Hello Fellow Banders.

Because of my slow pre-op weight loss my doctor had my metabolism tested. It was about 30% below normal - apparently very common for those of us that have been on starvation-type diets in the past.

Now that I'm post-surgery he wants to deal with the metabolism since, according to their tests, I'm loosing lean body mass vs. fat (yes I exercise...about 5 hours a week). He's prescribed ephedrine (primatene tablets are one source). I've done a search and haven't seen this mentioned before. Anyone out there have any experience with slow metabolism or ephedrine? I would love to hear your thoughts.

thanks.

Never heard of that one. I'd research it more before I did it. Ephedrine can raise your blood pressure and since many of us start this journey with high blood pressure, I'd just want to satisfy my own curiosity about any possible negatives before I tried it.

knotchy - what test did your doctor do to test your metabolism? And did you get a copy of the test results? What was he looking for and what were your results? If it was resting metabolic rate - what was yours?

've taken it before with ok redults. but it can really dry you out so make sure you drink lots of water while you are taking it!

knotchy - what test did your doctor do to test your metabolism? And did you get a copy of the test results? What was he looking for and what were your results? If it was resting metabolic rate - what was yours?

Hi Cleo's Mom,

It was a resting metabolic test -- They covered the upper part of my body with a plastic dome while I was on an exam table. After my breathing stabilized they took some measurements. My resting calorie rate was ~1100 vs. 1500/1600 if I remember right. Didn't ask for a copy of the results but had them forward a copy to my PCP.

I had another one a LONG time ago were they put you in a plastic coffin like thing and measured the difference in the air temp as it went though. That was a most unpleasant experience, this one was not so bad & didn't take very long.

I don't know how accurate they are honestly. Have you had one?

Never heard of that one. I'd research it more before I did it. Ephedrine can raise your blood pressure and since many of us start this journey with high blood pressure, I'd just want to satisfy my own curiosity about any possible negatives before I tried it.

Good idea..I've been sorting through the massive amount of data online & plan to talk to my PCP. :cool2:

I took the ephedrine a few years ago. It raised my blood pressure to stroke level. I couldn't figure out why i had blurred vision, headaches and dizziness.

I'd say as long as your MD ok's it and you keep daily tabs on the blood pressure, you should be ok. i'm sure his level that he'll prescribe will be much less than what i was taking.

knotchy - yes I had one years ago. I'd have to dig to find my results - but I think it was between 1500 and 1600. As I recall I was put in a quiet room and they measured my breathing. I can't remember exactly how they did it but there was no dome or coffin.

Ephedrine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ephedrine = bad news.

You had lap band surgery which will sort your metabolism issue out. I cannot imagine any of us fatties have a "normal" metabolism after years of chowing down, dieting, chowing down, dieting, dieting dieting.

I have never heard of this test and sorry to sound like a nay sayer but sounds like a load of tripe.

Get a SECOND opinon!!!!