6 weeks until surgery and struggling with exercising.

[meryl0707 16]

I am new to this site. I am 32 and in my 5th month of my 6th month supervised diet. Highest weight was 389. Current weight is 365. I have been up and down 1 or 2 pounds but nothing more. I am struggling with exercising. I am feeling super tired. I was also told I needed to lose more weight before surgery. My surgery put me on Metformin, Phentermine and Topomax to help me lose weight. I suspect this is why I am feeling tired. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Djmohr 6,965]

Hi There and welcome! I was previously on Toprimate for years and it does make you a bit tired. Also, I personally did not see any change in weight loss on that medication.

Honestly the thing that works the best for weight loss is moving to a higher Protein low carb diet. how much do you have to lose before you get a surgery date?

You might consider going on the liquid Protein diet which can help you lose weight rapidly. It all depends on how much you have to lose and how fast you have to lose it.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Try working more movement into your day in small chunks throughout the day if you have a hard time with exercising.

What are the barriers to exercising?

Time? Mobility? Physical limitations? Energy level? Motivation?

I have mobility issues and am now using an exercise peddler by pedaling with my hands for at least 60 minutes a day by using it when I watch tv.

The folks on this board can give you lots of ideas if we knew more about your situation.

Believe it or not you will feel better if you get in some exercise.

[meryl0707 16]

Thank you both for responding. The doctor said that the off label uses for Metformin and Topomax are weight loss/appetite suppression. The Phentermine, which is a controlled substance is a weight loss drug. All three have side effects of tiredness or drowsiness. So I guess there is nothing I can do about it. I've been talking the meds for 4 days and I have lost 6 pounds. I will try your suggestions of doing a Liquid Protein diet or doing exercise in smaller chunks. My surgery date is scheduled for March 12th. My highest weight was 389. My initial consultation I weighed 379. At my month 5 supervised diet weigh in on the 23rd I weighed 270. I had my psych eval and re consultation on the 27th with doctor and I weighed in at 272. That's when he said I needed to lose more and prescribed me the meds. I asked him how much and he said, " I'm not going to tell you 20 pounds and then you don't lose 20 pounds. You need the surgery, but we want to minimize complications so try to lose weight. This will help you."