Xenical

Jeez, it's been so long since I've posted because I just never got around to making up a "username". But I've been here every day! Hi all! ANyways, I wanted to know what you all thought about proposed the OTC Xencial and WLS patients. (I won't be taking it) but I was wondering if you think WLS patients might take it and what the effects of it might be? Sounds like a vitamin deificiency is in order with this stuff. Michelle 294/138

I'm not feeling like "oh darn now they figured out a drug and I could have lost the weight without surgery". I think it sounds about as significant for actual weight loss results as that fake fat they started using in potatoe chips and other products about eight years ago. It didn't stay around long with the side effects it provoked. This sounds similiar. I consider my digestive system rather fragile and wouldn't consider challenging it with this drug. I would think maybe WLS folks that are struggling with regain might take it, and probably would face the same risks as everybody else. Maybe a bit more because we already malabsorb, but further out not so much. Patty

Yeah I thought of the poop chips too when I heard of this! Do post-ops who never get to goal actually take diet pills? Michelle

I have enough nightmares leftover from using Redux to last me a lifetime! Ugh!

Xenical (Orlistat) is not a NEW drug, they are just taking a prescription drug and making it Over the Counter. It was one of the few things I did not try preop - was a little put off by the thought of uncontrolled oily anal leakage. from www.xenical.com- (COMMENTS IN ALL CAPS BY MEAN - NOT YELLING JUST TRYING TO DIFFERENTIATE MY COMMENTS FROM THEIRS) The studies were designed with all participants eating a reduced-calorie diet for 4 weeks, followed by the diet plus XENICAL or the diet alone for 52 weeks. After 52 weeks, those taking XENICAL plus diet lost an average of twice as much weight as those who used the diet alone (approximately 13.4 lbs versus 5.8 lbs). Furthermore, 69.1% of patients receiving XENICAL lost 3% of their total body weight (an average of 13 lbs) after 3 months and 19 lbs after 1 year. (GEE, - RISK UNCONTROLLED bm's TO LOSE AN EXTRA 7 POUNDS IN A YEAR?) To use XENICAL effectively you must be committed to: * Talking with your doctor. * Following the proper medication schedule. * Eating a reduced-calorie diet with no more than 30% of calories from fat. * Monitoring your food intake. * Taking a multivitamin every day. * Setting realistic, achievable weight-loss goals you can feel good about. (I WOULD HOPE EVERY WLS PT IS DOING THIS) How much weight should I expect to lose? The amount of weight you lose depends on how well you stick to a reduced-calorie diet with no more than 30% of calories from fat and an appropriate physical activity level, as well as on your compliance with the prescribed medication regimen. MY WLS ALONE DID SO MUCH BETTER) The most commonly observed adverse events (incidence of >5% and twice that of placebo) were oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, fatty/oily stool, oily evacuation, increased defecation and fecal incontinence, particularly after meals containing more fat than recommended. These and other commonly observed events were generally mild and transient, but for some people they may continue for 6 months or longer. XENICAL is contraindicated in patients with chronic malabsorption (WOULD THIS BE ME OR ANY OTHER WLS PERSON) syndrome or cholestasis. Organic causes of obesity, such as hypothyroidism, should be excluded before prescribing XENICAL. XENICAL is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should not be taken by nursing mothers. To reduce the chance of a drug interaction resulting in reduced levels of cyclosporine, XENICAL and cyclosporine should not be taken within 2 hours of each other. More frequent monitoring of cyclosporine levels should be considered in patients taking both drugs (see WARNINGS). Because XENICAL has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene, patients should be counseled to take a multivitamin supplement containing fat-soluble vitamins once a day at least 2 hours before or after taking XENICAL. For a full discussion of safety and efficacy, please see the Complete Product Information.

I haven't had time to read up on the OTC Xenical. I might now that you mention it. I am looking for something to help me lose more weight. My loss is real slow, almost stalled and I am still eating according to my surgeon's prescribed routine. I have 43 pounds to goal and am worried that I won't make it. You have done great. WOW to your stats. Congrats, Karen G

I took this stuff pre-op as part of a medically supervised weight loss program and after a couple of months I had to stop. I could tolerate the oily stools and bad smells but long term I had severe muscle and joint pains. These may have been due to other medication interactions but I can't help but feel there were some malabsorption problems. It did help with temperary wight loss but now that I eat a low fat diet I doubt it would help any. Rich

I took it a few years ago and had no weight loss and no side effects. It did nothing for me, one way or the other. Just a waste of money IMHO!! I had my check up yesterday (18 months post op) and all is well. While I am not at goal, I have maintained for a year and wear a size M (10-12) which is down from a 2X (22), so I am trying to be happy here and not worry about losing more. I love this board--so helpful, supportive and focused on my concerns! Marian

I took it for a while once and did have the unfortunate side effects and did not lose any weight. The oilyness was too much for me and you really could not control it and you didn't know when or where it was going to happen! Totally not worth the high price of the stuff back then. About $125.00 a month, if I remember correctly. Angie

Hopefully we have all learned that this thing is not about magic, voodoo, or a simple pill that makes you crap your brains out...sometimes in your pants, sometimes in public in your pants (does this sound like the voice of personal experience?). The average weight loss vs. the "not compatible with life" side effects are not worth the investment. The studies show that the most successful patients on Xenical were those who ate within a specific calorie range, exercised, and ate less than X% of their diet from fat. Newsflash: 1. You won't have to succumb to embarassing and disgusting gastrointestinal side effects if you are in control of your fat intake! 2. If you are in control of your calories/fats and you exercise...what the hell do you need a pill for? 3. I wish I had invented an OTC pill for weightloss...but alas, I have a soul...and my inner humanitarian far outweighs my inner greedy pig. Done with my ranting about the brilliance of the Drug manufacturer vs. the stupidity of the consumer. Karen