Any debanded people looking into this?

I just read about it and it appears that, for those who can tolerate it, it offers some promise in terms of making people just NOT HUNGRY.

You can google "byetta + appetite" for details.

Do you HAVE to have type 2 diabetes to get it?

Hmmm...I dunno. I hope someone does.

Byetta is a Rx drug that is injected for the treatment of type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes. http://www.byetta.com/index.jsp

My mom has been on Byetta since October and has lost 40+ lbs. She has type 2 diabetes. It makes her so queasy that nothing looks appealing to her, she barely eats. It's working for her diabetes and weight loss, but I don't know how she can walk around all day and feel so ill:(

You know you're desperate when being too nauseated to eat sounds "good". Maybe someday they'll start using it for weight loss. It sounds like it could be helpful.

Pati-o, I've heard that for some, it just takes time and for others they have to stop taking it because their bodies just can't tolerate it. I hope your mom starts feeling better soon 'cause it sounds like it's working well for her.

I just read up on it. My mom has type 2 diabetes.

Looks like its taken WITH the regular diabetic meds (not a substitute). This makes me think that - that's why its not used for weightloss alone. ?

Pati-o, wonder WHY the queezy stomach? Thats certainly not a fair way to lose weight.

Im gonna try doing a larger search then the link that Elizabeth gave (btw, thanks Eliz.!) and see if I can find the list of side effects.

Is Byetta the drug that comes from gila monsters? My sister's PCP suggested she try it but she decided not to because of some of the side effects. She's scheduled for banding May 3.

Emily

Yes, it comes from the saliva of the Gila Monster. Weird, huh?!? I mean, who thinks of these things? Pretty awesome.

My regular doctor prescribed it to me, I do not have Diabetes. He gave it to me to help with my appetitie. It does not make me sick, maybe a little queasy for a few minutes,but that does not last more than a few minutes and it absolutely kills my hunger. Talk to you MD about it.

My father in law was on it but he does have type 1 diabetes though. He did loss alot of weight on it but they have changed him to something else more for his type diabetes. I am actually calling our doc to see if my hubby can get it. He has gained weight and I know that increases his chance of diabetes.

I am taking Byetta, but it does not stave off my hunger AT ALL!!!

It figures!!!!! :Dancing_wub:

Anyway, I am hoping that the banding procedure will eliminate the need for Byetta in the future!!

I used to be on Byetta. It didn't do anything for me. I just felt "crappy" all the time that I was on it, but never had nausea or any problems. It was just one more thing to have to do every day.

Byetta has not been approved for off label use yet (at least that I know of). They have discovered that weight loss is a side effect of the drug, but not a guarantee, and not everyone will experience it. Yes, it is from the saliva of the gila monster. It is injected twice daily. You must eat within the hour of the injection or it won't work. (That isn't always easy by the way). You can't eat first and then inject. It is usually used in conjunction with Metformin for Type II Diabetes.

The most common side effect is nausea. Most people don't like to stay on the drug because it can get pretty severe. I'm sure if your doctor thought you'd benefit from it, they'd prescibe it whether you have a LapBand or not. Most likely you shouldn't need it if you are banded. Maybe in the beginning when weight is still high and blood sugars aren't fully controlled yet.

Hope that helps. I'd definitely talk to your doctor about it if you want to try it!

what dose of byetta

My doctor had me on Byetta for a time before I got my band. I did lose a little bit of weight, but the requirements and injections outweighed the benefits. I do not have diabetes.

It is made from Gila Monster saliva and sometimes nicknamed "Lizzie". The link was discovered while scientists were studying gila monsters and their eating habits. Gila monsters can go long periods of time between meals. Byetta changes the way your body processes and absorbs food. It stays longer in your digestive tract and so on.

I think it has been an absolute godsend for a lot of diabetics that have problems regulating their levels.