Joyce Posted January 18, 2004 Posted January 18, 2004 Hi, I am very health conscious and have always kept my weight in check. I go to the gym 4 - 5 times a week and eat well as often as possible. However, 3 weeks ago I went on the pill and have noticed that my appetite has noticeably increased. I find it hard not to take second helpings of everything and constantly think about food. I really hope that this isn't a psychological reaction (as I know friends who have gained weight from the pill), but it is becoming increasingly difficult to battle the cravings. I used to have bulimia and am leaning back towards that lifestyle. I binged over the weekend and threw up almost every meal. This was the only way I could justify eating so badly. But I still feel 'bad' today (not about the purging, which i wish I had done more of, but the overeating). Does anyone have similiar experiences? I have to wait this packet out before the doctor will see me about changing my pill. In the meantime, how do I stop being so crazy about food? I feel like I am gaining weight just thinking about it all the time. Is it all in my mind, or are there others who know how I feel?
tattoomytoe Posted January 20, 2004 Posted January 20, 2004 i do know how you feel, i completely empathize with you. here is my "research"- most, if any weight gained, is most likely water retention, that usually subsides. also- according to the manufactures-they say only 13% of women have this side effect. you can lose weight while on the pill. i might be a mental thing...is there anything else stressfull going on that could be triggering your binges? i often think i, personally, use excusess like the weight gain thing to kinda self sabatage my progress or abstination from my ed, like well i know i am going to gain weight so hell if i am going to keep anything down and speed up the process! Also, i was on the bc patch, which has very few side effects, and it may be a good choice to try, as well as the low dosage pills.
mintjulep Posted January 20, 2004 Posted January 20, 2004 Yes, the side effects of the pill usually subside after 1-3 months. Also, it depends on the type of pill (pill vs. mini-pill), the brand that you were prescribed, and your body. You might want to look into other options, like the patch, if you're that concerned, but if the only side effect is water retention, then it will go away, eventually. I'm pretty sure the over eating is psychological and/or related to your eating disorder. The other side effects of the pill include, and are not limited to, mood swings, bleeding, cramps, and a lowered libido. Trust me - if the only experience you've had is a perceived increase in appetite, you just need to give it a little time. Also, I would talk to someone about the bulimia, but since you're not asking for help in that area...please don't yell at me, or anything. It's just...a good friend would make you seek help.
flannelpajamas Posted February 4, 2004 Posted February 4, 2004 Just a warning..........my ex boyfriend used to date a woman who was also bulimic. She became pregnant because she unknowingly threw up her pill along with the unwanted food. Eating disorders are horrible. I know from experience. Talk to us here on the board about how you feel before you start that path again, we are all here for you. I also wanted to tell you that I've been on the pill for over a year now and it has not affected my weight. I know many women say different, however. Good luck.
Recommended Posts