Medication and Weight Gain

Medication and Weight Gain: I had finally done it, I lost 70 pounds and looked great (if I may say so).  I felt vindicated and wanted to confront a high school classmate who, years ago, called me a “Hog” when I was sitting down to eat my lunch.  Now, I felt like a prize fighter and was able to wear clothes that fit me instead of “hid” me.


Years later, my Bipolar and OCD switched on, necessitating the prescribing of medication.  Unfortunately, I gained some of the weight back.  I was heartbroken. I did not want to welcome back my stretchy pants.  I was conflicted because I had to weigh (pun intended) the pros and cons of being on the medication.

I felt great while being on the meds.  I began thinking more and more about the weight gain. I took myself off the medication (after consulting with my doctor – a must before adjusting any medication).  My doctor and I reached an agreement that I would get back on the medication if symptoms returned.


Medication and Weight Gain:
It sucks!

I felt great while being on the meds.  I began thinking more and more about the weight gain. I took myself off the medication (after consulting with my doctor – a must before adjusting any medication).  My doctor and I reached an agreement that I would get back on the medication if symptoms returned.

 

Sadly, I was living in my personal hell once again.  I was schooled.  I learned quickly that there was a need to be on the medication.  I resumed taking it.  Of course, I felt great once again.  But I also felt my pants button prepare to launch and shatter a window. 

 

I have no doubt that there are those of you struggling with the same thoughts – look thinner at the price of your mental wellbeing, or feel better mentally at the price of a few inches on the waistline.  I can only speak for myself.  I would rather wear a size larger than endure the mental pain and its affects on those closest to me.


Medication and Weight Gain:
There's a light at the end of the tunnel

There is light at the end of the tunnel and it’s not a loaded pizza.  I have been able to lose some of the weight and manage it.  There is a happy medium.  I achieved this by:

  • Adjusting my nutrition.  I’ve upped my vegetables and focused on reducing meat consumption.  I do allow myself meat and fish on Saturday and Sunday.  I’ve cut sugar and fat intake. Again, this is my plan.  Adjust it in any way you can.  Also, if you drink alcohol, consider reducing your consumption.
  • Have fun discovering new and healthy recipes.  Have you ever had homemade tomato sauce with summer squash, mushrooms, peppers and beans? Consider serving this with chicken or fish if you want. It’s awesome.
  • Increase water consumption.
  • Keep your stomach full with healthy foods.
  • Eat something healthy before going grocery shopping! Hunger and food aisles are not a good combination. 
  • Melissa and I also go on a 5 mile walk six days a week.  It’s tough at first, but start slowly and stick with it. Before long, you will think of it as part of your day rather than exercise.  Do what you can, but get moving!
  • Make friends with a scale.  It will keep you focused and in touch with reality.  Speaking of reality, set a reasonable weight range – consult with your doctor if you need guidance with this.
  • LAST BUT NOT LEAST, BE GOOD TO YOURSELF. THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT.  YOU ARE A HUMAN BEING WHO NEEDED HELP AND HAD THE COURAGE TO ASK FOR IT.

 

Here’s to a balanced and healthy life. ~Ted  

Medication and Weight Gain and Healthy Tid Bits