u/CH4cows

I’ve been on phentermine for 6 months and have had great results! First time in my life I’ve been able to maintain a calorie deficit and I lost 20lbs in 4 months. I ramped up to 37.5mg quickly. It was really great not being distracted by hunger and thoughts of food, while it lasted.

My weight loss has plateaued, and I’ve lost 0 lbs in the last 2 months. I can feel my appetite increasing again. It’s been harder to maintain the deficit, and I’m often going over (still well within maintenance zone so no weight gain). I’m at the max dose so my NP says the next step would be to add in topiramate (brand name Qsymia) but I’m concerned about the side effects.

Has anyone else experienced a plateau or appetite increase while on phentermine? Does your body develop a tolerance?

I work for a consumer goods company and get tons of free product (body wash, deodorants, shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, toothpaste, etc)

Are there places around Medford where I can donate these unused, unopened personal hygiene products?

I made the decision to start laser hair removal treatments when I was 22. I was always insecure about my body hair, especially the bikini area. I was tired of the regular maintenance and irritation from shaving. Working my first post grad job, I felt like I had big girl money to throw around. After several consultations I went with Milan because the unlimited treatments/touch ups appealed to me, but the higher price was so not worth it in the end.

Fast forward 4 years later to present day and it was such a waste of money. In total it cost about $7K for lower legs (feet not included), full bikini + butt strip, and underarms. I could’ve put that $150 per month straight into savings, or a Roth account, but instead I spent it on laser treatments that didn’t even give me the results I wanted.

I had about 15 sessions before I stopped because the intensity of the laser was too painful. After a couple months break, I resumed my sessions at a lower laser intensity until I couldn’t handle it again. I’ve seen about a 50% reduction in hair, nowhere near the level I was promised (I did not expect complete hairlessness). But here’s the other thing- my hair grows back patchy and it’s noticeable, so I do still have to shave regularly. Plus I still have to shave my toes! Truthfully, I feel very neutral about body hair now so I’d certainly prefer to rock the full natural bush than the patchiness I have going on now.

There’s another side effect I did not expect. When you no longer have hair in your areas to wick away moisture, you’re sweaty and you stink. I have chronic swamp ass now. I carry wet wipes with me everywhere because I am so insecure about my stanky ass and crotch. I always have extra underwear because I get so damp. It’s made me feel self conscious about intimacy too. The pit stains are so embarrassing and I can only workout in leggings, otherwise my legs are so slick that I’ll slip right off the mat or equipment and leave an embarrassing snail trail.

I joke that my bush is the most expensive thing I own because if I don’t laugh I’ll cry. I’m kicking my 22 year old self for making such a poor financial decision based off insecurity. I’m very happy for the people who love their results but unfortunately I’m not one of them. Consider me a cautionary tale I guess