Weight Gain

[ashtay]

Hi All,

I have recently gotten married and my husband and I want to start trying for a baby in the next 18 months. I desperately want to be healthy during pregnancy and aside from suffering from depression and anxiety I have ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing is a type of inflammatory arthritis that targets the joints of the spine which is exacerbated by carrying extra weight and can potentially make for a very difficult and painful pregnancy.

I know it's different for everyone but I need to hear some weight loss success stories to motivate me to come off my ADs. I've been on a variety of SSRIs and SNRIs since 2011 and have since gained over 20kg. I honestly don't know what's worse, the anxiety and depression that comes with being off the meds or the weight gain and subsequent self-loathing and ankylosing pain that comes with being more mentally stable on the meds.

Let's say I am feeling stable, is it worth going through the horrible withdrawal and potential relapse if I begin to lose some weight and regain some self-esteem and mobility? It's important that you know that I have dieted and exercised more than I ever have before and still continue to gain weight. So all the evidence points to the ADs as being the weight gain culprit. Has anyone else experienced this weight gain and then successfully come off their meds and lost weight?

Please help. I can't hack cringing at myself any more. I can't look at my wedding photos because I look awful. Most importantly, I want to enjoy pregnancy by feeling good inside and out.

Thank you,

Ash

[AGrace]

Hi ashtay,

Welcome to the forums. Your story of weight gain is unfortunately a very common one. I've been on my medication since late last year and it took me all of 8 months to gain 25kgs. I was always really slim so it's very noticeable and hasn't done my confidence much good either.

Have you spoken with your Dr about coming off your medication? In my experience if you are taken off really slowly the side effects are minimal. If you feel stable and you have a bag of coping strategies to help you get through then I think it's worth a try.  My partner and I are just about to start trying for a baby so my Psychiatrist wants to slowly take me off the antipsychotics. These for me have been the biggest weight contributor. I think keep yourself regularly monitored by your Dr. Has there been any discussion around taking another variety of ADs, that are safer for pregnancy and don't have weight gain as a side effect? This could be an alternate option. 

In terms of exercise, I feel like I've tried it all, and I agree nothing has really shifted the weight. I recently found out about a weight loss treatment called Hypoxi. I started my sessions (1hr 3 x p/week) 2 weeks ago. I have also changed my diet to cereal in the morning, fruit at lunch time, and vegetables and yoghurt at dinner, only snacking on low carb high protein bars during the day. This way of eating coupled with the Hypoxi and I've lost 2kg (7cm) in my first 2 weeks. Hypoxi isn't cheap but it's scientifically proven to target weight loss, cellulite, and water retention from trouble areas where you have difficulty losing weight. A 30 minute session is equivalent to 90 minutes at the gym. Its worthwhile googling. I was extremely skeptical but now I'm seeing the results. 

I wish you luck and am keen to hear some updates. 

AGrace

[Chloekat84]

I can definetly agree with both of u. Since being on anti-psyc meds and anti depressants ive gained weight very quickly and easily ive noticed it. My doctor weighed me and i was shocked to have put ob 5 kgs in only a few weeks besause my appetite has inincreased. I try to ignore it but if i do i get more anxious and depressed and cent sleep. I just cant win hey? My doc is going to start weaning me off the anti-psyc as soon as i start seeing my psychiatrist which i have no idea when thatll be still waiting to hear from them they are taking their time. Anyways thats it for now. Take care x

[AGrace]

Hi Chloe,

Just in terms of waiting for a Psychiatrist, is this because you've sent off a referral and you are waiting for someone to accept you as a client? In my experience I've had to make the appointment with the Psychiatrist myself, and then taken the referral with me to the appointment. Obviously my I had to wait a week or 2 before they could fit me in, but I didn't have any other wait. Are you able to call his/her practice and follow up on an appointment?

Sorry, you've got me curious.

AG

[white knight]

Hi Ashtey,  welcome

I have a few ideas for you.  There is a product called "YONANNAS".  you freeze bananas, berries etc and then allow to sit ourside the freezer for 30 minutes then place the fruit in the Yonanna machine and make scoops for cones.  yummy.

Also buy a juicer and go on the web to find juice recipes. For example- anti - inflammatory medication can ruin kidneys and liver. If needed I juice up pineapple, mango, coconut water, ginger root and celery. there are many more.

dont deprive yourself of snacks. We have between meals- half a handful of nuts or a raw carrot or celery stick.

Buy a sushi kit. Make sushi- tuna, chicken or prawn sushi.

Walk 20 minutes briskly per day. Enough to get your heart rate up and this length of time allows for your blood pressure to lower then rise again- great for cardio health.

And remember- just do your best and dont feel bad.

[geoff]

dear Ash, I can't really help you with any weight loss programs, however I had a look on the net and if you google which you may have done already 'ankylosing spondylitis exercises' provides some good exercises for you.

What I am concerned about is being able to get over your depression before you fall pregnant, I'm not meaning that you will get any worse it's just a precaution for you. L Geoff. x

[Chloekat84]

Hey AGrace. The doctor sent a refereral off that was then completed by my doc and my personal doc is taking care of it all. He said either the psychiatrist will call me or send a letter out for an appointment etc or will contact my doctor. Either way he said it shouldnt take an loner then 2 weeks. We've done everything we can on this side, they are just taking their time getting back to us which is very frustrating as i need to see sum1 asap!