hi Katie,
Glucophage (metformin) is NOT a wieght loss drug
What it does is help to lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity .. and is used to treat Type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other conditions of Insulin Resistance (IR). For persons who are diagnosed with IR, taking Glucophage in combination with a restricted carb diet can improve the weight loss efforts.
You mentioned in another post that your dr. is supportive of low-carb diet, which is great. However, I'm surprised that she prescribed the drug as a weight loss aid without explaining to you exactly what it is and what it's used for
Glucophage can have serious side-effects related to blood sugar ... especially hypoglycemia. You would be wise to eat smaller meals more frequently through the day, and make sure you have some protein at each meal or snack. NEVER eat carbs alone (eg, a piece of fruit), always have some protein with it .. such as a hard-boiled egg or piece of cheese.
Glucophage can also cause diarrhea and stomach upset for the first few weeks until your body adjusts; hence a lower dose is usually prescribed at the beginning, then you increase. Check with your dr. or pharmacist to be sure. In fact, it would be good to doube-check with your dr. just exactly why you've been prescribed this particular drug. If you ARE insulin resistant, it's important that you know it, and can take other steps to help control it. Sugar Busters might not be the most helpful program at this stage; you might find Atkins, Protein Power or Schwarzbein provides the carb restriction you need right now.
Here's a little more info. about
Glucophage/metformin from Whole Health MD.
Doreen