Qysmia - 2018
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I was on Qysmia I think it was 3 years ago. I am a diabetic type 2, so at that time was taking a bunch of medications for that as well. I bring that up, because I really think one of those medications was really duking it out with the Qysmia. I had the dry mouth, felt like sand was in my mouth. But the odd thing I had was kind of blurry vision at same time. I think I lasted two months and then decided I could not handle anymore. It did work I lost I think about 15 pounds at the time. Also I have off and on suffered from Migraines. Now on a low dose for years of the topimirate, I think 3 years now. And not losing weight from that medication, but it helps control migraines.
I agree there are different ways to lose weight. And for people who are Obese and go to their Dr's and are under close supervision if they make the choice to go on medication for a period of time. Then it is their choice. I believe they are making an informed choice. And while others may not agree, they should say not my thing but I respect your choice.2 -
There are many here who started at obese or morbidly obese and managed to use CICO to lose weight. I was 275lb! Not everyone here who has had a say has only 20lbs to lose, and, the last 20 or so pounds is the hardest to lose, anyway.CindyJNC1963 wrote: »Exactly!! I was close to the super morbidly obese BMI range or I wouldn't have even considered Qsymia. The medication didn't agree with me but it was worth a shot.
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cerise_noir wrote: »
There are many here who started at obese or morbidly obese and managed to use CICO to lose weight. I was 275lb! Not everyone here who has had a say has only 20lbs to lose, and, the last 20 or so pounds is the hardest to lose, anyway.CindyJNC1963 wrote: »Exactly!! I was close to the super morbidly obese BMI range or I wouldn't have even considered Qsymia. The medication didn't agree with me but it was worth a shot.
Same here - I was 267 at 5’5” - obese class 3 - 4 years ago.
I don’t think people are posting here to shame anyone about using weight loss drugs. Instead, I think we want to share that many of us have used them but had side effects and realized you can’t use them long term to reach your ultimate goals.
I hope it also shows that it’s not hopeless BUT it is a long process that will take consistency and patience.4 -
I'm a bit saddened that the OP's goals are so modest for herself. That she's so demoralized by previous failed attempts at weight loss that she feels as if losing a large amount of weight is impossible for her. That she is chalking up part of her success to the effects of the drug instead of her own efforts.
In part, I also understand it. When I started on this site, I was a veteran of many failed weight loss attempts over 40 years of struggling with excess pounds. I started out four years ago as Class 2 obese.
I too set a modest goal for myself that still had me in the overweight category. I was willing to settle for just being no longer obese.
I learned, though, that I had been wrong for years about how I related to food, and with some fine tuning and a willingness to learn, approached these boards and learned how to accurately count calories. The key here was that I learned to be ACCURATE. Once that happened, I saw results, and it was thrilling to have the feedback of successful weight loss resulting from my own efforts.
I kept lowering my goal weight, because success gave me the confidence in myself to believe I could achieve it.
If I could wish one thing for people who think they need weight loss drugs, it would be that they'd find the tools they need to work through their issues with food, that they learn how to accurately account for calories, and that they learn that they can, with determination (it's not about willpower, it's about consistently being committed to making small changes and being okay with yourself if you falter), succeed.12 -
Such good news! I’m curious as to calories. I find myself pushing to get between 1,100-1,200 and really need to keep an eye on it. I notice a change in my bathroom habits (for lack of a better phrase) if I don’t. Much like you, I remain satisfied with the slow and steady approach.
I’m definitely not as attracted to sweets and have given up diet soda and caffeine altogether. Those are bonus ‘wins’ in this process for me.
As I approach the 30 day mark on both phentermine and topimirate, I know this was a good choice for me.
So taking weight loss drugs helped you quit something that has 0 calories - don’t quite see the benefit there...
Edited to add: former phentermine user - also gained back 40 lbs lost and 80 more.
I appreciate your feedback. In fact, as I am working through what is clearly an unhealthy relationship with food, I have identified diet soda and caffeine, specifically those with aspartame to contribute to headaches and fatigue. Further, by giving up diet soda, I am drinking exclusively water which in turn drastically lowers my sodium intake. All of these things seem quite beneficial to me and my endocrinologist, physician and nutritionist.2 -
It seems important to note here that the originator of this thread made some very specific requests. While I believe I can trust that all of these comments are meant only to help and be supportive, but
I'd like you to know a few things about me that expose me/make me vulnerable, but might inform:
- I am and was under the care of a physician, endocrinologist, physician and cardiologist prior to starting and while taking this rx.
- I am following a strict diet of high protein, low carb. I track every calorie, religiously.
- I drink no less than a gallon of water a day
- I see my physician once a month and check in with her every other week where she reviews my food diary
- I have a torn meniscus in one knee and injured the other knee last week and still manage low impact exercise and upper body strength training 2-3x a week. CICO is difficult, though still my mantra.
- I have Hashimoto's (thyroid), which impacts my metabolism and endocrine system
- Though I started at 300#, I have no other comorbidity issues.
- After 1.5 years of quarterly full blood and metabolic panels and careful caloric restriction, my physician finally started to discuss metabolic damage and the various ways in which we might slowly make change including and considering all of the things above.
I'm grateful to hear the experiences of others who have taken these medicines, but please don't think that I, or anyone else, went into this decision blindly or without significant hesitance, research or shame. Don't treat me as if I haven't tried other means of weight loss or am somehow less worthy of encouragement or praise for my successes and tiny victories. If you look above, I'm doing the same things you are. We are all in this together! I'm here to support and encourage all of you, whether you charge ahead or fall down and need a hand up. I sincerely hope that if, for some reason, I experience some of the challenges you've had with Qsymia, I can turn to you for empathy and help. Thanks for respecting my choices as I respect yours.5 -
I encourage everyone with Hashimotos to seek the services of a good endocrinologist who doesn't treat by numbers. Learn the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and if you still experience symptoms while medicated, insist that your dose be titrated until you are symptom-free.
There is a range of "normal" for a reason. Most of need to find a sweet spot within that "normal" in order to feel our best.
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Indeed, I do. I am in "remission" but work with an endocrinologist that trusts my intuition and symptoms rather than the numbers and normal range.GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I encourage everyone with Hashimotos to seek the services of a good endocrinologist who doesn't treat by numbers. Learn the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and if you still experience symptoms while medicated, insist that your dose be titrated until you are symptom-free.
There is a range of "normal" for a reason. Most of need to find a sweet spot within that "normal" in order to feel our best.0 -
GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I'm a bit saddened that the OP's goals are so modest for herself. That she's so demoralized by previous failed attempts at weight loss that she feels as if losing a large amount of weight is impossible for her. That she is chalking up part of her success to the effects of the drug instead of her own efforts.
In part, I also understand it. When I started on this site, I was a veteran of many failed weight loss attempts over 40 years of struggling with excess pounds. I started out four years ago as Class 2 obese.
I too set a modest goal for myself that still had me in the overweight category. I was willing to settle for just being no longer obese.
I learned, though, that I had been wrong for years about how I related to food, and with some fine tuning and a willingness to learn, approached these boards and learned how to accurately count calories. The key here was that I learned to be ACCURATE. Once that happened, I saw results, and it was thrilling to have the feedback of successful weight loss resulting from my own efforts.
I kept lowering my goal weight, because success gave me the confidence in myself to believe I could achieve it.
If I could wish one thing for people who think they need weight loss drugs, it would be that they'd find the tools they need to work through their issues with food, that they learn how to accurately account for calories, and that they learn that they can, with determination (it's not about willpower, it's about consistently being committed to making small changes and being okay with yourself if you falter), succeed.
Thank you for your input.
No need to feel sorry for me though. I am not demoralized, I am quite energized and pleased with my progress and my future. I'm down a size already, and almost about to go down one more. I have donated bagfuls of clothing. That feels pretty successful to me.
Having realistic, manageable sort term goals works better for me personally. I will reassess once that is achieved. Everyone is different in their approaches to how they handle anything in life. Some tackle hardship full force, head on with gusto. Others are more cautious, taking one step at a time and evaluating periodically. Neither is right or wrong, just whatever works for you personally. You seem to be in the first category - good for you! I, am the second and yay for me.
FYI, I did not ask for the medication. This was a the suggestion of my physician who felt I was a good candidate based on my personal history of weight loss attempts over the years combined with health history and personal life style. I believe he made an educated suggestion and I made an educated acceptance.
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Indeed, I do. I am in "remission" but work with an endocrinologist that trusts my intuition and symptoms rather than the numbers and normal range.GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I encourage everyone with Hashimotos to seek the services of a good endocrinologist who doesn't treat by numbers. Learn the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and if you still experience symptoms while medicated, insist that your dose be titrated until you are symptom-free.
There is a range of "normal" for a reason. Most of need to find a sweet spot within that "normal" in order to feel our best.
How can you be in remission from Hashimotos?7 -
I see and endocrinologist, and he told me last time “sorry but the amount you take is what I would give to a person who no longer has a thyroid.” I guess this is the best I get to feel1
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snickerscharlie wrote: »
Indeed, I do. I am in "remission" but work with an endocrinologist that trusts my intuition and symptoms rather than the numbers and normal range.GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I encourage everyone with Hashimotos to seek the services of a good endocrinologist who doesn't treat by numbers. Learn the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and if you still experience symptoms while medicated, insist that your dose be titrated until you are symptom-free.
There is a range of "normal" for a reason. Most of need to find a sweet spot within that "normal" in order to feel our best.
How can you be in remission from Hashimotos?
For my Endo, it is defined as an extended period with little to no symptoms, within range numbers and therefore no need for thyroid meds.0 -
snickerscharlie wrote: »
Indeed, I do. I am in "remission" but work with an endocrinologist that trusts my intuition and symptoms rather than the numbers and normal range.GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »I encourage everyone with Hashimotos to seek the services of a good endocrinologist who doesn't treat by numbers. Learn the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and if you still experience symptoms while medicated, insist that your dose be titrated until you are symptom-free.
There is a range of "normal" for a reason. Most of need to find a sweet spot within that "normal" in order to feel our best.
How can you be in remission from Hashimotos?
For my Endo, it is defined as an extended period with little to no symptoms, within range numbers and therefore no need for thyroid meds.
But you experienced that while taking the medication, so the effects were due to the replacement of the thyroid hormone.
This really makes no sense given how Hashimoto's works.2 -
maggibailey wrote: »I see and endocrinologist, and he told me last time “sorry but the amount you take is what I would give to a person who no longer has a thyroid.” I guess this is the best I get to feel
He prescribes by set amount? That sounds like a very bad doctor.2
This discussion has been closed.
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