Question about Metformin and weight loss

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2006
Question about Metformin and weight loss
9
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 11:47am

Hi all - It has been awhile since I have been here, mostly because I have been doing well! I am type II and manging with Diet, exercise, Avandia (yes I know the risks) and Metformin. My blood sugars have been in the 6's and my docotr's are happy with things and so am I.


My dilemma is this. Back in June I started Metformin (instead of glucophage - I was having too many lows). Metformin has been a lifesaver for me. The problem is my weight LOSS. I know not something you hear people complain about a lot.


The thing is I am you atypical diabetic with NO risk factors - have never been overweight. I was at a healthy 142 in June and my doctor suggested losing maybe 5 pounds to help with my insulin resistence. Well since June  I have lost 20 pounds.


I feel great have a lot of energy and as I said my BS levels are good. But I cannot KEEP losing weight! It seems I just have much less of an appetite since starting the Metformin even though I have not had any of the stomach troubles people sometimes have on it.


So....if I eat more to gain weight - I am needing to eat the stuff that is not good for my BS - carbs etc. I can't stuff myself full of hamburgers and fries - so there in lies my quandry - what can I eat to gain weight while still staying on the metformin which has been the best at controlling my blood sugar levels and A1c levels?


Any ideas?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 3:00pm

Hi Michelle,


To my knowledge Metformin and Glucophage are the same. Drugs have two labels, the pharmaceutical name and the brand name.

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 3:58pm
Hi Michelle!

Avatar for 2sweet02
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 5:00pm

Are you able to eat nuts?

2sweet02

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2006
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 7:14pm
Hi 2sweet - I love nuts! Unfortuantely they cause havoc with my stomach if I eat too many.....I am always munching on some almonds for snacks! Thanks for the tip!
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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2006
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 7:16pm

Hi Cheryl -


Both of these are good ideas. I am going to try getting a few this week. I also scheduled an appointment with my doctor for the week after Christmas. Not the best time to have my A1c done - right after the holidays LOL - but I want to talk to him about this as well. I will let you know how the shakes go.


Michelle

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Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 9:24pm
I always have mine done right after Christmas!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2006
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 10:00pm
Cheryl - A little bit of me and a little bit of you and we would hardly be diabetic and would have no weight concerns! LOL.
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Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 12-16-2007 - 10:48pm
Hey!

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 12-18-2007 - 2:10am

Michelle,


The other thing that is suggested is using the healthy fats which have a little higher calories count. This includes olive oil and avacado.


If it is any consolation for you, my appetite has never returned to normal since I started metformin. When I was first on the medication the doctor asked me if I was eating because I lost 8 pounds in less than a month. The weight loss did stop, unfortunately for me!



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