Posted by toodlebug on February 20, 2003, at 18:43:42
Over the past two years, I have gained 45 pounds. I think the wieght gain was mostly due to the anti-depressants I used to take (in sequence: Effexor, Wellbutrin, and Prozac). I quit taking Prozac in mid-November and almost immediately noticed an almost complete elimination of carb cravings. I also started trying to diet and exercise regularly. (I had been exercising only sporadically.)
Since Dec. 1 or so, I have mostly kept my caloric intake down to about 1600 calories. (I am 5'7" and 180 pounds, so that alone should result in weight loss. I used to weigh 130-140 pounds.) I don't have a strict diet, though. I mostly try to watch my starchy carb intake-- I rarely eat bread, potatoes, or white rice. I also exercise several times a week-- step aerobics twice a week, kickboxing once a week, pilates/yoga five times a week, and weight training four times a week. I also try to walk 4-5 miles on Sundays. I have not lost any weight! In fact, if I slip on my diet I will almost immediately gain four pounds! I figure it is just water weight, because while I may have over-eaten, I didn't 14,000 extra calories in one day! But still, it is very discouraging, although I try to remind myself I am dieting and exercising in order to be healthier, not just to lose weight.
I think there must be something wrong with my metabolism. I started taking thyroid hormone (both T3 and T4) several months ago in an effort to re-set it. (My thyroid hormone was on the low side, but I think it was normal for *me.*) I tried topamax, but did not see any effect. I also tried Adderall (I do have ADD), and while it did suppress my appetite somewhat, it interfered with my sleep too much and had to quit.
Does anyone have any suggestions for getting my metabolism back to normal? Are my troubles sleeping related to my metabolism/stubborn weight gain related? (I have posted many questions about my sleep problems! Since going on AD's I have not been able to sleep well, and three months after quitting them, I still can't sleep. I have to take trazodone to get a decent night's rest.) Someone told me that it would take six months for my metabolism to revert to its normal functioning. Does anyone know anything about that?
poster:toodlebug
thread:202248
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030219/msgs/202248.html