Phentermine or other diet pills post op?

Are there any post-ops out there who have used Phentermine or any other prescription diet pills since your WLS? I am a year out and haven't had any weight loss since I was 5 months out. I know that lack of exercise is a big issue for me because I have been suffering severe back pain and pretty much limited to walking as my main source of exercise. Then 2 days before my 1 year surgiversary I had to be rushed to the ER with appendicitis so now recovering from another open surgery, and not able to lift anything or exercise for another 3 weeks.  I have been trying to carefully ration my portions and watch my diet, however in just one week I have already gained 3 pounds and I am terrified that I will continue to gain.  I am eating between 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day and approx 100g of protein and about 80g of carbs(what my dietician recommends for me) I didn't go through all of this pain and having my insides re-arranged to wind up where I started, and I have considered trying prescription diet pills as a last resort, hoping that it will decrease my appetite and give me a little much needed energy so I can hopefully start exercising again soon.  Can anyone tell me if these drugs are dangerous for WLS patients or if they will work, despite our malabsorbtion? My goal is to only use them for a few weeks to hopefully start up my weight loss again and once I'm a little more healed I want to start walking every day and bike ride for exercise.  Any comments or suggestions are always welcome.

I feel terrible for your frustration and your pain.  My own personal opinion is that the drugs are dangerous for anyone - WLS or not.  You had WLS so you could be healthy - why take something that could hurt your heart after helping your heart by losing weight? Do what your surgeon says - no exercise for a few more weeks - keep watching your foods, rather than the scale, and when you're cleared to exercise, start walking like you planned.

If your mind is made up and you want to take the WL pills, just be sure to do your research and talk to your dr. I hope you feel better and are back on your feet soon!

Before I would take any diet pills, I would first truly put some effort into using the tool that I already have.  If you cannot exercise much due to pain, then perhaps you should join the Y and start swimming and perhaps lifting weights (under supervision) .... If you cannot afford a membership, go to the front desk and ask for a financial aid application.

You've gained 3 pounds ... Sure it is depressing, but it's not worth going on an addictive substance that is doomed to fail.  Start walking more, join a gym, or get an exercise bike.  Go back to the basics ... 1,500 calories for a sedentary person is too much.  Perhaps see a NUT.

Good luck!

Annette

Please, please please DO NOT CONSIDER USING PHENTERMINE! TALK TO YOUR DOC OR SOMETHING!!! PHENTERMINE IS DANGEROUS AND CAN CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE!

Dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, irritability, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, uncontrolled anger, hallucinations, nervousness), uncontrolled muscle movements, change in sexual ability/interest.

Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe headache, slurred speech, seizure, weakness on one side of the body, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision).

This drug may infrequently cause serious (sometimes fatal) lung or heart problems (pulmonary hypertension, heart valve problems). The risk increases with longer use of this medication and use of this drug along with other appetite-suppressant drugs/herbal products. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: chest pain, difficulty breathing with exercise, decreased ability to exercise, fainting, swelling of the legs/ankles/feet.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: ra****ching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other sympathomimetic amines (e.g., decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, stimulants such as amphetamine, appetite suppressants such as diethylpropion); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, history of alcohol/drug abuse, vascular heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), mental/mood problems (e.g., severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia), high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), stroke, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, controlled high blood pressure, other heart problems (e.g., heart murmur, fast/irregular heartbeat, heart valve problems), kidney disease, seizure problem.

This drug may make you dizzy or (rarely) drowsy or cause blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness and clear vision such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for dizziness and high blood pressure while using this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for a long time or in high doses may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or extreme tiredness. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

I am sorry for your frustration...... and sorry to hear about your recent surgery...... I hope you have a smooth and speedy recovery ...... About your weightloss........ I am not sure why any nutritionist would suggest that someone who isn't losing weight and hasn't lost weight since 5 months post-op when even suggest that you eat such a large amount of carbohydrates........ that totally dumbfounds me!    How much fat grams are you eating per day? i am assuming the balance of your calories is coming from all fat sources.  That is pretty high also. I would highly sugget that you severly restrict your fat and carb intake and jump back to the basics....... from what I can tell you are consuming far too many fat and carb calories. Also, increase your water intake. I have severe back problems.... and it has been suggessted to me that I get small 3 - 5 weights and remain seated and do arm exercises ... don't involve bending or twisting also you can remain seated with ankle weights and do "leg lifts" (slowly swing your legs from seated position) and you can also do both of these things at the same time to get your heart rate up ...... keep these things in mind for exercise options for once you are cleared to do exercises again. I wish you the best of luck..... ((((hugs))))

ADDING MORE INFO....HONEY I WISH YOU THE BEST

As it is a brand name of the drug Phentermine, Adipex side effects are similar if not exact to Phentermine side effects. During the initial few days of taking Adipex, you may experience slight discomfort to the stomach or intestines as the medication is absorbed into the body. This may include an upset stomach and constipation, in addition to dry mouth, insomnia, and dizziness.

When any of the above symptoms continue beyond the first couple of days, return to your doctor and explain the Adipex side effects you are experiencing. This applies especially if the dizziness increases to light headed feelings and blurred vision. If you experience these effects, make sure you discontinue use of hazardous machines or activities, such as driving, using sharp objects, and working in dangerous construction areas.

When Adipex Side Effects Become Dangerously Serious If any of the following information rings a bell with your physical state, you should immediately call a hospital and receive a full physical before continuing the drug. Never let your desire for weight loss overrun your overall health! Your body, and not your body image, should come first.

So, if you experience mild to severe chest pains, nervousness, a heavy hammering of the heart, problems urinating, changes in mood and emotional stability, difficulty in breathing, and muscle and joint swelling. You may want to tell someone close to you that you are taking the drug, especially if you need to have an emergency contact in case any of the above Adipex side effects and symptoms occurs. See also the Phentermine side effects page for supplemental information.

Hi my doctor actually prescribes the phintrimine and a drug called  precose (a carb blocker) to paitents that are almost to goal. He said it  was up to me that I was doing super but he like to give the option to help you hit your goal quicker.  I decided to take it I knew the risk. I have not had any trouble and it actually boosted my energy so I am exercising more. It did not give me a licence to eat all the  carbs I want but it has helped me to  boost my losing from around 5 to 6 pounds a month to 12 to 15 pounds a month. Its not for everyone and everyone has diffrent side effects so I would talk to your WLS doctor and see what he thinks.

I would only say that it would be as effective post op as it was preop.   If there were an effective weight loss pill out there I would surely have rather done that that have my stomach transected and  my intestines rerouted, and   live with all the other ramifications of having this surgery for the rest of my life. But the pills etc were not effective, and I risked my health taking them.  I lost a little, then as soon as I stopped them I gained all back plus extra.  that diet mentality made me morbidly obese. Surgery has had its risks as well, but I have improved many aspects of my health and the benefits have out weighed the drawbacks. Now,  My approach is much different. I have worked VERY hard to develop the habits I need to maintain for life. It is not a diet, it is a lifestyle. I eat well, I exercise regularly, and I have my pouch to help me maintain approriate portion sizes of the good foods I put into my body. I am 4 years out  and I have been maintaining   my weight very well for almost 3 years. the first year I certainly ate less than I do now. The pouch is intended to stretch a little so that we can eat enough to maintain  ourselves long term. I still do 6 small meals and I focus n eating the right number of appropriately  sized food servings from each food group, and a major focus is being sure I do ingest everything I need to. My choices focus on my health maintainence. I do allow myself treats as well. I have a ton of info on my  own plan  on my profile., along with  nutrtional info..