What are your thoughts, experiences?

[shelby73 0]

I am new to this website, I don't think I have ever posted anything about my weight anywhere. I am seeing my MD tomorrow, in hopes to get prescribed Contrave, or to perhaps discuss weight loss surgery. Looking for advice. I am 44 (F) and I am 5'8, 270#. I have struggled with my weight all my adult life. I gained over 100# when I was 19/20, and on a birth control shot. I have been up and down ever since. When I turned 40, I was able to lose a little over 50#'s by using MyFitnessPal and getting lots of exercise. I looked good and felt great. Since then, in 4 short years, I have put on 60lbs. I feel I have very little control over my cravings, which tend to be for sugary, or salty, fatty foods. I will do good for a week or two, and then the cravings kick in and I just cannot seem to back away. I am a closet eater, meaning my eating has become shameful, so I hide it. I feel very out of control. I have high blood pressure, but so far, no other medical issues that I am aware of. I am working with a therapist to try to get to the heart of my issue. I have such low self esteem and I am always uncomfortable. I am tired of hearing that I just need to limit my calories, or exercise more. I understand all that, but if it was something I was successful at, I would not be obese. Has anyone had success with Contrave? Phentermine? Thanks

[Navigating the Wilderness 824]

I would avoid Phentermine. It has a dismal success rate and is not a long-term solution. Not sure about Contrave, but my wife uses Victoza for diabetes and I believe it works much the same as Contrave. The results have been amazing.

[shelby73 0]

Thanks

[Airstream88 361]

WLS isn't a miracle cure and it won't solve your self-esteem issues. You may also still crave those sugary, salty, fatty foods afterwards. I would say get your issues worked out with your therapist and then pursue your options. I am so glad I had my Gastric Bypass surgery and only wished I had gotten it sooner before arthritis screwed up my knees, back and neck. I feel so much better.

[GrrlAnn 177]

I agree with Airstream. The surgery won't help the psych issues and could in fact hurt your results with the surgery.

I will say though, that in my case (and keep in mind I am only 3-4 months out which is definitely the honeymoon phase of the surgery) I have found my cravings to be much more manageable postop. I still get cravings but it is much easier for me to say no than it ever was preop.

If you can work on your eating habits prior to surgery you will set yourself up for success.

Sent from my XT1585 using BariatricPal mobile app

[shelby73 0]

Thanks for the feed back I appreciate it!

[orionburn 1,023]

13 minutes ago, Airstream88 said:

WLS isn't a miracle cure and it won't solve your self-esteem issues. You may also still crave those sugary, salty, fatty foods afterwards. I would say get your issues worked out with your therapist and then pursue your options. I am so glad I had my Gastric Bypass surgery and only wished I had gotten it sooner before arthritis screwed up my knees, back and neck. I feel so much better.

Ditto this. Surgery is merely a tool. How it's used is ultimately up to you. It honestly isn't as difficult to bypass your new stomach if you really want to. Slider foods are easy to abuse if you choose to. You may not be able to eat an entire chicken breast but you could pack away the Cheetos no problem. You're doing it the right way though - too many people get the surgery without addressing the issue of food addiction.

Like Air said this is something I now wish I would have done years ago. It isn't a walk in the park and requires a lot of hard work, but it is worth it in the end. Best of luck to you.

[Smores 56]

I did use Contrave and every diet out there. Contrave did not work for me. This is my last hope. I know it won't be easy but I'm ready. I'm hoping to get the sleeve surgery this July if all goes well. Good luck with everything. I will say a prayer for you.

[Sherrie Scharbrough 311]

You know being a closet eater can be one of the hardest eating disorder to quit. I feel like it is like when I started smoking at a young age, it made it much sweeter when I snuck around, also like partying when you are young. Getting away with it makes it more appealing for sure. I had my RNY almost 4 years ago. Due to having strictures (like scar tissue) I couldn't eat many things so it kind of became a ritual of eating the same things over and over again. So I became someone that would wake up 4 or more times a night and I would eat something every time. I have a serious thing that happened to me due to this problem. I sleep nude and I got uyp to go to the bathroom and seen a ice cream on my night stand, I thought hhmm maybe my hubby got it for me. NOPE!!! I had went outside in my grundies and got it for myself I was sleep walking. This has happened so much. Finally I talked to my PCP and I have been depressed, and having anxiety attacks. So I was put on Paxil 10 mg daily which I found out right away not to take them in the morning. They make me sleepy. Now I have been on them for 1 month and NOT ONCE have I got up to eat!!! YIPPEE this is an ongoing problem that if nothing else has been put to rest!!! The excitment of doing something wrong is going to get me in trouble. LOL

[Newme17 3,444]

I didn't use Contrave, but Belviq. Didn't work very well and I followed everything to the t. My doc said "nope, not working. I'm sending you to dr Stegemann (bariatric surgeon)". I've tried many times on my own and Belviq. My surgeon told me that only 2% actually lose all the weight and keep it off. The others gain it back. I'm nearing the age of 40. This is my last attempt and will be my most successful attempt too. Hope you find what works for you.

[GBLady41 393]

I tried Phentermine before I had surgery. The results didn't last and caused some heart issues. I wouldn't suggest you try Phentermine.