however trying to get to a little healthier weight and progress from there.

So please if I could get some helpful responses instead of wasting my time because of need to dominate conversations I would appreciate that.

soupandcookies

Option 1: Its great and you won't have to care about eating! Hooray

Option 2: Youre an idiot and wont learn how to eat properly and will gain it all back.

Does no one consider the middle ground? That Phentermine suppresses your appetite and helps you to learn how to eat less and be OK with it? Much of our hunger, at least for the obese, is mental. If you can be on Phentermine for 2 months and re-program your brain that eating less is good and you are fulfilled, it can lead to long term success.

There doesn't have to be a rebound.

QFT

LiveLoveLift67

OP...I have never been on Celexa but i did try Phentermine for 3 months to jump start my life change. I did not however just pop a pill and expect to lose weight. I took the pill to help control my cravings and give me the energy i needed to exercise. It did both. What i did do, starting on the first day i took the pill was buy a food scale and start logging EVERYTHING. The pill did take my appetite away to a degree where i had zero cravings for anything so i was able to eat the things that were healthy for me and stay away from fast food. It also worked like a speed and gave me the energy i needed to exercise without quitting after 10 minutes.

After 3 months and a loss of 27 lbs , when she asked if i wanted to stay on it longer i said HELL NO. It did what it was supposed to do, with me along with it learning the right ways. The side effects were certainly not worth me being on it any longer. Would i do it again, NO. Would i reccomend it...only if you have tried every thing else. It is a good jump start but, you really need to learn to eat the right way and exercise consistently or it will come back. That is what it all boils down to. Changing your lifestyle.

I have not taken it for over 2 years and have found a way of life in fitness. Good luck to you!!