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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by corafree on May 20, 2005, at 23:20:44
Hey women and men - I'm not minding being single all that much, and one reason for that is that I have had hope to one day meet a 'good' partner. I have managed to have kept up my appearance even though my mental illness has made it difficult. I have a body shape of a runner, if you've ever noticed ... wide shoulders and no butt! Always wished for that hour-glass womanly figure, but no, like my astrological sign ... my body is a more masculine shape than a female. Suddenly I have love handles measuring larger around than my hips. Anyone; and YES, I know my health is more important than appearance; but butt ... how do I continue Seroquel and Trileptal w/o suffering a loss of self-esteem (as if I had much to lose to begin with) due to my looks? Was going to begin fast-walking, but am too embarrassed. Would appreciate any suggestions. best wishes all, cf
Posted by Phillipa on May 21, 2005, at 17:59:21
In reply to Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers, posted by corafree on May 20, 2005, at 23:20:44
It's definitely a problem and I am not really overweight. Even the plastic surgeon I had the facelift with said my stomach looks more like a normal one should. Even with the pouch. I guess if I wasn't vain I wouldn't have had the facelift. But what I notice more and more are extremely overweight women married to men of all kinds both rich and poor. I often look at them and wonder if they are happy because they seem so productive. I really think a good mental state is more important to a person. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by corafree on May 21, 2005, at 18:11:04
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers » corafree, posted by Phillipa on May 21, 2005, at 17:59:21
Yes Phillipa ... it's like a 'pouch'. I should try find something nice to 'walk-fast' in as am in a great area for exercising. I don't know what evercises I can do as my neck is where the broken discs are; certainly not sit ups, at least the ones I've known. I know you're right, but maybe I am a little vain ... I'm sorry and ask forgiveness, but I don't want a pouch. Aren't I awful? Have been doing the breathing exercises that involve your abdominal muscles. I recall Topomax being effective, but not sure why stopped. Was back when on Eff-XR. I can't recall if it is a mood stabilizer. I have a friend that says it is; she said she didn't gain as much weight on it. Take it easy Phillipa and thanks, best wishes cf
Posted by Phillipa on May 21, 2005, at 21:39:33
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers, posted by corafree on May 21, 2005, at 18:11:04
Who's vain? I sure am. I had a facelift I couldn't even afford. And I hate my stomach. But after what happened with the above it will have to stay. And I've excercised so much I'm just tired of it. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 22, 2005, at 16:05:37
In reply to Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers, posted by corafree on May 20, 2005, at 23:20:44
I'm sorry. My brain is like a sieve sometimes. Which mood stabilizer are you on?
Minnie
Posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 17:09:47
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 22, 2005, at 16:05:37
Hey Minnie, I'm in! Have to type fast or will get booted. Seroquel and Trileptal.
MISS YOU AND EVERYONE @ BOB AND SISTERS!!! Best wishes cf
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 22, 2005, at 17:46:10
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers » Minnie-Haha, posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 17:09:47
> Hey Minnie, I'm in! Have to type fast or will get booted. Seroquel and Trileptal.
We probably already discussed this, but it seems like the Seroquel is more likely to be causing the weight gain than the Trileptal. Atypical antipsychotics are (in)famous for causing weight gain, but Trileptal has a reputation for being pretty weight neutral. (Of course, we all are different.) Either way, could you talk to your doc about reducing your Seroquel dose for a while to see if that helps, and if it doesn't, try reducing your Trilep for a while?
Posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 20:38:44
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers, posted by Minnie-Haha on May 22, 2005, at 17:46:10
Well let's hope I get a new P who 'allows' one to feel better about themselves because of their body image. I dislike the old 'that isn't important' throw out, because I think it is important. I am trying to watch what I eat, and drinking lots of water. Then also, I like what I've seen/read/overheard (I don't know) about things such as yogurt helping move things along better. Something about the ingredient ... not sure, maybe calcium. At this rate, I know I'll never quit smoking though. My goodness I can't imagine ... I'd eat my own fingers to the bone! Tks for understanding girls. Any of you guys got any ideas, we're welcome to them. I know the same thing happens to you. It happened to my 'rainydayman' ... and I mean 'really happened'! I must add tho', they seem to be able to laugh 'em off a bit more ... it's their 'beer belly' or their .. whoops can't say that one! cf
Posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 21:12:20
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers » Minnie-Haha, posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 20:38:44
Would you believe I read that they have developed a mirror that will show you how you will look in five years? Now, really, that's impossible. What if you cut your hair, color it, get plastic surgery? Anyway who wants to know that anyway. How depressing! The whole world will be on AD's. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 22:15:46
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers » corafree, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 21:12:20
Do you think I can forget about what people around me think long enough to walk more than two long blocks???? Well heck yes!!! The way they look at me will not change my life or cause anything to happen to me. I will just not look at them if I am feeling self-conscious. I've got to move ... can't run like I used to, but I've got to get movin' ... and will I stop @ a shop and spend $5; whoa, no I can't afford it! See, any excuse will do huh??? O.k. ... I'll allow myself $2.50 for a smoothie or coffee. Pray for me guys. Pray for the angels to carry me along and keep me moving. Thank you all. cf
Posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 22:26:47
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers » Phillipa, posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 22:15:46
You go girl! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 22:44:34
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers » corafree, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 22:26:47
I'm gonna' try. I'll not tell my 'fam of origin' about it. I don't want anyone to think I've been deliberately housebound; that this sadness and fear of what might meet with is just an excuse to be lazy. It will be my challenge. That's what I need to do ... challenge myself to change myself! It will be different than always challening myself to change someone (usually men) else; it will be the way it should be! Right; will keep you appraised of hopefully, success!
Posted by Minnie-Haha on May 23, 2005, at 13:00:26
In reply to Re: Weight Gain w/ Mood Stabilizers » Minnie-Haha, posted by corafree on May 22, 2005, at 20:38:44
> ... Then also, I like what I've seen/read/overheard (I don't know) about things such as yogurt helping move things along better. Something about the ingredient ... not sure, maybe calcium.
It's actually millions of "friendly bacteria."
> ... Any of you guys got any ideas, we're welcome to them. I know the same thing happens to you. It happened to my 'rainydayman' ... and I mean 'really happened'! I must add tho', they seem to be able to laugh 'em off a bit more ... it's their 'beer belly' or ...
I think the reason most men don't get quite so bent about their bodies is because they're mostly brought up to see them as "instruments." (They should be strong enough and coordinated enough to do what's needed. Even boys and men who want to be "buff" aren't worrying so much about how they look, IMO, but that they're perceived as manly and strong.)
A lot of women on the other hand see their bodies more like "ornaments." (The important thing isn't so much what they can do, but if they look good.) Of course, this doesn't apply to everyone and I'd like to believe that it's changing slowly but surely.
This is the end of the thread.
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