Seeing Psychiatrist AND Therapist - Should have done this YEARS ago!

I didn't realize that until today. LOL My psychiatrist is an ARNP, and I just absolutely adore her. My therapist recommended her so she could take over my head meds...ambien, wellbutrin, Xanax. I hardly ever take Xanax, but do NOT take away my ambien. LOL

She wants to work really close with my WLS specialists...because as she said, weight loss meds (I want to try Vyvanse) are not her specialty. I am getting on a med ****tail that may (should) help me control the impulsive, compulsive eating, without the "speed" affect of phentermine (which I hate!) or Vyvanse. Our shared ultimate goal is to get me off everything but synthroid. But that's probably years down the road.

Today we spent 90 minutes together. The time just flew by until we both suddenly realized I had an appointment with my chiro in 15 minutes. LOL I just love talking to her. She said that she has never worked with anyone as proactive, realistic and motivated as me, and she has no doubt that I am going to SUCCEED.

From her mouth to God's ears!

I am thankful constantly for my mind team. For me they were first before I even thought about WLS and it was a psychiatrist in a hospital that suggested it even. I fully believe everyone should see a therapist at least once in their life to understand how freeing it is to just be able to let everything go. I've gone from once a week to once a month with mine and will probably never stop going. My psychiatrist is only every three months for medication, but I love her too.

Vyvanse isn't a "weight loss med" :/ But it is great for Binge Eating Disorder.

I've also been grateful for my "mind team" as Mersh called it. (Great name!) In addition to my therapist and psychiatrist, I'm also happy with the support group I attend these days. It all helps :)

If it controls my impulsive eating, it's a weight loss med for me! LOL

Isn't it a type of "speed"? Lisdexamfetamine

It has a different mechanism of action than speed, but, yes, it is an amphetamine class drug.

Have you taken amphetamines before TessieLoo?

I ask because I've tried Adderall, Ritalin, and even spent a month or so with the Vyvanse. None of them for weight control. Which is a good thing, because I gained weight on all of them and couldn't stay awake to save my life.

Just a reminder that drugs don't always work the way we expect them to. And even if they do, we eventually build up a tolerance and require higher and higher doses. In the end they become useless. If you count on a drug to suppress your appetite, what will happen if you have to quit taking it?

Is Vyvanse even approved for weight loss? I thought it was meant to help folks with Binge Eating Disorder.

I've taken phentermine, and phentermine-topomax together. I really don't like phentermine...plus the appetite suppressant (more like "I feel like **** and I don't want to eat!) effect only lasts a few days at most.

Yes, Vyvanse is for BED...but if I could get a handle on my compulsive overeating (not sure if it would be consider actual BED) I would lose weight! LOL

Please consult with a medical professional before deciding you should take Vyvanse, or any other med really. Just because you think it sounds good, doesn't mean you should take it.

That goes without saying. I would never take a drug without consulting with my medical professional.

"That goes without saying. I would never take a drug without consulting with my medical professional."

I get what you mean, but Julie's warning is a timely one. We have lots of lurkers and new folks who may not be as responsible with meds as you are. Many times a new drug comes out and is particularly popular for a season. People self-diagnose and don't want to hear anything else from their PCP because they've already decided that they know what they "need". Even if you're a doctor, self-diagnosis isn't a great idea. If you're a normal mortal it can go sideways fast and in a big, scary, harmful way.

So those *****mind about responsible use may be doing so not for the OP only. Just a clarification. =)