[LiteraryLark]

I'm putting this here because the other forum has been dead for over a month.

I bought this weight loss supplement and it seems really safe. It is a non-stimulant, no caffeine or crazy unnatural products, and they only list about ten ingredients total, half of what is in them are vitamins like Vitamin B's. The weight loss part of it has natural ingredients like green coffee extract and no chemicals. And the supplement is not designed for dramatic weight loss: it is meant to be taken with diet and exercise (and the worker explained that I don't need to use a gym or do crazy exercises) and can help lose up to ten pounds in two months, which I think sounds reasonable. It shouldn't get me super energetic or have any crazy side effects.

But the thing is, I have this fear of doing things without telling people, and I feel guilty for not getting my parents or doctor's approval first. My parents are against weight loss supplements as they've lost weight themselves without using supplements and I'm afraid my doctor would feel the same and that I am doing the wrong thing.

At the Kaiser pharmacy I asked the pharmacist for advice when I was picking up new meds and he said that taking weight loss supplements should be fine and that it will not interact with my meds, but that I should wait to see how I handle the new meds first before starting the weight loss supplement.

I'm just worried about the stigma of weight loss products, because people make it seem like they are all such scams or that they are harmful to your health, but what I bought seems safe and I don't feel like I should feel guilty about wanting to lose weight, and I think that by taking thes supplement would be a motivator to actually make an effort to lose weight by exercising and watching what I eat.

Has anyone else used weight loss supplements while taking other medications for mental illness such as bipolar? I just don't want to feel like I'm doing a bad thing.

[lizardlady]

Dr. Skipper, I think you were wise to ask the pharmacist about the supplement interacting with your meds. His advise about waiting until you see how the new meds affect you sounds like good advice. If something goes wrong you won't know if it's the meds or the supplement. If you are still worried about interaction, why not call your pdoc?

I have no personal experience taking weight loss supplements. It sounds like you've made an informed choice about the one you want to take. There are some that are dangerous. It sounds like you've done your research and found a safe one. If it actually has no effect on a person's weight it won't have harmed anything except your wallet. On the other hand, if taking the supplement gives you the motivation to start exercising and watching what you eat, what's the harm? We know that exercise and diet can help with weight loss.

[LiteraryLark]

haha thanks. I just don't like feeling secretive or that I've made a bad decision.