Hello,

I have started my second day with Alli.  I'm taking the pills 3 times/day, and eating a low fat diet, about 1800 calories per day.  I have 2 cups of coffee per day, using a half teaspoon of real sugar and a tiny bit if irish creme.

I found yesterday, that I had to stop and go to the bathroom to urinate about every 20 minutes!  This continued through the night last night.  I did have a slight headache last night, but 2 tylenol took care of it, and today I have no headaches.  Comparing my weight from yesterday morning to this morning, I'm down 4 pounds, probaby due to the water loss from urinating.  I am drinking about 1/2 gallon of water per day.

Question, is this a normal occurrence, to be peeing so much when you start on this plan?  So far, I have not had any bowel effects, but only going once per day.  I will continue on the diet plan and taking Alli with my three meals.

 One half gallon of water is equal to 8 glasses and that's within the recommended amount (8 to 10 glasses).  Eight 8-ounce glasses = 64 ounces; or 2 quarts; or 1/2 gallon.  In addition, the alli diet is most likely higher in fruits and vegetables than most people are accustomed to eating.  That increases water intake as well.  The result = more frequent urination.

Your kidneys will actually adapt to more fluid as time goes on, although drinking the recommended amount of water still means more trips to the bathroom.  Most people feel a positive effect within a week or two.  Being well-hydrated helps poeple focus more clearly, have more energy, have less urges to snack and a better complexion.

In case you think it's related to the capsules to the urination they ONLY work in the gut (small intestine) to block 25% of the fat in the meal at which it's taken.

Hope this helps.  Please let me know if you need anything else.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian