Weight gain help.
I have posted here previously about my daughter who was diagnosed as bipolar I with psychoses 3 years ago, when she was 10 years old. Since that time, she has been through dozens of medication regimens, some that have worked and some that actually made things worse. Due to her changing hormones (puberty!) and growing, it has been nearly impossible to keep her stable. In general, we will put her on a regimen that works for about 6 months, she becomes resistant, and the regimen has to be changed.
She is now on Abilify. This is her second time trying this drug, the first round, about 21/2 years ago actually increased her mania. This time it is working, probably better than another drug in the past. She is happy, or as happy as a 13 year old girl can be. But, she has gained 25 pounds in 6 months. She craves carbs. Her psych doc has upped her Lamictal dose, since this can often act as an appetite suppressant. We have removed all source of noodles from our house, since this has bee her carb of choice. We have also started a strong exercise routine with her. She and I actually took a Zumba class last week - it was a lot of fun, although I felt a bit silly.
The problem is, she cannot seem to lose the weight. Her blood glucose levels are being tested today in order to rule out diabetes 1. I guess I am looking for any suggestions or experience that others have had with this problem. Her weight gain is having a significant impact on her self esteem. It is hard being 13.
Thanks.
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She is a 13 year old girl and I worry about her self image constantly. I do not want her to be over weight, but I also do not want her to fixate on this so much that she goes to the other extreme and develops an eating disorder. Due to her MI, she is always prone to extremes, with little self control. We are constantly walking a fine line to keep her stable. As her doctor told us, puberty for her will consist of the same things all girls experience, but multiplied by 1000.
Thanks for the reply. Sometimes it is nice to have the support of others facing similar problems.
Hopefully we will have the results early next week. Looking for and endocrinologist is a good idea. I did not think of that. I believe there is a doc close to here that actually specializes in pediatric/adolescent endocrinology.
There is a high incidence of the development of type i diabetes with this drug, and that is my greatest fear. Her psychiatrist is truly wonderful and will tell her the blunt truth my husband and I will not say. He basically said that she is a beautiful girl, but a fat belly is ugly. I thought it was a bit harsh, but since then she has been much better about what she eats and actually seems excited about the exercise. Hopefully these will help.
Thanks for the suggestions.
my sister gained a lot of weight when she was a teenager due to her thyroid. my doc had my thyroid screened because he sometimes uses thyroid hormone to treat bipolar II.
a big thing that helped me lose weight was cutting soda almost completely out of my diet. i'll have a can once or twice a week, but that's it. if she wants something fizzy, i like juice with seltzer water. otherwise, lots of water. small meals multiple times a day.
13 really was a crummy age, i hope she can start losing weight and feeling better about herself.
how are you doing?
Hopefully we will have the results soon. I do not think she has a thyroid problem since one of the side effects of Abilify is carbohydrate cravings and weight gain. My husband and I have removed most of the carbs from the house and replaced them with fruit. Soda is gone as well as most of the sweet treats. This is good for my sons as well, but they are younger and think we are starving them!
My daughter can also be very sneaky - another side of her MI. I think I am going to have to search her room for any "stashes" she has there. I never thought I would have to do this over candy bars. I suppose it could be worse.
As for me, I am pretty stable right now. It has been a problem in the past with she and I feeding each others MI. But, she is doing so well on the Abilify that things are extraordinarilly better. Yesterday, she told me "Mommy, I love you" and actually gave me a hug. I had to leave the room - the "Mommy" part had me in tears! It's nice to know my little girl is still in her, at least for a little while longer.
i'm glad the meds are helping and that your little girl is still there
i really have no other advice on the weight loss, but here's a link i found http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates-full-story/
i'm a carb freak and brown rice really does the trick for me, i love it.