[gina-g]

Hi guys, I was just wondering if anyone knew if it was safe to use xenical while having a gastric band?

I had a band fitted 20 months ago, have lost 5 stone (31 kilos) so far but am only half way through desired weight loss. Although I cant eat much due to the band (defo at the correct tightness) I still have a problem with my sweet tooth. I was advised before op I should go for the bypass as this is recommended for people with a sweet tooth but at another £4000 I just couldnt afford it.

Many years ago I did take xenical and it did control my sweet tooth to a degree. (The side effects tend to put you off the choc!!) My question is: does anyone know if it is safe to take whilst having a gastric band? My weight loss has come to a complete standstill since 3 months ago and would like to try and kick start it again.

Anyone any idea about this?

cheers

[MsVickie]

I personally wouldnt do it. Call and ask your surgeon what they think about it.

[Nena]

For some reason, it doesn't sound right to me. I agree with Ms.Vickie call your doc and ask first before trying it. Cheers,

[Kenyar]

are you serious? wow...
um. if you have wls, you shouldnt be taking diet pills of any sort much less those blocker or trapper ones. talk to your doc about that but i would think it would be a NO.

[sue4491]

Originally Posted by gina-g

Hi guys, I was just wondering if anyone knew if it was safe to use xenical while having a gastric band?
Many years ago I did take xenical and it did control my sweet tooth to a degree. (The side effects tend to put you off the choc!!) My question is: does anyone know if it is safe to take whilst having a gastric band? My weight loss has come to a complete standstill since 3 months ago and would like to try and kick start it again.

I would discuss it with your PCP just to be sure but as medications go, xenical is a pretty safe one. Since you have a simple restriction surgery, it shouldn't interfere with your WLS... but I would still discuss it with your doctor...

I have heard that xenical is pretty effective at limiting high fat items..

[Kenyar]

i dont think anyone is saying its a MEDICAL issue i think its a behavioral conflict. taking a diet pill while participating in a life change defeats the purpose. you have to work on the behavioral. i understand the band is different but the idea is the same. while restricted you are bing given time to rethink years of bad habits and create new ones. its almost like a fresh start. dont ruin it by "cheating"...just my opinion...

[sue4491]

Originally Posted by Kenyar

i dont think anyone is saying its a MEDICAL issue i think its a behavioral conflict. taking a diet pill while participating in a life change defeats the purpose. you have to work on the behavioral. i understand the band is different but the idea is the same. while restricted you are bing given time to rethink years of bad habits and create new ones. its almost like a fresh start. dont ruin it by "cheating"...just my opinion...

Actually Xenical does encourage a change in behavior because when the individual eats high fat foods, they can experience uh.... annoying bathroom incidents (to put things delicately). Some opine it's similar to the "dumping syndrome" experienced by gastric bypass patients in discouraging consuming of foods detrimental to weight loss. In this way, it's not really a diet pill like the others. Xenical is more about changing food choices than losing weight although people on it, typically DO lose weight from the better food choices.

Any medical decision should be discussed with one's medical provider but I know several gastroenterologists who do recommend xenical as an aid to changing behavior...

[sue4491]

Originally Posted by gina-g

Hi guys, have lost 5 stone (31 kilos) so far but am only half way through desired weight loss.

Wow! I just converted your weight loss to lbs... 70 lbs!!! Congrats on great weight loss!!!

[sburtonh]

Adverse conditioning(bm issues due to supplement) is not re-education it is a fear induced change. I would say don't do it and if it is something you wouldn't ask your doctor then the answer is most likely no.

[Kenyar]

yeah i cant believe that post but whatever...

call your doc. i dont think anyone on here is qualified to approve this for you. i just think that using this WITH banding is not good and reinstilling some pre-op behavior --which is something a non op wouldnt understand...