Havent been here in months, 3 years post op and have medication question about Qsymia.

I don't know if this helps or not, but I was on the Topomax minimal does.  I don't remember what it was, because I stopped taking it 3 years ago.  I had no side-effects at all.  My hunger was suppressed greatly for a week, then I went back to normal.

No judgement here... you've heard it already.... just my Topamax experience.

Took it for a long-standing neuro issue.  Didn't work for neuro issue, didn't lose weight, and made me stupid.  Like made me unable-to-care-properly-for-patients stupid.  I actually had a co-worker ask me one day after about 3 months on it, "What is WRONG with you girl?"

Since you're a nurse, thought you'd wanna hear my experience.  Of course YMMV.

Audrey

Thanks for the input.  I really hope that doesn't happen to me but I've heard it happens a lot.  Kind of nervous about that.   I guess we'll see.  

while i agree that appetite suppressants aren't the answer for long-term success, i do think they can help in the short term with a boost to start getting rid of regain.

i gained about 40 lbs from my lowest, and i've been depressed about it and felt like i could never lose the weight. i felt i needed outside help so i took phentermine for about 2-3 months. it was a positive experience. it jump started my weight loss and made it easier for me to get back into good habits. i'm still working on the regain, but i'm down about 15 lbs at this point. 

it did 2 things for me: 1) lowered my appetite and helped me get through the first couple weeks of little/no carbs, and 2) gave me the confidence to believe i really could get the weight off. that has been the most important effect. i was so dejected and felt helpless before, and now i have renewed faith that i can lose this weight on my own. 

so i guess i'm saying that it can help, and it is just a short term fix, but that might be exactly what you need to get going. that was my experience with it. good luck.

My bariatric surgeon prescribes Contrave now. I don't know anyone who has had success with it, but the people I know who have used it continue to make excuses and bad choices. No surgery or appetite suppressant can overcome that.

I'm glad you have had success, Chris. I agree that it can be a good jump-start, but as you have shown, personal responsibility has to take over. Keep up the good work!! 

thanks laura. i agree that that only personal responsibility can work in the long run. no amount of pills can combat bad choices.

i've never heard of Contrave before. what an odd combination...an anti-depressant and an alcohol/opioid medication. huh. whatever works i guess. 

Try fasting.  I doubt you are truly hungry just eating a carb riddled diet that makes you hungry.  Just stop.  It's so simple it's scary.  Stop eating all day until your body says you must eat, see when that really is.  I don't touch food until dinner, I drink all day, lemon water or lemon tea but little else and I don't feel a drop of hunger.  If I eat a bagel or any carb I am set up for a day of having to eat.  Just don't.  You couldn't pay me to put those drugs in my body, that's just gonna hurt you in the long run and make you even more miserable when you stop taking them again gain back even more.  Only you can control your eating.

I take topomax for headaches and have for quite some time. I didn't notice a change in my appetite and did not lose any weight since taking it. That is until just recently and that was because I was on my pre-op diet and just had surgery Tuesday.

I guess I was one of the unlucky ones that didn't have that side effect. Hope it works for you.

Following up on your Qsymia post from last month. Have you been taking it? If so, I would love to hear how it is going. I still have 35 lbs to my goal and am feeling like I might benefit from a little extra help.