[newtothis31]

Since I've started to take Trileptal, I've gained about 25 lbs. I don't think it was exclusively the medicine- part of it is that I've really felt great and went from eating very little to having an appetite.

I've decided that I'm not going to press my p-doc to switch the medicine because my symptoms are alleviated.

I'm starting to run again, and I'm starting to see some results but it's going to take a while to get to where I want to be.

Has anyone else stayed on a medicine after gaining weight? Did you eventually lose it?

[MusicLover82]

Yes, I have lost 60 lbs after gaining A LOT of weight after starting all theses psych meds in my 20's (I'm 33 now). I wish I could show you my before and after pics... I look great now! You can do it!! Weight Watchers helped me the most because I tended to emotionally eat (especially sugar) to try to calm my anxiety and also gave myself permission to eat unhealthy things. Weight Watchers helped big-time with that. I'm planning on losing more weight, and I feel confident I can do it. I've taken many weight-gainers over the years and I really feel like they increase your appetite, but they don't keep you from being able to get control over your eating. Exercise is only 20% or less of weight-loss. Watching your diet is the number 1 way to lose weight. You may think you eat healthy, but you may be consuming too many calories. Try WW or some other calorie-counting system. Just make sure you are consuming the right amount of calories (I have noticed My Fitness Pal limits calories too much to an unhealthy low level). Good luck!!!! I will be happy to give you tips along the way.

[MusicLover82]

Originally Posted by MusicLover82

Yes, I have lost 60 lbs after gaining A LOT of weight after starting all theses psych meds in my 20's (I'm 33 now). I wish I could show you my before and after pics... I look great now! You can do it!! Weight Watchers helped me the most because I tended to emotionally eat (especially sugar) to try to calm my anxiety and also gave myself permission to eat unhealthy things. Weight Watchers helped big-time with that. I'm planning on losing more weight, and I feel confident I can do it. I've taken many weight-gainers over the years and I really feel like they increase your appetite, but they don't keep you from being able to get control over your eating. Exercise is only 20% or less of weight-loss. Watching your diet is the number 1 way to lose weight. You may think you eat healthy, but you may be consuming too many calories. Try WW or some other calorie-counting system. Just make sure you are consuming the right amount of calories (I have noticed My Fitness Pal limits calories too much to an unhealthy low level). Good luck!!!! I will be happy to give you tips along the way.

P.S. Yes, I've stayed on drugs that made me gain weight initially. My weight gain over the years was pretty gradual. (Starting in my early 20's and finally peaking to a very high weight in my early 30's). I've taken Trileptal for many years and also Risperdal for many years which is also a big weight-gainer. I seemed to also gain weight with the Lithium after I started it. But like I said, losing the weight CAN be done!

[newtothis31]

Thanks for sharing your story & experiences! I think the root of the problem is that I'm definitely taking in too many calories, so I'll have to come up with some new approaches to healthy eating.
I'll keep you posted but I definitely feel like I can lose the weight & remain on the right medication.