Wren
03-14-00, 06:39 PM
I just got Xenical today. I do not at all like the idea of using diet drugs. However...
First, I have 120 lbs to lose, and that will leave me at 160, not what most would consider thin--but what is good for me at 5'7".
Second, I am 37, and have been obsese to one degree or another my entire life. I have slow metabolism from years of restrictive diets, and a family heredity that doesn't let go of fat easily.
Third, I have badly formed feet, the left one is becoming crippled. I have orthotics, etc. When I walk I have pain. Other forms of excercise, such as swimming create other obstacles for me--starting with humiliation, ending with yeast and ear infections. Also, I wear weekly extended-wear contacts that cannot be removed 3-5 times a week and cannot be exposed to chlorine fumes. In addition to that, I have very irregular work hours that I can't count on, so fitting into a pool schedule would be virtually impossible.
Finally, I cannot lose weight without excercise. That is a fact. Without it my metabolism slows to a crawl, and restricting calories has no effect after the first week or two.
So I am trying the drug to "jump start" my weight loss enough to allow me to excercise without doing permanent damage to my foot. Then there is the heart disease and adult onset diabetes that runs rampant in my family. In other words, I have to lose 30 to 40 lbs before I can lose weight in the way I believe in: permanent lifestyle change balancing healthy eating and regular excercise.
It cost me $128 for a one month supply with no insurance help. My doctor is going to write to the insurance company and insist that it is medically necesary. BTW, my doctor is a very earthy type and prefers that people NOT do things the "magic bullet" way. Given my situation, she did not hesitate.
To summarize, I agree with the antagonists on the subject in that excercise and healthy eating is the ultimate/preferred goal. I disagree with those that blindly/intolerantly insist that it is the "one true way" for everyone regardless of their circumstances. "Just eat right and excercise" is not an option for me at this time.
I would be interested in talking to anyone else that has or is embarking on a similar program.
BTW, I do intend to do strength training to assist my metabolism. (Muscle burns fat and requires more calories.)
Wren
First, I have 120 lbs to lose, and that will leave me at 160, not what most would consider thin--but what is good for me at 5'7".
Second, I am 37, and have been obsese to one degree or another my entire life. I have slow metabolism from years of restrictive diets, and a family heredity that doesn't let go of fat easily.
Third, I have badly formed feet, the left one is becoming crippled. I have orthotics, etc. When I walk I have pain. Other forms of excercise, such as swimming create other obstacles for me--starting with humiliation, ending with yeast and ear infections. Also, I wear weekly extended-wear contacts that cannot be removed 3-5 times a week and cannot be exposed to chlorine fumes. In addition to that, I have very irregular work hours that I can't count on, so fitting into a pool schedule would be virtually impossible.
Finally, I cannot lose weight without excercise. That is a fact. Without it my metabolism slows to a crawl, and restricting calories has no effect after the first week or two.
So I am trying the drug to "jump start" my weight loss enough to allow me to excercise without doing permanent damage to my foot. Then there is the heart disease and adult onset diabetes that runs rampant in my family. In other words, I have to lose 30 to 40 lbs before I can lose weight in the way I believe in: permanent lifestyle change balancing healthy eating and regular excercise.
It cost me $128 for a one month supply with no insurance help. My doctor is going to write to the insurance company and insist that it is medically necesary. BTW, my doctor is a very earthy type and prefers that people NOT do things the "magic bullet" way. Given my situation, she did not hesitate.
To summarize, I agree with the antagonists on the subject in that excercise and healthy eating is the ultimate/preferred goal. I disagree with those that blindly/intolerantly insist that it is the "one true way" for everyone regardless of their circumstances. "Just eat right and excercise" is not an option for me at this time.
I would be interested in talking to anyone else that has or is embarking on a similar program.
BTW, I do intend to do strength training to assist my metabolism. (Muscle burns fat and requires more calories.)
Wren