Weight Loss and Psychiatric Medications

gamboajudy

I hate to label myself. But I have bipolar disorder and am finally at my wits end with my weight loss journey! I’m currently taking lithium and sertraline. My weight has bounced from 130 (while manic in 2012) to 160 today. Long story short, my healthy ideal goal weight is 145 and I am having trouble getting back down to it. I’ve been there before, but always end up back at 160. I’m 5’5 3/4. I’m using this app to track everything I’m consuming. Working out 5-6 times a week (aerobics with weight training, Zumba, Pilates) at least an hour per workout. I eat clean. I’m on a 500mg sodium/day diet, so I can’t even eat fast food/junk food per Ménière’s Disease. I do know that I’ve been having trouble incorporating more protein into my diet lately. I’ve never actually reached my daily goal for protein during these past 2 months. I’ve been getting in at least 60-65 every day, often more, but never as much as I would like. I’m also taking hormonal birth control, which like lithium, may contribute to weight gain. I am in the process of coming off of the pill. I’m looking for insight. Help. Respect. Last time I asked a question on here, I was mocked. If you are someone who is also in my situation and have any valuable advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

thisPGHlife

So, i haven't exactly been in your position but I can understand the struggle. Have been on birth control and tried four of the SSRIs to help with PMDD. Without knowing your specific calorie intake and output, I can say that with about 15 lbs to lose, your weight loss should be slower and your deficit should be smaller. That's just the way it is when you're closer to goal. I am not a doctor or a dietician, but as far as I can see, your medications don't necessarily preclude you from losing weight. BC doesn't make it easier, but it's not impossible.

Luckily for you, you're at a point where you should be eating a fair amount of your exercise calories back. Your defect should be about 500 calories do you can average about half a pound per week loss. It looks like your variety of exercise is good. If you are keeping you're deficit lower and you've already said your eating clean (side note: eating clean can mean a lot of things. I'm assuming since you have to keep low sodium, you mean that you're shooting for whole foods and limiting the processed foods.), one thing to try is to switch up your workouts. Your body may be too efficient at the exercises you're doing. Maybe try something like krav maga or other martial art where you're still going to get the aerobics but also get some body weight training. Or, since the weather is nice (I'm assuming your northern hemisphere), try some outdoor supports like kayaking and hiking that will work different muscles.

As far as the protein, I have struggled with this as well, however I'm aiming for a much higher prettier goal. I have a lot more to lose so I am trying to combat lean muscle loss as well as potentially building muscle (yes, I have enough to lose that this will be theoretically possible). What types of food are you eating? What does a general day, food wise, look like for you? Some things that have helped me: one of my meals is an omlette if 3 egg whites and one whole egg with cottage cheese, cottage cheese with either fruits it veggies, veggies with a 1/2-1 can if tuna and a hard boiled egg or two. I also put a scoop of collagen peptides in my coffee and that gives me an extra 9 grams of protein every day (I was using them before weight loss because they really seem to help me with joint pain as well as my finger nails seem to not break and peek as much).

Tuna, eggs, cottage cheese, and chicken are great sources of protein that are easy as well as, with the exception of egg yolks being a decent hit of fat, relatively good bang for your buck in regards to calories and your other macros.

I'm sorry this is so long. Good luck with everything!! Feel free to PM or friend me if you want.