Depakote and weight struggle

craftymelli7

I have bipolar. I was on lithium to treat it for over 12 years but the lithium caused permanent damage to my kidneys because the doctor didn't tell me the level was too high for 5 years. So they switched me to depakote which is filtered through the liver instead. I've heard depakote slows down your metabolism for burning calories. I was about 50 lbs less on lithium. But gained at least 50 lbs on depakote. It is so frusterating. I am also working with my therapist on stress eating. Some days I feel really confident about losing weight. But other days its an uphill battle. Other people seem to judge me as if im not doing enough or not trying. Im trying so hard. I wish people could see that instead of judging. Is anyone else going through this too?