Question:
Has anyone tried Hydroxycut without ephedrine?

I bought some Hydroxycut today, the kind without ephedrine. I was wondering if anyone knew if this is harmful to a wls patient? I am 6 months out and down 114lbs. My weightloss has slowed to nearly non existant. I work out 4 or 5 times a week, and watch what I eat and drink, but am looking for a little boost in weightloss and energy. I need to lose another 40-50 lbs.    — Vicki M F. (posted on March 27, 2003)

March 27, 2003
Hi there. I'm not sure about Hydroxycut, but I have tried Xenadrine which I believe also has ephedrine. In my opinion, ephedrine is basically legal speed. It made my heart race, it made me feel edgy (like I'd had 3 pots of coffee), and it kept me from sleeping well. That was a year ago. Being a post-op, I would be VERY cautious in taking something like that. It might affect you even more or in a different way due to different absorption since your stomach/intestines have been modified. I would definitely talk to your surgeon before taking anything like that. Ephedrine can be bad for your heart, especially if you already have heart problems, and it elevates your blood pressure, so be cautious if you have high blood pressure. I would just recommend definitely talking to your surgeon and your PCP too before taking hydroxycut. Hope this helps!
   — beeda

March 27, 2003
I know you said it was w/o ephedrine, but diet pills like tha are never reall safe. From talking to personal trainers, RN and my brother (Phd), I just know I should never take anything like that, especially now that our stomachs are extra sensitive. I never took any of those pills since surgery, but took a bunch of medicines and vitamins post-op due to some illnesses, and ended up with a hole in my stomach. So basically, I truly believe the less pills you have to take the better. Sometimes people will go back on the 2 weeks liquid diet like we did right after surgery and have a great deal of success to boost their weight loss. Much healthier that way! But the first 6 months is the honeymoon period, so you won't lose like you did before. You still have the 18month window- so you can keep losing, even if it is really slow. Just keep doing what you're doing. Goodluck to you and congrats on a great weight loss!
   — Lezlie Y.

March 27, 2003
FYI..the supplements that say "Ephedrine Free" have Ma Huang in it..it's the regular form of Ephedrine..not the synthetic kind that regular xenadrine and hydroxycut..and the ma huang has the EXACT same side effects as the other..rapid heartbeat..risk of heart problems and strokes as well as high blood pressure..they are all dangerous..and I would never take such a risk without talking to my doctor first ::) It could aggravate heart conditons as well as blood pressure problems..some that you might not even know you hae..take care :)
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 27, 2003
Vickie, Please don't be in such a hurry to try something that could potentially harm you. It looks like you are doing great. I don't know about boosting your energy, but I can honestly say that if you stick to the rules (and it sounds like you are), the weight will come off. I am not saying this to bash you. I only want you to be safe. I really got scared around the six month mark and had the same thoughts as you. A friend assured me that I needed to ride it out and I am glad that I did. Good Luck and Congrats on the weight loss. Sincerely, Mary Beth
   — Beffy W.

March 27, 2003
Vicki, You can and you will loose 50lbs and plus. Look how far you have come in just 6 months. I have tried taking Hydroxycut w/out ephedra and it was a waste of my time and money. But you are doing great w/out this so keep it up!
   — cynthia D.