Day 2 on Orlistat 120mg

Treatment and medication
1

Hi all

So after being absolutley petrified of oily stools I started my tablets yesterday. So far I'm on day 2 and not had any mishaps, only side effects so far is a headache.

I'm still very nervous about eating and not quite sure what I'm suppose to eat due to my Dr not going into too much detail in regadrs to a diet plan. Maybe because she was already aware that I had changed my eating habits.

So I go to the gym 6.30am every morning then have porridge when I get to work, and have low fat meals for lunch and dinner i.e chicken and sweet potatoe, fish and salad. Am I on the right track and what should I expect in the next few days/weeks?

I'm 5ft 3 and need to lose at least 4 stone, been struggling for at least 2 years so desperately need the help.

Please post any advice, warnings or personal updates. I welcome all the help and diet buddies I can get right now.

2

Hi, I too have only just started taking orlistat, and like you I didn't get told much info by my dr. I was given them because I have been suffering knee injury for over a year which has seen me gain weight rapidly! I've gone from being active & healthy to struggling with walking. My dr hopes that these tablets should help as I'm stuck in the vicious circle of not bein allowed to exercise due to irratation to my knee but weight gain is adding to the problem! I'm uncertain as to do I need to push myself and struggle with light exercise or do I just hope they work on their own!?

How have you found them? Are they working for you? So far after 5 days I've lost 1Ib hence y I'm wondering if I should be doing more??

3

Well its now my 11th day and don't think I've lost a lb, arrrggggh!

I have just come on so I'm wondering whether its that and I am gyming every day including weights (I know that makes you put muscle on). I'm just totally confused.

I think you should give yourself a full month doing whatever exercise you can do and take it from there. How much have you lost now?

4

Hi.... I can totally relate to your frustration it's been a week now for me & I don't think I've lost anything either!? I drive my work mate nuts asking if there is a difference smile one thing I have noticed is though, is that I'm not craving or wanting chocolate or any sweet sugary stuff!!! I'm kinda forced to having 3 proper meals in the day, not like my bad habits before... Missing breakfast, 50/50 with lunch then havin big tea with lots of chocs or sweet stuff in between meals!!! So I'm shocked just on basis of diet change I've not lost anythin yet sad my buddy thinks I need to give time and to move my scales as my bathroom floor is slightly uneven. Well done you though makin it to the gym... Wish I could but not allowed with my knee at moment. Oh well as they say dont give up yet smile hav to admit though I've heard of 2 people that my family/friends know who hav been on these pills and hav apparently lost loads! My mates friend has lost 3stone in 3mths and she started with a weight of 18.5stone! So I'm thinkin we just have to give it time/a chance to do its magic smile

5

Hi all, just to add a few thoughts.

Realistically I would suggest targeting a maximum weekly weight loss of 1-2 lb (0.5-1kg). Monitoring yourweight in your local pharmacy will help to encourage you. See if you can discuss with your pharmacist about keeping records of your BMI - we're an easy point of access and you don't need to make appointments !

If a meal doesn't contain much fat, then a dose at this time is not needed (for example those who might have porridge for brekkie).

As orlistat may also impair the ability of the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E and K it's worth considering a multivitamin supplement. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see what's best to use. Good luck to everyone !

Tarun (hospital pharmacist)