[raspberrytorte]

Everyone knows bipolar meds can cause some serious weight gain. I wanted to start a new diet, motivational thread!

Please share:

What have you eaten today?
Have you exercised?
What med are you ou on or were on that made you gain?

I was on clozaril last year and it made me blow up like a balloon! I went from 130lbs to 185lbs. I was so uncomfortable. Needless to say I am no longer on that med. The med I'm on right now that I think is making it hard to lose weight is loxapine.

I'm down to 149lbs right now. I'm trying to get down to 130lbs again, but am really struggling

So far I've eaten a cup of bran cereal with two cups of almond milk, an apple, a bowl of oatmeal with flaxseed in it, a cup of beans and two tablespoons of salsa.

I didn't sleep again last night and haven't exercised yet because I'm physically exhausted, but I will. I do 1000 sit-ups and 300 jumping jacks a day.

I try to keep it under 1400 calories, but am thinking I'm going to have to restrict more.

Anyway. That's me! You?

[Soupe du jour]

That's great you have lost some of the weight you gained, and are still working to lose more. Yes, weight gainer meds suck! I was on worse ones than I am now, and also was able to lose good weight, with dieting, after a med switch. I've been on my current mix (see my signature) for about 10 years now at varying dosages. I never fully gained back the weight I lost, 12 years ago, but I'm coming close.

It's not all about my meds, though. Stress, mood, and life factors also contribute to my weight gain. Everyone in my family was overweight or even obese, even without meds. I'm overweight now again, but have usually been less so than my family members. I think partly because my diet has always been healthier than theirs. I eat a lot more veggies and generally far less junk food. Also, I'm more active, hardcore, fast-paced. The latter is why I'm thinner than my husband, too. This is despite my Seroquel. Perhaps personality plays a part. When manic I get even more so.

Yesterday was not a stellar day for me, in terms of eating. I'm alone in an Airbnb far far from my husband. I ate two pastries and a yogurt for breakfast. [Great bakery nearby.] A small tuna salad hoagie for lunch. A thick slice of fried pork roll, some coleslaw, and crudités with dip for dinner. As a snack, a small granola bar. Notable is that I haven't had a single alcoholic drink since departing Czech Republic (six day ago).

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

That's great you have lost some of the weight you gained, and are still working to lose more. Yes, weight gainer meds suck! I was on worse ones than I am now, and also was able to lose good weight, with dieting, after a med switch. I've been on my current mix (see my signature) for about 10 years now at varying dosages. I never fully gained back the weight I lost, 12 years ago, but I'm coming close.

It's not all about my meds, though. Stress, mood, and life factors also contribute to my weight gain. Everyone in my family was overweight or even obese, even without meds. I'm overweight now again, but have usually been less so than my family members. I think partly because my diet has always been healthier than theirs. I eat a lot more veggies and generally far less junk food. Also, I'm more active, hardcore, fast-paced. The latter is why I'm thinner than my husband, too. This is despite my Seroquel. Perhaps personality plays a part. When manic I get even more so.

Yesterday was not a stellar day for me, in terms of eating. I'm alone in an Airbnb far far from my husband. I ate two pastries and a yogurt for breakfast. [Great bakery nearby.] A small tuna salad hoagie for lunch. A thick slice of fried pork roll, some coleslaw, and crudités with dip for dinner. As a snack, a small granola bar. Notable is that I haven't had a single alcoholic drink since departing Czech Republic (six day ago).

That's great you haven't drank any alcohol! Alcohol and meds don't mix, as I'm sure you already know. I love pastries ❤️. What kind were they? I'm on seroquel too, but that med doesn't seem to affect my weight at all. It doesn't make me hungrier.

I had to force myself to even do a measly 400 sit-ups and 50 jumping jacks yesterday.

So far today I've had half a cup of plain oatmeal and one cup of bran cereal with a cup of milk. Oh, and a gala apple.

Went to bed at 9 and woke up at 12:30 and couldn't fall back to sleep. Sigh. I'm going to ask for more seroquel I think. Hopefully today I'll work up enough physical energy to exercise more.

[~Christina]

Oh goodness the joys of weight gain on many psych meds is truly depressing.

I’m not gaining but I’m not losing any which is double edged sword. I’d hate to think of my not being diabetic as I know I’d eat a lot more.

The only reason I’m not dropping meds is because even tho I’m struggling a bit now the meds are working well with no real side effects so I’m going to stick with them.

I will say I am proud of myself for NOT sliding into another anorexic episode …it causes so much Shame and it’s so embarrassing to talk about it. Its nothing to be proud of that’s for sure. It’s been almost 5 years since my last episode. I’m happy about it.

I truly need to get back to daily walking but with my PsA so flared and Fibromyalgia I haven’t been able to do much . I need to but the pain is high. I’m still hoping this new medication will do something.

Today I’ve had nothing but sugar free iced coffee. I have been doing one meal a day. Not the greatest for a diabetic but fasting can help give the body a break from processing food all day. It’s a fine line I guess. Most meals I do just a protein and veggies. Last night I had chicken breast and a salad. Was tasty so I’m going to do it again I bought lots of salad stuff.

Thanks for starting this thread

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Oh goodness the joys of weight gain on many psych meds is truly depressing.

I’m not gaining but I’m not losing any which is double edged sword. I’d hate to think of my not being diabetic as I know I’d eat a lot more.

The only reason I’m not dropping meds is because even tho I’m struggling a bit now the meds are working well with no real side effects so I’m going to stick with them.

I will say I am proud of myself for NOT sliding into another anorexic episode …it causes so much Shame and it’s so embarrassing to talk about it. Its nothing to be proud of that’s for sure. It’s been almost 5 years since my last episode. I’m happy about it.

I truly need to get back to daily walking but with my PsA so flared and Fibromyalgia I haven’t been able to do much . I need to but the pain is high. I’m still hoping this new medication will do something.

Today I’ve had nothing but sugar free iced coffee. I have been doing one meal a day. Not the greatest for a diabetic but fasting can help give the body a break from processing food all day. It’s a fine line I guess. Most meals I do just a protein and veggies. Last night I had chicken breast and a salad. Was tasty so I’m going to do it again I bought lots of salad stuff.

Thanks for starting this thread

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's good you haven't slid into another ana episode, Christina! I want to try fasting, but if I don't eat I get light headed and dizzy unfortunately. One thing I need to do is try incorporating more protein in my diet. I've been trying to eat more beans and tofu.

[~Christina]

Thanks !!

Yes increase your protein intake and you’ll be less hungry and the shake/dizzy stuff eases. I keep baked chicken breast and boiled eggs so I can just grab something in the moment.

If you want to do a fast eat protein however you find it. Say at night eat protein before bed and fast 8 hours. If you body adjusts okay you can increase a few hours each day. Ideally I’d like to do 12-14 but my blood sugar drops.

Meh! Things should be easier right? lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nammu]

At this point in my life I’m more about doing healthy things and eating moderately than losing the weight I’ve gained on meds. I try to make sure the calories I eat aren’t empty calories but have good nutrition. I lose weight at either end of the spectrum so I’ve come to associate weight loss with hospitalizations and unstable life.

But that said I’ve had a good day. Yogurt, soup and sandwich, for supper I’ll have a salad. I had a few peanut M&Ms too for a snack. But in the main healthy food.

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Thanks !!

Yes increase your protein intake and you’ll be less hungry and the shake/dizzy stuff eases. I keep baked chicken breast and boiled eggs so I can just grab something in the moment.

If you want to do a fast eat protein however you find it. Say at night eat protein before bed and fast 8 hours. If you body adjusts okay you can increase a few hours each day. Ideally I’d like to do 12-14 but my blood sugar drops.

Meh! Things should be easier right? lol

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the ideas! I'll definitely try to increase my protein intake before bed.

[Tart Cherry Jam]

Originally Posted by raspberrytorte

Everyone knows bipolar meds can cause some serious weight gain. I wanted to start a new diet, motivational thread!

Please share:

What have you eaten today?
Have you exercised?
What med are you ou on or were on that made you gain?

I was on clozaril last year and it made me blow up like a balloon! I went from 130lbs to 185lbs. I was so uncomfortable. Needless to say I am no longer on that med. The med I'm on right now that I think is making it hard to lose weight is loxapine.

I'm down to 149lbs right now. I'm trying to get down to 130lbs again, but am really struggling

So far I've eaten a cup of bran cereal with two cups of almond milk, an apple, a bowl of oatmeal with flaxseed in it, a cup of beans and two tablespoons of salsa.

I didn't sleep again last night and haven't exercised yet because I'm physically exhausted, but I will. I do 1000 sit-ups and 300 jumping jacks a day.

I try to keep it under 1400 calories, but am thinking I'm going to have to restrict more.

Anyway. That's me! You?

I think it would be a bad, bad idea to restrict below 1400 calories for you, but increasing your protein intake and lowering the carbs would be good. For instance, do not eat oatmeal AND bran cereal in one day: have them on alternating days.

Also, fixing sleep. This is probably the most important thing now. But overall you are doing great and you are already not that far from your ideal weight.

My meds are currently

Latuda 100 mg (weight neutral)
Seroquel 50 mg (weight neutral due to low dosage; gained weight in the past when taking large doses of Seroquel)
Gabapentin 900 mg (I think it is weight neutral for me).

In the past I gained huge amounts on Depakote, Elavil, Zyprexa. Somewhat less on large doses of Seroquel. These three were worst offenders for me. I have lost some of that weight and plateaued at 20% off my highest weight. I am still obese but I look proportional and thanks to resistance training am strong and have muscles.

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by Tart Cherry Jam

I think it would be a bad, bad idea to restrict below 1400 calories for you, but increasing your protein intake and lowering the carbs would be good. For instance, do not eat oatmeal AND bran cereal in one day: have them on alternating days.

Also, fixing sleep. This is probably the most important thing now. But overall you are doing great and you are already not that far from your ideal weight.

My meds are currently

Latuda 100 mg (weight neutral)
Seroquel 50 mg (weight neutral due to low dosage; gained weight in the past when taking large doses of Seroquel)
Gabapentin 900 mg (I think it is weight neutral for me).

In the past I gained huge amounts on Depakote, Elavil, Zyprexa. Somewhat less on large doses of Seroquel. These three were worst offenders for me. I have lost some of that weight and plateaued at 20% off my highest weight. I am still obese but I look proportional and thanks to resistance training am strong and have muscles.

I have trouble restricting carbs because I eat a vegan diet. I was thinking about going non vegan, just for weight loss purposes, but simply cannot! I'll alternate my cereal intake though. Thanks for the suggestion.

It's good you're strong and muscular.

I've had less than a stellar day so far. Just got done eating pancakes. Sigh. I'll do better the rest of the day!

[Tart Cherry Jam]

Originally Posted by raspberrytorte

I have trouble restricting carbs because I eat a vegan diet. I was thinking about going non vegan, just for weight loss purposes, but simply cannot! I'll alternate my cereal intake though. Thanks for the suggestion.

oh, that is why two cups of almond milk. I get it.

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by Tart Cherry Jam

oh, that is why two cups of almond milk. I get it.

Yeah I get the unsweetened vanilla almond milk that has 30 calories per cup. I'm on a low calorie diet.

[raspberrytorte]

So far today I've done well. I got my morning exercise in. Had a cup of bran cereal (160 calories), a cup of almond milk (30 calories), an apple (60 calories) and a low sodium V8 (60 calories). To drink I've had water, black coffee, and some unsweetened ginger lemon tea.

Plan on having half a cup of beans (100 calories) and two tablespoons of salsa (10 calories) for lunch. And maybe a peanut butter granola bar (200 calories) and another V8.

For dinner I'm having half a block of plain baked tofu (roughly 200 calories) and maybe some rice (half a cup is about 150 cals I believe?).

Not sure how many calories that puts me at, but I'll figure it out. Also have to get the rest of my exercising in! My goal right now is just to get below 150lbs with my boots on!

[raspberrytorte]

Was thinking about abandoning my vegan ways again and switching to a low carb diet for weight loss purposes, but I really can't. The thought makes me tear up!

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by Nammu

At this point in my life I’m more about doing healthy things and eating moderately than losing the weight I’ve gained on meds. I try to make sure the calories I eat aren’t empty calories but have good nutrition. I lose weight at either end of the spectrum so I’ve come to associate weight loss with hospitalizations and unstable life.

But that said I’ve had a good day. Yogurt, soup and sandwich, for supper I’ll have a salad. I had a few peanut M&Ms too for a snack. But in the main healthy food.

I lose weight at either end of the spectrum too. It's good you're focusing on your health!

[raspberrytorte]

I'm going to make falafel balls tomorrow. Pretty excited about this They're frickin delicious !

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by raspberrytorte

I lose weight at either end of the spectrum too. It's good you're focusing on your health!

I’m really scared to lose weight cause it’s now so strongly associated with being unstable. I know that’s illogical but it’s a reality. I’m glad someone else gets it.

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by Nammu

I’m really scared to lose weight cause it’s now so strongly associated with being unstable. I know that’s illogical but it’s a reality. I’m glad someone else gets it.

Yeah. It's tough.

When I'm depressed I just don't eat, and when I'm manic I'm running all over the place and just eat candy and when I'm super anxious I don't eat either. Sigh. It's hard losing weight when you're relatively stable!

[Nammu]

Yes it is. I think I ruined my metabolism when I stop eating when depressed. It’s like I go into hibernation and when I came out of my last depression my body continued to store all calories in case it didn’t get fed again! 😂 and of course the AP helps contribute too. But after gaining after coming out of my last depression I’ve been at the same weight for 7 yrs, too much, but stable no matter what I do.

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by Nammu

Yes it is. I think I ruined my metabolism when I stop eating when depressed. It’s like I go into hibernation and when I came out of my last depression my body continued to store all calories in case it didn’t get fed again! 😂 and of course the AP helps contribute too. But after gaining after coming out of my last depression I’ve been at the same weight for 7 yrs, too much, but stable no matter what I do.

Yeah. I understand. The last time I got down to 120lbs was during a paranoia/anxiety/depression episode. I've never actually intentionally lost weight. But I'm trying as hard as I can this time! I have to for my health you see. And I WILL be successful damn it!

[Nammu]

I do know what you mean. I thought by increasing my activity I’d lose but I didn’t. I think anxiety is a large part of it for me too. I see my doctor tomorrow and last time he mentioned weight loss meds if I didn’t lose anything. But that terrifies me. Besides I doubt my insurance would cover them. I just got my lab results back and everything is in the green zone except my white blood cells. So health wise I’m ok.

[raspberrytorte]

Originally Posted by Nammu

I do know what you mean. I thought by increasing my activity I’d lose but I didn’t. I think anxiety is a large part of it for me too. I see my doctor tomorrow and last time he mentioned weight loss meds if I didn’t lose anything. But that terrifies me. Besides I doubt my insurance would cover them. I just got my lab results back and everything is in the green zone except my white blood cells. So health wise I’m ok.

That's good that you're healthy!

I'd go on weight loss meds if I could. I'm not sure what my GP would say to that though. Why do they scare you? I'd be thrilled!

[Nammu]

Side effects, and the likelihood of losing weight. I’m scared I’d become unstable.

[Tart Cherry Jam]

Originally Posted by Nammu

Side effects, and the likelihood of losing weight. I’m scared I’d become unstable.

It is worth looking into whether the insurance would cover them for purely weight loss, not diabetes control (I am glad that you are not diabetic or prediabetic). Side effects of weight loss meds are manageable and subside over time. I have lost 20% from my highest body weight in less than a year on Ozempic. I also am doing strength training and last year I switched from Zyprexa to weight-neutral Latuda, so those might be factors in the weight loss as well.

In terms of the risk of destabilization, the weight loss on weight loss meds is gradual. It is probably not akin to sudden weight loss you associate with being at one of the two poles.

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by Tart Cherry Jam

It is worth looking into whether the insurance would cover them for purely weight loss, not diabetes control (I am glad that you are not diabetic or prediabetic). Side effects of weight loss meds are manageable and subside over time. I have lost 20% from my highest body weight in less than a year on Ozempic. I also am doing strength training and last year I switched from Zyprexa to weight-neutral Latuda, so those might be factors in the weight loss as well.

In terms of the risk of destabilization, the weight loss on weight loss meds is gradual. It is probably not akin to sudden weight loss you associate with being at one of the two poles.

Thanks for this. That’s reassuring. It would be nice to once again be able to buy my preferred bohemian clothes.