Weight loss using pills, or naturally?

I told my doctor i wanted to loose weight. Her first and only answer was pills. Phentermine. It's a narcotic. I'm not sure this is the right approach. I was hoping she would give me dieting tips, not drugs. She also didn't give me any instructions along with the pills. No dieting tips, no exercise tips, Nothing. Just, "here's your pills, have a nice day". Starting to think maybe i need a new doctor. Anyway, after reading about the side effects and risk, I'm not sure i want to take these. The side effects include things such as tachycardia, palpitations, high blood pressure, and anxiety. The issue is, i have a health condition that causes all of those things already called POTS ( Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome ). If i was perfectly healthy otherwise i might be more open to try this solution. But since i have this health condition, i'm not so sure taking an amphetamine for weight loss is a good idea. I was just curious if anyone else has had experience with this drug. Should i try the pills, or should i do it the "hard way" with diet and exercise alone? I've started a new diet. I'm not sure i'm doing it right though. I have a small cup of fruit for breakfast, salad at lunch, and something hardy for dinner. I've eliminated fried or greasy foods, and sugary drinks too. What are your thoughts? Is my diet ok? Do i take the pills? Or do this naturally? I'm 5'11 243lbs, i want to see 190 or less. What are your thoughts? Any advise? Thanks.