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Feeling Hungry? Here’s How to Make Sure Your Appetite STAYS Suppressed

We often receive questions or comments regarding the effectiveness of using phentermine for weight loss.  Phentermine, also known as Adipex, works very well to control hunger; however, the results are still based on you and your motivation to eat healthier and your ability to stick to the plan.

After taking phentermine for several months, you may notice that the appetite suppressant effect does not seem as strong as it was for the first few weeks.  This diminishing effect is due to your body becoming acclimated to the medication.  So the question is: How do you make the appetite suppressant keep working for longer?

Here are some suggestions– based on your doctor’s approval:

  • Ask your doctor if you should take the whole tablet of phentermine in one dose rather than half a tablet twice a day.
  • Take the medication later during the day, 2 hrs before you are likely to be hungry, however not too late during the day which may inhibit sleep.
  • Consider doing weight lifting exercises instead of cardio. Cardio tends to stimulate appetite while weight lifting help suppresses appetite for many people.DSC_0843
  • Add on the B-12 and fat burner injections if you have not already done so. The B-12 and other components can make it easier for you to maintain your diet
  • Keep snacks away and do not have things around the house (or office!) that you really enjoy eating.
  • Drink more water. A gallon a day is best. When you find yourself hungry, drink a glass of water and wait 30 minutes to see if you are actually thirsty instead of hungry.
  • Consider consolidating your meals into a 6 hr window during the day, like during 2p-8p. This known as intermittent fasting and when used properly can be very effective for helping certain people regulate or “reset” their appetite.
  • Consider trying the other manufacturer/brand of phentermine.  Different companies use different dyes or binding agents as part of the inactive ingredients that may work better for certain individuals.  The pills look slightly different from each other, but the active ingredient is still entirely phentermine 37.5 mg.
  • Get more sleep. A lack of good sleep increases the release of a stress hormone, known as cortisol, that will cause you to eat more. Also, it’s hard to eat when you are asleep so it’s a win-win.
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  • Take at least a 1-week break from phentermine (and other stimulants, such as caffeine, if you can handle it).  This allows your body to reset so the medication is new to you again.

These are just a few strategies to help you get the most out of the medication and better take control of your eating habits. Hopefully, something here will help you on your way to a healthier you.

 

 

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There’s No Shame in the Gain

To make an appt, call us or schedule an appointment online hereBook an appointment using SetMoreElevation Medical Weight Loss of Pittsburgh & Weirton
2350 Noblestown Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15205 (412) 304-2016 
241 Three Springs Dr. Weirton, WV 26062 (304) 914-3112

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If there is one subject that any weight loss organization doesn’t want to talk about, it’s gaining weight.  It’s an unfortunate reality for some of us, and it’s not one we are proud of.  Why is it that we feel like a complete failure when we gain a pound or two?  Most of the time, we know why it happens:  i.e., the 2 pieces of pizza we ate, the 2 glasses of wine, the ice cream we devoured. We know when we are doing it that it is wrong, at the time, we don’t care.  It’s afterward that we feel the guilt.  For that moment, we give up what we want the most, for what we want at that minute.

Now we are in no way telling you that it’s ‘ok’ to gain, that is definitely not part of our program, we are just letting you know that if it happens, how to deal with it.  Consistent gains are not what we are referring to. We are talking about mere “snaccidents”, not full binges.

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Behavioral Medicine reports that you’re most tempted to stray from a healthy eating plan when:

  • It’s late at night
  • You’re tired
  • Alcohol is involved
  • You’re hanging out with friends.

Sound familiar? It may be impossible to completely avoid these things, but it’s good to be aware.  Also, just because a food is considered “healthy”, it doesn’t mean you can eat an unhealthy amount of it.

Do you feel like you are angry at yourself for being “weak” and caving to your cravings? Do you feel like you have failed yet again? -Accept it. You did it, own it.  Don’t beat yourself up, but rather just move on.  You are human. You make mistakes. Yes, we all do.  Failure?  Not so much. Quit being so hard on yourself.

Pick yourself up and let us help you get back on track!  You can’t change the past. Focus on what is within your control–today and the future. With our help, you can do it.  The key is accountability.

If you haven’t seen us in months, and don’t want to come back because you have gained, please do.  Come back, you could use our help now more than ever. No judgement…just get back on track.  You’ll be glad you did! Our goal has always been to help you reach yours!

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Real Results From A Real Mom

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I started this journey on a whim on May 1st, 2017 weighing 235 pounds. What killed me the most is that I weighed more than when I was pregnant with my twins 19 years ago, and they weighed 7 lbs 5 oz each. I had a hysterectomy in 2005 after which my weight just continued to increase. I have never dieted nor exercised more than walking on a trail. I have a very happy marriage and my husband has never complained about my weight, but I just became comfortable with being so overweight.  To celebrate almost any occasion we would go out to dinner, which was a large part of the problem.

I was very nervous going into my first appointment at the Elevation Medical Weight Loss clinic but the doctor was very understanding and gave me a plan.  This has became more than a just diet, but a new way of life. I now look at EVERY single label, whereas before I never even glanced at food labels.  I couldn’t believe the amount of calories and carbs in some of the drinks and foods I was consuming every day.

At my first appointment I rattled off a goal weight number, which I never really expected to see. Now, here I am on Sept 21st, 2017, just 4 and 1/2 months later and I have reached my goal weight of 180 pounds. I have lost 7 inches from around my waist, and can now fit into regular size clothing instead of plus size.  When I take selfies with my friends, I can hold the phone down instead of way up in the air to get a slimmer angle. I can now walk flights of stairs that before left me completely out of breath, I even stepped outside of my comfort zone and started beat boxing with friends and actually love doing it!  If I can do this and make it work, anyone can.   I not only did this for myself but for our 4 sons, since I have found that a healthy mom is a happy mom. We still celebrate by going out to dinner, only now I am much more conscious of my choices and my order has far fewer calories and carbs.

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Now Accepting CareCredit

To make an appt, call us at (412) 304-2016 or schedule an appointment online here.

Elevation Medical Weight Loss
 2350 Noblestown Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15205

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Over the past few months, we have had several requests to take CareCredit as a form of payment.  So now we do!

Since we are a private-pay medical weight loss clinic, CareCredit can help you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.

CareCredit basics:

  • A credit account where there is zero-interest on shorter term financing (6, 12, or 18 months) on purchases of $200 or more.
  • Accepted at many healthcare offices for elective medical or surgical  services, such as medical weight loss, LASIK, or dental procedures.
  • Applying takes minutes and credit decision is instant. Then you can start using CareCredit right away.
  • For more information about CareCredit, click here.