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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Startng Ozempic anybody fancy a new thread

145 replies

catskittens · 01/04/2023 00:23

hi
im overweight and im 5ft 5 and 16.5 stone size 18-20 like many i have tried all sorts of ways to lose weight but fail each time

anyway i now am diabetic 2 and really need to sort my weight out so lucky for me i have a perscription on the NHS for Ozempic just waiting for the chemist to do it though i have been told stock around the country is low

there is another thread but its way ahead so if anybody wants to post here feel free

how are people finding it?

i hear some feel sick does your portion size decrease as in you cant eat as much?

anything you would have liked to have known in advance of starting it

OP posts:
Sammysees · 15/04/2023 09:46

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 15/04/2023 07:41

2nd weigh in.
Started on 1st April weighing 232lb
Week 1 - lost 7lb
Week 2 - lost 3lb
Total of 10lb loss in 2 weeks.

Brilliant! I’ve just done my 3rd dose. I feel very lucky that the only side effect is a bit of constipation. 2 weeks until I weigh and I’m not going to lie - I’m nervous!

Original poster
catskittens · 15/04/2023 13:38

TheGoodEnoughWife · 12/04/2023 17:13

I posted this. This is sticking to the recommendation regarding dosing. It is a powerful drug and, imo, has a clear strategy with how you step up the medication. It isn't a quick fix. I was always looking at the long term as I have a lot to lose!

Week 1 - 0.25
Week 2 - 0.37
Week 3 - 0.43
Week 4 - 0.46
Week 5 - 0.73 (upped dose to 0.5)
Week 6 - 0.86
Week 7 - 0.93
Week 8 - 1.01
Week 9 - 1.5 (upped dose to 1)
Week 10 - 1.75
Week 11 - 1.86
Week 12 - 1.93
Week 13 - 1.96
Week 14 - 1.98
Week 15 - 1.99
Week 16 - 1.99….

Thanks for that chart and it makes sense
kept to one injection this week after studying the chart
im lucky i have no side effects on saxenda i felt really ill

OP posts:
Original poster
catskittens · 15/04/2023 13:41

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 15/04/2023 07:41

2nd weigh in.
Started on 1st April weighing 232lb
Week 1 - lost 7lb
Week 2 - lost 3lb
Total of 10lb loss in 2 weeks.

thats amazing you must be so pleased
well done x

OP posts:
summerlovingvibes · 18/04/2023 13:51

Just done my fourth dose of 0.25 before increasing next week. I swapped from administering in my stomach to in my thigh just incase that makes any difference as I have not had any reduction in appetite / fullness feelings yet. Maybe mildly for a day or so but no weight loss as yet.

Starsnores · 22/04/2023 07:32

Morning, took my 4th dose last night and weighed this morning. 1.4kg off this week which takes my total loss so far to 3.7kg or around 8lbs. Not as much as some of you considering I have a lot to lose but I'm happy with that.

I've put in my prescription request for my next pen but I've also ordered more needles as I still have loads left in the pen and don't want to 'waste' it. Especially as the NHS is paying!

JarOfRocks · 22/04/2023 08:48

Has anyone been monitoring their blood sugars since starting the drug? I have type 2 diabetes which has been managed by diet but gone badly wrong. I have a diabetic review next week and expect to be prescribed something now. But don't know whether to push for Ozempic or accept something else. It's the blood sugar levels I want to change (although have a lot of weight to lose too!)

Sammysees · 22/04/2023 09:29

I have weighed. In 3 weeks I have lost 4.8kg (10.5lbs). I do have a lot to lose though (10 stone) so was expecting a slightly bigger loss than the usual 1 to 2lbs a week. For me the biggest challenge is the psychological one. To not eat ‘just because I fancy something’. I think that’s where Ozempic works for me. I can’t stuff my face anymore. I went out for my first meal on Tuesday. I had a jacket potato and tuna. It was too much! I ate it all and within 10 minutes I had stomach cramps and spent the rest of the time in the toilet. Lesson learnt - stop when full!

Starsnores · 22/04/2023 11:04

JarOfRocks · 22/04/2023 08:48

Has anyone been monitoring their blood sugars since starting the drug? I have type 2 diabetes which has been managed by diet but gone badly wrong. I have a diabetic review next week and expect to be prescribed something now. But don't know whether to push for Ozempic or accept something else. It's the blood sugar levels I want to change (although have a lot of weight to lose too!)

I have been monitoring daily, first thing in the morning and my sugars are definitely lower, but I didn't really monitor before I started taking it just the odd random check.

Starsnores · 22/04/2023 11:07

Starsnores · 22/04/2023 11:04

I have been monitoring daily, first thing in the morning and my sugars are definitely lower, but I didn't really monitor before I started taking it just the odd random check.

Show quote history

I'll be getting a blood test from my gp soon so I'm hoping to see a difference then. I'm hoping so as I can't tolerate other diabetic medication so the nurse said if this doesn't work it'll mean going onto insulin

nonheme · 22/04/2023 13:05

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Lightbulbs · 22/04/2023 13:30

Does anyone have a Juniper discount code at all please? Thanks

AutisticLegoLover · 22/04/2023 14:21

@nonheme I find these threads scary with the amount of misconceptions and lack of understanding about the drug. Some users have really looked into it and know what's what but others claim to have really read up on it then ask questions that show they really don't understand at all. I think NovoNordisk and the supplying companies might be clamping down seeing as the big money off codes have finished. People are taking it that don't meet the clinical criteria and I can't remember if it was this thread or another one where it was posted that NovoNordisk haven't researched things like split doses or moving up doses before the recommended schedule. People are desperate, I get that, but this is a lot of money to spend on something that has absolutely no guarantee of long term weight loss. That's not what it's licensed for. It's a diabetic drug and Wegovy isn't yet on the market. The criteria for that are even stricter. Some are getting into debt to take this. It's crazy. The threads are very interesting and that's why I read them but it worries me that people are not fully comprehending the drug, how it works, reasonable expectations etc. The queries asking about where to inject to lessen side effects is a prime example. It us absorbed slowly into your body, where you inject has no influence on side effects because how could it. The podcast is highly recommended but some people don't seem interested. They just want to inject and be thinner asap. We all want to be thinner asap I'm sure, but it's not realistic. I'm sure my posts will ignored or met with defensive comments. It's individual choice ultimately but I wish those choices were more inforned.

Sammysees · 22/04/2023 14:36

AutisticLegoLover · 22/04/2023 14:21

@nonheme I find these threads scary with the amount of misconceptions and lack of understanding about the drug. Some users have really looked into it and know what's what but others claim to have really read up on it then ask questions that show they really don't understand at all. I think NovoNordisk and the supplying companies might be clamping down seeing as the big money off codes have finished. People are taking it that don't meet the clinical criteria and I can't remember if it was this thread or another one where it was posted that NovoNordisk haven't researched things like split doses or moving up doses before the recommended schedule. People are desperate, I get that, but this is a lot of money to spend on something that has absolutely no guarantee of long term weight loss. That's not what it's licensed for. It's a diabetic drug and Wegovy isn't yet on the market. The criteria for that are even stricter. Some are getting into debt to take this. It's crazy. The threads are very interesting and that's why I read them but it worries me that people are not fully comprehending the drug, how it works, reasonable expectations etc. The queries asking about where to inject to lessen side effects is a prime example. It us absorbed slowly into your body, where you inject has no influence on side effects because how could it. The podcast is highly recommended but some people don't seem interested. They just want to inject and be thinner asap. We all want to be thinner asap I'm sure, but it's not realistic. I'm sure my posts will ignored or met with defensive comments. It's individual choice ultimately but I wish those choices were more inforned.

👏👏👏

nonheme · 22/04/2023 15:38

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Original poster
catskittens · 22/04/2023 22:40

JarOfRocks · 22/04/2023 08:48

Has anyone been monitoring their blood sugars since starting the drug? I have type 2 diabetes which has been managed by diet but gone badly wrong. I have a diabetic review next week and expect to be prescribed something now. But don't know whether to push for Ozempic or accept something else. It's the blood sugar levels I want to change (although have a lot of weight to lose too!)

hi,type 2 here
i have been on metformin always had high levels but being honest put some of it down to carbs etc

i have noticed a difference and for that alone makes taking it worthwhile
mine is probably still too high but it is better than its ever been but my food choices do help

OP posts:
Original poster
catskittens · 28/04/2023 00:27

how is everybody doing?

Havent weighed as not been to the doctors and need to pick my next 2 pens up from the chemist,I have spoken to my nurse and go up a dose next saturday and seem to have tolerated it really well as im still having treats but much reduced all though today have felt quite unwell but not sure if i just feel of deffo not wanting food

OP posts:
Sallyrush · 28/04/2023 07:13

I’m thinking of trying this. My BMI is around 30/31 so borderline for allowing it. Ideally I’d like to get my BMI to a healthy range around 25. My questions is will they still prescribe it once your bmi is under 30? TIA

Eatentoomanyroses · 28/04/2023 12:16

I don’t think I’m going to take it anymore. I have gone through 0.25 and 0.5. Took my first dose of 1mg on Sat and spent 2 nights on the toilet then was fine but no appetite suppression really.

Peridot1 · 28/04/2023 12:29

@Sallyrush - the suppliers do still prescribe for BMI under 30. You just have to let them know how long you have been on it and how much you have lost. Sticking to one supplier is easiest for this but I’ve switched and it’s fine. Although I’m only just under BMI 30.

@Eatentoomanyroses - have you listened to or read the Zoe podcast? Some people take a while to see a difference. Up to three months. If you are struggling on 1mg maybe drop back to .5 for a while and see how you go.

Eatentoomanyroses · 28/04/2023 12:44

@Peridot1 I’ve been on it since January. I was on Rybelsus before this so I feel like I’ve given it a good go. I’ve only lost about 4lb. My bmi is just hovering under 30 now. It’s really draining having these nights of constant diarrhoea. I’m already exhausted as have a toddler and young children, work part time nights, plus my FIL is terminally ill and caring for him

Peridot1 · 28/04/2023 12:54

That sounds really tough @Eatentoomanyroses. It may well be that the drug just doesn’t suit you. It seems to be that way for some people. I wonder if it works well for some people because it is correcting a particular issue with GLP-1 but for others they actually don’t have an issue with that particular hormone so it’s trying to correct something that doesn’t need correction if you get what I mean? It’s hard to explain. And as they are all such new drugs there isn’t much experience out there.

Eatentoomanyroses · 28/04/2023 13:03

@Peridot1 you may be right. Like you say doesn’t work for everyone

Twiglets1 · 29/04/2023 05:42

AutisticLegoLover · 22/04/2023 14:21

@nonheme I find these threads scary with the amount of misconceptions and lack of understanding about the drug. Some users have really looked into it and know what's what but others claim to have really read up on it then ask questions that show they really don't understand at all. I think NovoNordisk and the supplying companies might be clamping down seeing as the big money off codes have finished. People are taking it that don't meet the clinical criteria and I can't remember if it was this thread or another one where it was posted that NovoNordisk haven't researched things like split doses or moving up doses before the recommended schedule. People are desperate, I get that, but this is a lot of money to spend on something that has absolutely no guarantee of long term weight loss. That's not what it's licensed for. It's a diabetic drug and Wegovy isn't yet on the market. The criteria for that are even stricter. Some are getting into debt to take this. It's crazy. The threads are very interesting and that's why I read them but it worries me that people are not fully comprehending the drug, how it works, reasonable expectations etc. The queries asking about where to inject to lessen side effects is a prime example. It us absorbed slowly into your body, where you inject has no influence on side effects because how could it. The podcast is highly recommended but some people don't seem interested. They just want to inject and be thinner asap. We all want to be thinner asap I'm sure, but it's not realistic. I'm sure my posts will ignored or met with defensive comments. It's individual choice ultimately but I wish those choices were more inforned.

Have to agree. You are rather blunt how you put thing’s sometimes but it worries me also the number of people you see on these threads who have clearly done no research. They ask the same questions that have already been answered over and over again.
It doesn’t work for everyone, no one knows why. It can take a few weeks to feel the appetite suppression. It can also take a few weeks to suffer the more unpleasant side effects. It doesn’t matter if you inject in stomach or thigh or what time of day. The Juniper code is FRIEND50 it’s not a secret code. There are loads of companies offering the same drug, if one is out of pens just try another. Your appetite will return when you stop taking it.
That’s some of the basics, the information is all easy to find.

AutisticLegoLover · 29/04/2023 11:46

@Twiglets1 I'm autistic and do tend to be blunt especially if my frustration levels are high which they often are reading these threads. I know I could choose not to read them but I find them fascinating from a psychological and medical point of view. It's a new drug enjoying celebrity status and despite what a lot say it seems to be lauded as magical. I enjoy your measured posts and wish more would take notice. I worry that in time we will hear of problems from taking this drug. The criteria are strict for a reason and for the safety of those taking it. Once you go outside of the clinical guidelines you are taking the risks into your own hands and these threads show time and time again that users don't understand even the basics of this medication so it follows they have no concept of the potential risks. I've taken medication off licence but as part of a clinical trial at a hospital and it was very closely controlled and monitored. Many posters here are using it not only off licence but tweaking doses and dosing schedules to fit their understanding of the drug and sometimes their social lives. They don't tell their partners/husbands or GP so if anything happened to them and they needed medical help no one would be able to tell the staff treating them they are on the drug and that's dangerous and dishonest. It's their choice of course but it's not wise.

Twiglets1 · 29/04/2023 12:40

AutisticLegoLover · 29/04/2023 11:46

@Twiglets1 I'm autistic and do tend to be blunt especially if my frustration levels are high which they often are reading these threads. I know I could choose not to read them but I find them fascinating from a psychological and medical point of view. It's a new drug enjoying celebrity status and despite what a lot say it seems to be lauded as magical. I enjoy your measured posts and wish more would take notice. I worry that in time we will hear of problems from taking this drug. The criteria are strict for a reason and for the safety of those taking it. Once you go outside of the clinical guidelines you are taking the risks into your own hands and these threads show time and time again that users don't understand even the basics of this medication so it follows they have no concept of the potential risks. I've taken medication off licence but as part of a clinical trial at a hospital and it was very closely controlled and monitored. Many posters here are using it not only off licence but tweaking doses and dosing schedules to fit their understanding of the drug and sometimes their social lives. They don't tell their partners/husbands or GP so if anything happened to them and they needed medical help no one would be able to tell the staff treating them they are on the drug and that's dangerous and dishonest. It's their choice of course but it's not wise.

Thank you for the compliment, I appreciate that.

Regarding telling people that you are on Ozempic, I must admit I also hid it from my husband as I felt somewhat embarrassed to be taking it and that it might not work anyway. But I did make sure I told my adult daughter so that if anything went wrong, at least one person would know what may be causing it. I think it's sensible to tell at least one person, be it someone close to you or your GP.

Agree people should take it as the manufacturers prescribe. It is fascinating from a psychological point of view I agree. Everyone thinks that they will be the one who will retain the weight loss after they stop taking it. But statistically speaking, the odds are very much against that, just like any other diet. Fine if people are aware of that and can easily afford Ozempic. Bit worrying if not.