Thread: Lipotrim & Champix Diary

Hi all

I have just started Lipotrim after doing the Cambridge in 2009/2010. I was 13st 03 when I started the Cambridge and still got down to 11st in 5 months although I was still eating at times because I found it difficult to just have shakes. I remember being really happy because I could go off on holiday two stone lighter and healthier and said I would loose the rest when I returned. Yeh right. Since that time I totally forgot how hard it was to loose all that weight and have put on loads. The last few years have been difficult time wise because I changed to nights so I kept telling myself I will exercise and diet when I finished renovating my house. (Still not finished) However I recently realised that I am now 15 st some 3 years later. I cant believe I did all that hard work for nothing.

I decided it was time to do something about how I was feeling about myself and about my health issues which I've noticed have been increasingly getting worse. I had not intended to stop smoking or to go on total food replacement diet at this time but was just talking to a work colleague about hols etc and she told me about both Lipotrim and Champix and said we could do it together. I thought why not, there's no time like the present so decided to start both.

I spent the next few weeks going to my GP for information and referrals and finally managed to get hold of both. What a palaver. I was advised not to quit smoking and diet at the same time but I am quite subborn and want what I want so have ignored everyone's advice (as usual) because I need to stop both. The last time I gave up cigs I put on a lot of weight so I reckon that if I do both I should not put on anymore weight and should be loosing instead. Makes sense to me!!

I've also been reading stuff on the internet about this diet and Champix and came across this site. Some really positive feedback and amazing weight loss/ smoke quitting from some people. Thought I would keep a diary of what I am doing also to keep me focused on my goals and maybe help others keep going also.

Any how I started taking the Champix on Sat 12.1.13 and decided my quit day would be the following Mon 21.1.13. I decided to start the diet on Mon 14.1.13. The first day of the diet was fine, no hunger or thoughts about eating only problem was the millions of trips to the bathroom, must have used a whole toilet roll that day. (exaggeration) but seemed like it. Smoking helped with the lack of food as it distracted me so all was good.

The rest of the week was not as relaxed or pleasant. The Champix started to kick in around day three and my mouth tasted like an old ashtray, smoking cigs was unpleasant and bitter and my tongue and tonsils seemed furry. By the end of the week it felt like the shakes were sticking to my throat and tonsils and anytime I smoked I could hardly breath. Really nasty. I was also feeling hungry and my stomach was churning on most day. I was told I should drink more water as this would help however drinking loads makes it difficult to do anything ie if I went to the shop as soon as I got there I needed the toilet, so I was scared to get caught out if outside. My sense of smell has heightened, I could smell my neighbor's cooking most days which was really annoying. (Didnt smell nice!!)

I had a few sleepless nights and woke up with red eyes which remained red during the day. I felt like crap. The pharmacist said I should not feel hungry but I did, wonder if they have tried it. Its only my will power at this stage that is keeping me from raiding the freezer where I have put all my food left over before I started. Also reminding myself that I did not want to remain obese or unhealthy and that the last few days would have been for nothing. Anyway should get used to it all hopefully.

I got weighted at the pharmacist on Monday 21.1.13 and had lost 9 lb. That was fantastic and motivation to continue but I have to take it each day because I am finding it hard not eating anything as it seems unnatural. Saying that its good to give your body a break from food or a wash out as my parents used to say every now and then. My family have told me off and said its dangerous although I have told them I have to be monitored by the pharmacist. They stated that a low calorie or such like diet and exercise would be much better for me. I know they are right in fact but I know that that type of diet would be more difficult for me to stick to at present because you have to buy the food, prepare it, calorie count it, cook it and exercise several times a week. Right now I dont have the time or energy to do that. With this diet you are restricted to what you have and thats it, clear and straight forward. For me thats what I need, total abstinence ( I feel like a monk) If I can manage to keep going until I have lost at least 2 stone I will be more than satisfied.

As for the smoking my quit day was yesterday but I had a few cigarettes left over so smoked them telling myself I still have the rest of the week to really stop. (cop out) I have also found that smoking has been helping me cope with this diet and started to question whether I should just postpone quitting until I was further into the diet. However I have been taking Champix for the last week or so and the thought of having to go through that again made me stick to the plan. Its never going to be easy any way you do it. I always make excuses for why I should not stop smoking before so I decided to just stop today, only one day off target!!.

Today I feel energized for some reason. Decided to go on a holiday around April/May so this should also focus me to keep going. For me theres nothing worse than being overweight and uncomfortable in a hot climate so the weight has to go. I have felt like a cigarette several times today but I have just ignored the feeling, and its not too bad. I am going to have a good clear out to keep me busy. I need to remove all ashtrays and lighters from around my house now as if they did not exist.

Anywho that me for now, feeling smug and optimistic, off to drink some water now, yeh feeling gooood.

The end of day on day 1 of quitting smoking and I'm still smiling, dont know why because I'm feeling hungry now but know that I have not had a cigarette or missed eating today. Starting to feel that I may really be able to keep going.

Tomorrows another day

I did not smoke yesterday and feel really proud of myself. Last time I did not use anything just stopped one day. This time I have used Champix. I think its making me feel nauseous and giving me a furry tongue, not sure however. I was considering stopping the Champix but worried that my cravings may get worse. Anyway I think my minds in the loosing zone at present so like last time I may be able to do it without Champix.

Today I feel great, lighter, can bend down without the belly getting in the way as it has shrunk. I tried on a few clothes that have been a little tight and they are definitely looser, getting excited because somethings happening.

Went to GP to have my blood pressure taken and that has gone down also. Good all round. Generally I've still got a smile on my face and feel really positive. Its all a bit strange to me but you know what, I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts and take each day at a time which seems to be working.

Cant wait to see what I have lost later in the week.

23.1.13

Another successful day, no ciggies and kept to the shakes although I have been thinking about food all day. My stomach is still churning and this makes me think about eating more but I have to try to drink more or ignore. My neighbors food making me feel queazy though, not sure if this is because all senses are heightend because of total abstinence from food??. Feeling really happy and smiling most of the day again, hope it remains like this, not felt so well for a while, weird!! Any way really proud of myself because I am feeling really positive about this and keep reminding myself that I have a goal and purpose.

Had a blood pressure monitor fitted for 24 hrs this morning, its been squeezing the life out of my arm all day, hope it does not keep me awake tonight.


I must look for another pharmacist because mine are rubbish, they only had vanilla shakes last time I attended and looks like they will still only have this flavor when I return this week. Its a pain because they are the closest to me and it may mean I have to start over if I move but I cant help being annoyed that they are supposed to be providing a professional service and they dont seem to be interested in my weight loss or my concerns. They are nice enough but dont seem particularly interested or committed. May as well be buying stuff off the shelf. Thank goodness for this site as I have read lots of really helpful information from many users, information the pharmacist should have been telling me. Anyway thats my rant of the day, off to bed another positive day over.

24.1.13

I went to see the smoking counsellor today and she said my carbon monoxide ( I think thats what she said) level is now down from 28 - 3 which is really good. I feel great for not smoking although I am having the occasion pang, it soon goes.

25.1.13

I am on day 5 of the second week and have been feeling really awful most of the day. I always make sure I have between 3-4 ltrs of water and spread out the shakes. Today I'm really hungry and feel queezy and down. But I believe this is because I woke up late and didnt have a shake until after midday. I also have not drunk as much as I usually do although I did eventually manage to drink 3 1/2 ltrs by 02.00 hrs. Not good so I wont be doing that again.

It seems its really important to drink on this diet otherwise it affects how you feel physically and possibly psychologically. I am hoping this is what is was however because I dont want to go through this feeling on too many more occasions.

I went to my local supermarket to buy some water and other things and ended up standing in front of the hot food section as I could smell the roast chicken and sausage rolls etc ummmmmmm but I just stood there for a while and walked off. I keep telling myself, it will be there tomorrow. I remember saying this on a previous diet and it worked. (obviously forgot to keep saying it for the last few years) But anyway I left with what I went for and did not feel deprived. Great considering I have been feeling ravenous and awful all day.

The smoking is not a problem at the moment, which is a relief as I could not cope if I was craving them as well. Hoping tomorrow will be better, must get more organised. The smell of cigarettes is already making me think YUK. I had not emptied the ashtray in my car and smelt it today and though its awful. Imagine I used to smell like that, probably still do because I can smell it in my flat still. Wonder how long it will take for the smell to totally leave, hope it does leave otherwise I have a lot of cleaning and washing to do, well I suppose that will keep me busy and my mind of smoking.

I have been questioning if I am crazy attempting to stop two of my vices at the same time, although it seemed like a good idea when I started. But the Champix really seems to be helping and I dont crave that much. Also the diet means my weight is going down not up so all good

26.1.13

I'm not feeling so great again today, good thing I was not in the supermarket today because I'm even more hungry today, cant believe it. I was thinking about Chinese food and how to get away with having some but I kept myself busy and drank loads of water but it made no difference. I can cope with this diet as long as I am not feeling hungry every day. I expected to feel pangs the first few days but not now. Its making it really difficult. I'm going to try to get some of that fibre gel stuff and see if that helps.

Again the cigarette cravings are few and not that intense so I am managing that. Anyway going to bed hungry and feeling sorry for myself.

27.1.13

Still holding up but feeling sorry for myself again today, talked about food all day with anyone prepared listen. My second week weight in is tomorrow and the last few days have been really awful. I have had to just try and remember why I am doing this starvation diet as I now call it. My moods are not up and down but mainly down whereas just a few days ago I was really happy and positive.

I am still patting myself on the back however because I went to my friends today and she offered me some of the scrumptious dinner she was preparing. I said no several times although I really wanted that roast chicken etc. Saying no to food offered was one of my problems so that was an achievement. Trying to keep myself going on just a daily basis because when I think about the longer term I think its going to be really hard especially if I am feeling like I am now.

Not sure if its the Champix or the shakes but I am feeling a little nauseous at times and suspect it may be the tablets but the counsellor said it was better to complete the whole course just to make sure you stop smoking. The smoke cravings are not as bad as I expected and I have not been tempted as yet whereas food is constantly on my mind (that was my problem to begin with)

But I am on track to going down to the next stone so dont want to jeopodise that because I know that will be an incentive to get down into the next weight bracket which would be near my first target goal of 12 stone. To me that means I can start to wear a lot of my clothes which have been hanging around doing nothing for the last few years. Will get out the the GP's bad books for haveing high blood pressure and associaled probelms due to drinking and smoking, and I will feel more comfortable going on hols in May.

Ok talked myself into keeping it up. Another day almost over and weigh in tomorrow. Hope to be in the 13 stone bracket.

28.1.13

Weight in today and lost 5llbs which means I am now 14 st. I know its a good loss but I really wanted to be in the 13 st bracket today. Any way I will be later on this week so STOP WINDGING. Took advice from fellow mimimins and have managed to stay 100%. Someone also told me to try drinking fizzy water as may make me feel more full?? I tried today and must admit did not feel as hungry so may have worked have to try for a bit longer. I think some of what i take for hunger may be me craving food. Anyway still in the zone for now and not feeing as bad. Onwards and downwards.

TUES 29.1.13

I'm on day 16, I cant believe it because i was sure I would have cheated before now so really proud of myself. I was going to try to see if I could get to 12 st at least and then see if I continue to loose the last 2 stone with sensible eating and exercise at that stage but I will see how it goes as may be I should just keep going like most of you on this site, determined and focused.

Was wondering today if you could skip a shake at any time or would it be bad for me if I dont take it, I'm now finding that I usually dont want the evening one as my throat is already really furry from the other two and I just dont fancy it even if I am feeling hungry. After posting this as a question several people told me in no uncertain terms that this was not a good idea. I think I knew this but just wanted an excuse. Also forgot that I need to take the last one as I need it in my stomach before taking the Champix as it help with the nausea.

Today was not as difficult, not much hunger pangs or food thoughts, in fact spent much too much time on this site, its starting to be a habit, I think I have replaced one habit for another. Good thing its not bad for me.

Its really strange and it must be the Champix because the cigs have not been a problems, touch wood!! I only get craving a few times a day and they soon go. Considering I smoked around 20+ a day over 30 years bar 3, its weird. But I'm not complaining because if I was craving cigs as well, it would make everything so much more difficult and I would certainly have been more challenged. This site is also really helping keep on track. Only looming fear is that I intend to go to my parents over this weekend and I know I will find it difficult as I will be cooking for them. This will really test my will power. Any way can only try not to spoil my good record, its only for a few days so I will have to remind myself of this.

So another day over and still in the zone. Tomorrow's another day.

Wed 30.1.13

Relatively good day today, did not feel like a ciggie hardly and was not really hungry. I have now stopped going to the toilet every minute so can do more although I do not drink a lot if I plan to be out and dont know where the loo's are. Feeling really positive and watched a few of those fat loosing programs and what people eat. I could not believe how many calories there are in these take always. I do actually know from previous calorie counting diets but conveniently forgot. These are the foods I have mainly been eating over the last three years without a minute of exercise not even walking to the shop to get my ciggies. I've always eaten these foods but in moderation and I always exercised and partied so it all compensated.

Well its all a sharp reminder and I know I will not completely stop eating these foods but when I've lost my weight I need to get back to cooking so I eat more sensibly more often. I also need to get in some exercise now, I am thinking of going swimming as a gentle start so need to organise myself to do that asap.

I noticed that my stomach was really uncomfortable today as it seemed to be grumbling like when you have diarrhea and in fact I did.I dont understand how this could be because I am not eating anything and have only been taking the shakes for the last two weeks 3 day. Later on in the evening my stomach really started to hurt like I had food poisoning but it soon subsided. I must say I was a little worried and was thinking should I go to A&E but thought, what do I tell them, I've been starving myself??? ( I know I am taking the shakes but my family tell me I am starving myself)

Anyway hope it was nothing serious and was the green tea I drank this morning. Dont know if anyone else has expereinced this???

Thurs 31.1.13

Feeling much better today compared with yesterday. I dont know what was up, the only changes I had were green tea and some carbonated water from sainsburys. Decided to avoid both today and try on another occasion to see if either is a problem. No ciggie or hunger pangs to write about and generally a good day in all.

Going to parents tomorrow or Saturday, not looking forward to the temptation especially as I have managed to remain focused. Ah well, I'll try my hardest, dont want to mess up before weigh in on Monday.

Thurs 7.2.13

Been away for the last week at my parents. I was very anxious before I left because I knew it would be difficult. Over the last few years this has become somewhere that I would comfort eat the whole time I was there and was encouraged by my parents as they always want to make me feel better. We are a family who spend a lot of time socialising around food, my brothers are always trying out a new recipes and bringing them round my parents and although they do not eat takeaway food (like I do) they cook almost every day so there is always an abundance of food in their cupboards. My Dad knows my pattern an always asks if I had seen his latest offerings in the fridge/cupboards ie cream cake or tiger bread.

This time round he struggled to stop offering me food but bless him he tried to be supportive. I cannot believe that I did not eat at all apart from a tiny bit of chicken (really it was just minute) which I put in my mouth and then removed straight away before chewing or swallowing. I thought, no, I dont want to ruin the last weeks efforts and wanted to see the end result of this weeks loss and it was my third week in and I wanted to know if there is ay pattern to the losses. I hope I have not effected it in any way. Anyway really proud of myself and I think my dad was also impressed with my regained will power over food.

What I learnt however was the amount of influence I had had over my parents on my visits. They dont eat alot and also eat mainly healthy home cooked meals apart from when I get into town. They then are having cooked breakfasts, fried chicken, occasional takeaways etc, all instigated by me or my dad wanting to please me. This week they had their usual porridge or cereal for breakfast and proper reasonably portioned sized meals during the day and they were satisfied with what they had. Shame on me for taking them off track previously.

The shakes continue to be the negative factor in this diet as they still leave an awful gritty film in my mouth especially in the tonsils area which always feels furry and sometimes affects my breathing as clogged up. I've tried making the shakes with extra water which seems to help a little but still I have to brush my mouth after each shake to get rid of some of the build up. I am intermittently getting stomach pains which I think are associated with bowel movement because usually the next day I will go. Its not easy alas

On a more positive note, the cigarettes are still no problem and its now 16 days since my last one . Will be weighing in tomorrow and hope my abstinence at my parents was worth it??

Sun 10.2.13

Not made time to write over the last three days, was working and other things. I have just been getting on with it all and now that I am mixing the shakes with 300 mls of water, they taste much better and I can stomach them again which is great because I was on the verge of defecting to another dietI even tried the chicken soup and it wasn't as bad as I expected although a bit too salty tasting for me. I will try them again but wont have that many, nice to have something savory for a change.

I will be changing my pharmacist however. would you believe that when I went for my last weigh in, I got on the scale and the print out came out (this is where the data about my weight/BMI is saved) She took the slip to my folder, stapled it on, all without even acknowledging me, asked how many shakes I wanted. I had to say can you tell me how much I have lost, if anything and she then told me. I dont know why I had to ask and no encouragement or comments not even asking how I was doing. This diet is supposed to be supervised by these people but I dont feel safe that if anything went wrong with me they would pick it up so off to find someone who cares, apart from me any you all of course.

I'm feeling happier again which makes a difference and not even thinking about food as much as previously. No stomach pains for the last few days and although my mouth and tongue are still furry its not as much. The more llbs I loose makes me feel that I can continue and I cant believe its now day 28. If anyone had asked me at the start if I could just have liquids for this amount of time I would have said no way. Well its amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. I'm already planning to continue as long as I can so when I come off I dont have to come on again or even worry about loosing. I just want to maintain and exercise comfortably again.

Knowing me by tomorrow I'll be complaining again but you known it just like life in general, you have your ups and downs and you just work it out as you go along. I can dream about my long term goals but have to concentrate on completing those in the here and now, keeps me going. Well heres to another day food free.

PS just an after thought would you believe, still not smoking or even want one, not even on my mind as I obviously forgot to write about it.

Hi Jude,
really enjoyed reading all your entries, you are doing so well! It's fantastic that you seem to be forgetting about smoking, and the food, well I can so relate to that.

Good luck for this week. Hope you get a fab loss. X

Hi Jude

Been catching up on some reading and loving your diary. You're doing fantastic and well on your way x x x

Thanks Nic and Kay, went to see the smoking advisor today and she was really pleased with me coz I've completed the program, got a certificate for my troubles LOL I'm finding that I am not writing every evening like I did at first, why?? because I'm getting my life back, off the sofa and out, its great. Thanks again.

Mon 18.2.13

Been busy this week and I've not been on the forum as much as usual, BAD MOVE. Although I have kept up with the shakes etc all week I have been feeling nauseous on a few days this week as well as having stomach aches so dont know what was going on this week. My daily weigh ins usually show me some loss but this week the scale was hardly moving in fact I went back from 13.4 llbs to 13.5 llbs midweek and remained there until today when it dropped back to 13.4 llbs today.
Today was not a good day, really bad in fact. I had my weigh in which was only 2llb. (was expecting this I suppose) I know its a loss but I did feel disappointed because I had hoped to be much closer to the 12 st mark and don't understand why only two stone considering I have kept strictly to the diet, drank my water and had my shakes. I must admit I had only managed to drink 3 llts on a few days this week whereas I have always had 4 llts daily, maybe this had made difference., but who knows????

Anyway I came home and continued as usual up until around 6 o clock and then said dame it I going to have some thing to eat, may as well if I am only going to loose 2llb and i know you can loose over 2llb and eat every day so I persuaded myself that I may as well eat something, (well I didnt take much persuading and I did not even reason with myself) I just went to the freezer and put the food in the microwave. The first mouthful tasted great as did the next few, I then started to feel ill and wondered if it was all going to come up. My stomach started to complain (grumble) and I soon had to stop eating and threw the rest away. I was not sick but did not feel well and wished I could be sick. I did not really feel guilty because I had told myself I may as well eat but as the evening got later my stomach was still feeling full and uncomfortable, I started to think why had I done this, it was not worth it and my stomach was visibly larger and bloated, probably wind from the carbs I ate.

Ah well, I don't believe I will be tempted for a while (hope not) because I was really disappointed that I did not enjoy the food. I was expecting to really relish it but I am currently just feeling queazy, uncomfortable and bloated. I will just start again tomorrow and hopefully get it all out of my system in a few days. Maybe this is a good thing??? may help me remain on track for longer now that I know that eating like that is not enjoyable so not worth breaking the diet for.

Shame on me PS I dont usually advocate violence and I'm not into S&M but in this instance I'll accept a swift kick LOL.

Well one positive thing is that I still have not smoked or been tempted yet although today after I had eaten and had a coffee I felt like a ciggy, a much stronger urge than previously but I just noted it and ignored it. I had no intention of smoking as well, not on the cards. 29 days now, really pleased with myself for this at least.

Hope my lapse today will not affect me starting again tomorrow and that I don't have to go through that whole headache, running to the toilet etc malarky again. Of course I will, what do you expect silly girl