Jennifer, I feel for you and the challenges you face everyday. My daughter, Jennifer, was diagnosed with Manic Depression in her teens. Lithium and therapy were the cure all for her. She put on weight too, but not a lot. Hang in there with your therapy and meds. I know the weight loss you will so experience will help greatly toward your self image. I had the surgery this past Aug and do not regret the decision I made for myself. God Bless you, Dean