bipolar rider

[Loraura]

Compulsive Overeating -- yup, I'm familiar. OA helped me stop.

[tulip]

Iggy, I hope you figure this out soon. Bipolar is no fun at all, as I'm sure you know (well it can be fun sometimes, which is the problem)

Are you eating the same as before and gaining weight anyways? Or have your eating habits changed? If it's the former, then I would discuss other med options with your doctor. If it's the latter, that's something that can be helped with talk therapy and behavior modification. Figuring out the base of the problem is the first step to solving it.

Best to you.

[loopybunny]

Cycling is pretty efficient so you have to ride a lot to burn off a lot of calories. Try mixing in walking/jogging to help maintain your weight.

Also consider taking a cooking class if possible. It might make cooking and eating healthier a little easier. I've been told that the key is to have a lot of flavor in your foods so you don't have to eat as much to enjoy it.

You may also find that riding your bike a lot may help control the bipolar symptoms a little and maybe you can cut back a bit on your meds once you have things under control. I don't know if this will actually work, but I find when I ride a lot, I'm a much happier and calmer person day to day. Something to do with the endorphins from exercise.

[Flybye]

What are you taking? Hubby is a pharmacist and I can ask him for some possible alternatives.

[IGGY]

What are you taking? Hubby is a pharmacist and I can ask him for some possible alternatives.

I am taking zyprexa. I tried abilify but had horrible side effects. I feel great, lots of energy, less depression, but this weight gain is a huge downer. I've only been back on the bike for ten days, riding every other day about ten miles, so we'll see.

thanks for everyone's input so far. This has been a lifetime journey for me, and I know it will continue to be; I just have to make it the best journey that I can.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have depression and have been on Lexapro for a year, I have also gained 30 pounds but I wasn't working out most of the year. For me antidepressants made me much more mellow, balanced and relaxed. Problem is I lost the drive to push myself. I used to compete with myself on working out.

I am not sure it is the medicine or the extreme stress at my job that has killed my activity level. One thing I have found is running or harder cardio takes the pounds of quicker. Road riding never worked for me because I am not able to push myself as hard, but a lot of people do lose weight cycling. Variety also helps, I now run, hike, road ride and mountain bike.

Another free resource I like is Sparkpeople.com, you can journal your food and make a good plan. Hope you find relief, it is hard when you know you need medicine but aren't happy with the side effects.