Last week I made an appointment to set up primary care with a family doctor here in Cincinnati. Normally I would drag my feet on something like this until I got sick, then scramble to find someone while last minute, but that wasn’t really an option this time because 1) I got sick about four days after I moved back, right when my insurance was switching from one employer to another HA! Yeah that was fun! and 2) I want some Adipex. Like, yesterday.
It’s a little hard to believe that it’s been six months since my prescription ran out but it’s never been far from my mind. I think about it a couple times a week at least. How much longer until I can go back on Adipex? Not because it’s a miracle weight loss drug or because I’m some kind of speed freak; it just made things easier. It knocked out 90% of my random cravings and helped me get a handle on my eating habits. I know I’m capable of losing weight without it (I weigh ten pounds less now than I did last December) but it’s a lot harder for me to cut calories when I feel hungry.
On Monday when I meet my potential new doctor I’m going to talk to her about taking it for another three-month cycle. I hope she’ll give me another prescription and, if she doesn’t, I’ll probably try to find a different doctor who will. It’s that important to me. It’s right up there with good workout clothes or a gym membership in terms of the difference it makes in my life.
I know there are people who think that taking an appetite suppressant is “cheating” or “crash dieting” or whatever, and although I can see how it might seem that way on the surface, I would encourage those people to talk to someone, anyone who has taken Adipex about their experience. Adipex does not drag my ass out of bed to workout in the morning, or suddenly give me the power to make completely healthy food choices 24/7. I still bust my ass to count calories and resist the urge to hit the vending machine between conference calls. The difference is that I only think about unhealthy snacks a fraction as much when I’m on Adipex compared to when I’m not taking it. And given the fact that I’ve still got more than 100 pounds to lose before I’m at my goal weight, I’ll take any help I can get… prescription or otherwise.
FB – You are committed to taking control of your health, and that’s the most important thing. If you and your MD agree that Adipex is a tool that can help you lose weight and live a longer and healthier life then tell all the haters to, you know, shove it. Bravo and all the best.
I don’t know much about Adipex, but I do think if you have a healthy general approach to the whole thing and if you include it as one element of your health journey, as you do, then there is no problem whatsoever. As you wrote, it’s not like it does everything for you
Anyway, I actually learned a lot through your posts, thank you !
Good for you, I was on Phentermine for several months and it allowed me to emotionally distance myself from food. Since I had virtually no appetite I had to experience problems without my handy dandy crutch. You know there is nothing wrong with taking something to help you. Diabetics have insulin, people with high blood pressure have medication, people who are depressed take anti depressants. So why should folks who are overweight feel ashamed to take something that helps them overcome their problems? WE SHOULDN’T! Be proud of your weight loss, know that at the end of the day if you truly wanted to over eat you could have and it was YOUR choice, not some stupid pill. (Even though the stupid pill does help).
Sorry just got off on a rant. Congrats, keep up the good work and get that scrip filled!
Well said! I’ve heard friends that got WLS say the same thing…it’s a tool, not a cure all or easy.
I have considered trying it, but it’s becoming more likely the more I hear about it. Thanks for the rant
Have you heard of Byetta? It’s a diabetes drug that significantly curbs appetite. I have insulin resistance and it really helps keep food off my brain. I still have to eat an appropriate level of calories, but I’m not DYING to eat like I have been. This sounds like an ad, but it’s really not. Email me if you want to talk more about it.
Way to go with a 21 lbs loss by the way. That’s no small shakes!
Do what’s best for you sista! If I had insurance I would be right there with you.
My insurance doesn’t actually cover the pills, but it does cover the check-up with the doctor (minus a $15 co-pay). I spend about $30 a month for the pills.
I really have mixed feelings on this one. I think you are very realistic and rational about what Adipex will and will not do for you. Still, none of us is overweight simply because we like to eat. I would bet that you have become obese because of one or more unresolved emotional issues. My concern is that unless you deal with what’s underneath your reasons for carrying the weight, nothing will ever help you lose it or keep it off. I would hate for you to not feel like you have ownership over your weight loss. Having said that, perhaps it’s just one more weapon in your arsenal.
I also think that your comment about seeking out another doctor (if the first one won’t write the prescription) is a bit scary. There might be a medical reason the doctor doesn’t think you should take it…
Naturally, you’re a smart (and super cute) gal who can make her own decisions. And…the best part is that you’ll do it in fabulous shoes!
This is for Tracy. I am 53 y.o., had gastric bypass 8 yrs ago, lost 108 lbs, have regained 50 back. I, too, thought there had to be some unresolved emotional issues for me to not be able to keep the weight off.
5 physchatrists and physchologists later and I never got answer. The last physch I saw told me there was nothing wrong with me, I just enjoy eating.
I am bored, I eat. I am happy, I eat. I am sad, I eat. Even if I don’t have “junk” at home, I will find something, like bread with waffle syrup.
I don’t believe there HAS to be an void in my life to eat, and if there is, I never found it.
Estela in South TX