2012 was supposed to be my year. Not so much. I will try to summarize...things were going well, personally and professionally. Was a calorie counter and zumba enthusiast and had managed to go from 267 to 220from January 2011 to March 2012. In March 2012 my world changed. Lost my job, which was a good job. Ended up in the hospital diagnosed with bipolar disorder having the worst mental breakdown of my life (I believed my best friend was Dave Matthews and we were getting married. No really.), and while I was in the hospital, my Grandmother, who was more like a mother to me, fell down a step at church hit her head and died. I was so drugged from the hospitalization that I don't even remember going to her funeral.
Anyway, I managed to put on quite a bit of weight rather quickly. I went from 220 to 265 in a few months. In early October I finally felt strong enough to get back on the horse. Since I made my re-commitment, I have been a faithful calorie counter and zumba-er but have only seen a slight loss on the scale. A very slight loss. Currently I weigh 261.9. For as hard as I am working out (Zumba is no joke and I go four times a week, sometimes 5) and for as strict as I am with my calorie counting (1500-1700 calories a day) it just doesn't make sense. I am doing the exact same program I did before to lose weight but now it is not working. Also, I use spark people to track my calories. I weigh and measure everything I eat. I plan all of my meals in advance.
It is bothering me so much that I went to my doctor last week for another round of blood work and everything is fine. I can't tell you how many times I have had my thyroid levels checked and they are well within limits.
This is by far the most frustrating experience of my life. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Please, I am desparate!
Hi, Toni!! First, I didn't mean to, but I had a little chuckle when I read the Dave Matthews bit Also, I'm so sorry for your very difficult year.
Is Zumba your only form of exercise? Are you doing anything else? Any other type of cardio or any weights? I ask because I know when you do a certain exercise long enough your body will become used to it and do it more efficiently---which sounds good, but what that actually means is that it's burning less calories because it's anticipating the movements. You should switch up your routine every few weeks or month or so. Don't get too used to one form of exercise. Your body needs that shock to burn the maximum calories. Also, are you taking in balanced meals? Calories are one thing, but I think it's also important what type of calories, you know? Are you still on any kind of medication? If so, do you know if you'd be having some sort of metabolic side effect?
I was doing Zumba a lot at first as well, and for the first few weeks saw a good drop in weight, but after a while that tapered off. Now I'm getting reacquainted with my Tread Climber, but will switch it up to maybe an elliptical or water aerobics when my body gets used to that. Always gotta switch up the moves Just stay the course; maybe you need to change your routine, or up the intensity or duration. Maybe a switch up of the menu will work also.
I'm so sorry to hear about all you have had to deal with this past year... And I know that regaining after a big loss like that really su*ks... But the way I would look at it is that you have maintained a REALLY BIG loss from your starting weight... so that's great!
From everything that you mentioned so far, the only thing that I can think of is did you go on any new meds? I just ask because sometimes the meds that are used to treat bipolar issues can make it difficult to lose weight... BUT not impossible... hope this helps...
I don't really have an insights but I feel like I'm in the same situation as you (can't lose weight on my old program). I'm so sorry for everything you've gone through in the last year. Do you think any psychological factors might be playing into your inability to lose weight? Not necessarily that you're sabotaging yourself, but maybe the stress of gaining a chunk of it back and the pressure to get it off again?
It's so frustrating. I completely understand. I'll be stalking this thread in hopes someone has a suggestion I haven't tried yet. Good luck!
Haha! I wouldn't have shared it if I didn't have a sense of humor about it. I think it's hilarious. But it was equally sad when the haze wore off and I realized it wasn't true. LOL I love Dave!
Anyway, thanks for the response. Zumba is currently all I have been doing because I thought that would be the best way to ease back into things because it was what I was most familiar with and I really do love it. Honestly, I am not a fan of treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals. I enjoy classes a lot more. There is a new class at the gym called Ripped and I might give that a try to mix it up. I do go to three different Zumba classes where the styles and routines are always different so it's not like I am doing the exact same movement four days a week but I hear what you are saying.
I also think I need to do some weight training but this intimidates me so much. I have some handhelds at home and a chart with different exercises. I think I will add some reps on my offdays and see what that does.
I believe I eat balanced meals but I have never met with a nutritionist or dietician. Here's a sample day:
Breakfast:
1/4 AllWhites
1 slice fat free swiss
1 tblsp fresh salsa
1/2 of a 100 calorie multigrain thomas english muffin
one serving of turkey lil smokies
1/2 cup grapefruit juice (this is one thing I will never give up. ever. I am a grapefruit juice addict and I look forward to my small cup every day!)
Morning snack
Nonfat Greek Yogurt
Sometimes I add 1/2 cup Kashi Go Lean for added protein
Lunch
3oz grilled chicken
cup spinach
1 tbsp sundried tomato hummus
1 tbsp reduced fat feta
1 light sundried tomato flatout made into a wrap
Afternoon Snack
Luna Protein bar or a Luna bar - am open to suggestions here
Dinner
3 oz salmon
serving of brussel sprouts
Evening Snack
1/3 of a Chocolove Bar or 100 cals of Edy's slow churned peanut butter cup ice cream
I try to keep my meals around 250-300 calories and eat 5-6 times a day.
On the meds front....I have been going back and forth with doctor after doctor with this issue since April. I have seen 3 of them. THREE. When I was losing all of my weight I was on Remeron which is supposed to be a big weight gainer. Well, obviously it didn't cause my issue because I lost all that weight when I was taking Remeron for weight gain. When I was inpatient with the manic episode, without my consent or knowledge or that of my Dad's, the hospital took me off everything and put me on Lithium. And a lot of it. It did get me off of that cloud I was living on rather quickly but when I managed to get to my regular doctor he thought it was a very dangerous medicine to be the first one to try so he tried to wean me off.
Unfortunately, weaning me off didn't go well but I did manage to go from 1900mg to 300mg and I've been taking only 300mg's since early Summer. Now, a different doctor is insisting it's the Remeron so I am currently being taken off of that medication and the withdrawl is only making my frustration with this issue more unbearable. I am in one **** of a bad mood.
I had my Lithium level checked last week and it was .2. That is very low. Normal range is 1-1.5. Here's my biggest question...how can anyone tell me if a medication is affecting me metabolically? Wouldn't that show in my blood test? If they were affecting my thyroid, wouldn't those numbers have been effected? And more importantly, why hasn't my family doctor or psychiatrist refered me to a nutritionist or a dietician or some type of specialist. In my opinion, this is a critical piece to my treatment. I feel like I get passed around on the issue every time I aggressively go after answers.
On the meds front....I have been going back and forth with doctor after doctor with this issue since April. I have seen 3 of them. THREE. When I was losing all of my weight I was on Remeron which is supposed to be a big weight gainer. Well, obviously it didn't cause my issue because I lost all that weight when I was taking Remeron for weight gain. When I was inpatient with the manic episode, without my consent or knowledge or that of my Dad's, the hospital took me off everything and put me on Lithium. And a lot of it. It did get me off of that cloud I was living on rather quickly but when I managed to get to my regular doctor he thought it was a very dangerous medicine to be the first one to try so he tried to wean me off.
Unfortunately, weaning me off didn't go well but I did manage to go from 1900mg to 300mg and I've been taking only 300mg's since early Summer. Now, a different doctor is insisting it's the Remeron so I am currently being taken off of that medication and the withdrawl is only making my frustration with this issue more unbearable. I am in one **** of a bad mood.
I had my Lithium level checked last week and it was .2. That is very low. Normal range is 1-1.5. Here's my biggest question...how can anyone tell me if a medication is affecting me metabolically? Wouldn't that show in my blood test? If they were affecting my thyroid, wouldn't those numbers have been effected? And more importantly, why hasn't my family doctor or psychiatrist refered me to a nutritionist or a dietician or some type of specialist. In my opinion, this is a critical piece to my treatment. I feel like I get passed around on the issue every time I aggressively go after answers.
Unfortunately some GP's and Psychiatrists don't worry too much about their patients weight issues if they don't see it as causing serious problems that might be associated with underlying issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, etc... Sometimes there seems to be a tendency to focus on what they consider the "main" issue (bipolar) and other things can wind up taking a bit of a back seat, so to speak...
I guess the thinking sort of becomes that keeping the bipolar issue under control is worth the possible trade off of not being able to loss weight without difficulty or even possible weight gain from the meds... But that doesn't mean you have to just accept it too... Is it possible for you to ask for a referral to an RD? I would simply explain that you have really been trying to lose weight and that you're having a difficult time... and even if they are a bit "dismissive" I would insist that I be able to see someone with a bit more expertise in that area to at least see if it might help... I mean maybe its the meds or maybe it's not... But I would think that seeing an RD or a Nutritionist with a fresh set of eyes couldn't hurt, and maybe even be a big help...
I'm not a fan of the treadmill, either, and I absolutely HATE running, but I also know I get the fastest results when I do :/ If you'd rather do group fitness, definitely check out the other ones your fitness center offers. A really effective one, if they have it, is a bootcamp style one. You might really hate it, but it does give fast results. I hate weights too. I'm just not good at it and it's awkward and intimidating to me, and I really should start again soon.... I just read an article that said one of the reasons men lose weight faster than women is because they naturally have more muscle. The more muscle you have, the faster you burn fat. So if you're trying to lose weight, it's important to incorporate some kind of weights for toning.
As far as your diet, I'm by far not an expert and there are other ladies here who have much more knowledge to impart, but from what I see of your sample, I don't see too much fruit and vegetables, but I did notice several sources of elevated sodium there. And remember, sodium can cause water retention, i.e., weight.
Have you asked your physician to refer you to a dietician? I really think meeting with one who has a medical background can help clear up some questions and can also suggest an optimum diet for you.
P.S.
I used to live a few miles from Dave Matthew's house, and when I found that out I'd always try to pass by on my way to anywhere in the hopes I could get a peek! I never did, though I think that was when he was touring the world with his band.
I know you're frustrated, but even maintaining your weight with all those meds changes is great! It's no secret that many psycho-active drugs interfere with metabolism and weight gain. The tests your doc does won't show the effects, because they don't change your hormone levels like that. Just having different levels of various neurotransmitters will affect your metabolism generally, and the messages that are going back and forth between your brain and the rest of your system. In your situation, i would give myself a break and try to be happy with maintining until my meds were settled.
Another place you might find help is your pharmacist. They are really well trained in medication side effects and interactions, but hardly anyone consults with them. They can often give you tips on making your medication more effective, or countering side effects like slow metabolism or weight gain. And, I hope you're not taking your pills with grapefruit juice! It interferes with many medications.
That said, diet and excercise is of course fantastic for mental health! I think you're on the right track considering weight training; building more muscle can only do good things for you. Here's a straight forward not too intimidating plan that might help you get started: http://www.stumptuous.com/the-less-t...tarter-program
To me your diet sounds stellar. I can't imagine why you haven't been losing on that. Perhaps if you keep it up for a few more weeks, the losses will kick in. You could also insist that your doctor prescribe different meds, at least on a trial basis, to see if it makes a difference.
F.
Last edited by freelancemomma; 12-05-2012 at 03:18 PM.
When you say you tested your thyroid levels, was that the whole panel or just TSH? Lithium can interfere with proper thyroid hormone release and formation (i.e. iodination: Lithium inhibits the coupling of iodotyrosine residues to form iodothyronines (thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]), and inhibits the release of T4 and T3. This appears to be influenced by your iodine status (whether you take salt supplemented with iodide etc). Lithium is concentrated by the thyroid and inhibits thyroidal iodine uptake. So, TSH, T3 and T4 should be tested. At high lithium you may have been hypothyroid or subclinical hypothyroid. It may also be wise to test for autoantibodies as there seems to be an association between autoimmune thyroid disorder and bipolar disease. I am not sure whether you are seeing an endocrinologist. If not, it may be worth it.
I would also test estradiol and progesterone levels as sex hormones can be influenced by lithium treatment.
I have found that circuit training (cardio and toning) is very good in getting rid of inches, even though it may not lead to a lot of weight loss. I did Jillian Michaels 30-day shred and then moved to No More Trouble Zones (weight) and Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism (cardio). I don't know whether you could also go a bit lower with your calories (1200-1400) for some time to see whether it changes anything.
Make sure you take vitamins (Bs and D, multi), Omega supplements and perhaps check your diet for amino acids (e.g. be careful with L-Histidine and take enough L-Tyrosine and L-Tryptophan). It seems you are eating relatively low carb. Nutritionist with knowledge of bipolar may be useful.
Thank you girls for the support and encouragement! It is very much appreciated! It's one of the reasons I have stayed so faithful to this message board over so many years of my weight loss journey. The support that I have found here is second to none. Thank you again.
The blood work came back showing nothing out of the ordinary and my thyroid levels well within healthy limits. I will have to look at the paperwork closer to see if it was broken down to check those other levels Lolo. That was very helpful. Thank you for that information. And actually, my lithium levels were quite low, .2 actually. They should be in the 1.2-1.5 range. I have an appointment with my doctor in January to see what to do about that. I honestly don't feel that I need more of that medication but I will let him make that decision. I have been weaned off the Remeron and emotionally, I'm not sure I'm handling that well. It seems to be causing issues for me. I am hoping he can shed some light on that as well and I can just make it through the holidays.
Now, I am very happy to report that I made some changes to my routine and I have finally seen a loss! Food wise, I added more fruits and veggies. Pineapple and spaghetti squash specifically. I really love spaghetti squash. I use a little bit of EVOO and sauteed garlic to flavor it, add some grilled chicken and it's a meal. I cut out my evening snack too. And I've replaced two Zumba classes with two Ripped classes, which seems to be a circuit/boot camp type training. It was definitely hard. I was by far the biggest girl in the room. But I definitely did a good job at keeping up. And today, the scale went from 260.8-257.7. I had to step on three times to believe it.
I did make an appointment with a nutritionist and plan on following through with that. I want to move towards eating more clean and less processed. I am tired of playing the weight game. I am ready to hit goal.
I also forgot to add that I have my own business through a health and wellness company that has really good vitamins and I take them daily! I know how important that is and it has helped with how I feel among other things.
I can't lose weight. Help!
Also, I'm so sorry for your very difficult year. 
I think that was when he was touring the world with his band.
