"i started taking the medication because i was tired of being &quot;obese&quot; by military standards. i have two kids, work a full schedule, and go to school full-time. i tried phenteramine, but i had horrible side effects.  i have been eating 1400 calories a day for the first week and have dropped 8lbs. i drink at least 100 oz of water a day. i do drink diet pepsi or coke. i keep a food journal which makes me responsible for what i put in my mouth. i use the smart-ones meals for lunch and breakfast to guarantee i know what i&#039;m eating at work. maybe a snack bar or yogurt for a snack. i usually eat every 3 hours. "