aelwillmann 9 Posted February 21, 2016 I started on phentermine medication yesterday to lose weight. Anyone had experience with this? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Babbs 14,681 Posted February 21, 2016 I'm assuming you're pre op? Yes, I've lost 45 pounds before on phentermine. As soon as I stopped it, I gained it back. It's definitely effective, but not for long term use. The extra energy it gives you at first sure is nice My husband calls it legal speed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrankyG 1,450 Posted February 21, 2016 I was on the phen/fen combo for a very short time in the 90s. It was discontinued due to serious medical issues developing from use - even deaths. Phentermine is an amphetamine that is occasionally prescribed for short term weight loss, but I wouldn't bother with it since it will only cause temporary weight loss (as soon as you stop taking it, you'll regain) and still is possible to cause all sorts of heath issues (it is speed - can mess up your metabolism at the minimum). If you're getting it from any source other than a licensed doctor in the U.S., you may be getting something fake and/or dangerous. Be careful! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ocgirl15 667 Posted February 21, 2016 I started on phentermine medication yesterday to lose weight. Anyone had experience with this? Thanks! I think you will find many on this board to have tried Phentermine and eventually we got bariatric surgery because this stuff only ends in failure (along with many other diet plans we tried). What is your goal with this stuff? It is not meant to be a long term med. The minute you stop ALL the weight comes quickly and brings some friends. Of all my epic failures in weight loss this was the most expensive and most disappointing because it was actually dr supervised. It made me very distrustful of any 'weightloss' doctor. If it is a short term thing leading to surgery..... Great. If this is your main weightloss strategy you will eventually be disappointed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aelwillmann 9 Posted February 21, 2016 My surgeon prescribed it. It's very regulated. I would never take anything without it being legal and regulated. I actually had the intragstric balloon surgery almost 7 weeks ago and haven't lost a pound. I want to lose 30 pounds. I weigh 180 and want to be about 145-150. They put me on this meds along with the balloon. I'm hoping for something Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VSGAnn2014 12,992 Posted February 21, 2016 Well, good luck. :-[ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jj7481 363 Posted February 21, 2016 What kind of diet restrictions/restructuring are you on? Any workout routine? I used it and lost >50 lbs. Unfortunately, it all came back (and then some). To me it's a temporary patch that didn't really change my lifestyle habits. Bariatric surgery has given me that "push" to help make changes and be aware of what/how much I'm putting into my body. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aelwillmann 9 Posted February 21, 2016 How many milligrams were you all on when you lost the weight? I'm on 15 right now and moving up to 30 in 2 weeks. Started it yesterday and haven't noticed anything yet including side effects Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jj7481 363 Posted February 21, 2016 I was on 15mg then upped to 30mg also. I saw weight loss with 15mg but slowed and then upped to 30mg. One thing I learned from phentermine is it's a small tool in a big project. The rate of regained weight is high once people stop it. Like I said, it's a patch. Have any of your docs put you on a calorie or portion restricted diet? How about an exercise plan? Lifestyle modification is key. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kindle 8,667 Posted February 21, 2016 My husband calls it legal speed. That's cause it is! . And FYI, if you are taking phentermine and you get drug tested, you better have an Rx for it because certain testing methods will show up positive for meth if you are taking phentermine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aelwillmann 9 Posted February 21, 2016 Yes of course I have done calorie restriction at like 900 calories a day and exercise (although I am not as good at that part, exercise). I don't qualify for bariatric surgery and this intragastric balloon didn't do anything and I paid 7100 for it. clearly I'm not happy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jj7481 363 Posted February 21, 2016 I wouldn't be either as that's a lot of money. What was your pre-op BMI for the intragastric balloon? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VSGAnn2014 12,992 Posted February 21, 2016 Why do you think the balloon isn't working for you? Any chance you're drinking lots of liquid calories? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sassyfrass23 525 Posted February 21, 2016 (edited) I too, lost many pounds on this medication. On a few separate occasions. But quickly gained it all back and then some once I stopped each time. When the medication left my system, my hunger was uncontrollable. It felt as if I'd been starving for months. So my ability to practice self control was almost impossible. The medication also lost its affect around month 2. Once that failed for the third time, my PCP then suggested WLS. Edited February 21, 2016 by sassyfrass23 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACV 34 Posted February 21, 2016 I'm taking it now. Three weeks ago my PCP put me on it for the DR. supervised diet. I keep a headache pretty much all the time. I haven't weighted but I have lost some according to my jeans. If I forget to take it in the morning I'm starving by dinner. It's not a long term solution for sure. I won't be taking it much longer. My Dr appointment is Feb 24th and I doubt I will be on it after that. Hopefully you have better luck and results. Sent from my SM-T530NU using the BariatricPal App Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
