[csmams]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum, and I have been diagnosed with BP II in addition to my Fibro, anxiety, sleep disturbance,etc.

I have been on several anti-psychotic and suffered a lot from many of them and get hospitalized. The only one that is working is Serequel. I also take my mood stabilizer (Lithium).

I am desperate for gaining back a stable self confidence and self esteem. As you may all know that these medications (Serequel) or others needed in our case, is suppressing the metabolism which is directly proportional to gaining weight.

I am putting my self over diet programs and also trying to exercise though I hurt my self due to the chronic pain and weakness in my body from joint issues...

I am still gaining weight or cannnot loose weight. I am really asking all of you about your recommendations that you have tried with a success regarding weight loss or diet scheme that can work while the medication is slowing down our metabolism engine.

I am in negative feedback circle as adding weight is depressing me and slowing any stability for our mood and case. Kindly please contribute with all of the ideas and let us enrich this post with practice and optimistic ideas and solutions to manage our weight under bipolar medications.

Thanks for your contribution in advance.

Sandra.

What kinds of foods are you eating? If you eat too many carbs, you'll gain weight.

My suggestion is to replace carbs with healthier options, such as fruits and veggies. Eat more protein, too. It's all about diet adjustment.

When you get the munchies, don't give in. Snack on something healthy and small. I know it's hard because you get sugar/carb cravings, but you have to be resilient.

After a while of not eating sugar/carbs, you pretty much get used to it and stop craving it so much. However, that's not to say you won't have some slip ups from time to time.

Another suggestion of mine is to drink more water. Sometimes you're dehydrated and I know your body can sometimes make you feel hungry when you're actually thirsty. But even if you're not dehydrated, drink water before and during meals. That should keep you full and prevent any potential overeating. (I'm not saying you overeat, but it's just a protective measure.)

As for me: I've lost weight on Seroquel XR. I actually weigh less on Seroquel XR than I did before I started it.

[Wander]

When I started Lithium I gained a lot of weight in the first year. I thought it would never come off but since I have stuck to a strict eating program, similar to what blue is suggesting (high protein, low carbs, high veggies - no snacks) and started exercising 40mins at least 3 times a week the weight has come down. Apple Cider Vinegar seems to help too, I take two teaspoons a day. See the diet thread for an example of the food I ate yesterday. It is also a good thread to get support and info while trying to lose weight.

I was also on Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and that made me put even more weight on so I stopped it and dropped that weight off easily. It was the worst med I have had for weight gain. When I was on Seroquel XR (~600mg) I only put a few pounds on but I was only on it for two months and wasn't exercising or dieting. The meds certainly make it difficult to lose weight but it is possible. Exercise is key, even if you start with 30min slow walks. Just get moving, it helps get your metabolism working right. Good luck. I really hope you are able to turn things around soon. It is so encouraging when the scales start moving in the right direction.

[BipolaRNurse]

The single most important thing I've done in my (so far) 70-lb. weight loss, I believe, is cutting out soda. Even diet soda contributes to belly fat. If you can, train yourself to drink only plain water most of the time...it's amazing how it helps prevent overeating.