Posted by jay on August 18, 2003, at 0:00:57
In reply to Re: Need some *major* help re: weight...5htp + Prozac?, posted by Simcha on August 17, 2003, at 10:11:28
> Jay,
>
> I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life even before starting medication. All of my doctors have suggested I do something about my weight. Well, I joined OA. I've realized that I'm part of the problem. I eat to medicate my depression sometimes even when I'm not hungry. Naturally, this makes me gain weight and I'm a male who is 5'10", I weigh 238, and I'm 33 too.
>
> I'm also a very big man structurally. Most of my family is shorter than I am and we have big barrel chests and wide shoulders. My wrists are huge. The charts don't always apply to me. I still need to watch my intake of food, exercise, and eat healthy meals.
>
> What works for me now is having five small meals throughout the day. It tends to leave me with more consistent energy throughout the day and I tend not to binge when I eat this way.
>
> Having the support of OA has helped me. I have gained weight since being put on medications. I know this is a side effect and I know that I have a genetic predisposision to having more weight. Most men in my family get quite large later in life. I'm trying to keep myself in check as much as possible with support.
>
> Eating a balanced vegan diet has helped me to lose 5 pounds in the past three months. It's not fast. I never lose weight fast, unless I have a major depressive episode because I normally don't eat then at all.
>
> The Celexa and the Neurontin I take tend to help my body add on the weight. I'm doing the best I can to eat better and to do more walking.
>
> I've considered seeing a nutritionist because I might need professional medical advice in order to learn better eating habits.
>
> I hope you find whatever will work for you.
>
> The most important lesson from OA I have gotten is that I need to love myself no matter what my weight is and no matter what my waist size is.
>
> That is the beginning for me, self love. Then with self love I can start to honestly assess my eating plan without using it as a "punishment" for having gained weight.
>
> You are right that there are risks to being heavy. I know that too for myself. I'm trying to do the best I can with what I have.
>
> Blessings,
> Simcha
>
> P.S.: Even my brother, who is adopted and was always rail thin, has gained weight on his medications for his depression. He's trying to work on this himself. This weight thing is so new to him. I'm sorry to see him go through this because I know how hard it is to lose and maintain a healthy weight for me.
>
>
Thanks very much Simcha. I will look into OA, and am currently waiting for a call from the social worker at the hospital I am an outpatient in with regards to a few different therapy groups. I will ask her about support for eating disorders and such. I've been starting to do more extra 'walking' for about an hour, and feel great listening to my walkman. I wish I had the discipline to stick to a vegan diet, but have tried and failed miserably many times. I find I can do my best if I focus on calorie counting. Thank you very much for your encouragement, as it is really such a bummer having lost the weight, and put it all back on, then having to lose it *again*. (I know...pity me...heh.)So, I am gonna take some of your ideas and try them out..see what fits (no pun intended..lol!). I have a feeling that that nice, low-stress feeling urges the weight on, but maybe with more activity I will even feel *better*. Here is to the best to both of us! Thanks so very much...
Sincerely,
Jay
poster:jay
thread:251534
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251735.html