I feel great that I finally found a dr. and had an appointment to begin the 6 month monitored weight loss program with a dr. It took me six months to get to it and find someone, as my first 'informational session ' was in September.

Anyway, I have a bmi of 44 and have about 120/140 lbs to loose. I was quite suprised that the Dr. prescribed Merdia . Wondering if anyone else has been on Merdia and wondering if you lost weight. I am all for losing weight, but hoping to NOT go below 40 bmi.

experiences? comments? I appreciate all!

I was on Meridia for almost a year. I think I lost about 20 pounds. It is an appetite suppresant, and for me, it worked pretty well. The problem was, my eating has always been emotional. If I had the urge to binge, I would either not take the pill, or just eat, even if I wasn't hungry. That is why my weight loss stopped at 20 pounds. It was too easy for me to "cheat". Just like any diet, Meridia requires willpower, proper nutrition and exercise. Good luck!

Thanks for your reply. It is good to hear about Meridia - I was just so surprised that a Dr. prescribed any drug - - never in my 45 years has one offered to do such - 20 lbs in a year - - slow and steady I guess- - however, it would be great to lose 20-25 lbs before surgery - - can't lose more, or my bmi will fall below the level that my insurance company wants it to be for the surgery.

I notice your bmi was lower than 40 - did your insurance company give you a hard time?

Tks again for the note.

I did try Meridia for a while and I did lose around 20 pounds however it was not easy. I dont always eat just because I am hungry and all Meridia does is suppress the appetite. I will say however that it did supress the hunger and I did not have any negative side effects from it. Good luck with the 6 month diet, I have just started mine as well.

Thanks for your reply. Where do you intend to have the surgery? What is your insurance? It is odd having six months to prepare, and even more ironic to not want to lose more than a certain amount for fear of not being approved by the insurance company.

Hey, just play the game to get your insurance benefits. I wouldn't go below the 40 BMI either. You don't want to give your insurance any reason to disqualify you. I was self-pay, and had to gain some weight to qualify with a 40 BMI. I just got banded yesterday and am doing fine. I know it's worth it already!