How long to lose weight after Effexor and/or Zoloft?

[Firehawk734]

Hi.

I am someone that considers myself very knowledgeable about health and fitness, although I was not always that way.  I was 342lbs at one point, and over a span of 3 years I lost over 112lbs, down to 230.  I did this with all hard work, no supplements, fat burners, etc.  Just cardio and heavy weight training.  I developed anxiety due to having Atrial Fib (scared the heck out of me) when I was 23.  Had 2 ablations to correct it, and was successful, but still anytime I get tired or out of breath that same feeling of previous symptoms comes in and scares me, hence I get a panic attack (this usually happens after workouts).

Anyway, I was taking 100mg zoloft for about 3 months, started gaining weight after 1 month, gained about 10 lbs, psych switched me to Effexor lowest dose and I was on that for about 2 months.  I gained about 20lbs before I removed myself off the drug completely and said the hell with that, I will learn to deal with panic attacks on my own.  I continued to gain about another 10 lbs (for a total of 30 at this point) and then the fat gain leveled off.  

So here I am about 5-6 months later, and the weight WILL NOT BUDGE.  I cannot get 1 lb to come off no matter what, and I am someone that knows a lot about dieting and weight loss.  I am only on a baby aspirin every day now and I can't lose a darn pound.

How long will it take for my metabolism to return?  I am 31yrs old at 257lbs and STUCK.  It is very discouraging.  I bust my butt all week, eat 1800 calories (nothing for a 6'2 257lb guy that is very active).  Seriously, please, someone that has had this problem for a long time, how long does it take to lose weight?

I would love to hear an explanation from a doctor about this.  I would like to know exactly what the effects are from the drug that cause metabolism to become so stagnant like this.  I know for a fact it's nothing I'm doing.  According to my numbers, I should be losing a minimum of 2 lbs a week.  There's no way my metabolism slowed down over 1000 calories a day naturally because I turned 30.

Please, help!!!!!!!!!!!1

Dave

[Firehawk734]

Thanks for the response.

I had my TSH and FT3/4 checked and the TSH was on the low end of the range but was in normal range.  I asked another doctor and they said as long as it was in the range, no matter where, it was considered normal.

To me, even if it's on the low end, that seems to tell me that it's a potential issue.  But I don't think doctors see it that way because they look at it in terms of criteria.  The other numbers were in range but I don't remember.

I am super frustrated.  It's almost worse to lose the weight and gain it back.  I felt so good at 230 and now i feel like I'm 300 lbs even though I only put another 30 on.  The places the fat went to, my thighs and stomach, make me feel like crap.  I hate walking around because i can feel the rubbing going on a bit.  It just drives me nuts.

[remar]

It's hard to say when the weight will start coming off because we're all so different. At least you have'nt gained so that's really good.
You have been off the meds for awhile so you should talk to your Dr about doing some tests. Have him/her check your thyroid. That could be one reason your not losing the weight. The tests you need are TSH, FT3, FT4 and antibodies. Take care and congrats on your weight loss! Remar