I’ve been on Topamax (an Anti-epileptic drug) for two months now and two of the side effects that i’ve had to deal with are drastic weight loss and constipation.. i went from 115 lbs to 98 lbs in one month and i’m still losing weight. i already have a very small frame and i’m only 5′4″ so i look sick! one of my friends actually told me i’m starting to look anorexic (not got).. i was wondering if there’s any good food supplements out there that can help me GAIN weight while i can still stay on the med? since it seems to be the only thing to help control my seizures,, i bought ovaltine and something called complan i’m gonna start drinking that three times a day. maybe this will help? should i drink it more than that? the med also supresses my apitite so its REALLY hard for me to eat thats another reason i’m thinking of these food supplements.. also what can help me with this constant constipation its been over a month and its killing me!
I’ve spoken to my doctor about the constipation and weight loss but he seems to think the constipation is “not a side effect of the Topamax” although i’ve read in more than one place that it is and hes not to worried about the weight loss he told me it will “eventually” stop in another 4-5 months! i cant afford to loose anymore weight.. i really dont know what to do i already am startin to feel really tired and my bones hurt my especially my shoulders for some reason..
[weightloss1]

I’ve read all the science about the benefits of probiotics but Ive recently read a few studies indicating some unusual findings in mice and also pigs.

Quite simply here is my question: if (good/healthy) probiotics improve digestion, do the increased calories extracted and absorbed because of this improved break down of food lead to weight gain?

Would that not make sense: improved digestion = increased calorie absorption = weight gain?

Anyone out there aware of the actual science behind this? (Ive read all the ads and health-food store info about the benefits of probiotics, but they don’t explain this counter-intuitive theory that impoved digestion should aid weight loss)