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Tools for Success
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Diet Drugs
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The week after I started Weight Watchers I just happened to have an appointment for a physical with a new doctor. He was a nice man and I had heard alot of good things about him. Although he commended me on losing 13 pounds that week...... he was also quick to let me know how difficult it was going to be to get all of that weight off....and to keep it off. He told me stories of some of his other patients who had lost alot of weight only to put it back on. He also talked of genetics and what role that played in being obese. I was busy telling him how I would be successful...how I knew what I needed to do and that I was ready to give this all I had. I suppose he was just taking the other side but, I was quite discouraged! However, I am a stubborn woman and was determined to prove to him that I could... and would...do this!
We then talked about diet drugs. I had already formed my own opinion as to their use and was not suprised to learn that the doctor felt much the same way. While he obviously didn't think that they were the answer he did say that for people who are seriously overweight, like me, they could be another short-term tool to used to fight the 'battle of the buldge'..... but must be used with caution and only in conjuction with a good weight loss program, like weight watchers. He was hesitant but then gave me a prescription for phen-fen to fill if I ever felt the need to. We both knew there would come times where my motivation wasn't as strong.....but I was determined to do what I could without their use and he was glad to hear that! Being as big as I was was a greater risk to my health than any side effects this drug would cause....or so it seemed. Knowing that I had that available if needed did help. Anyway, I had blood drawn for testing and left his office with mixed emotions.
I held on to that prescription for some time...often looking at it when I wasn't feeling so strong. I knew that, if it had been filled, it would be way too easy to pop a pill into my mouth when I was feeling just the least bit out of control. I thought I could become dependent on that as an answer to my more difficult times instead of learning what I needed to in order get myself back on track and to make these changes a permanent part of my life.
Eventually, I did bring it to get filled. But, as I was awaiting insurance approval my doctor's office called me and asked me to come in. Apparantly there was a problem with my blood count! My liver enzymes were so high that I needed to be sent for an ultrasound right away as well as be tested for hepetitis. It turned out that my problems were a result of my obesity. I had what they call a 'fatty liver'....it was scary to have proof of the damage I was doing to my body at just 27 years old by eating so poorly. After a short time my blood was retested and everything came back fine....thanks to my improved diet!
During this waiting period I was told not to start the prescription and by this time, less than 4 1/2 months on program, I had already lost about 70 pounds....and without any drugs! I was still feeling highly motivated and decided to leave the prescription at the pharmacy. Good thing too because soon after is when they learned of the serious risks from taking it.
While I completely understand the desperation one feels when they have alot of weight to lose.....I am also living proof that this can be done without drugs. My first 100 pounds was off in just 7 months. Maybe if I had taken something I could be at goal by now....but I certainly would not have learned everything that it's going to take to keep all of this weight off for the rest of my life....no pill can give you that!
It's not that I don't think that diet drugs can't be helpful in aiding weight loss. I know just how difficult it can be at times. But, for right now....there is nothing on the market that is truly effective or that has been tested long enough that I would risk my health on. Something else to consider is that if you are taking a pill and simply eating less because you are less hungry....you are still not learning to make lifestyle changes. Nor are you doing your body any justice if your diet is still poor. Do you want to be dependent on this drug forever? I wouldn't.
And as for all of these 'quick fixes' that people can supposedly lose all their weight without even trying.....they are gimmicks...focused on making lots of money from desperate people...and they do. Not because they work...but because we want to believe that there is an easier...faster way to lose weight.
Please remember that this is just my opinion. If you do decide to try a diet drug discuss it with your doctor and learn all that you can about it. Find out how long it's been on the market and what the typical results have been. See if the people that have been on it have maintained their weight loss even after coming off. Also, educate yourself on how to eat well...not just less...by joining weight watchers or seeing a nutritionalist.
As for my doctor.......I wish you could see his face every time I walk into his office now! :)
Here are some links that may interest you:
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The U.S. FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
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Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
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FAT CITY ~ Your diet and weight loss fraud headquarters
The FDA has issued a warning about an igredient found in over the counter appetite suppressants as well as cough & cold medications....be sure to check out their informaion page!
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FDA's Warning of PPA
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