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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 10:23:13
My steady weight gain in the last 4 years seems to be never ending. It's a frightening prospect, that I'll just continue to slowly add to my mass as long as I'm on ADs.
I've been on the "non" weight gaining ADs - Topamax, Wellbutrin, and the first one made my hair fall out, and Wellbutrin pooped out on me. I take Cymbalta, Lamictal, and Camral. I take supplements too.
Increasing my level of activity is a constant struggle, since I've been a faithful couch potato all my life. I start doing something and quickly abandon it when I get any aches and pains. Still working on that. I eat healthily, and now I'm trying to reduce my portion sizes. This is hard because my appetite has no Off switch. The maw is bottomless, no matter how slowly I eat, how small and thoroughly chewed the bites are, now matter how frequently I eat little bits. It's not enough to make me feel full. I drink water all day; a glass at my side everywhere I go. I don't drink soda, stuff with caffeine, and I don't smoke tobacco.
Has anyone successfully lost weight while on their AD regime, and kept the pounds off? What worked for you?
Thanks,
ClearSkies
Posted by kimcrazylady on June 12, 2006, at 13:16:16
In reply to Any success in losing weight while on ADs?, posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 10:23:13
No. I stopped all meds for a wash out period due to having to stop Parnate when they found my aneursym and I lost over 20 pounds. I tried several other meds and gained some back, but they didn't work. As soon as I went back on Parnate my mood improved but I gained all the weight back even though I was more active and did not change a thing in my eating habits.
Over the years, I've tried it all without luck. I am learning to live with the extra weight even though I was a beanpole my whole life. It beats living with debilitating depression for me.
Good luck with the weight loss. Let me know if you find something that works.
Kim
Posted by fairywings on June 12, 2006, at 14:50:14
In reply to Any success in losing weight while on ADs?, posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 10:23:13
You're gaining on the current meds? How long have you been on them? Have you tried Lamictal without the Cymbalta? Maybe at a higer dose - since it's supposed to have AD effect? I don't know if Lamictal usually messes with metabolism, but I've heard Cymbalta can really make you fatigued. I don't know anything about Camral. What about adding a low dose of stimulant to get the motivation going?
I take Lamictal and it doesn't make me tired, or gain weight, but it seems I've gotten thicker around the waist, but maybe it's not the meds. - maybe it's my age. I exercise and have a lot of aches and pains, but it's worse when I don't exercise. My carb intake is way too high - at night I seem to have no control, and eat all the wrong things.
I hope you find something that works CS, I know how discouraging it is.
fw
Posted by fairywings on June 12, 2006, at 14:52:33
In reply to Any success in losing weight while on ADs?, posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 10:23:13
CS, did you read the post by TomTwilight a couple of posts back about the California Cocktail. Maybe he could tell you if it helped with weight loss.
fw
Posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 16:34:01
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » ClearSkies, posted by fairywings on June 12, 2006, at 14:52:33
Thanks, FW, I did see that thread (I've been on Effexor). I guess I'm stuck because the Cymbalta works so well for my depression - really no blips since I've been on it. The Lamictal is mostly helping with my anxiety. The Campral produced a great deal of "gastric distress" ha ha ha but not any more. Since the medications are working, mood wise and functionally, I'm loathe to mess with them.
I mostly wish my doctor didn't poo-poo my concerns about weight gain. It is a trade off for being able to function day to day, but in itself is a source of great distress for me.
Also, I wish my pdoc would wipe the smirk off her face when she tells me to exercise more.
Posted by Phillipa on June 12, 2006, at 19:31:29
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » fairywings, posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 16:34:01
Clear Skies that is what you must do whether you like it or not excercise. Do you ride a beach bike? I do l2 miles a day. It's fun and things to look at. If you think it's bad now wait til menopause. My waist is thickening. I'm going when I get up the courage to get my hormones checked and take the risk of compoundes hormone cream again. Since this wt is since I stopped it. Age too plays into it. I was skinny in my 40's and til mid 50's now I weigh more than I did when I was pregnant. Some is muscle the rest is truffles I'm addicted to them. Love Phillipa chocholate is my favorite. Lindtt.
Posted by fairywings on June 12, 2006, at 20:25:15
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » fairywings, posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 16:34:01
It's easy for them to say, they haven't been in your shoes. sometimes the fatigue is just overwhelming. Do you by any chance have a treadmill? There are some days when I can only promise myself I'll do 15 minutes, but sometimes the music motivates me. I have to do it first thing in the morning, or I'll keep putting it off.
I can understand you don't want to mess with the meds if they're working. Any chance your insulin resistant, and might respond to Glucophage or Metformin? If you're 40-ish it might be worth looking into. Won't give you energy, but might help with the weight. I haven't taken it, but from what I've read it can help.
fw
Posted by ClearSkies on June 13, 2006, at 9:34:22
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » ClearSkies, posted by fairywings on June 12, 2006, at 20:25:15
I've not been told that I have blood sugar problems, although I know that I'm prone to hunger migraines. I'm trying to transition to eating smaller portions with more frequency and see if that helps.
And I am doing yoga and dance again, two things that I love with a passion and when my self esteem is poor I cast them aside with disgust. I do wish I had a gentle hand pushing me to keep doing them, but I don't know any people with the same interests. It's hard to keep up any enthusiasm in a vacuum.
I'm trying...
Thanks, Fairywings!!
Posted by flipsactown on June 13, 2006, at 21:00:54
In reply to Any success in losing weight while on ADs?, posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 10:23:13
> My steady weight gain in the last 4 years seems to be never ending. It's a frightening prospect, that I'll just continue to slowly add to my mass as long as I'm on ADs.
>
> I've been on the "non" weight gaining ADs - Topamax, Wellbutrin, and the first one made my hair fall out, and Wellbutrin pooped out on me. I take Cymbalta, Lamictal, and Camral. I take supplements too.
>
> Increasing my level of activity is a constant struggle, since I've been a faithful couch potato all my life. I start doing something and quickly abandon it when I get any aches and pains. Still working on that. I eat healthily, and now I'm trying to reduce my portion sizes. This is hard because my appetite has no Off switch. The maw is bottomless, no matter how slowly I eat, how small and thoroughly chewed the bites are, now matter how frequently I eat little bits. It's not enough to make me feel full. I drink water all day; a glass at my side everywhere I go. I don't drink soda, stuff with caffeine, and I don't smoke tobacco.
>
> Has anyone successfully lost weight while on their AD regime, and kept the pounds off? What worked for you?
>
> Thanks,
> ClearSkies
I have been on all kinds of different ADs for 15 years. A year ago, I weighed 225, probably from taking Remeron for years. Currently, I weigh 175. I lost 45 pounds in a year!Here is how I lost it. I bought a Showtime Rotisserie from Amazon in January 2005. I liked it because of their slogan "Set it and forget it" and it is true. More importantly, everything from chicken, 15 pound turkey, pork roast, etc. come out great with the fat dripping into the grease pan. Anyway, the ST came with an eating plan similar to the Adkins diet, high protein, low or no carbs. I stopped eating rice, pasta, bread, etc. and ate mainly skinless chicken breasts, skinless turkey and every once in awhile eat lean meat with lots of green vegetables. The pounds came off dramatically the first six months and after that the pounds continued to drop, only on a slower pace. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose, except pounds.
FST
Posted by ClearSkies on June 13, 2006, at 21:12:06
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » ClearSkies, posted by flipsactown on June 13, 2006, at 21:00:54
> I have been on all kinds of different ADs for 15 years. A year ago, I weighed 225, probably from taking Remeron for years. Currently, I weigh 175. I lost 45 pounds in a year!
>
> Here is how I lost it. I bought a Showtime Rotisserie from Amazon in January 2005. I liked it because of their slogan "Set it and forget it" and it is true. More importantly, everything from chicken, 15 pound turkey, pork roast, etc. come out great with the fat dripping into the grease pan. Anyway, the ST came with an eating plan similar to the Adkins diet, high protein, low or no carbs. I stopped eating rice, pasta, bread, etc. and ate mainly skinless chicken breasts, skinless turkey and every once in awhile eat lean meat with lots of green vegetables. The pounds came off dramatically the first six months and after that the pounds continued to drop, only on a slower pace. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose, except pounds.
>
> FST
>Thanks!! I love to cook (and eat).
CS
Posted by dreamboat_annie on June 14, 2006, at 16:43:11
In reply to Any success in losing weight while on ADs?, posted by ClearSkies on June 12, 2006, at 10:23:13
I lost weight and kept it off. When I first went on an AD, it was after I had stopped drinking and had also given up my 12-cup a day coffee habit and stopped taking my 3 daily doses of Sudafed (all three, cold turkey on the exact same day - I must have been insane). I think the drinking, coffee and Sudafed had kept me scrawny for many years, so when I started the AD and actually started eating again (regularly), I put slowly on some weight. Once it hit me that I was chunking out a bit, I went on this really good eating plan and lost the weight I had gained and then some. I was also walking about 1 1/2 - 2 hours a day (to and from work and 2 long walks with my dog morning and night). The plan I followed was a great plan, with only a few restrictions (just amounts, not foods). Anyway, I didn't have a problem losing the weight I had gained, but I know it can be a struggle.
Posted by ClearSkies on June 14, 2006, at 19:04:31
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » ClearSkies, posted by dreamboat_annie on June 14, 2006, at 16:43:11
You give me hope and motivation. I really appreciate it!
Posted by pulse on June 17, 2006, at 11:47:25
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » ClearSkies, posted by flipsactown on June 13, 2006, at 21:00:54
you DO have much to lose - other than weight - following ANY of these low carb/ high protein diets.
it's called losing your mind. even if you've never had depression, you will have it now, and/or exteme mood swings, and, worst of all, raging at others.
if you don't believe me, psychology today did a huge detailed expose last year, i think it was. they documented all the damage these diets can do to one's psyche. while you might not experience them at first or for awhile - this is the really sad part - it was found to happen so frequently to so many that it's simply not close to taking the risk.
i call it the tanya harding effect. like the rages that come from being on xanax, with it's infamous rebound effect, when it's wearing off & time for another dose.
i've even seen women acting this way in public, and i've asked if they're on atkins/south beach/other. sure enough, the answer was/is always.... yes. i find it interesting that this has always been in grocery stores. hmmm.
(also remember that dr. atkins died obese).
so sorry to rain on your parade. i know how hard it is with these ADs and weight gain!
the new emsam selegiline patch has a mean weight loss of 1.2 pounds per month or around 15 pounds per year. i know, at least this, is the truth.
we DO need ENOUGH carbs for our nervous system's health.
pulse
Posted by pulse on June 17, 2006, at 11:57:03
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » ClearSkies, posted by dreamboat_annie on June 14, 2006, at 16:43:11
yes, a FOOD PLAN is the only HEAlTHY way to lose weight.
(if not too depressed), combined with exercise - correct, again.
thank you so much for pointing this out. there are no forbidden foods. they teach this at eating disorders clinics.
pulse
p.s. love your username
Posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 19:42:35
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » dreamboat_annie, posted by pulse on June 17, 2006, at 11:57:03
I tried the original Atkins Diet years ago had a fasting blood sugar test and came out diabetic. Was told to go home eat lots of carbs and repeat the test in two weeks it was then normal. Love Phillipa
Posted by pulse on June 17, 2006, at 21:03:48
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » pulse, posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2006, at 19:42:35
i can't recall hearing of this one, philipa. so - yet another VERY serious consequence - this one physical.
good for you for stopping, and that you returned to good health that soon. kudos!
others might not be so lucky, if they persist in these diets ...or diets of any kind. food plans are the way to go.
best regards, pulse
Posted by fairywings on June 17, 2006, at 23:18:36
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » Phillipa, posted by pulse on June 17, 2006, at 21:03:48
My brother went on Adkins and lost some weight but got gout, and diverticulitis. He's off Adkins now, and no sign of either since....it's been 2 years.
fw
Posted by flipsactown on June 18, 2006, at 0:45:08
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » pulse, posted by fairywings on June 17, 2006, at 23:18:36
Gout was probably from eating too much meat. My mother-in-law had gout, but it is gone after she stopped eating red meat. She and I eat mainly chicken, turkey, and fish with lots of green vegetables. Adkins is and continues to work for me in losing weight. It has become a lifestyle change for me for the better.
FST
> My brother went on Adkins and lost some weight but got gout, and diverticulitis. He's off Adkins now, and no sign of either since....it's been 2 years.
>
> fw
Posted by flipsactown on June 18, 2006, at 1:02:39
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » flipsactown, posted by pulse on June 17, 2006, at 11:47:25
I have lost 45 pounds in 1 year eating mainly chicken and turkey with lots and lots of green vegetables and fruits and now have no desire to consume red meat. In the rare occasion that I do eat meat, they are the leanest cut. What works for one person, may not work for others. Also, I walk at least a mile a day and workout on a Total Gym three times a week.
FST
> you DO have much to lose - other than weight - following ANY of these low carb/ high protein diets.
>
> it's called losing your mind. even if you've never had depression, you will have it now, and/or exteme mood swings, and, worst of all, raging at others.
>
> if you don't believe me, psychology today did a huge detailed expose last year, i think it was. they documented all the damage these diets can do to one's psyche. while you might not experience them at first or for awhile - this is the really sad part - it was found to happen so frequently to so many that it's simply not close to taking the risk.
>
> i call it the tanya harding effect. like the rages that come from being on xanax, with it's infamous rebound effect, when it's wearing off & time for another dose.
>
> i've even seen women acting this way in public, and i've asked if they're on atkins/south beach/other. sure enough, the answer was/is always.... yes. i find it interesting that this has always been in grocery stores. hmmm.
>
> (also remember that dr. atkins died obese).
>
> so sorry to rain on your parade. i know how hard it is with these ADs and weight gain!
>
> the new emsam selegiline patch has a mean weight loss of 1.2 pounds per month or around 15 pounds per year. i know, at least this, is the truth.
>
> we DO need ENOUGH carbs for our nervous system's health.
>
> pulse
Posted by fairywings on June 18, 2006, at 12:51:32
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » fairywings, posted by flipsactown on June 18, 2006, at 0:45:08
Yeah, the docs said too much protein period on the Adkins diet.
Wonder when someone will come up with the "eat all the ice cream you want and lose like a fiend diet"?! ; )
fw
Posted by Phillipa on June 18, 2006, at 19:16:45
In reply to Re: Any success in losing weight while on ADs? » flipsactown, posted by fairywings on June 18, 2006, at 12:51:32
The body can not function normally without carbohydrates. That doesn't you need to pig out but the best diets are eating 5 small meals a day. That is basically the diabetic diet. Very balanced. And don't fry foods. And stay away from snack foods. Love Phillipa
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