I just got on the scale and not so good... I am up 2 lbs.!  3 weeks into Alli.  I am eating healthier now and have made good changes (and have been getting the husband to join some...).  I was down 4 lbs., but now...

I am wondering if it's because I have been so darn constipated.  I have had to take a few laxatives to help ease the feeling of being bloated and so backed up.  It is slowly getting things moving, but not enough to release the problem.

Has anyone else had this problem?  Do I keep pressing on with Alli?  Has anyone else had this 'phase'?  Please share and tell me I am not alone and will see a sudden drop when this stage passes...

 Yes I was constipated for quite a while actually... I found the vitamin I was taking at night was a huge culprit. I stopped taking the vitamin and make sure you are eating enough fat. I finally was better after that.

 Oh my god your weight loss is FABULOUS!!! You lost close to 50 lbs since March 2008? How? I just started less than a week ago. I'm 5'1 187 now. I've lost 2 on Alli but 4 before that. Tell me about your success!

 Thanks!!!!! The first few months were pretty easy... I drank my water and did lots of walking, and played some tennis. I dont follow the alli meal plan, but I love spanish rice and do eat it often. I also like the 100 calorie packs for snacks, and also I eat a lot of yogurt, and string cheese. I also (as bad as it may be) will treat myself to fast food a few times a week. I will eat a grilled chicken sandwich, or just a cheeseburger. No fries though. I was a big fast food junkie so this way I dont feel deprived.

Hi NhSkiGirl,

Your weight can vary up to 7 lbs in one day so do not be too concerned about it being up one week. The fact that you are constipated would definitely have something to do with this. I do not recommend taking laxatives without your doctors approval. Fortunately, there are lots of things that you can do to help alleviate the constipation:

• Fat - if you have not been reaching your fat goal at each meal this could be contributing to the problem. Many people find relief once they reach their fat goal.
• Iron - if your multivitamin has iron in it you will want to change to one without iron if you are not iron deficient
• Fiber - many people do not get enough fiber in their diet. You can take a supplement like Metamucil to help with this.
• Fluid - without enough fluid, your fiber intake will not matter. The fluid is going to help you go so try for 64 oz per day, with at least half from water
• Binding foods - the BRATT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, tea and toast) is used to treat diarrhea because it is binding. Cut these foods out until you are regular again. Cheese can also cause a problem so limit that for now.

Give these a try and you should have some relief,

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD