Did you try abilify and latuda before getting on the depakote? They didn't work for me, but they are in the same class and are much less likely to cause weight gain. I have been on depakote for almost 20 years now, and I have not been able to get off of it, which is extremely frustrating because they are withdrawal symptoms that have nothing to do with mood. So, if there is anything out there that you haven't tried, try it. The only things that have helped me manage weight gain have been more Meds - Wellbutrin and topomax, but they have side affects that I can't tolerate. One year, I somehow found the motivation to walk 6 miles every day, at fast speed. That worked. Really hard to find that kind of motivation, though. I hope that what has not helped for me, may help for you.