I know Depakote is often called Depobloat. I had sworn NEVER to take Depakote, but now I'm on it because other meds were not working. 6 years ago, I took off 22 lbs, and it stayed off. I weigh myself every day, and if I gain even 2 lbs. I cut back on what I eat and how much. When I did that, and the 4-5 times in the past where I took off weight, I had a healthy diet I made for myself -- not any proscribed diet written by someone else. The plan I follewed was this: as many vegetables as I wanted. As much lean meat, fish, low fat cheeses, cottage cheese, fruits (not many bananas) and beans as I wanted. The only sugar I had was on my (cooked) breakfast cereal. No fried foods, no butter, no fat-gravy. Few starches. A baked potato with nothing on it was okay. I allowed my self 8 oz of ice cream on Saturdays.

From my biology classes I know that we all need starch, fat, and protein. Not sure how vegetables and fruit fit that equation, but we sure need them, too. I had all these things every day.

The problems now are I am a vegetarian and doc took me off lactose. No meat, almost no fish nor sea foods. Substitute soy products for milk, cheese. I do eat eggs. I need an appetizing diet with these restrictions. Any ideas? The test for gluten intolerance came back that I don't have this. No celiac disease.

I should know in about a month if cutting out lactose helps with my digestion. If it does, I'm lifetime off it. If I can get back on regular low fat cheese, etc, that will help.

Once I discover whether I can or cannot have milk products, I plan to go to a medical dietician. These professionals as NOT the same is nutritionists. I saw one years ago. She asked me what my favorite foods are, and then found ways for me to duplicate them, as much as possible, so the new combination tasted great.

Meanwhile, if anybody here has any ideas, please help me out. I've put on 4-5 lbs, and my jeans are getting too tight. I have no intention of buying a whole new wardrobe!