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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 1:05:56
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » Phillipa, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 0:34:57
I'm so HUNGRY! But I cannot give in to my hunger. I am a fat pig.
Posted by Zyprexa on August 1, 2010, at 1:35:35
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 1:05:56
I take perphenazine with my zyprexa. My weight is the same, and sort of going down a bit. That might help some.
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 1, 2010, at 2:22:40
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by Zyprexa on August 1, 2010, at 1:35:35
Phillipa mentioned it, and I think it might be worth looking into. I've heard about people using it with depakote and the atypicals for weight loss. Some people apparently also get it off the net, no rx, b/c it alters your metabolism in such a way that they think it might make them live longer. I don't really understand it myself...I just know it can promote weight loss and stabilizes blood sugars w/o the risk of low blood sugar. Its also cheap, at least in the US.
I seem to recall that you were once on Adderall. Is that an option at this point, or no? Amphetamine-induced weight loss is usually short-lived, but it seems like an amphetamine might lift your mood and help with weight (at least in the short term).
Good luck
Posted by Hombre on August 1, 2010, at 3:51:23
In reply to Weight loss meds, posted by Maxime on July 31, 2010, at 19:53:13
The herb Gymnema is supposed to block out sweet flavors on the tongue and decrease blood sugar levels.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 1, 2010, at 4:03:23
In reply to Weight loss meds, posted by Maxime on July 31, 2010, at 19:53:13
>And what if even on a starvation diet I gain weight on Lithium.
Do you think that might slow your metabolism down and make things worse? If you're not already....I think you need to go on a healthy eating plan. Lots of fruit and veg. Plenty of oily fish etc. Regular meals (at least three times a day).
Posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 8:36:11
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 1:05:56
> I'm so HUNGRY! But I cannot give in to my hunger. I am a fat pig.
Aww man, what about eating a lot of the right kind of really healthy foods? There are plenty of vegetables, low fat meats(stay away from processed), fruits, and grains that can assist in keeping the pounds off and losing weight.
I know blueberries won't fill you up much but they do increase insulin sensitivity and can help with weight loss.
Hoodia is a natural appetite suppressant, you might want to do a google search and go to your local supplement/vitamin/health food store and pick some up.
Good luck, I hope lithium starts to make you feel better!
Posted by bleauberry on August 1, 2010, at 12:21:26
In reply to Weight loss meds, posted by Maxime on July 31, 2010, at 19:53:13
Look, I could be wrong. But when someone's diet consists of mostly veggies, fruits, and modest amounts of lean meat, I have not seen anyone on weight-gaining drugs gain weight. Maybe some water weight...lithium is a salt. If you consume 1000 calories, but burn 2000 calories, that extra 1000 calories can only come by burning up stored fat. It's as simple as that. Weight gaining drugs make the fat storage thing amplified. So we have to supply less fuel for them to do that. Any kind of sugars, bad. Not just bad for weight, but bad for a lot issues. Start having a slice of pizza, donut, sugary cereal, corn syrup, fructose, and well, ya know, forget it, you are going to gain weight.
I don't know why anyone would want to take yet another drug in their cocktail. I guess if you have to you have to. I just think a majority of it can be controlled at the grocery store.
At the grocery store your two stops will be the produce department and the lean meats section. The rest of the store doesn't exist, except for the cereal isle where you can pick up a bag of oatmeal.
This isn't just a weight thing, but a health overhaul that will beneficially impact every cell of your being.
In terms of actual meds to help lose weight, I think others here have already mentioned some possibilities. I just think it is more of a comprehensive approach that involves more than a simple pill. I know you are already doing a lot to help in that regard. But you may need to take it to the next level and get even better at it.
I wish there was an easy answer. It doesn't matter what the disease or symptom is, I don''t know of any easy answers for anyone with a chronic problem. Life itself is very hard. Throw in a chronic problem and it is even more of a challenge. But a winnable challenge it is. You are stronger than it.
Posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 20:52:06
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by bleauberry on August 1, 2010, at 12:21:26
Thanks, actually I am vegetarian so I do eat a lot of things are that good me. I also eat things that are fattening like granola. Sigh. I hate who I am.
Posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 20:54:11
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 8:36:11
Thanks, actually I am vegetarian so I only eat whole foods. Still, I manage to gain weight. That is what happens when you are anorexic so long and your metabolism is out of whack. I wish I could get out this trap. I too hope the lithium works.
Posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 20:59:51
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » bleauberry, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 20:52:06
> Thanks, actually I am vegetarian so I do eat a lot of things are that good me. I also eat things that are fattening like granola. Sigh. I hate who I am.
>
Granola is healthy! You need the healthy fats. I just read that eating nuts(in moderation of course) may help with weight loss.Green tea extract, Resveratrol, Coconut oil, Sesamin, Fish oil, and Cayenne pepper, all may contribute to both better health and weight/fat management.
Once you start feeling better hopefully you can start to enjoy exercise and reap some of it's benefits
I'm sorry you are struggling with this, I know how it is to be very depressed and not like who you are. I hope you feel better soon.
Morgan
Posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 21:15:12
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 1, 2010, at 4:03:23
Thanks Ed. My metabolism is already so messed up from years of anorexia. I now gain if I go above 800 cals a day. :(
Posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 21:19:51
In reply to metformin?, posted by Christ_empowered on August 1, 2010, at 2:22:40
You have a good memory ... I was on Adderall. I had all the intentions in the world to ask for it again, but my psych brought up Lithium and he decided that is what I need. Hopefully he will see that I gain weight on weight. I am logging everything I eat and the calories. It would be best if I could exercise, but right now getting out of bed is all I can do ... and that is like an Olympic event for me.
If the Lithium doesn't help, I will ask for the Adderall.
Posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 21:22:45
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » ed_uk2010, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 21:15:12
So how many calories a day do you think you eat?
Do you eat at least 3 small meals a day and try to snack in between? Several small meals a day might speed up your metabolism. I'm sure you already know this.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 1, 2010, at 21:29:14
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » ed_uk2010, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 21:15:12
> Thanks Ed. My metabolism is already so messed up from years of anorexia. I now gain if I go above 800 cals a day. :(
Wouldn't you gain for a while then start losing weight once your metabolism normalised? Also, a low calorie intake apparently makes depression resistant to treatment. I've read that people with anorexia + depression do not respond to ADs until they start consuming an adequate diet.
You need to eat to recover Maxie, your metabolism will never return to normal on 800 calories a day. I know it's extremely hard for you to eat more because of your anorexia, but you really must do it. I think there's no other way.
Posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 21:30:13
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 21:22:45
I eat up to 500 calories a day. I try to keep it below 300 calories. My behaviour is still very anorexic even though my body isn't. I log everything I eat and the calories.
Right now I am not getting ANY exercise in because I am too depressed.
Posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 21:59:40
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » morgan miller, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 21:30:13
I agree with Ed in that you won't get your metabolism back up to speed until you eat more and more often with a healthy balanced diet. Hopefully you can start to do this once you start feeling better.
Are you in therapy?
Posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 22:14:27
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by morgan miller on August 1, 2010, at 21:59:40
Hey Morgan, no I am not in therapy. I am on a wait list for a place that specializes in eating disorders.
Posted by Hombre on August 2, 2010, at 0:35:39
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » morgan miller, posted by Maxime on August 1, 2010, at 21:30:13
I am depressed if I don't eat enough, no matter how much meds and supplements I take. Eating is #1. I can't even sleep well if I'm starved.
Sometimes eating more gives you the energy to exercise. Your body will naturally avoid physical activity when you are starving. Once you exercise, you are able to build lean tissue and burn away some water and fat. Also keep in mind that without nutrition for enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals, your metabolism will not work correctly and more likely you'll catabolize (break down) lean tissue and bone but store fat since your body thinks it is in a state of extreme emergency. Your stress levels will remain high and you'll feel exhausted.
Your brain also demands a certain number of calories. It also needs lots of fats and lecithin among other things. Without these and the building blocks and cofactors to build neurotransmitters, even antidepressants won't have anything to work with.
A tough situation. I hope you improve soon.
Posted by emmanuel98 on August 2, 2010, at 4:01:35
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by bleauberry on August 1, 2010, at 12:21:26
Well just because you haven't seen it, doesn't mean it hasn't happened. I ate a perfectly normal diet (1500-2000 calories a day). Exercised more than is usual (3 one-mile swims, 4 5-mile walks), went on AAPs and gained 2-3 pounds per week. Not water. Fat. One week on zyprexa, I gained 5 pounds. These medications are notorious for messing up basic metabolism, so that the calories in-calories out equations don't work anymore. Lithium and Nardil have similar reputations. So save the lectures about exercise and blueberries. People get fat on these drugs through absolutely no fault of their own.
Posted by Maxime on August 2, 2010, at 15:18:54
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds, posted by emmanuel98 on August 2, 2010, at 4:01:35
> Well just because you haven't seen it, doesn't mean it hasn't happened. I ate a perfectly normal diet (1500-2000 calories a day). Exercised more than is usual (3 one-mile swims, 4 5-mile walks), went on AAPs and gained 2-3 pounds per week. Not water. Fat. One week on zyprexa, I gained 5 pounds. These medications are notorious for messing up basic metabolism, so that the calories in-calories out equations don't work anymore. Lithium and Nardil have similar reputations. So save the lectures about exercise and blueberries. People get fat on these drugs through absolutely no fault of their own.
I agree. It's the same with Remeron, except it's because it makes you eat like a horse.
These types of meds, though helpful, should NOT be given to someone with an eating disorder. I don't and can't purge my food. I restrict my food and use laxataives to make me feel empty. I am not losing laxatives this week since I am doing this little experiment for my my pdoc.
I have gained 3 pounds since Friday night on Lithium with an average amout of calories between 250 - 500 a day. We will see how it goes. I know that weight can vary even in the day but I have been weighing myself first thing when I get up in the morning and pee. :) I have been drinking as much water as possible since I am on the Lithium.
Thanks for your support.
Maxime
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 2, 2010, at 16:07:25
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » emmanuel98, posted by Maxime on August 2, 2010, at 15:18:54
Dear Maxie,
I know you won't want to hear this but I honestly believe that no medication will significantly relieve your depression until you start eating an adequate diet. However high your antidepressant dosages are increased, and however potent your combination, no medication can reverse the effects of starvation on the brain. Your brain needs calories to function normally. It needs fatty acids, it needs carbohydrates, it needs proteins and amino acids. It needs vitamins, it needs minerals - it needs to be nourished. Even if an antidepressant can elevate your mood to some degree, there is no possibility that you will achieve remission or even near remission on 300 calories a day. It simply cannot happen - 300 calories is so far below what you body needs. Anorexia is like a vicious cycle; the more you starve youself, the worse you feel.......and the more you want to starve yourself. The only way to escape this cycle is to begin eating a healthy, balanced diet with adequate calories to permit normal bodily processes to occur. It won't happen overnight, but a healthy diet will eventually restore your metabolism to normal. High protein foods such as eggs could help to increase your caloric intake without the issues associated with hi-carb foods. Why not have a couple of scrambled eggs? I always find scrambled eggs comforting, especially when I'm feeling unwell.
Weight neutral meds are best in anorexia. Meds which cause weight gain invariably cause distress. Meds which cause weight loss tend to end up being misused, leading to a downward spiral in mood and behavour. Nortriptyline is a decent antidepressant but it frequently leads to weight gain. Switching to Surmontil probably wouldn't help in the weight department.
If only you could learn to like yourself more Maxie. I like you. Does that help even a little bit? Any kind of therapy which could help you to love and accept yourself would be fantastic. Well, you don't need to absolutely love yourself. So long as you can recognise all the things which are good about yourself, that's enough. Let me start.....you're thoughtful, you're intelligent. There are so many good things about you Maxie, but when you're depressed, you just can't see them anymore.
Take care of yourself,
Love Ed
Posted by 10derHeart on August 2, 2010, at 17:53:44
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » Maxime, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 2, 2010, at 16:07:25
what a wonderful post, ed. You are thoughtful , intelligent, and caring yourself - clearly.
Maxime, I agree with all ed said. You know I have long appreciated you here. I have prayed for you numerous times when things were so dark for you. I worry about you when you disappear. You always take interest in others even while feeling like absolute crap yourself. That takes some inner grit. You have survived so much for so long. Strangely, though no one would wish anorexia, depression, etc., on themselves on anyone, the very suffering the soldiering on has probably made you tougher and tougher. Don't know how to make a point here, but I know I am trying awkwardly to say I admire you.
But, of course, we'd rather see you thrive, not just survive. I hope there is some alternative, some support gropup, a buddy suystem, something safe, medically sound and healthy you could do while waiting for space in the program you mentioned, to have daily - even hourly - support for your eating. I would never be so wrongheaded as to say, "I know what it's like," or ,"I understand what you are going through." No - not unless I either had been anorexic myself, or at least had someone very close to me go through it. But I will say, being very overweight and pretty much a slave to food, and coping with the frustration of all the da*n meanings behind overeating (comfort, stress, emotional eating, control issues...you know the drill) I think I do 'get it' slightly. And it's hell and it's hard and it seems impossible to change, but it is NOT. It can't be. People have. You (we) are people, too. Who says we can't triumph? Maybe we're just the slower learners...
You will find some answers.
Posted by Maxime on August 2, 2010, at 19:37:41
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » Maxime, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 2, 2010, at 16:07:25
I cried when I read your post, Ed. You are so right about everything. But I can't fix the eating disorder on my own. I feel like I need to be in an inpatient treatment. I am on a wait list, but it could take up to a year.
I really hate myself. I think of myself as a fat and ugly monster. I can't even look at myself in the mirror. The reflection is too ugly and scary to look at.
I feel so desperate that I even wrote to Dr.Phil. But he wouldn't want a fat person on a show about eating disorders. But I didn't know what else to do.
Thanks again for what you wrote. I believe everything that you wrote, but I don't know why you care about me.
Posted by Maxime on August 2, 2010, at 19:44:33
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » ed_uk2010, posted by 10derHeart on August 2, 2010, at 17:53:44
Thank you. You are very caring. I have no money because I am Welfare. I need to find a therapist who has a sliding fee scale. I really need a therapist. I know that I do. I need help. I can't keep on going on like this. I every thing I need to kill myself in a drawer. Sometimes I take it out and start to count out pills. But then I put it away and tell myself that I have try some other things before I do that to myself.
I think I will be staying at the Crisis Centre some time this week. If things don't go well there, they will take me to the ER of a hospital. I recognise that I really need help right now to keep me alive. I will call them tomorrow. I call them every night for support, but I can call them during the day and they will come to my house to evaluate me.
I am so tired of living like this. I know that I have been strong, but I am starting to lose grip and I don't really care. I never thought I would this long to begin with.
Thanks again for your kind post.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 2, 2010, at 20:44:33
In reply to Re: Weight loss meds » ed_uk2010, posted by 10derHeart on August 2, 2010, at 17:53:44
Thanks 10derheart, I appreciate your post.
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