I started off by taking 500mg/1st week, 1000mg/week2, 1500mg/week3 and now Im at 2000mg a day. it made me very sick in the beginning and I had diarrhea everyday. However, the doctor did not tell me how to eat until I went back to him and complained about being sick all the time. You must eat alot of protein!!! It will help you out so much. I change my diet to like turkey, cheese, nuts, and 100% juice. You should eat about 4 to 6 small meals a day. the only problem I have now is losing the weight. i always weighed 136lbs now Im at 202lbs. he also told me to try the south beach diet which i plan on doing this Sunday. wish me luck!! oh, Always take Met with food. And if you are a drinker-give it up until your body gets better. If you drink alcohol while on this med, you will regret it. Also keep protein bars with you in your purse so when you start feeling sick, eat one. It also curve my appetite, but you have to eat even when you dont feel very hungry. try it and let me know if this helps.:)