Should I be offended?

Okay, so I've gained a few since reaching goal over 3yrs ago (15lbs) and I had identified the particular problem as grazing.  See, I was what my doc called a "sweeter" prior to surgery, but ultimately became a grazer after surgery.  Anyhoo, I decided that in addition to watching my diet and getting my exercise in, I would look into the appetite suppressant phentermine as an aid.  To make a long story short, I have been to two doctors who have both diplomatically declined to even entertain the possibility of giving me a prescription... for no other reason besides the fact that I am a WLS patient.  Now, mind you that while I only want to lose 15lbs, I'm actually close to 40lbs over my "ideal" weight.  However, a girlfriend of mine is receiving a prescription (from a different doc) to lose the same amount of weight and "ideally", she's smaller than me!!  I could understand if there were some contraindications (there aren't any published) or if there was a medical condition, but to be dismissed because I'm supposed to be "cured" or otherwise "fixed" is unfair at best. Of course the medical weight loss centers have welcomed me with open arms, but they're not covered by insurance and they're like $45/week...I don't feel I should have to use my Medical FSA to cover services that I already pay for!  Whether I should or shouldn't be, I am pretty ticked off by this

My first thought is, "Why aren't you using the tool that you have in place instead of looking for a different fix?" If you go back to basics... protein first, no drinking with meals, having a protein shake instead of grazing, you could eliminate the bad habit you have gotten into and be out no more money.  Just my thoughts.....

That does seem really unfair!  As a preop I ordered it online. A "friend" of mine orders Viagra and Cialis this way. Phentermine is obtainted very easily in this manner as well. Just be an educated consumer. Research about drug interactions, sides, risks, ect! Good luck to you !

I think I might be offended too! I dont think that diet drugs are a good idea, and they never worked for me anyway, but perhaps the online idea would be best in your case? I regained 15 pounds after the first 14mths, but I had lost too much (in my opinion anyway). I have gained another 20 pounds just since last year due to my back problems that makes it hard to do anything.  It is frustrating!  (I am 5years out) I eat too much and I know it...and I love to snack...bad habit.  I wish I had words of wisdom to share, but I was never really good at dieting in the first place!   Perhaps you need to find sweet tasting foods that would satisfy those cravings and 'grazing' on something that is good for you?   Meanwhile, maybe you could try the online sources if you really need the diet pills. Hope you find something that works!  Let us know! Anne

In all honesty, I would not be offended. Diet pills are a temporary solution.  Since you have had WLS, your weight problems are obviously not a temporary problem, but a more ongoing issue.  Diet pills will only help you as long as you actively take them. You don't need a gym membership to exercise off 15 pounds.  You can exercise almost anywhere.  My  surgeon says that 100 extra calories consumed a day adds up to 10 pounds of weight gain per year.  Why not just cut down 100 calories from whatever you are currently ingesting? You have gained 15 pounds in the 3 years since reaching your goal.  I am assuming that it was gradual.  Have old pre-op habits returned? PS.  Most doctors hate diet pills because it has been proven that they do not work in the long run.  Most good doctors will look for any excuse not to give them to patients.  I wouldn't be offended if I were you.  I'd look at what long-term behaviors are leading to your gain and stop them. 

To be clear, I am not looking for a "fix".  Phentermine is ONLY approved for short-term use with the appropriate medical monitoring.  Although I've had WLS, that doesn't mean that I'll never have any excess weight/weight problems.  I am still very much a success as far as WLS goes, but I don't intend to let 15lb turn to 30lb...heck, I don't plan on letting this 15 hang around much longer!  I've never been on any medically supervised program, but I was never opposed to it before, and I'm certainly not now.  Before WLS, I could go for weeks with very little food or just eating something sweet for a meal (professional dieter!).  The problem is I have been dealing with incessant hunger that may just be in my head, but that is NOT helping my hips!!! I don't care what people think about my choice, if that was the case, I would have never had WLS to begin with.  But think about it this way, what if your doctor told you you didn't need to have WLS, just stop eating so much and go to the gym?  My genuine concerns about hunger have been overlooked just the same because of a choice I made to help lose the weight to begin with!  As WLS patients, have we been effectively dismissed (and even dismiss ourselves) from  pursuing the options everyone else has for managing weight?  Why?

Hi, I was wondering if you can return to the Dr that did your surgery.  I have resently contacted my surgeons office for help.  The  NUT, and Dr. assistant is now working with me.  The support meetings are pretty far away for me.  Just a thought.  Buckeye gal

actually, i'm with you 100% on this one even though i'm less than a year out. i think you articulated it better than i could. if i were you i'd order online to see if it works for you. if it does, do to your doc., say you've been already taking them, they are effective and ask for a prescription. he is bound to keep it confidential so you are not risking anything.

I use them and my woman WLS surgeon uses them. I use them the 10 days before my period because I noticed a trend of gaining only during that period of time. It really really helps me on days that i know I'm feeling weak. I used them to lose 60 pounds in high school, with diet and lots of exercise, I kept that weight off for years. After marraige, baby, stress, and lack of sleep/exercise it crept back up until I had lost control. People do get very opinionated about it when you've had WLS but you know yourself better than any Dr. I highly respect doctors but I have proven them wrong too. So do your research and do what works for you. Linsey

I am 4 years out and had gained 15 lbs...but I knew it was because of my choices in the foods i was eating...I have tried to go back to basics and not graze and get the old eating habits back in my life...but they do creep in. I have started posting daily on the site along with some other girls who are holding ourselfs accountable for what we put in our mouths each day...with all the number written for all to see. With going back to basics I am useing my tool and dont have to find another fix for me...they have already fixed my stomach i need to fix my head. I have lost all but 6 lbs of the 15 Ibs I gained. I wish you the best on your decision...but any meds have side effects. Be careful. Make sure you get your protein and all your vitimins in so you stay healthy.