first few days...

Posted , 5 users are following.

I always said I would never 'do' Xenical due to the side effects but needed help fast. I am a yo yo dieter and have 3 weight losses of 7 stone in my past. But I love my food and eat too much of it!

Anyway I started xenical a few days ago, I have a few queries (my doctor is rubbish!)

Doctor told me to start on one a day and build up slowly to avoid effects. I started on two a day, have a low fat diet. some side effects but no incontinence! Bloating is dreadful though.

I wonder if the side effects are short term for only the start or last throughout duration of taking tablet.

I am only taking two a day, should I be taking three? - I often skip breakfast - do i not need a meal with each tablet? - or would you guys recommend I take it regardless...

also heard of MAP on forums but no idea what this is!

hope you expert users can help with these queries

I want to lose 5 stone 1st may - end September !!!

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    I started on Orlistat today so Im a bit anxious about the potential 'toilet troubles' I have read about.

    I suppose at the end of the day we need to recognise that this is an aid to a healthy weight not a cure and not a way out which will allow us to continue shovelling copious amount of food in that is over and above our need.

    Why is the GP rubbish (if i read that correctly) and why are you going to him if you feel he is rubbish

  • Posted

    MAP is run by the company Roche who make orlistat and you get a trained nurse to speak to every couple of weeks - they send you out lots of information which helps and are on the end of a phone whenever you need them. The number is 08007317138, when you ring to register have a box of the tabs with you as they need the batch number.

    Wiggs smile

  • Posted

    thanks for the info re map

    about the doctor - rubbish may be unfair but basically he gav eme pilsl without info/guidance... this is standard practice - you say what you want... you get it! but thats it.

  • Posted

    i hear what your saying and indeed i imagine the GP should satisfy himself/herself that the patient knows the basics about the drug they are taking but surely there must also be some self responsiblity on the patient and if the patient feels clueless and not sufficiently informed then they need to tell the GP so he/she can then re-assess if the patient is a suitable candidate for the treatment.
  • Posted

    Hi Sarah

    I agree with you on the doctor, mine was very quick to give me these tablets (without my encouragement) but gave me very little advice, thank god for forums like this one!

    My doctor gave me the same advice about starting with 1 tablet, i think this was whilst i read up on what i should and shouldnt eat, but i am on 3 tablets per day now without too many problems, some bloating or wind if i have a particuarly fatty meal.

    I would advise though, and please take this as constructive, you should have breakfast. i always snack worse when i have not eaten 3 square meals a day and it gives you more energy for the rest of the day. If you are going to miss this meal i would advise skipping the tablet too as this may be the reason for excess wind/bloating etc

    good luck and let us know how you get on

    Carley x

  • Posted

    Thank you all for the replies.

    As you say I have included breakfast - and been taking a pill with (now on 3 a day) although I wonder how effective this is as i only have toast with flora light on it...

    Things are going ok and am pleased I am on them. Got dry and spotty skin though so just bought some multivitamins in the hope they will put back whatever I am losing!

  • Posted

    Hi all - I rang the number given above to ask about the compatibility of Immodium and the tablets. They will not advise you on this number since 1 April - I was told I had to go on line and post my question there on the contact button. I did so and as yet haven't had a reply so not best pleased with the response. I hope I get one before I go on hols otherwise I think I'll come off for a week.

    Hang in there all.

  • Posted

    Hi all

    If I could advise on the Immodium front I would. I can't, I am in the early stages myself, but I hope someone can help.

    I would say that only eating toast and flora light is not enough fat. I also have toast and flora extra light (I surprisingly like it), and a 30g bowl of Oat so simple or the tescos derivitive, with a little honey to sweeten. You need at least 5g of fat per meal. I hope that this helps with the skin. Also, plenty of watery fluids (not tea or coffee) should help flush the system.

    Good luck to you!!

    :D

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