Taking Phentermine, eating 1200 calories, not losing weight
Replies
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Your doctor suggested phentermine because you're MAYBE 40 lbs overweight?! I'd guess it's more like 20 or 25.....get a new doctor! There is no miracle weight loss drug. Calories in calories out. End of story
We do not know the details of why the doctor suggested Phentermine....
It's usually prescribed to patients who have a medical reason to lose the weight.
Based on what she said, the doctor said she had gained too much weight and as a result, prescribed phentermine. Also, based on what she said, she weighs 167 lbs and is 5'7." That puts her at a bmi of 26.2 which is barely overweight. Her doctor sounds like a quack
Yes...I agree...(BASED) on what she said....
but at the same time...Some people come here with questions...and leave out personal info that they feel is too private to tell on here...
I am not saying the OP is doing this...but it could be possible that there was an underline reason the doctor wanted her to lose the weight..and it could be related to a medical condition.
I personally think that 5'7 at 167lbs does not warrant pills and such...but we never know what's behind all of that.1 -
From Lisa`s profile we do not know what country she is in?Do you have depression? It could have caused the weight gain and explain the lack of energy. 167 at 5'7 isn't really big. Your BARLEY in the overweight category. I think your doctor just likes to push pills. You do need to eat more, you will have even less energy eating under 1200 a day.
If she is in the UK then pills are very expensive and a doctor here would not push them as they would not fit in with his/her budget.
As I said before, if Lisa is being prescribed pills by a doctor, then it really is her choice to seek other medical advice and not have people on MFP advise her when we do not know her medical history.
It`s a whole can of worms, to advise people to take/not take medication.0 -
I meant I don't do any excercise that takes effort. I do walk. I don't work, so sometimes I go to the mall and walk for an hour or so.Now that it's getting cooler, I will go to the park instead of the mall.0
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I didn't go looking for a pill to fix my weight problem, I just want to make that clear. My doctor suggested I take it because he said I had gained too much weight.
Get a new doctor.1 -
Your doctor suggested phentermine because you're MAYBE 40 lbs overweight?! I'd guess it's more like 20 or 25.....get a new doctor! There is no miracle weight loss drug. Calories in calories out. End of story
We do not know the details of why the doctor suggested Phentermine....
It's usually prescribed to patients who have a medical reason to lose the weight.
Based on what she said, the doctor said she had gained too much weight and as a result, prescribed phentermine. Also, based on what she said, she weighs 167 lbs and is 5'7." That puts her at a bmi of 26.2 which is barely overweight. Her doctor sounds like a quack
Yes...I agree...(BASED) on what she said....
but at the same time...Some people come here with questions...and leave out personal info that they feel is too private to tell on here...
I am not saying the OP is doing this...but it could be possible that there was an underline reason the doctor wanted her to lose the weight..and it could be related to a medical condition.
I personally think that 5'7 at 167lbs does not warrant pills and such...but we never know what's behind all of that.
for the sake of OP and for the sake of all of her doc's other patients, I hope she is leaving out details. Because at face value, phentermine seems like a hysterical reaction to a small weight problem0 -
I didn't think it was a drug, I thought it was something like taking your weight and height and calculating your BMI.
Something you'll see a lot around here BMR - basal metabolic rate ..... calories needed if you stayed in bed all day
http://www.fitnessfrog.com/calculators/bmr-calculator.html
TDEE - total daily expenditure .... calories you use based on activity level (including) exercise
http://www.fitnessfrog.com/calculators/tdee-calculator.html
MFP gave you 1200 NET (that means you eat any exercise calories back) AND those 1200 calories were based upon "I want to lose XX pounds per week." 1200 maybe lower than your BMR..... run the numbers here and see what you get.....I bet you're not eating enough.0 -
I am bipolar and take medication for that.0
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Oh hon. Let me start off by saying that what you decide to do with your body is your choice entirely. If you feel that phentermine will help you, you should continue to take it under the supervision of a doctor. Also: I am not a doctor (though I do work in medicine).
OK. That said, I am very leery of your doctor's decisions in this case. Phentermine is a medication, and like all medications, it carries the risk of side effects. The NIH recommends that pharmacotherapy (weight loss drugs) only be used in patients with a BMI over 30, or in patients with a BMI over 27 who have 2 or more additional health risks (two or more of: high blood pressure, bad cholesterol/lipid counts, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and/or sleep apnea) and THEN it should only be used after someone's tried to lose weight through diet, exercise, and behavioral changes for six months. (ref: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/txgd/4325.htm) From what information you've given us, it doesn't sound like your doctor is following those guidelines at all.
The other thing I'm particularly concerned about is that you seem to have an undiagnosed illness that's leading to low energy, among other things. I'm worried about the possible effects of a new medication on this illness. Could it make it worse? I don't know, and I'm not sure anyone does, because we don't know what the illness is yet. It's also very possible that this illness is contributing to your weight gain (modest as it is).
In conclusion: I would strongly encourage you to consult another doctor. People have mentioned depression, anemia, and thyroid issues as possible causes, and they might be right. (I had very low energy related to iron-deficiency anemia for a while. The cure is a cheap iron tablet every day. Works like magic!) Look for one that specializes in chronic fatigue, perhaps- you may not have chronic fatigue syndrome, but a doctor specializing in that area should be experienced in treating symptoms like yours and may be able to better lead you to a diagnosis.
Best of luck!0 -
THANK YOU!
I went to that site suggested and saw my caloric intake should be 1412. I was at 1290 . I was okay the first couple days but had some bouts of low sugar over the weekend and today. Thanks again!0 -
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Your doctor suggested phentermine because you're MAYBE 40 lbs overweight?! I'd guess it's more like 20 or 25.....get a new doctor! There is no miracle weight loss drug. Calories in calories out. End of story
We do not know the details of why the doctor suggested Phentermine....
It's usually prescribed to patients who have a medical reason to lose the weight.
Based on what she said, the doctor said she had gained too much weight and as a result, prescribed phentermine. Also, based on what she said, she weighs 167 lbs and is 5'7." That puts her at a bmi of 26.2 which is barely overweight. Her doctor sounds like a quack
Yes...I agree...(BASED) on what she said....
but at the same time...Some people come here with questions...and leave out personal info that they feel is too private to tell on here...
I am not saying the OP is doing this...but it could be possible that there was an underline reason the doctor wanted her to lose the weight..and it could be related to a medical condition.
I personally think that 5'7 at 167lbs does not warrant pills and such...but we never know what's behind all of that.
for the sake of OP and for the sake of all of her doc's other patients, I hope she is leaving out details. Because at face value, phentermine seems like a hysterical reaction to a small weight problem
For sure...which is why it best to leave Lisa`s problems to a medically qualified person to help with medication...ie her doctor1 -
I am bipolar and take medication for that.
ooh boy. Is your doctor aware of all the drugs you're on, and possible interactions? Phentermine can (rarely) trigger psychotic episodes when it interacts with some psych drugs.0 -
I am bipolar and take medication for that.
SEE!
Adipex a form of Phentermine is used to Treat Bi-Polar Disorder
And I have dated a girl who is Bi-Polar...
She damn near killed me with a butcher knife...She almost lost her son to that disorder.
So, I hope that works for you OP0 -
I don't excercise at all. I can't. I have had a problem with lack of energy for a couple of years now.
I'm sorry, but that sounds like an excuse. You can walk, right? Walk around the block.
I find I have more energy BECAUSE I exercise.
Not trying to sound mean or anything, it just sounds like an excuse to me. If 400 lbs people can swim or walk, you can at least walk around the block.
...that's really not fair. Energy (or lack of it) doesn't always have to do with your current weight. If the OP truly feels tired and has no energy, it could be the signs of another problem that has yet to be diagnosed.
I know 350 lb people who can walk circles around people half their size, but I also know 150 lb people who are sloths....
Get a new doctor, or at least a second opinion.
The thing about sluggishness and low energy is that you CAN still exercise, it's just more difficult to get one to do it. OP is not missing limbs or dying (both of which, people still bring themselves to exercise).
Did you doctor say NOT to exercise? With cortisol issues, you lack energy and also are limited to no intense exercise... but as OP hasn't mentioned that particular illness, I'm guessing "I can't" really means "It's not worth it for me to push through."0 -
Solve the riddle, and the troll shall let you pass.
=^x^=1 -
Drop the phentermine and just do it cold turkey. Trust me. I rode the phentermine train many times and you always gain it back because when you stop taking it your brain tells your body that you are constantly hungry. So you eat back everything you lost. Its a viscious cycle. Just eat your 1200 and kick a** in the gym. Much easier.0
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I don't excercise at all. I can't. I have had a problem with lack of energy for a couple of years now.
I'm sorry, but that sounds like an excuse. You can walk, right? Walk around the block.
I find I have more energy BECAUSE I exercise.
Not trying to sound mean or anything, it just sounds like an excuse to me. If 400 lbs people can swim or walk, you can at least walk around the block.
...that's really not fair. Energy (or lack of it) doesn't always have to do with your current weight. If the OP truly feels tired and has no energy, it could be the signs of another problem that has yet to be diagnosed.
I know 350 lb people who can walk circles around people half their size, but I also know 150 lb people who are sloths....
Get a new doctor, or at least a second opinion.
This!^
Tired all the time? ...... Something more is going on.1 -
1200 cals are you joking, only thinking i will say is 1200 is way to low no wonder why your not losing weight and get another doctor and one that's not willing to put you on tablets, what an excuse for a doctor taking the easy way out.0
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Stop taking phentermine. Exercise. Eat clean. Focus on how your clothes feel. You shouldn't be losing anymore than 1-2 pounds a week if you want to be consistent and not gain back more than you lost.
This!!! Do it the healthy way! Rapid weight loss through severe calorie deficit and drugs is not sustainable and you will most likely gain it all back and then some. Take your time, eat healthy, practice portion control and exercise.0 -
Your doctor suggested phentermine because you're MAYBE 40 lbs overweight?! I'd guess it's more like 20 or 25.....get a new doctor! There is no miracle weight loss drug. Calories in calories out. End of story
We do not know the details of why the doctor suggested Phentermine....
It's usually prescribed to patients who have a medical reason to lose the weight.
Based on what she said, the doctor said she had gained too much weight and as a result, prescribed phentermine. Also, based on what she said, she weighs 167 lbs and is 5'7." That puts her at a bmi of 26.2 which is barely overweight. Her doctor sounds like a quack
Yes...I agree...(BASED) on what she said....
but at the same time...Some people come here with questions...and leave out personal info that they feel is too private to tell on here...
I am not saying the OP is doing this...but it could be possible that there was an underline reason the doctor wanted her to lose the weight..and it could be related to a medical condition.
I personally think that 5'7 at 167lbs does not warrant pills and such...but we never know what's behind all of that.
for the sake of OP and for the sake of all of her doc's other patients, I hope she is leaving out details. Because at face value, phentermine seems like a hysterical reaction to a small weight problem
For sure...which is why it best to leave Lisa`s problems to a medically qualified person to help with medication...ie her doctor
Absolutely, a doctor is the only person qualified to prescribe medication and/or to determine if a patient should stop taking something. But I think seeking a second opinion can't hurt. Not every doctor makes the right decision with regard to every patient.1 -
I don't excercise at all. I can't. I have had a problem with lack of energy for a couple of years now.
Exercising gives you energy! I wanted to take naps every day until I started walking/jogging 30 mins a day. Now I am full of energy! Don't allow yourself to fall into lazy patterns like that. Also, try to find a doctor that doesn't just want to give you pills to fix everything, don't they get kick backs from companies when they subscribe stuff out? Be wary of a doctor that looks for the quick fix and doesn't help you become healthy through diet and exercise. Up your calories to at least 1450-1500(how can your body have energy if you don't fuel it?) put on your big girl panties and take a walk every night, you'll feel loads better.0 -
I'm not even sure phentermine is available in the Uk through doctors- I had a colleague who used to purchase it from a lady who had a"beauty" clinic. They were purchased abroad for sure- the colleague said they came in huge vat-like tubs. she paid £17 a week for the tablets!!
This colleague ended up with head aches, was sick and dizzy and too scared to drive due to them. She even had nose bleeds at work.
Also- if you really don't care at all about health and just want to be thin... she ended up gaining all the weight back as after a few months they just stopped working. Now she's incredibly fit- after giving in with fads and working out and eating right.
Also, in regards to the exercise, everyone can do something. You can even get those pedals that you can sit and use (like bike pedals) Whilst sitting on your *kitten* on the sofa!
I have a long term condition that is considered chronic.. And I try to exercise even on days that my moods and health are all over the place. It's a struggle, but it beats the daily struggle's you face being unhealthy and unhappy in yourself.
I really hope for your health and long term weight loss goals you find an alternative to what is effectively poisoning your body and messing it up for sustained weight loss.
Please use the tips available on here to get yourself off these pills for good x0 -
You need a new dr, I don't know what dr would give u diet pills for being a few lbs overweight. I get your tired but that's no excuse. I have leukemia and just finish doing chemo in May and have no energy, but I still workout. I can literally sometimes fall asleep while working out but I never stop. Just don't set your expectations to high and continue to eat healthy drink your water and get your body moving.0
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You're 5"7 and 167 lbs? It's going to come off slowly because you're much closer to a goal than most, probably.
Are you drinking a lot of water? If you aren't, I suggest you start because I SWEAR that is the key to weight loss.
Is your sodium intake high? Make sure you aren't overdoing it with sodium, it makes you retain water.
Keep it up! You can do it!
I have heard about this retaining water thing with sodium...how long is water retained? its just all a lil confusing to me. and i love salty things. i was just really counting calories and fat grams, not really paying attention to the other stuff. what would be the amount of sodium you would say is ok to consume daily?0 -
AHAHAAHA!
Sadly, yes.0 -
I am confused. My primary care physician suggested I take phentermine because I am overweight, I didn't ask him at all about losing weight, he pointed it out to me. If it's so unhealthy, why did he think it was a good idea?
Your doctor sounds like a quack. Get a new one.0 -
Did this same doctor diagnose you as bi-polar and prescribe both drugs? Is he a general practitioner or a psychiatrist? If you are walking an hour at a time you are definitely exercising. You should be seeing a specialist for bi-polar issues and should really check out the safety of phentermine with any psychotropic drugs you are currently taking.
I am diagnosed clinically depressed (runs in the family, too) and have taken two anti-depressants for years. I check very carefully to see what interactions they might have with other drugs I am taking and even though they are prescribed on a regular basis by my GP, he has referred me to both psychiatrists and psychological counselors to make sure the treatment is appropriate. You have to be aggressive about your own health care and learn to manage your caretakers and your condition.
Not all physicians, psychiatrists, psychological counselors, etc., are equally good at what they do. Many are overworked and under compensated. Many are unduly influenced by the pharmaceutical reps whose sole purpose is to push drugs and underplay side effects. Hubby recently changed doctors for this very reason. He had a well-documented set of side effects and his doctor refused to recognize his concerns. The drug has since been taken off the market.1 -
My doctor suggested the phentermine and said I was overweight for my height. I weighed 167 and am 5 foot 7.
Dude, ditch the phentermine. I don't take anything other than a daily multivitamin. Also, how are you eating? I do small meals three to five (sometimes six) times a day, and it usually comes out to 1500-1800 calories a day depending on how hard I work out. I work out four times a week, which is my choice, because I could likely get away with twice a week. Working out will give you energy and help lower your stress level. I've found that when I stress out, I get pretty lethargic. Even if you do a half hour of yoga every day or two, it'll help!
Also, what sort of frame are you on? Do you have smaller/bigger bones? Does your build suggest you're athletic? I'm the same height as you and about 40 lbs. more. I've got some serious calves going on, and I'm on a bigger boned/athletic frame. We all vary in shape and size, so I thought I'd ask.
I agree with everyone else about seeking a second opinion, especially after hearing horror stories about phentermine. My doctor has only asked if I exercise; she's not told me that I need to lose weight or has suggested I take any form of drug to do so. Also, if you know of a gym that will give you a free consultation/measurement session, do it and watch how they measure you so you can do it yourself later on. It doesn't hurt to know.
I used to do the 1200 calories a day and got NOWHERE. I somewhat follow the Insanity meal plan but with lower carbs and do Zumba twice a week coupled with running/walking, and, when I changed my caloric intake, I started to see the gunk falling off of me and things toning up, mainly in my tummy. Do your body a favor and nourish it. It will help you so much more in the long run.0 -
I'm also 167 lbs but eating 1400 calories on average - more when I work out. I'm losing approx. 1lb a week. Not setting the world on fire but losing the weight with out added drugs! Just sayn'
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I don't excercise at all. I can't. I have had a problem with lack of energy for a couple of years now.
Yes you can exercise. I have fibromyalgia and I am in pain a lot and my energy level is low partly bc fatigue is a side effect of fibromyalgia. I exercise and so can you. If nothing else you can walk, having a lack of energy is not a reason not to exercise it is an excuse. I don't mean to be harsh but that is the truth. I have found that exercise makes me feel better and gives me energy. Try it, you just might like it:-) Good luck to you.0
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