Question:
Should I be taking phentermine?

I just went to my doctor on Friday and I told him that I had already been on Xenical and Meredia with no results and that I was looking into surgery and have already chosen a surgeon. He wants to put me on this stuff adn then he'll (consider) refering my to my WLS surgeon (since I have MAMSI HMO) if this don't work. I thought this stuff is dangerous. Also, Isn't this an appatite suppesant? I don't really get much of an appatite, I just can't tell when I'm full.    — HeidiMc (posted on July 11, 2004)

July 11, 2004
It's another diet pill... an amphetamine if I'm not mistaken. It's dangerous if taken with fenflouramine (phen-fen), but I don't think it's generally dangerous on it's own, although there may be a high blood pressure caveat to that. I lost weight pre-op w/ it a couple of time (and my house was as clean as can be due to the "upper" effect it has :), but the weight came right back on when I stopped (in NO time!) I would remind him that this would be a short term fix at best. If that's what it takes to get a referral, you could always give it a try, but it won't work long term.
   — mom2jtx3

July 11, 2004
I totally agree with Linda B. Phentermine is just a very high octane speed pill. When I took them, I only took a half. If I took a whole, you could garunteen I would be WIDE awake and totally high strung for at least 12 hours (good for when you need to take a long drive) and then at the end of the 12 hours I would be out like a light & worthless. They also make you feel very dehydrated and if you are prone to cold sores, will make those flare up. There maybe be a small appetite suppressing factor, but I haven't noticed it much.. that is why this pill was originally marketed with the fenfluramine/pondomin pills as phen/fen... because the second half took care of the suppressant factor. Bottom line, they are simply another type of diet pill and you are no more likely to have long term success than with any other diet pill. :) Paula
   — Paula R.

July 11, 2004
Everyone's differnt... My surgeon actually gave me 2weeks worth of Phen-fen and told me to lose at leat 10# before surgery. I did fine w/ them but only lost 5#. I think if you're only on them for a short period of time they're ok.THIS IS MY OPINION I am not a doctor. I know the surgery is more permanent.
   — Cindee A.

July 11, 2004
Hi, just thought to give you the info that I know. This is a perfectly safe med that is known so far. It was only its co part that was dangerous. Alot of doctors will give you this with prozac. The phentermine is only a suppresent, when its taken with the other meds is what actually made people loose weight. I was on both of theese meds in 1996 and lost 50 lbs but within a year of being off of them gained that back plus. Hope some of this was helpful.
   — HeidiS

July 11, 2004
I took Phentermine about 3 or 4 years ago. It is a appetite suppressant and with proper eating habits and exercise I lost about 40lbs in a couple of months. The drug is normally used for about 3 months but I assume the doc can keep you on it longer. Phentermine is safe as far as I know it is the other half of phen phen. So you don't have to worry about the heart defects.
   — davesband1

July 11, 2004
My name is Katherine I am in kind of the same boat. I checked into the surgery and decided against it. I started a protien diet called Shapeworks and have lost 40 lbs in less than 3 months. I can eat pretty much what I want but drink 2 shakes a day. It really helped me. If you would like an alternative to surgery just email me back.
   — Katherine B.