I am a newbie and this is my first time posting.

I've been chubby on and off my entire life. My heaviest was 280 lbs for my 5'5 frame, which I actually lost 110 lbs starting from end of May 2009 up late 2010, I even walked/ran almost daily. I started putting the weight back on due to starting bi-polar medication as well as anti-depressants, which I am still on to date. If you have ever been on either then you will know they make you eat like crazy and also not have any type motivation to keep in shape. I have pretty much gained back 90% of the weight, now at 260 lbs ( I tried low-carb about 2 months ago and got down to 243 then shot back up after I strayed from my "diet". Every day I wake up telling myself I am going to so this right and every night I fail. I even joined weight watchers and couldn't stick to that. It's obviously not just the medication - I know there are underlying issues at hand.

Any encouraging tips and/or similar stories are welcomed! PLEASE!

Hi hun. It's sounds like you've a lot on your plate (if you excuse the pun lol) at the moment. I was on anti-depressants for about 2 years or so and came off the completely about 2 nearly 3 weeks ago now. I didn't notice a weight gain but then again... i didn't really notice anything. I'm sure you know how that feels, being on your medication.

The great thing is, you've decided to make a difference.

First off, don't bother with Weight watchers or anything like that if you can help it. Yes, they give support and healthy meal ideas etc, but all of that you can from here and a few other sites.

First off, what inspired you to go for the low carb approach? was it suggested by your doc?

I only ask because A LOT of people on here swear by the old fashioned counting cals and a good work out regime. I'm one of those. Only started 3 days ago, and whilst i have obviously lost weight YET, I feel better in myself. More energy, happier in myself and less prone to a low mood (which i was really worried about when i came off the happy pills).

It might be worth talking to your doc and seeing if they can suggest anything else that might help.

In the mean time, if you have any questions, problems or just need a chat we're always here!!!

Keep us posted hun, and good luck.

Even though I'm not on any antidepressants/bi-polar meds (I've got some quick working anxiety meds though), your story sounds similar to mine.

I can't tell you how many times I've lost weight and put it all back on.... and then some. I've done WW so many times that I've lost count (with recently this Jan and quitting 3 weeks ago). I wasn't into the meeting stuff since there were just a few that always spoke up and I was one that preferred to keep quiet... except when you got to a milestone and were rewarded (I felt embarrassed by being put on the spot.... but then, it probably was just me). I've done South Beach, Low-Carb, Slim-Fast.... even the banned ephedra pills.

Every time a new day would start, I would tell myself that today would be the day and do well.... until night time. I was Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde type of person with food and the time of day. Are you an all-or-nothing person? That's how I would think (still do).... even if I slip up slightly, I would go ballistic with food instead of picking myself up, know that it's a slight bump in the weight loss road, and forgive myself that it will happen from time to time. Actually, it's easier said (or typed) than going through with it. Right now, I'm fine today with eating but sure enough, I'm going to need a load of gum once nighttime is here.

I hope you know that everyone is here for 2 reasons: to lose weight or maintain what they have. But we all have one thing in common.... FOOD!!!

Please know that we are all here to help one another

@ Lozz - How are you dealing being off your meds? I got nuts if I am not on anything so I don't think it is smart to do that. Weight Watchers wasn;t even my idea and I didn't even stick to it for more than a few days at a time. The whole low carb attempt was because my stepdad got on it and lost 50 lbs. so I decided I would just try it out and it worked for about 2 weeks and I lost weight but there is only so many low carb foods out there and it's just too restrictive.


@ Deep - Yes! I am all or nothing so even when I cheat the slightest bit I say "screw it!" and binge all day and we are talking MAJOR binging! Unhealthy ( It gets to the point where all I can do afterwards is lay there like a rock (haha). I am REALLY hoping and attempting to be good this weekend even though weekends prove to be the most difficult as I just "hang out" but cross your fingers for me!

I was around your stats (I was 250+ and I am technically 5'5.5) and my goal is about the same as yours as well. You can do this. Throughout your entire journey there will be struggles and hurdles to overcome but the benefits of losing the weight and feeling good are worth it. You lost the weight before and that only means that you can do it again!

My suggestion for you is try calorie counting and not worrying too too much about carbs in the beginning. I too started on low carb and could not maintain it. Some people find that low carb works awesome for them, and others do not find it to be a good match. I gave up the low carb and have been calorie counting and it has been working for me.

Just remember you CAN do this and there are tons of people on this forum that are in your shoes and ready to support you along the way!

Thank you so much for the encouragement and you ARE right, I CAN do this again! I've done it twice in my life. Besides, I NEED to do it so I can get in shape before trying to get pregnant. Congrats on your weight loss!

Tomorrow is a new day....

How did you do this weekend? Because of my work week, my weekend is Thurs-Sat.... so.... I didn't do so hot today. Once the sun went down, that monster in me took over. Not as bad but still.... I'm still learning and getting my hunger under control.

Hi there! Those meds can be brutal can't they? I was on a pill called Dioxapene (sp) for extreme chronic hives. I guess it was an older style antidepressant and an old style anti-histamine and the side effect *cough* was a little weight gain according to the specialist. A little my bum!! I read reports of 100+lbs in 3 months! Not like i need ANY help gaining weight! I was on 120mg a day (holllleee) for 2 months before I went to my reg doc and told him I had hives as bad as before and these pills weren't working so I stopped them. But the weight was there just like the freaking hives. (those are gone now ..only too 8 months!)
I think we all need carbs, however there are better carbs to offer nutrition etc. I eat one meal with carbs per day and NO carbs after lunch. I try to make my carb meal whether breakfast or lunch worth it too!