"i started contrave on december 16 weighing 274. i am 5&#039;5&quot;.  i have done every diet out there, with varying degrees of success. as of this morning, i have lost 32 pounds. my only side affects were queasiness for the first day and dry mouth which i don&#039;t mind because it reminds me to drink water. within a day or two, i felt better than i had in years. i could actually move easier and without as much stiffness. i am not sure that the medicine is as effective now as in the beginning, but now i am in a routine of what to eat, how much, and how much to exercise. if i exercise 4 days/wk (stationary bike for 45 minutes/11 miles) and eat right i lose about 3 pounds per week. i still eat out occasionally, but just eat less. very happy."