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I suffer from hypothyroidism and four years after giving birth to my third child, I was done. I work 40+ hours a week leaving me too tired and too busy to exercise. I would go on low-carb diets and suffer, losing 5 to 10 lbs, and then gaining it all back the minute I ate a piece of bread. When I saw my endocrinologist in June, I weighed in at 195 lbs. I had tried it all (I thought) and given up. I had recently brought all my "skinny" clothes to Goodwill. I wasn't as fat as after my second child (220 lbs) before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but I was sure I would never be a normal weight again. At 5'10" tall, everyone said I could handle a few extra pounds. So it's okay to be fat because I'm tall? That only made it worse! He gave me a prescription for three months of Phentermine and I stuck it in my purse, thanking him and expecting that this was just going to be another futile attempt.
I procrastinated filling the prescription, expecting it to be expensive. I had tried Meridia, which worked well for me, but at $150.00 a month, I'd rather feed my family and put gas in the car. The Phentermine was under $30.00 a month without insurance (my insurance only pays for weight loss medication if you are 100+ lbs overweight - are you kidding?!). That was the glimmer of hope. I was a little concerned with the side effects, but after a first sleepness night, I cut down to two cups of coffee a day versus four and I was fine. I felt a little "plugged in" the first five to seven days, but nothing crazy. In fact, after years of battling hypothyroidism, I actually felt normal again. Seven to eight hours of sleep was enough and I was awake before I got the first cup of coffee down. The side effects were actually bonuses to me. At work, I felt more organized and I was way more alert when I came home after eight and a half hours in the office. I didn't say a word to anyone about trying to lose weight. After a month, I could see a difference - 10 lbs down. After two months, my husband and others started to notice - 20 lbs down. After three months, everyone was commenting that I was "thin enough" - 30 lbs down. What was my secret? I spilled the beans. Phentermine! I ate half of what I used to eat, I could control mindless eating and I didn't eat between meals. I hope I have sucessfully shrunk my stomach and changed my eating habits enough that I won't gain it all right back when I go off the medication.
I asked my doctor for three more months of pills, two for continued weight loss (I'd like to take off 10 more pounds) and the last refill, I intend to cut in half and take half a dose each day for two months to wean myself off the medication. I am worried that cold turkey, my appetite will come rushing back and the weight will just pile back on. I will see my endocrinologist in December (I go every six months to check my thyroid levels) when I am on the 1/2 dose and discuss this with him in person. He's already thrilled with the progress I've made and feels this is a plan that will help me keep the weight off.
I was concerned that I was doing damage to myself because reading the side effects on the internet, I saw that Phentermine is an amphetamine and that it can increase heart rate and blood pressure. I went for my yearly GYN physical this week and my pulse rate was 60 and blood pressure was 120 over 64. Great numbers! I asked the doctor about my cholesterol, and she said that three years ago it was perfect (when I was 30lbs heavier) so she was sure it was fine now given that I was at a target weight for my height! Boy, was that nice to hear!
I would not recommend Phentermine to someone young who has time to exercise or has a terrible diet to begin with. You may lose weight because it will stiffle your appetite while you're on it, but, it will all come right back if you haven't taught yourself how to eat. If you suffer from headaches, don't even bother. Before the medication, I rarely had a headache,though I have actually had a few (very minor) on this medication. If you are jumpy or nervous, this probably isn't the weight loss medication you should try. It will amp you up.
If you are overweight and are a woman, have your thyroid checked. Hypothyroidism is a very common and underdiagnosed problem for women. Even borderline or mild hypothyroidism can take the wind out of your sails, especially if you are a working mom (if you have kids, you are a working mom). You may need thyroid medication, it was a life saver for me. If you are on thyroid medication and still struggling with your weight, Phentermine may give you the boost you need to stick to your diet and get on with your life. This is a short-term weight loss drug, you can't stay on it forever (boo-hoo), but even just three months,Phentermine will give you a hand heading in the right direction. When they do develop a sustainable, low dose that is safe for long term use, someone please call me! I am not thrilled about having to be on medication to be "normal" but after looking at the "before" pictures, I am thrilled that I don't have to be described as "pleasantly plump" anymore! Trust me, babies and pillows are the only things that are pleasant plump!