How long does it take phentermine to work?

kgeyser

Using birth control as an excuse for your own bad habits is not a good way to start your weight loss. Accept some responsibility. Birth control will not cause you to pile on fat. You maybe get a maximum of 3 pounds of water retention worst case scenario.

Um, not always. I'm one of those people who can't take hormonal birth control because I react so horribly to the side effects. Some of us do put on significant weight thanks to the hormones, only to see the weight come off after we stop taking it with no changes to diet or exercise. I tried all different kinds of pills with different hormone levels, different types of hormones, etc, and had problems on all of them. There have been numerous studies on Depo-Provera specifically linking the shot to weight gain in some users. A quick google search can provide you with the information. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it does happen.

Like I said, it is possible for b/c to cause you to gain weight. WATER WEIGHT. You can't gain fat without an excess in calories. It might very minimally affect your metabolism, but honestly it's so minuscule.

some medications can cause an increase in appetite, and for someone who previously maintained a healthy weight by eating when they're hungry, stopping eating when they're full and not eating when they're not hungry, it can cause weight gain because they are more hungry than they should be and so eat to much without realising that's what's happening, because they're just doing exactly what they did before and exactly what's always worked for them in terms of maintaining a healthy weight. Yes counting calories would prevent this, but people who are not obese (prior to taking the medication) and have always maintained a healthy weight without counting calories, aren't going to realise that they've suddenly got to start counting calories because the medication they've just been put on is going to increase their appetite. Increased appetite generally isn't what's listed on the side effects, weight gain is, and there's never any explanation as to why people gain weight on the medication. Obviously someone in that situation is going to blame the medication for their weight gain. And as for bad habits, it's actually people's good habits that cause them to gain weight on this kind of medication, i.e. the same habits that helped them to maintain a healthy weight before being on the medication, i.e. eating when they're hungry, stopping eating when they're full and not eating when they're not hungry. That good habit doesn't work if medication is screwing up your appetite signals.

^^^ This is what many of the studies on Depo have found, the change in appetite. So it's not a matter of using the birth control as an excuse, because the hormones are what is causing the problem. It's much like how some women experience increased appetite and binge right before their period starts from the hormone fluctuation.

Unknown

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Asha390

Hey I just started the pills today, im kinda confused on when to take them, I worked out today about 45 mins cardio and about 30 mins cardio, what time of day should I take them, how do you guys take them, thanks

ckspores1018

When I took Depo years and years ago it did increase my appetite and caused some weight gain. I've held onto those pounds over the years plus added some of my own.

I understand the desire to jump start a weight loss program but I fail to understand how taking one drug to "fix" what another did can do anything but cause more damage and further screw things up.

So, I never recommend anyone take any sort of pill to help them lose weight.

BadMabiz

After having 5 kids, and being a stay-home mom with a pretty sedentary lifestyle, I put on a lot of weight. Taking it off was next to impossible because the more weight I put on, the harder it was to get up and move. Add to that the fact that I LOVE food! I'm not only an emotional eater, I'm also a stress eater, a bored eater... you get the idea. I'd eat when I wasn't even hungry just because it was there and tasted good. I'd eat well beyond the point of being full because I couldn't seem to push away my plate until it was empty. Over the years, I've tried many many diet and exercise plans, and was never successful because I felt hungry. I felt deprived because I couldn't have the foods I loved. The exercise felt brutal because of the strain it put on my body, and I saw very little results, so I got discouraged and quit.

I went to my doctor about 7 weeks ago weighing 224 pounds, feeling desperate! At 5ft 2in, that puts me well into the obese category, and I was feeling it! I'd get winded just walking from my car to the front doors of the grocery store! I wanted to talk to my doctor about having some kind of weight loss surgery. Something that would take off enough weight that I could once again get off the couch to be active without feeling like my heart and lungs were going to explode, or my knees were going to give out. She recommended we try 30mg of Phentermine once a day, two hours after breakfast. It has been a life saver!! In 7 weeks I've lost 25 pounds, and I finally feel good enough to start doing simple cardio workouts!!

For me, the Phentermine has controlled my appetite to the point that I didn't even WANT to eat until later in the day around dinner time. If I did start to feel hungry in the afternoon, a banana was all it took to satisfy me. And if I slipped back into old patterns of eating too much in one sitting, my stomach got nauseous. I still eat all the foods I love so I don't feel deprived, but now I've learned to be very careful about portion control, and exactly how much 1 serving actually is! I had no idea 1 package of top ramen noodles was actually 2 servings! I'd been eating 2 packages at a time! Oy!!

I have finally found something that has helped me get over the hump, to a point where my body no longer feels like it's fighting against me. Just losing those first 15-20 pounds made a huge difference in how I feel physically. I'm now able to resist that second helping of lasagna, I'm able to get up and exercise, and I can begin to develop those habits that will lead to an overall healthy lifestyle long after I've stopped taking the Phentermine.

I've got another 40 pounds to go in order to reach the goals my doctor and I have set, and pretty soon she will be taking me off of the pill to see if I can continue my success without it. For the first time in over a decade, I'm confident I can.

stephaniecaine82

I started taking this medicine last week. I have lost about a pound. I got on them because I was stuck. I lost 40 lbs, gained 15 back and could not get them back off. I count calories, I exercise 60 minutes a day...5-6 days a week. So I have not seen the dramatic loss like some folks on here have.... but I hope it comes soon. I will continue to try and work on my calories as well.

firepxy

I've been taking Phentermine for the last 4 months. I started seeing weight loss withing 2 weeks I'd say. I started it back in Sept 2013, and I've now lost like 35, and I hate to admit, I haven't exercised a lick, just my normal running around doing this and that.

Just make sure that you actually change up your diet, and watch to make sure you eat enough. I've never be a big over eater, and pretty much just made it with calorie intake. Now being on Phentermine, it suppresses appetite, and I have to force myself to eat and make it to at least 1200 cal.

Just remember that all diet pills have a 95% failure rate.

stephaniecaine82

bump

amandahowze1

Please be careful when taking phentermine. It's great that you are being monitored by a dr. I used to take them maybe 15 years ago...without a Drs. prescription. I was maybe 135 lbs at the time. I was just looking for a quick fix. I experienced heart palpitations..dry mouth etc. As long as you are under a Drs care... You should be fine. ")

Slasher09

Most of our patients noticed a bigger change the second month they were on it, if it worked for them at all

Werfam

Don't do it! I am by NO means judging u. Believe me, I have tried everything out there. I have always struggled with 5 to 10lbs wanting to lose . My last plan was phen 37.5 - now I am facing adrenal fatigue and am now 18 lbs larger. Haven't been this weight since last pregnancy - 9 1/2 years ago.

Now struggling with metabolism and can't lose even a half pound while following a healthy diet and exercise????

stephaniecaine82

This is very interesting....I have been on it for about 20 days and lost only about 3 pounds. So...I hope it will be better next month. BUT I have to lose 5 pounds per month to get a script for next month....

Most of our patients noticed a bigger change the second month they were on it, if it worked for them at all

BadMabiz

Funny thing. Soon after my last response singing the praises of this miracle pill, I hit a major plateau and have been pretty much stuck at the same weight for most of the month of February. I finally started seeing a small improvement again this week. My next follow up with the doctor is March 24th, and based on previous progress I'd hoped to have reached my goal by then. Now I know that won't happen, as I still have 30 pounds left to lose.

I'm going to stick with it, of course. I've gotten to the halfway point, and I'm just not ready to give up yet. But clearly I need to make some changes, like increasing my workouts and being more consistent with them.

WendyTerry420

I never lost weight with it, but when I was taking it, it was just for fun, not weight loss. :smokin:

BadMabiz

I haven't had any "fun" reactions to it. Although, I'm on the lowest dose and only take it once daily as directed, so that may be why. I do have increased energy, but it's not the jittery, too much caffeine feeling like with other stimulants I've had. With this, I just feel less lazy and actually have the motivation to get up and do stuff.

WendyTerry420

I haven't had any "fun" reactions to it. Although, I'm on the lowest dose and only take it once daily as directed, so that may be why. I do have increased energy, but it's not the jittery, too much caffeine feeling like with other stimulants I've had. With this, I just feel less lazy and actually have the motivation to get up and do stuff.

Clarification:

15 years ago, feeling "less lazy" and having "motivation to do stuff" was fun. After my second kid, I had postpartum depression and self-medicated with various stimulants. (anti-depressants made me feel drugged up and worse than I felt normally) I will agree that phentermine is much more subtle. Too much caffeine is always no good for me.

catwestb

Ive been on it since Sept 30th and have lost 50 lbs. However the same as you, I go for about 3-4 weeks at a time being the same weight. But I also believe it goes along with my calorie intake and what I actually consume...which is still alot of bread

CBC435

This is very interesting....I have been on it for about 20 days and lost only about 3 pounds. So...I hope it will be better next month. BUT I have to lose 5 pounds per month to get a script for next month....

Most of our patients noticed a bigger change the second month they were on it, if it worked for them at all

I have been on it since December 31 and also taking a natural compounded progesterone (Started that Feb. 5) and since then, I have lost 22 pounds. I think a lot has to do with what you eat and how MUCH you eat. My doctor had me play with my calories from 500-1200. Of course, 500 is merely nothing but when on phentermine, it is so easy to do that. I noticed I lost more weight when I did eat up to 1200 or at least 1100. So, maybe play with that one week for for 5 days. Drink lots of water too Don't get too discouraged! What is your mg by the way? I am on 30mg.

lisamcd5

I am hearing a lot this pill called phentermine but I also know it is pretty pricey where is everyone getting it from? I just would like to know where to start looking

CBC435

I am hearing a lot this pill called phentermine but I also know it is pretty pricey where is everyone getting it from? I just would like to know where to start looking

lisamcd5- It is prescribed by your physician or at a weight loss center (I think but I could be wrong) This is not a quick fix and most people are on it for 3-4 months at a time because you can become addicted to it and you will lose the effect after so long. You have to qualify in order to be prescribed and it's not given to people who need to lose 10-20 pounds. I did a lot of research and was terrified to try it but it has aided in my weight loss and definitely keeping me accountable for smaller portions and cleaner foods. Also, insurance does not cover phentermine so expect to pay anywhere from $60-100 for your 3 or 4 month supply. I would advise you speak to your PCP and discuss if this is a safe option for you. There are many risks with phentermine and have to be aided through the process. As my doctor put it "Phentermine is a bandaid on the bigger problem" and eventually that bandaid comes off and you have to "heal" on your own.

CrystalQ222

I took it before. I lost 22 lbs in a month. At the time I was still drinking soda and not committed so I gained it back. Now that I am on here and logging calories, quit the soda I feel like trying it again. It is only $12 without insurance where I live. I think as long as I eat healthy and don't fall back into old ways it will stay off. It's by prescription only. All the online stuff is fake crap...

CBC435

I took it before. I lost 22 lbs in a month. At the time I was still drinking soda and not committed so I gained it back. Now that I am on here and logging calories, quit the soda I feel like trying it again. It is only $12 without insurance where I live. I think as long as I eat healthy and don't fall back into old ways it will stay off. It's by prescription only. All the online stuff is fake crap...

I agree with CrystalQ222!! Do not get it from online! Only from a doctor (in my opinion) or a weight loss facility! I think a doctor is best because they can keep track of your heart plus address any other health concerns. Online has some scary stuff and you just don't know what you're buying!

Smindseyy17

I started take phen again yesterday, I had taken it before but I fell off the band wagon when I started college. I have already lost two pounds since yesterday. I lost about 60 pounds before in about 5 months. I love it. It helps me concentrate and get things done. I have PCOS so i'm also on metformin. The two of these together have worked wonders for me. I hope it phen works for you, and gives you the jump start you need!!

CBC435

I started take phen again yesterday, I had taken it before but I fell off the band wagon when I started college. I have already lost two pounds since yesterday. I lost about 60 pounds before in about 5 months. I love it. It helps me concentrate and get things done. I have PCOS so i'm also on metformin. The two of these together have worked wonders for me. I hope it phen works for you, and gives you the jump start you need!!

My best friend is still on met. and was on phen about 2 years ago and she lost about 40 pounds in 4-6 months. And she has kept it off + losing additional weight AFTER the phen! I think she's around 50-60 lbs lost total with it all! My doc did put me on met. and sadly, it made me gain weight AND I wasn't on phen either. This was when they thought I had PCOS but it wasn't that after all Glad you are able to regulate it and I'm sure with satisfying results!

Junebuggyzy

I started taking Phen 6 weeks ago. I started out at 162 pounds, and I am 5'1. The first four weeks I lost eleven pounds, bringing me to 151. The past two weeks I have only lost one more pound total. Now I am at 150. I have been logging all my food, eating healthy, and have really stepped up my exercising.

I was hoping to lose two pounds a week. Not happening. I need to cut my calories more, I guess.

CBC435

I started taking Phen 6 weeks ago. I started out at 162 pounds, and I am 5'1. The first four weeks I lost eleven pounds, bringing me to 151. The past two weeks I have only lost one more pound total. Now I am at 150. I have been logging all my food, eating healthy, and have really stepped up my exercising.

I was hoping to lose two pounds a week. Not happening. I need to cut my calories more, I guess.

Hi Junebuggyzy! Noticed you on my thread too. Not sure if you touched base on this too on the other topic- BUT how many calories are you taking in currently? And what does your daily food intake look like? Protein? Veggies? It really depends on the week and what you are doing for exercise and food. I had the 2 pounds per week in my mind and that's not how it works at all. I've noticed- some weeks I only lose 1-2 pounds and other weeks I lose 4-5 pounds and some weeks I've remained steady. (I think that's only happened once or twice) My doctor told me to see what works best and I've noticed 1200 cals. is when I do lose. I've had days where I'm at 700-900 cals total and the scale goes nowhere. Also, start measuring your arms, legs, waist and hip area because THAT'S where mine is showing the most. I look a lot leaner than I did before when I used to be at the weight that I am currently. Which is kinda odd if you think about it? I'm looking more toned and stomach shrinkage is huge! Currently, all of my clothes are falling off! Haha there is a place on your diary to add those measurements. Actually, I think it's under progress and then you can add in those inches! Good luck to you and feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

Junebuggyzy

Hi CBC,

I seem to be around 1200 calories a day. I wasn't exercising enough, so I started doing more, and poof, I lost 2 pounds this week. That's a lot for me. Usually I lose 1/2 to 1 pound a week.

I have 17 more pounds to lose until my son's wedding the end of May. I don't lose very fast on Phen after the first couple of weeks. This isn't my first rodeo, I've taken Phen before. I hope I can lose that weight, but if I don't even if I just lose 10 pounds, I will be happy.

The only time I have lost 4 pounds a week is in the very beginning. My doctor measures me once a month. My second follow up is in a couple of weeks. I did plug in the numbers, but it was only one time. For some reason, the inches don't matter. But like you said, how my clothes fit is what really shows me.

My clothes were all too tight when I started, and now they are fitting again. When I started my stomach stuck out so much that I had to wear baggy tops. Now I can wear my tighter fitting tops again, so I feel like I am finally making progress.

June

CBC435

Hi CBC,

I seem to be around 1200 calories a day. I wasn't exercising enough, so I started doing more, and poof, I lost 2 pounds this week. That's a lot for me. Usually I lose 1/2 to 1 pound a week.

I have 17 more pounds to lose until my son's wedding the end of May. I don't lose very fast on Phen after the first couple of weeks. This isn't my first rodeo, I've taken Phen before. I hope I can lose that weight, but if I don't even if I just lose 10 pounds, I will be happy.

The only time I have lost 4 pounds a week is in the very beginning. My doctor measures me once a month. My second follow up is in a couple of weeks. I did plug in the numbers, but it was only one time. For some reason, the inches don't matter. But like you said, how my clothes fit is what really shows me.

My clothes were all too tight when I started, and now they are fitting again. When I started my stomach stuck out so much that I had to wear baggy tops. Now I can wear my tighter fitting tops again, so I feel like I am finally making progress.

June

Good!! Just keep plugging away!!

Junebuggyzy

I feel like such an idiot! I posted a thread about Phen, and got slammed!

SezxyStef

2011 thread