Xenical... What do you think??

Dave ARNP · Jan 9, 2004

I think it's as effective as any of the weight loss drugs. Some of my patients haverealyl good luck with, others find no real change.

I would say the average weight loss is about 20lbs. Ofcourse, there are those who lose massive amounts (I think the most that anyone has ever lost at my office is 94lbs.)

Good luck if you decide to try it!

Dave

memphispanda, RN · Jan 9, 2004

Xenical works, but you have to put up with the side effects. Weird orange, oily stool. And if you eat something like pizza or deep fried anything, it may be hard to control--as in wear a pad. I lost weight when I took it, but because of the cost had to stop taking it. I plan to start taking it again when the money starts coming in again!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 9, 2004

That's one drug I don't ever intend to try........who wants to walk around oozing poop everywhere? Sure you might lose a few pounds, but you'd probably lose ALL your friends, not to mention your dignity. Definitely not worth it. YUCK.

Burnt Out, ASN, RN · Jan 9, 2004

I took it for about 2 months when it first hit the market. I probably will never take it again. I did follow a low fat diet-didn't lose much weight; if I ate anything with "unknown" fat in it-GET OUT OF MY WAY :imbar

:imbar I also had problems with "leakage"-even if I didn't pass gas or anything, I would have orange discolorations on my underwear. The final straw came when I had a diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis-my ob/gyn told me I had "blockages" in my colon..I was having regular BMs (sorry, TMI). He said my colon looked like an elderly person who had an impaction:eek: :rolleyes: :imbar ...so needless to say, he took me off of Xenical and told me never, NEVER again to take it.

Good luck if you do take it!!

sandyth · Jan 9, 2004

I have currently started taking Xenical and Adipex. The xenical will certainly make you watch what you eat and the Adipex will make you not want to eat. In 2 weeks i have lost 8 lbs, so thats pretty good.

Gompers, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2004

My doc prescribed Xenical for me in November but I stopped taking it after after a month. It was just too embarassing to always have gas and leakage, to the point that I was considering buying Depends! It didn't matter how low-fat I ate. And if I switched my diet to totally non-fat, then what is the point of taking the Xenical? Overall, the GI disturbances were just way too disgusting. All it takes is one coughing or sneezing fit while on Xenical and you'll never want to take it again!!!

:imbar

BrandyBSN · Jan 11, 2004

if you work in an area that you can not immediately drop everything and run to the bathroom, i would NOT recommend it. I took it for 3 days...

Even with wearing a pad, its not worth it.

Monica RN,BSN · Jan 12, 2004

Thanks for the input!! Very appreciated.......

Dave ARNP · Jan 12, 2004

Keeping your meals to a low fat content will definately lower your S/E. High fat meals are the MAIN reason for the complaints listed so far.

If you keep your fat content down, and stay on Xenical long enough to get past some of it's "unplesants", then I think you'll find it to be very effective, perhaps no more so than the others, but w/o many of the risks. Also, I think Xenical is a wonderful agent to use when you're trying to keep off the weight that you've already lost.

Finally, thought I would mention that Xenical just got a ped's indication for young people suffering from Obesity.

Dave

BarbPick · Jan 13, 2004

I took it for a while. My doctor told me to open up the capsule and take half, it would be just as effective and cut the cost. It also cut the side effects. I lost about 20 pounds.

Right now I am on weight watchers on line. I am on the lower carb menu they have and I am doing well without medication. Do not take me wrong, I am glad I got the start from Xenocal.