I am not sure exactly how the meds that you are on work, but don't lose hope... If you feel your meds are preventing you from losing weight I would suggest consulting with your doctor to see if there is either a special diet that could help you to lose weight or maybe an alternate type of medication. As for whether or not you are obese or just over weight.... BMI is not everything, 193 and 5'5" is considered obese by BMI standards BUT it doesn't take into account which weight is healthiest for you as an individual, which percentage of your weight is actually muscle and which percentage is water weight (which women especially tend to carry)...perhaps the exercise you are doing isn't challenging enough for your body, in order to burn calories and break a sweat the exercise has to challenge your body a bit, you could be more in shape than you think and just need to find the exercise that gets your heart pumping ( mine is dancing). Don't lose hope, this isn't my first time losing weight, so I know its a struggle, but you can do this, you just got to find a path thats right for you :) ..Hope I helped at least a little

Princess,
I know you've been dealing with a lot of changes with your meds (if I remember correctly). I am on Geodon and Lamictal. Fortunately they haven't really added weight, but they definitely make it harder. My friend and I started working out together and eating the same basic things and she has been twice as successful as me.
The important thing is that I have been succuessful. I went from 289 to 254 in a year. It's damn tough, but doable. I forget the meds your on, but ask your doc about ones that don't add weight. My pdoc has been wonderful about staying away from weight inducing ones.
Stay with it and you'll find success, just don't expect it too fast.
Love ya
Jen

30 pounds over your ideal weight is considered to be obese. Anything under 30 pounds is just overweight. Just remember who defined this difference. My guess is that it was a bunch of male doctors. What standards did they use in determining this? Something medical in the body changes or in their dreams of what a woman should look like? How about water retention, etc? Did they think of that or what. it would be interesting to find out now wouldn't it?

Hi. I have Bipolar Disorder as well, and am on meds that do cause weight gain. I have been on meds for a long time, and I was 5'6" 115-120 on meds for a long time. I am now 5'6" 270-275, on similar meds, and some the same, after 10-15 years. The thing for me was not my meds, it is my mood, and my lifestyle. Aerobic exercise in a gym kept my weight down, and I was emotionally more stable 10 years ago. After some major life stress, I stopped exercising all together and tossed any sensible eating habits out the window. I tried every fad diet, and every over the counter product possible; they are bad for your body and brain chemistry and they really do not work. What helps is talking to your doctor, and making a realistic eating plan and exercise program. Also, my doctor has been working with me on accepting myself as I am as I take small steps - yes "baby steps"- to become more healthy. Being Bipolar I see things as all or nothing sometimes, but balance is where you will finally get relief and see results. Peace to you.

I would love for you to join my group TOUCH5211 (under obesity). I once weighed 450 pounds and I am a life coach and self esteem expert for those who are overweight and obese. I discuss how I lost the weight and freed myself from my own body.
Sandra Kelley