[cutejeans]

Hi Holly,
my name is trish. will you be my weight loss buddy? I weigh currently 218 lbs, and am the heaviest I have ever been. I gained 40 lbs. on depakote which I am not taking any more. I really want to do this , but with a friend too. Do you have a blog? If you do will you link it here? I have a blog too. I cannot believe I have gained so much weight. Look forward to hearing from you!

my goal is to reach 140 overall long term.
my goal is to reach the 100's within about a month.
what do you think?

love, trish.

Originally Posted by Holly

I'm Bipolar II, and not medicated for this particular condition. I took Lamictal for a few years but felt really flat on it so dropped it in favor of getting back on Celexa which I had been on before for social anxiety.

I was fine for a few years, but then started to have mood swings again. I knew I had to do something but was NOT wanting to deal with another med change again. I am happy to report that I am now stable due to the following simple (and cheap!) regimen.

Fish Oil - Look for a 90 percent concentration and make sure it contains more EPA than DHA. Also make sure it does not contain mercury. For Bipolar approx 9 grams a day is recommended for optimal benefits. With an average tablet ranging around 1,000 mgs, that means you have to pop nine of those puppies daily. But if you get the pharmaceutical grade that's coated, it's not so bad and you can take less to get to the 9 grams.

SAD Therapy Light Box: I use the Zadro 365. It's the cheapest I could find. Flimsy stand but it works. I use it daily for at least an hour and love it.

Last but not least, exercise. (This one I just started last month, so not real sure on weight loss benefits yet.) I hit the elliptical at least every other day for 30 minutes to an hour. I was feeling much better with just the fish oil and the light box, but still not tense at times. The exercise has really evened it all out and I feel pretty darn good.

I'm finding I have more motivation now to improve other areas of my life such as de-cluttering, getting more organized and socializing more. I definitely suggest talking to your doc first before even mild changes in your routine such as any of the above, but for me, it's worked wonders. Good luck to all!

[rebeccamichelle777]

Originally Posted by DuckyChick

I do suffer from my depression more than the manic side of my disorder -- I'm Bipolar II. But I know that pretty much ALL medications prescribed for BP cause weight gain, and I thought maybe those of us on those meds could use our own thread.

I've been pretty diligent about my eating since November of last year when I was diagnosed with BP and put on Depakote. I admit that I'm not exercising the way I need to, but I've been so ill... oh, blah blah blah, you know the excuses. Is there anyone on here who has been on Depakote or Lithium for a long time that knows if weight loss is even possible, exercise, good diet or not? I'm getting discouraged losing and gaining the same five pounds over and over again when I have so much total to lose.

Hi DuckyChick

Yup, I was diagnosed as a bi polar, I have characteristics of phase I, phase II and cyclothymia , with a few other issues.

I mostly just feel really down now and rarely ever feel manic anymore, I am much better now that I am completely sober. I rarely drink alcohol now , which helps keep me in control also. [I used to be a 12pk a day gal]

I tried Abilify [didn't work= made me even more agoraphobic and made my hands feel like they were gigantic and made me rock back and forth?!] I just weaned myself off of that slowly without doctors supervision and was fine, I did it over a period of 2-3 weeks.

I tried Lithium it made me feel really mellow but I was gaining over 5 lbs a week in water retention from so much sodium intake [I told the Doc HellNo I already have issues with being overweight and a med that makes me fatter is GOING TO UPSET ME MORE!] so even tho it made me feel as cool as a cucumber I quit that pill also!

I took Zyprexa it gave me horrific nightmares and made the lights in my room at night strobe like a disco lite!!! So I quit that

I took Wellbutrin that gave me a spastic colon? and made my brain feel very strange, It was like I could actually FEEL my hypothalamus and my spinal cord and it wasn't good, very creepy?! So I quit taking that People have a lot of great things to say about wellb. but I did NOT have a good exp. with that one.

I tried Cannibus to cope with the downs and freakish mania, of course that did NOT help my mania I just became even more agoraphobic and paranoid! and absurdly delusional LOL go figure

So needless to say after all that I have given up on meds. Now I use a combo of herbs that seem to be much more effective.

I take scullcap 2x's a day [it's good for panic and inability to sleep]
I daily take the swansons sleep Essentials which has valerian, hops, scullcap, all good for being mellow.

To help me overcome my dysthemia or melancholy
I take the swanson Rhodiola Rosea extract it is great for feeling bla and give me a super boost without the bad effects of O.D. on caffeine

I haven't discussed this with any one online before. But I have grown to really enjoy this forum [which is really my 1st forum to join] so I believe it may be beneficial to talk about my experiences.

If anyone would like links to the herbal supplements I take to try them, just ask and I will be happy to let you know.

A very important point I would like to make for the end of my monologue is that exercise is vital to feeling positive and like you can do 'stuff', research has shown that exercise helps the brain become healthier, your brain can actually grow more blood vessels due to increased circulation which feeds it more. But I know how hard it is to make yourself move when your dysfunctional cerebrum is not being very co-operative.

Also a major key to being better is to ONLY surround yourself with people who are genuine and who truly understand what real LOVE is. The vicious people I was involved with at my worst times only exacerbated my condition. And that is a really difficult step to take, weeding out bad seeds so to speak.

Much Love, Rebecca Michelle

[Natoshial]

Hi I'm Bipolar I. I was put on Depokote maybe 1 and 1/2 years ago and my weight shot up from 222 to 307. It came on so quick I didn't know what hit me. I felt terrible. I have only managed to lose 38 lbs of that after my meds were switched. I am currently taking Lamictal and Abilify. I have just been bouncing around the same 5 lbs since the holidays. At least I'm not gaining. I wish you luck!!!

[seabiscuit]

Hi-
I can relate. I have bipolar also and I am also on meds for it. I am on Lamictal, Topamax, Celexa and Abilify. It took a long time to find the right med mix for me.

good luck

amy

[Liliann]

Back in 99 dealt with deep depression/bipolar..as the years gone by with different doctors,now they call it schizo-afecttive .. I am stable now with medication of risperdal and zyprexa.

[DuckyChick]

I really appreciate hearing from everybody in this thread! My pdoc and I are still struggling with getting my meds right. I've been feeling like the meds aren't really having the kind of effect I want, and worse, I am completely stuck as far as weight goes. I mean, I went back on WW and have started eating a whole foods vegetarian diet, I track my food religiously. I lost 7 pounds in the first week, and in the five weeks since, nothing. In fact, last week, I gained 1 pound.

I desperately need to add exercise to the equation, I know. But between the mood struggles and a brand new hip injury, I seem to be stuck on that point at least for the time being. I'm getting so discouraged, and I know I'm at least partly fighting against these meds that are supposed to be helping me. It makes me more depressed and anxious.

I would love to go natural to treat myself, but I can't work, have no income, and depend on Medicaid for any treatment. They don't believe in anything homeopathic, of course. They want me on poisons and getting fatter by the day.

Today is definitely not a good one.

[Hydra]

I was dx with PTSD at age 20, then bipolar at 28....I am now 45 and my official dx is bipolar type 1 with severe mania and psychotic features....sound like an interesting B movie to me lol. I also fit most of the criteria for schizoeffective. My pdoc just refers to me as the happy manic.

From 1993 to 2001 I gained 35 lbs (the lithium and depakote years), from 2002 to 2009 I gained nearly 40 (the mellaril and risperdal years). The meds played a big part in this gain but so did poor eating habits and little to no exercise. Since August of '09 I have lost almost 40 lbs (It was 50 but I had a bad episode in March and gained weight because I went off plan and ate fast food daily). The first 25 pounds came off quick, but now I am losing very slowly. I just stick with my plan to the best of my ability and I try and focus on the positive, such as: I am losing and I feel loads better, I am sleeping more soundly, people are noticing that I have lost weight, my blood pressure and blood work is ok overall, sometime this summer I should see onederland on the scale and bye bye to the 200's!

I currently take lithium and seroquel.....seroquel makes me so darn hungry! I am doing my best to stick to 1,700 calories a day and I am walking a bit each day.

[lilithb]

I am bipolar, have been diagnosed since 1996. I have taken nearly every medication known to man. I was on Topamax last year and dropped a total of 46 pounds. I was feeling great and loving the weight loss. The medication worked for my bipolar symptoms but it effected my memory. I could not remember my grandchildrens name, simple words became difficult for me to spell and many other issues.. I was deathly ill the majority of the time. I remarried my ex and then quit taking the meds last June. As of April 28 th of this year, I have gained 18 pounds back. I hate it. I eat out of emotions so when they are out of whack, I start to pile on pounds. My foot is broken so I can not walk or barely get around the house. It is maddening.

[motivated chickie]

Diagnosed as bipolar 1 since 1993. Now, maintained on lithium & at a tiny dose of Seroquel. Been on the weight gain/loss roller coaster for years. Now that I'm stabilized and taking a lower amount of medication, the weight is coming off again.

I don't know about you, but I am a person who relies on addiction and drama to escape my emotions. I got treatment for food addiction & eventually got a more stable life. I'm holding a full time job, which is a miracle. I don't think it's all about meds, I think having a healthy lifestyle helps too.

[Aydenzmoma]

I was diagnosed with non specific bipolar, (whatever that is) borderline personality disorder, severe anxiety, and cyclic depression at the age of 26. I am on SO many med! I didn't gain from the meds until I got put on Remeron a few months ago. I put on 25 pounds in 3 months. Not that I wasn't big enough in the 250s. It seems like after 4 years, my meds are still being adjusted every visit. I stopped the remeron mid april, started ww on 4/25, sofar lost 4 lbs. Hopefully it will keep coming off.

[shcirerf]

I know absolutely nothing about bipolar or any of the issues you are referring to. But in the interest of understanding and because I'm interested in organic farming and eating, I am wondering, have any of you tried a total organic diet?

I am not questioning that you have what you say you have. I'm just wondering how much a change in diet has helped, especially if you've gone organic.

I have a neighbor who is a certified organic farmer, has been for 10 years, and some of the statistics are staggering.

Just wondering, and would like your input on whether changes in your diet have helped or not.

I have suffered from panic attacks in the past, a way stressful Hmm,,.,. maybe I do understand.

Anyway, thoughts, input, whatever, let me know!

[FatChiconaMission]

Hi, I'm new to the board but I too am BiPolar II. I was diagnosed just about a year ago. I'm currently taking Lamictal and Cymbalta. I suffer more from the depressive side of the BiPolar but when the manic phase hits I tend to spend A LOT of money. Not a good thing.

I haven't noticed an inability to lose weight but I have been able to gain it, thats for sure. I still suffer the lows and when I'm low I turn to food for comfort. Needless to say I have eaten a lot of food the past couple of months.

[rebeccamichelle777]

Originally Posted by shcirerf

I know absolutely nothing about bipolar or any of the issues you are referring to. But in the interest of understanding and because I'm interested in organic farming and eating, I am wondering, have any of you tried a total organic diet?

Well, I am now on the 6 Week Body Makeover diet, it is very healthy. As far as organic, I do NOT have the budget for that. It is NOT cost effective for me. You are lucky to have a neighbor who can provide you with food at cost???

I will tell you this, I notice that prior to 6WeekBody program when I ate foods that contained 'soy oil' my moods would swing terribly the next couple of days. And soy oil is in nearly everything!!! Arg.

A Dr. Hyman discovered when working with autistic children that soy oil causes brain swelling!!!!

As a culture we seem to be consuming WAYYYYYY to much of this "food" than we should, our bodies just can't deal with it.

I buy all fresh fruit and veg at a discount market and eat healthy that way for a fraction of the cost of organic. My husband and I just cannot afford to pay organic prices.

I will mention this, I was recently reading a book by John Stossels "Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity" he interviews the Doctor [forgot his name] who developed the tests to see whether or not a food or chemical is a carcinogen. This Doctor was frank with Stossel. He states: "The tests are not accurate, bacteria can get cancer from coffee. It's not the best way to test." Sooooo I dunno about all the hype???

I think it's pretty much a unique experience for us all as far as how we feel when we eat. But food is a drug regardless.

So yes I do feel better now that I am not eating Wheat and Dairy!!! That's for sure. My brother in law calls it 'wheat anger', he notices he get's a bad temper the next day after he eats wheat.

I am currently controlling my mood's with herbs and fresh veg and fruit. It's much more effective than those whacked out medications that give you a whole new set of problems.

Best of luck on your search for info,

Rebecca Michelle

[asharksrevenge]

I have severe Bipolar I, with major mania, rapid cycling and very seldom depression. I also have OCD. In my family, my mother and all four sisters have clinical depression. The youngest has OCD and Tourette's. I was on Depakote but gained 40 lbs., as well as Celexa, Trazodone and Abilify. I hated Depakote. It made me feel like a zombie at 1500 mgs. daily, and I didn't get the "benefits" of my mania when I needed it (extra concentration, creativity, etc.). I don't have any health insurance, so I am waiting until August for my Master's program to start so I can take advantage of the university's health care. I don't plan on returning to Depakote, but I would like to be on Celexa and Trazodone.

I don't know about organic farming, but from my own personal experience, I have a chemical imbalance in my brain, creating sometimes severe mood and mental disorder, which wouldn't be alleviated with organic vs. supermarket foods. I am eating right now, and am a strict vegetarian, but am currently in one of the worst mania episodes I've had in a year.

[ratfancy]

I had a hard time on meds - rapid cycler, so Seroquel was helpful but with side effects. Finally got a VNS implant (Cyberonics) and I feel that I am as "cured" as is possible. The only drug I continued upon occasion was Klonopin or Ativan and I found they made me eat wantonly - everything in sight and I also got depressed from them. So now I'm off all drugs and on a high protein diet, which seems to keep me steady.

Originally Posted by DuckyChick

I do suffer from my depression more than the manic side of my disorder -- I'm Bipolar II. But I know that pretty much ALL medications prescribed for BP cause weight gain, and I thought maybe those of us on those meds could use our own thread.

I've been pretty diligent about my eating since November of last year when I was diagnosed with BP and put on Depakote. I admit that I'm not exercising the way I need to, but I've been so ill... oh, blah blah blah, you know the excuses. Is there anyone on here who has been on Depakote or Lithium for a long time that knows if weight loss is even possible, exercise, good diet or not? I'm getting discouraged losing and gaining the same five pounds over and over again when I have so much total to lose.