six weeks after Phen

[fiftysomething]

I reached my goal and stopped taking Phen exactly six weeks ago today. I was scared I'd go right back to my old habits and eating patterns as soon as the Phen was gone, but not so. There really is something to be said for using Phen to establish new and healthier habits. It's so much easier to establish new routines when you're not STARVING - Phen sure takes care of that part of the equation.

Now I still get hungry like before, but am satisfied with less. I know the stomach doesn't really shrink, but it sure feels that way. I just don't get as hungry or hungry as often as I used to. I'm also exercising well, including some weight training (Cybex machines), so I get to look forward to continued changes for the better in my figure even though I'm not losing any more weight - firming.

I'm buying new, stylish clothes for the first time in years. When I had gained weight I HATED to go shopping for clothes because I didn't think I looked good in them - I ended up wearing the same old things all the time and not taking any pride in my appearance. Buying new clothes is so much fun now.

Anyway, just checking in and letting you know there IS life after the Phen and it's good. Here is a picture of me and my mother taken last week at her and my father's 65th anniversary. Reading all about you guys I've realized I'm way older than most of you, 53. Well, my Mom is 86 so I'm just a youngster, right?

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[fiftysomething]

Rats, I FINALLY figured out how to post a picture but still don't have it like the rest of you. Mine is tiny, but if you double click on it it gets big. This is my first forum and I'd never heard of having to put your pictures on a web page, much less known how to do it - just thought I'd be able to browse to the file on my computer.

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[smalltowngirl]

Congratulations on reaching your goal! You look great (so does your mom.) Thanks for sharing this post. I am a little nervous about gaining after phen, so it's good to hear your success story.

[Juice2640]

You are really pretty, and you definately DO NOT look your age. You look awesome. Diet and exercise definately helps with that. I hope I look as good as you later on in life, but to tell you the truth, you are in better shape than I am right now. Doesn't that make you feel great?? I am 23, and I have 53 more pounds to lose. I have lost 21 so far.

When I first saw your picture, I thought you were in your late 30s early 40s.

Congrats again!

[Juice2640]

P.S. you have a wonderful smile too fifty!! Or should I say luckywomanthirtysomething. That should be your knew name....lol

[computergalmp]

Hi,
I am so happy to read your post! Can I ask how long you were on Phen? I am thinking by the time I'm done it will be about 3-4 months at most. I was worried about stopping but you have given me hope!
Thanks!!

[Ang4Short]

Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and post for us. It is so nice to hear an "after" phen story.

Everything you said makes so much sense to me. For me it was extremely hard to create new habits when you are feeling so darn hungry. Hunger would make me crabby and steal all of my motivation.

A while back I lost alot of weight on Phen-fen and I didnt' have a problem with it coming back on (until baby #2).

Hearing how your life has changed is really motivating. You should be so proud.

Thanks again, I wish you all the best!

[Ang4Short]

And I forgot to tell you how great you look... You look like a youngster to me!

[FireplaceNut]

Fiftysomething...

Wow...this post makes my weekend. I'm so happy to hear another after-phen success story. There tends to be way more negative info. out there and it's so nice to hear something positive.

I'm very happy for you that you've met your goal. You look FANTASTIC!!!

Thanks so much again for brightening our day !

[missus]

Congratulations on that weight loss and reaching goal. Like everyone else said, you and your momma look great. And yes, you are a youngun. Keep us posted on your continued maintenance and continued success to you.

Missus

[fiftysomething]

Thank all of you so much for your kind words. You make me feel great. I feel so good, partly psychological I guess because I feel like I look good and I'm proud of my appearance again. Also, though, I really have changed my lifestyle to a healthier one. Exercise releases endorphins and getting physically fit makes you feel good burn more calories naturally. Being stronger and lighter makes just everyday moving around so much easier. Climbing stairs doesn't hurt my bad knee anymore; I walk faster and with a spring in my step because it's so effortless.

I don't know that I'm the perfect model for the way I lost the weight though, or that I'd do it the same way if able to do it again. I was on Phen for just 6 weeks, didn't eat enough according to what everyone says about 1,200 calories because I was impatient and didn't have much of an appetite - at least during the day. I decided to lose as much as I could while I had my one prescription since I only had 15 pounds to lose. If I'd wanted to lose more I definately would have done it differently - taken my time.

I don't recommend hurrying like I did and eating so little. Someone at work noticed my weight loss and worried that I was sick or something. I looked washed out because I WAS washed out.

After the Phen was gone I kept on with my aerobic exercise and started the weight lifting - I continued to lose weight even though I was eating a reasonable amount of good food, just limiting the bad stuff like processed carbs, sweets, alcohol, fatty meats. Boy, did it feel better being off the Phen.

When I was on Phen I wore a heart monitor while I rode my Nordic Trac to make sure my heart rate didn't go too high - I had to hold myself back, slowing my pace to keep it under 140 as people my age are supposed to. It was kind of scary having my heart revved up like that all the time. Now I go all out on my Nordic Trak, get a great workout, and I push myself as hard as I want - I can hardly get my heart rate up to 140 even if I sprint.

Thanks again for being so nice and telling me I don't look my age - hooray!!

[Down2it]

Congratulations!!!! We are the same age (53) so I know how difficult it is to change lifelong (bad) eating habits...I am so happy to see someone else in our age bracket making such a dramatic change for the better...again congratulations and enjoy those new clothes ;0)

[fiftysomething]

MOMMA MIA!!! I can't believe you're the same person in your before and after picture! You're one sexy looking lady for 53. 5'9" and 130 pounds? You're a skinny one too. Don't lose any more or you'll be TOO thin - your waist will disappear!

On a more sober note, my doctor told me that losing weight when you're our age might bring menopause on more quickly and more suddenly. The body stores its residual estrogen in fat cells and losing fat means losing estrogen. Oh well. If it's coming anyway it might as well come on.