My latest doctor visit and our decision.

[barbieguy]

Hi all,
I go every 3 months for blood work.
My a1C has been great--5.7 currently.
I originally lost 30 pounds right after diagnosis---January or 2007. Doc took me off Metformin in October 2007. Since then, I have gained 15 pounds back. :(
At my appointment on Monday, Doc said my weight was higher. I said I know!!! I lost weight when I was on Metformin. So he said we'd do a 4 month experiment. Go back on 1000mg at night and see if I lose weight in 4 months.
So I have mixed feelings about this. I have to lose at least 50 more pounds, so I think being on Metformin is a good thing.
But I'm disappointed in myself for not being able to lose weight with just diet and exercise.
Thanks for listening,
Barb

[Achilles]

Well at least you were able to get off of Metformin for a while and control your blood sugar with just diet and exercise.

Interesting that the Dr. put you back on the Metformin just to lose weight even though your A1c numbers look good. I've read that that is a beneficial side effect.

I just started to take Metformin 2 weeks ago. Tonight, I went up to 1000 mg / each night (XR) per Dr.'s request during my last visit. He's gradually weening me into it but I've accepted it pretty good so far. Maybe there's hope that I can get off of the Met in the future with just diet / exercise too.

Best of luck in your quest to get the weight back down again.

[soso]

Don't feel bad Barb... if it was easy to lose weight and keep it off, we'd none of us have extra weight!

You lost a lot of weight, at yourself on the back.. you have a good A1c..pat yourself on the back..you are doing what you need to to be healthy..pat yourself on the back..

If I could tolerate Met I would probably go on it, just to keep off the extra pounds that seem to be accumulating on me... I am not over eating and suspect the lantus, still and all I must now try to eat less—the thought does not appeal!

Don't see the Met as a bad thing... it's a good thing.. you have the D and it's a bit of a tricky thing... you are winning girl!

[morrisma]

Weight loss is easy to understand and hard to do.

If calories in are less than calories out, you lose. Simple but not since most of us have sedentary jobs and have little opportunity to use our muscles in any meaningful way. Our diets are high calorie, highly processed and geared to our rushed, no extra time lifestyles.

Not sure what your daily exercise regimen is but walking really helps even for just a mile or 2 to keep the dog happy:D . I live in a small town in PA too and thank god I have a dog or I'd really be in trouble!

Good luck,

[notme]

Hang in there Barb. I know how frustrating the weight thing is, but you know what to do. We are hear to listen and encourage you to keep up the good work.

I also have a tough time with weight and will talk to my endo on the 16th again about insulin and weight gain. I honestly believe hormones run (and ruin) my life.

[davef]

Barb,

First of all, well done on your excellent A1c!

I have to say I have found being on Metformin (500mg x 2) has definitely helped my weight loss, if through now other way than it definitely surpresses my appetite. I think I read somewhere that Meformin was originally designed to aide weight loss and it was found to have beneficial side effect of helping IR.

Don't be hard on yourself for not losing weight easily, it is not easy to lose weight, show me somebody who says it is and I'll show you either a liar or someone who has never experienced having to lose a lot of weight.

Take the opportunity of having the Metformin for the next 4 months and "run" with it, I sure that you'll shift some weight. In the meantime give yourself a pat on the back for you A1c levels!

[pdxdennisj]

Look, weight loss is the very hardest thing to maintain. The EXCEPTION is people who can loose weight and keep it off. This is confirmed by many clinical studies. Don't beat yourself up.
If the Metformin doesn't work, there is always Byetta lurking in the hallways - the new long acting version should be approved by the FDA soon and it is reported to be even more effective in controlling appetite.

[Kim_in_TN]

Your A1c is great! CONGRATULATIONS! You did THAT without the help of meds and that is fantastic!!! I'm struggling with the weight thing myself and I have continually increased my Metformin. *sigh* Keep up the good work! We have to just keep reminding ourselves that our efforts are about controlling our Diabetes through lowering our A1c and BG readings daily! I am terrible about it always becoming more of a "weight thing" in my mind! It shouldn't be! As long as our diabetes is under control, that is what is most important!!! ;)