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fuzzycatblack
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Since I started lithium in 2005 I have gained 50 pounds now my doctor upped the dosage to 300mg 4 times a day and I am upset in that I gained 5 pounds extra is there any way to regulate lithium or diet successfully to get the weight off. Any suggestions? I am a Bipolar, Panic Attack, Tricholomania sufferer |
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GeminiMom
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I don't have any experience with lithium but I do take seroquel, which also has weight gain as a side effect. I've tried every diet in the book, totally unsuccessfully, but have recently lost some weight with a very basic diet. I found an online calorie counter that takes into consideration your weight, height, age, gender, and daily activity, and then gives you the number of calories that you need to intake to stay alive and then gives you a fat-burning calorie range. I've been counting calories for three-and-a-half weeks now (including 30-40 minute walks a day) and have lost nearly 10 pounds, which just makes you feel better, as you know. So... no guarantees, but this is the first thing that's worked for me AND made me feel like I can eat like a normal person. So maybe it's worth a shot. GOOD LUCK! I know how bad it can make you feel. Sherry |
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fuzzycatblack
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Thanks for the reply I felt so alone with this problem being 228 pounds female is not easy I wish I could just stop taking lithium and be a normal weight again Now I am 150 pounds 10 pounds away from my goal Post edited by: fuzzycatblack, at: 06/30/2008 13:03 I am a Bipolar, Panic Attack, Tricholomania sufferer
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BayFrost
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Yes, I totally know how you feel. I was 160 at five feet 3 inches but now, I rest at 270, the problem with me is, I do not exercise because I am so busy and is tired by the end of the day. I get up with the kids and they do not like exercising. I tried joining Weight Watchers but since my husband does not agree/like any of the recipes given in the program, what is the point because that program is to teach how to eat properly and how to fix easy appropriate meals if I cannot do it? (He likes the deep fryer we have at home. smile) Any advice for that? Shelby |
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GeminiMom
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If your husband won't change his diet, I'd say that he gets to cook his own meals. Or if he won't, you can cook whatever for him and then something healthier for yourself. Like, if he wants to deep-fry chicken, you just broil yours. That's one reason I stick with the portion-control plan is because you don't have to follow any rigid plan, all you're tracking is calories. Does that make sense? As for exercising, I've found (because I have an early-bird toddler and am also tired at the end of the day) that I have the best luck walking at lunch. Do you work outside the home? If so, all you need is 30 minutes a day walking to start up your metabolism. It's gotten to the point where it's actually a good break for me. If you're home with the kids, can they ride bikes/you push them in the stroller to go for a walk? Sherry |
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GeminiMom
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And fuzzyblackcat, you're definitely not alone! I've heard that from a lot of people on this board. Weight is definitely the worst side effect of the medicines that make us better, unfortunately. I mentioned that to the nurse practitioner a couple of months ago -- and she's a skinny little thing, of course -- and she blithely said, "Well, you might just have to get used to the fact that you're going to weigh more now." Ticked me off to NO end. Anyway, I do like the diet plan I'm using now because it's pretty simple, cheap, and no-nonsense. I will say that I did the South Beach four years ago and the first time I did it, it worked GREAT. But the first two weeks are like the boot camp of eating--they're horrible. And I've also found that you get decreasing value out of it every time you try it; first time seems to work best. So there's another option. Sherry |
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lobo
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It seems some meds with weight gain as a side affect slow down metabolism causing the weight to come on and others increase the appetite which drives us to eat more than we really need. Not because of medication, but over a period of about 5 years I put on about 110 pounds from traveling so much with my job, eating road food and not exercising. Additionally, as a guy with feelings, I was starving for emotional connectedness and a safe place to share what's going on in my life that affects my weight. I was seeing a therapist, but it didn't have any affect on my food issues. Two years ago I stumbled into OA and found the venue I needed and have lost about 90 pounds and working on another 30. It's a twelve step program, but what I got out of it was the emotional outlet, understanding and support which made all the difference. Even though your weight gain is a side affect of the meds, being in OA can help you cope and not feel defeated and it does work. You can google Overeaters Anonymous and find meetings in your area. It's free and might be worth a try...you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Post edited by: lobo, at: 05/26/2008 19:17 "A man is not defeated when he loses, he is defeated when he quits" Richard M. Nixon
"If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on earth" Abraham Lincoln
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chrisfec
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thank you for that email., i have gained almost 20lbs and i will seek help , i did not know that exsisted?? |
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chrisfec
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i am on abilify and celexa, both have weight gain as a side effect also. I am starting "south beach" tommorow. Hoping to lose the 20 pounds i gained being depressed. I was working out and felt alot better , walking 30 minutes a day does something to your brain and helps my butt get smaller. I am going back on the treadmill tommorow.. Good luck.. |
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GeminiMom
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chrisfec, good luck with the South Beach! As I said in my earlier post, the first two weeks pretty much suck. But just keep telling yourself that it's only two weeks and take it a day at a time, and you can do it. If you follow it faithfully (my husband was bad about eating the two snacks a day, which are absolutely integral because they boost your metabolism by getting it used to digesting more food, and so he didn't have as much success as I did), you will definitely see results! Sherry |
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