Orlistat - reviews/success/thoughts

[jefl]

Looking for experiences/succes stories with orlistat.

I started Orlistat on 1/1/24 and have lost 5lbs in one week (16 stone 9 down to 16 stone 4).

I've managed to eat fairly healthily bar one takeaway, only managed to go to the gym once and wanted to swim as well but didn't get the chance.

I’m starting tomorrow. I’ll let you know how much I’ve lost next Monday. Well done on your success.

Take spare knickers when you go out. It didn't agree with me at all.

@Orlistat2024 best of luck x

@Anjea I have been waiting for such a moment but I think I've been lucky so far.... just a bit windy 😬

I have a box in my cupboard but after reading horror stories about it I haven't tried it.

@Onceuponaheartache I was the same - I've had a box since June last year but only just plucked up the courage (and desperation) to try it.

I think it gets different reactions from different people.

I've not had any bad reaction at all but have heard horror stories.

Maybe try it when you have a day near the loo?

I'm back on it and have been before. Can be good depending what you eat. If you do eat anything a bit high in fat please don't pass wind unless you are on the toilet 😏 seriously. Hope it works well for you

Had a break over Christmas now back on it.
The trick is to wear a pad if you have eaten any fat and never trust a fart. I found them really good and looking forward to getting back in the rhythm of it.

I stopped taking it didn’t like the side effects. Stomach issues mostly. I’ve changed my diet, given up alcohol (Dry January) and exercising more. Lost 7 pounds since January 1 st.

I used it for a couple of weeks with no side effects and then I was really unwell with stomach issues - couldn't leave the bathroom for a couple of hours, with no notice. I haven't been brave enough to try it again.

I've been taking since 2/1/24. Lost 4 lbs in first week and then nothing in the second. Then I remembered that I was supposed to be on a calorie controlled diet too! Third week and I've lost 2lbs. It's important to remember that you do need some fat in your diet though, cutting it out will just cause constipation. A SW consultant once said to me that you wouldn't run your car without putting oil in it and the human body is the same.

I have been really strict with the fat intake and not had anything above 5mg per 100mg. I had some gurgling the first week but have had no other side effects which I'm happy about. Orlistat works in two ways. Firstly, it removed one third of the fat from the food you eat and secondly it scares you into not eating high fat items due to the adverse effect on your digestive system.

I am fairly active and walk the dog every morning - only for 25-30 minutes but it's enough. For the exercise remember that anything more than nothing each day is something.

Have those people who have suffered the horrendous side effects just had something that was high in fat? I am fortunate that I work from home so have complete control over what I eat and am always near to my own loo should the unthinkable happen!

Good luck 🤞

Ive been on this for 3 weeks. First week was a bit loose. Lost 3llbs. Following week constipated no weight loss. This week bowells ok. Again no weight loss. Keeping to my diet. No alcohol. Work out too. Fed up

I started taking Orlistat, I'm on day 4 as we speak. I was really nervous to begin my journey, like everyone the horror stories and side effects are really off-putting.

I have had the exact opposite to be honest. I have been calorie counting using my Fitness Pal. I am also making a conscious effort to eat more fibre, low fat etc all the things the Drs tell you do to.
I feel really constipated, my BM were better before I started taking these tablets, now I'm struggling. I think maybe I am going to reduce down to two tablets a day (lunch and diner) as those meals generally have a higher fat content than my breakfast.

I havent weighed by myself yet, obviously won't see much progress on the scales if I can't actually 💩💩

The tablets work as a placebo effect also as you are more conscious about what you are eating and the fat contents. Like, if you have a high fat meal then the consequences can be disastrous!

Anyways that is my experience!

I have found that I needed to introduce a little more fat into my diet to stop the constipation. The other thing I found helpful was prunes and dried apricots. Obviously not for everyone but work for me.

I started on 2/1/24 and have lost a stone, dropped a dress size. My doc is really pleased and so am I. I was really stressing about losing 5% in 3 months but I’ve smashed it already. The first few weeks were not great weight loss wise but as soon as I relaxed a little, it has come off. 3 lbs week before last and 2lbs last week. I also haven’t cut out things like bread which I love. I figure that once I come off orlistat I will want to eat like a normal person. You can have everything but in moderation.

I haven’t had any bad side effects apart from once. Went away for the weekend with some friends and didn’t take tablets. Obviously hadn’t taken into account that they stay in your system. Luckily I was near a loo and only needed to go once.

I only take lunch and dinner as I usually have fruit for breakfast.

i also listen to slim pod which helps get my mind in the right place.

Good luck with your journey.

Hi All, I have just been prescribed orlistat and starting next week - as everyone is I'm a little nervous about the side effects!

Did you guys keep going and has been been helpful for you?

I took this many years ago (back when white linen trousers were the fashion) I ruined alot of underwear and trousers and spent alot of time with a jumper tied round my waist the orange grease farts were horrific. I think if you eat a healthy diet with very little fat you will probably be OK. I was naive and very young when I tried them and had the stronger xenical ones, I can't say I lost any weight to be honest maybe a few pounds but it all went back on again because I didn't change my diet in the long term, I do often wonder if these only work because of the fear of shitting your pants in public makes you alter your food intake.

Yes, I'm still going with it.

I've had a horrendous couple of days but that is because over the weekend I ate "normally". Lots of fat. Learned my lesson and back on it now.

I'm carrying on because it does work. Maybe it is the fear factor that makes it work! I was calorie counting at the beginning but now I am following my old SW books. Minimal fat but unlimited good food. I also listen to SlimPod which I find helps put my mind in the right place.

I also have a mantra which I hope will work. I was fat at 50 and I want to be slim at 60. I have a couple of years to get there but I'm determined this time!

Good luck

I love Orlistat and they work well for me.

I was constipated for the first week, which surprised me, but then things settled down.
I lost 12lb in the first week, then a steady 3lb a week.

GP prescribes them, so they're free (Scotland, so all prescriptions are free).

Thanks all!

I have been prescribed and as much of my weight is from having my kids so I'm confident that once it's off I can maintain, I have about 2-3stone to lose (depending on whether I want to be back where I was pre-kids or actually slim slim if that makes sense)

Going to give it good go and keep super low fat with it - I'm usually pretty good at it so it's just making myself less likely to eat takeaway or junk at home, and choose badly when out at work. Will report back!

3 weeks in here - it works for me. But, I can also confirm eating any kind of fat can be a mistake. Only had one interesting toilet situation that was actually in last few days - ate some supposedly low fat paprika snacks and have never seen so much oil - insane. Luckily have been working from home. Otherwise, I do stick to very low fat and it works, no other accidents. I’m rarely hungry and can still enjoy a couple of glasses of wine. My PCOS has improved along with other random pains I had. So far, would recommend this diet.

Working well for me - I’m 9lbs down after 5 weeks, no bad side effects but I’m been eating v v low fat so fingers crossed it continues!

Hello,
Hope it’s ok to join? I just started Orlistat 2 days ago.
i’m in France, and I was hoping I might be able to get Wegovy. However when I saw my GP, he said I should take Orlistat.

Starting weight is 13stone 10 hoping to get down to about 11stone 7. (If I can get back into my size 14 skinny jeans; that will be a win for me!)

I haven’t had any accidents, although I feel a bit windier than usual.

i’ve cut out all of my pastries and baguettes and haven’t eaten any cheese in the last couple of days.

i have a special plate, which is divided into sections: half for veggies / salads, quarter for carbs, and a quarter for protein. That has made me more conscious of what I’m eating.

im going to try intermittent fasting: no eating before about 11am and done by 7pm

not sure I believe the fat digesting part! But I think the placebo effect will help. I’m now conscious that I’m trying to lose weight. I think I need to get some kind of calorie tracking app.

also going to the gym a bit more often. Trying to do weights, as they are better in the long run, as muscle burns more calories than fat. Also I’m 53, so am trying to protect my future self against osteoporosis etc.

Hi @TiffanyLamp welcome to the chat.

I'm still on it but have to confess that I've slipped a bit and was stuck at the same weight for a few weeks. Was still taking Orlistat but not being very careful with food. Got the unwelcome reminder last weekend that too much fat is not good! Was glued to the loo for a good while!!! Most unpleasant. 😂

This last week has been better and I've just dropped to the next big number which I always find hugely satisfying. Started at 16st 5lbs and I'm now at 14st 12lbs. People are commenting that they can see the difference and I certainly feel much better. My goal weight is 11st 2lbs so a way to go yet.

Only exercise I get is a half hour dog walk every morning. We are off on holiday to Holland in a couple of weeks. We cycle everywhere when there so looking forward to seeing a loss on the scales when I get back!

I don't eat breakfast so pretty much fast from around 8pm to lunchtime but I've been doing that for years.

Hope everyone else is still on it and doing well.

Hello @MaxandMinniesMummy
gosh that’s really great progress. I know what you mean about going down to the next “big number” !
Im not a big breakfast eater either, so going to try and stick to 2 meals a day too.
Enjoy your holiday in Holland!

I‘m 2 months in almost, 5 KG weight loss - had a few slips/ off days (family visiting etc) but generally am pleased. One or two near misses (beware passing wind, might not just be wind!) and eating even a tiny bit of cheese was very bad for me.