I quit smoking approximately 5 months ago and while I am excercising myself to death (or so it seems) I am not losing any weight -- initially I gained 10 and have now turned that 10 plus the other 10 I had gained before I quit smoking (possibly due to old age/middle age metabolism) into muscle, but and I have a terrible appetite -- it's like I have a hungry, hungry tape worm crawling around inside -- and I truly need to control my appetite somehow. At any rate, does anyone know of an over-the-counter appetite suppressant that could help me control my raging hunger especially during the day? I know they aren't good for you and I am usually not one to try to get an assist, but this is kicking me in the %%**$ -- I know for the most part it is a vanity, but I'm hoping there is something that works out there, at least long enough for me to kick the new 10 off my butt or whereever it is lurking within my body.

Please don't use over the counter appetite suppressants. Yes, there are some that work and surprisingly enough what works the best can be found at practically any gas station but has been banned by the FDA. I know you asked for specifics but what will work is dangerous, will cause heart palpitations, and raise your blood pressure.

There are natural varieties out with the latest gaining notoriety being Hoodia Gordonii. It's a natural appetite suppressant and was introduced to the US in early 2004. It hails from the Kalahari Desert and has been used for centuries. It's not a stimulate and has no known side-effects. Key results of hoodia reported include a reduced interest in food, delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again, feeling full more quickly, and a general feeling of well-being. I've used it and it does help (although not as well as the above banned item does). I know of one product that contains it - the Ephedra Free TrimSpa.

However, I do think it is best to stay away from appetite suppressants. I know what it's like to be ravingly hungry and I keep my appetite at bay by drinking water...lots of water. Sounds corny but it works.

I agree with Georgia, do not take any supressants, natural or otherwise...Water is an excellent solution...alot of times our bodies mistake thirst for hunger....Also if you are exercising a lot you need more water....Eat small amounts every 3-4 hours and drink a glass of water with each little meal...keep water handy at all times...Your body will get used to smaller amounts of food...I think it takes about 2-3 weeks for your body to adjust to new amounts (could be wrong about the time)

I know! I know! You are both so right! But it is soooo hard to drink that much water . I will make a honest attempt to do it though and see what happens . I does make my skin look great!

By the way, I have already tried the stuff that you can get at the gas station, ephidrene(sp?), and I would not recommend that either. It made made me feel like my heart would beat out of my chest -- or at least -- that is what I imagined was happening, so needless to say, no worry about my vanity overruling my good health sense not when something is a true risk.

I am just totally frustrated with myself though . All of my old tried and true standby methods are simply not working like they used to. I am sure it's not just the changes in my body because of not smoking, but also my age, i.e., metabolism slowing down is playing a large role -- I am just working so hard to see such a small amount of positive results. Thanks for the input!

I tried diet pills and they got me really depressed and sick. I don't think you should help finance the multi billion dollar diet marketing industry. Its all a scam. The only way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. I'm sure you are hungry since nicotine is an appetite suppressant. If your workouts aren't helping then you may have plateaued. Try different exercises to kick you back in gear. If you find you are hungry then reach for health snacks. Stock up on some veggies with no fat dip. I also think a problem is that a cigarette was a sign the meal was over. Make brushing your teeth your new sign. When you are done eating or are really hungry, brush your teeth. That may help. Just hang in there. Congratulations on being smoke free.

The others are right about appetite suppressants.. but I would like to add, drinking lots of water CAN help.. but if you are exercising, a better choice might be low-calorie sports drinks for the eletrolytes to replace ones you are losing in this hot weather and while you are exercising.

You don't have to drink just plain water, like sher said there are LOW calorie sports drinks...also you can drink crystal lite or other 5 calorie drink mixes (now available in tiny ine serving packets) when I get a craving I suck on a low calorie popsicle, it gives my mouth something to do and tastes good.

Thanks ladies! FYI, I spent the week-end in the bathroom at least I wasn't in the frig BTW, my skin is glowing this morning from all this water!

Grehlin, a hormone produced by the stomach which signals the brain it's full, may be the appetite suppressant of the future. For now, as has been said, the current remedies -- including hoodia -- have not been reproducibly shown to be of any benefit.

Just an update....I'm still drinking water, still working out and have lost "NO" weight and don't mind admitting, I'm a little depressed and discouraged about it all. I guess this is where the slippery slope begins . . . I don't EVEN consider starting back smoking as an option (although I can see how some people might), but I absolutely DO believe I need a little "assist" and it's totally not fair that just because I am not considered "overweight" that I should be told to just suck it up and work harder. I am working hard -- harder than I ever have -- and it's just not working so do I now decide to let myself go and become a frumpy, dumply, bitter old lady wallowing around in self-pity and misery, or what???? JUST VENTING!

quote:

still working out and have lost "NO" weight

Yeah but have you lost inches? Do your clothes feel looser on you? Remember, muscle weighs more than fat and after all, you mention that you are still working out....

Don't lose faith just yet!

I know, I know! I am NOT losing faith (I am probably one of the most determined and head-strong people ever) -- but I am extremely frustrated with myself , and yes, I am sure I have lost inches, it's just that I did wear size 6 (last year and pre-45 yrs old and pre-non smoker) then I moved up to size 8 (after 45) (which was just fine and mostly what I've worn all my life anyway) then I creeped up to size 10 (after non-smoking -- which was not so fine -- but what the *** I am 45 years old and a non-smoker ??RIGHT??)and sometimes 12(which is absolutely not fine -- makes me feel uncomfortable, slow, tired, labored breathing, etc) -- however, since I've been exercising myself TO DEATH -- I have creeped back down to a 10 and SOMETIMES (rarely) I can get my fat &&%$$ into an 8 -- and the worst thing ever is that for the last 3 days -- I have practically starved myself to death (please don't fuss - just doing a scientific study) and as of this morning, the scales have not moved even 1/2 a pound -- what's up with that??

I am just very curious Tulula....what is your height?

"...I have practically starved myself to death (please don't fuss - just doing a scientific study) and as of this morning, the scales have not moved even 1/2 a pound -- what's up with that??"

It's really simple. If you are actually fasting, you have convinced your body that no more fuel is coming, so your body shifts gears, and becomes much more efficient. It tries to hold on to every calorie it can. Your body does a similar thing when you take in extra fuel; it stores it in the form of fat.

Don't be concerned about weight, especially right now. Exercise and dieting often do not cause weight loss at first, even after you body adjusts to the new set of circumstances. You are probably losing fat, but adding muscle. As Georgia pointed out, muscle is denser than fat, and will weigh more. (Want proof? Put a piece of lean meat in a pot of water, and put some melted butter in the same pot. Put the pot in the fridge. The next day, take the pot out. The fat has congealed on top, and the meat is sitting on the bottom. Fat, being lighter than water, floats. Muscle, being denser than water, doesn't.)

Giz, I am 5'4" -- most of my weight is upper body, my problem as far as the sizes are concerned are with my waist upwards -- not my hips -- I could probably still wear a size 6 as far as my butt is concerned, but I am beginning to look like a football player up top -- or at least -- that is how I am seeing it.

Dorian, thanks for you input and I know it is absolutely correct! I will keep on keeping on. I am just so frustrated. I know that your metabolism changes as you age, I am just so used to being able to take charge of a situation and "nip it in the bud" so to speak and this one has got me stimied though.

I would also add that you should not be overly concerned with your dress size number. There is little consistancy among clothes makers when it comes to dress size. One complany's size 6 is another company's size 8, etc..

"Sizes are not created equally...

I wish I had your determination. I might not have had a heart attack had I quit smoking and exercized more...but I'm a nonsmoker now!

Dwight

HEH!HEH!HEH! I know Dwight -- which is probably why I can still get in to some of my size 8's.

CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING A NONSMOKER! I hope you are taking good care of yourself now.

Rimonabant will be on sale in the U.S. before the end of the year. I have ordered some from here. I just got it a couple of days ago and think it really works. I have no food cravings and it supposedly helps cigarette cravings.The studies seem to indicate that it is safe. I have been following it for years and was anxious for it to come out. I won't be able to afford to take it as prescribed. I think I will take one a day for a couple of weeks and then see if it will work if I take it every other day or so.