I'm starting saxenda this week.

[Saxendastarter]

I'm 33.

I'm 1m68 (5ft6)

I don't actually know what I weight and I got rid of my scales last year when getting on them just made me cry every time and I was just too depressed to even try and start loosing weight - I have ordered scales and will weight myself tomorrow.

However last time I weighed myself nearly a year ago I was 94kg (14st 11) and I know that I have gained since then.

I started gaining weight the beginning of covid, before 2019 my very highest weight had been 68kg ( 10st10) and my normal weight had been round 62kg for most of my adult life, so I have massively put on weight over these last four years. (Separation, depression, stress at work, and just general giving up).

My body is ruined by stretch-marks and my boobs that used to be great are now just swollen and saggy and stretch marked.

I'm really depressed by my weight and have decided its time to do something about it.

I have an office job and I'm not at all active.

I've tried to start making small changes, walking to the underground instead of getting the bus, getting the stairs up the one flight to my office instead of the lift but everything feels like a struggle and I have such awful thigh chaffing that walking is often excruciatingly painful.

I how I need to make a change because on top of it being so unhealthy being so over weight just makes me so upset. I've stopped going out as much and have just retreated into a shell.

I also have an appointment with a psychologist tomorrow.

I decided last month that enough is enough and I need to do something about it all.

I've started using face cream, and am finally having laser on my very very hairy thighs and - the point of this thread - I'm going to start saxenda tomorrow.

I thought I'd journal here.

So I am around 95kg now. Slow but steady progress.

I double checked and there IS a shortage of Saxenda in Australia. Can't buy outside of Australia as they're really strict with that.

Juniper have just emailed to say they can now offer Ozempic as they have secured a supply and the Ozempic shortages are almost over so are confident that they will continue to be able to source it. It will also be $100 less a month, so I guess I will be moving over if their doctor oks it. Their GP will call me about it shortly.

@OrderOfTheKookaburra well done on the slow and steady ! How do you feel about moving to Ozempic ? I really hope that you’ll keep posting here and letting us know how your journey is going. $100 dollars a month is a nice save though.

Im really hoping that Wegovy becomes available here to be honest. I would like to switch.

I'm liking the idea of weekly injections!!

I will keep going with my Saxenda until I finish it and then change over. Just not sure what does I should do....

@OrderOfTheKookaburra I'm sure juiper will have a switch over plan... they should let you know. It's all so foreign to me how your prescriptions are working ... I've been getting mine online through and EU prescription service but have been paying €€€€€€€ ( 480€ per 5 pens .... ) which isn't sustainable.

I've managed through the grapevine ( actually through FPTOM ) to find an endocrinologist ( who we work loosely with) who will prescribe my new pens at the end of the month that I can just go pick up from a pharmacy it'll still cost 320€ for five pens but that still better than 480€. My health insurance here will cover the endocrinologist and I checked will cover up to 500€ a year for non reimbursed medication so should cover at least a months worth of Saxenda.

I've now actually told a few people, one lovely colleague (calling her LC) who was the first to mention Saxenda to me - finally she's having a gastric balloon put in next week becuase she has had gallstone issues in the past. And FPOTM and of course my cleaning lady.

FPOTM admitted that he's gone and done a deep dive into all the literature he could find on Saxenda ( and Liraglutide/semiglutide).

He asked if we could talk about it with the endocrinologist acquaintance and LC (gastric balloon colleague) and we actually all had a really interesting conversation over drinks about it last week.

I was sort of expecting a bit of bashing about motivation and calories in calories out and doing exercise etc that he's prescribe to me but only as a coutoisie . But the opposite really. FPOTM and endocrinologist both said that they're amazing drugs and should be prescribed more and be easier to access. That weight issues were always multi factorial and that a part from basic nutritional knowledge people who have always been thin had no idea what being overweight or trying to loose weight was like. To hear this from two thin, sporty, health orientated male doctors was really uplifting.

Endocrinologist (who doesn't know about FPOTM and me) also made a comment about the fact that LC (gastric balloon colleague) were hands down the most attractive ladies in our office ( ☺️- I also strongly suspect Endocrinologist is gay which made this comment all the nicer ),and that it was very sad to him that we spent so much time worrying about our respective weights and that anything at all that would help in that regard was worth it because we deserved to feel happy about ourselves. He also said that France is so fat phobic that most of his female patients who are overweight come in to an appointment and the first thing they do is apologize about their weight ... and that day in day out it's upsetting to him.

Yikes @Saxendastarter. That's a lot! Here the Saxenda was $385 (Australian dollars) per 30 days and the Ozempic will be $285 for 28 days. So not quite $100 difference given 2 less days but still so much cheaper.

GP emailed me, basically "You qualify, do you want it?" My answer was "Yes please". And I am now waiting to find out when they will send it....lol. Sooooo in depth 🙄. I suppose with my BMI I am well in the range so they're not that fussed.

I think I'd save about $10 per prescription through a GP, but our visits cost around $50 out of pocket, I think you can only have a few repeats and would have to take time off work to get there and I'd have to deal with a judgmental pharmacist so happy to stay through Juniper!

Also so nice that you have supportive friends! I've told a couple of friends and they've also been really supportive which is awesome!

Thank you @Saxendastarter it's been a tough couple of weeks mentally, we are in the process of buying a house, sold ours and moved out so life is a bit upside down, solicitor has turned out to be a bit shoddy and the vendor is a complete a**hole. So life factors have weighed in, but I've been religiously sticking to the plan, it's hard not to get demoralized and stay positive, especially with everything else going on.

Also jealous of your acia bowl! My mouth watered just reading that, I bloody love acia. Can't seem to get it anywhere in the UK though.

When I worked with the nutritionist, I was weighing daily and taking an average (I don't do this anymore because I have a love hate relationship with the scales) but my weight always did tend to spike before a new low on the scales. He did explain the science behind it, but I can't remember. So I try and just trust the process, however when, like you say, the losses seem pretty measly it is disheartening.

I daren't dig out my clothes from a few years ago, I actually just bagged up loads of stuff and took it to the charity shop before I moved because I couldn't bare to look at it. I'm going to treat myself to some new wardrobe staples when I reach my targets.

Glad you've been able to rebook the glamping spot, it sounds glorious! You should definitely wear the costume/bikini. It will be out of your comfort zone which is super tough, but we are all our own worst critics. You don't want to miss out on the experience over what I like to think of as a 'temporary' body, because you're working hard to change. When you look back on it in the future, the only thing you'll remember is the scenery, the company, the sun etc. Have a few wines before you go for a dip 😉😄

That's great about the money you'll save on your prescription. and really interesting take on saxenda from FPOTM and endocrine friend. I bet that was a nice motivation boost, it's always nice to feel supported. I will probably switch over to ozempic too if/when it becomes widely available in the UK.

After my little meltdown yesterday, I upped my dose to 1.8 and I actually got on the scales this morning to a new low weight. 79.7kg / 12st 7lbs - which I think is what I weighed by time I went to Oz last year. 6 months to go until I go, so I guess that's a positive. I will definitely be lighter than last time I went by time this year rolls around!

I also went for my first run this morning, it was more walking than running! (I'm using an app called 'runna' it's an 8 week programme. So this morning was 2.4km 1 min running/1.5 minutes walking with a 5 min warm-up walk/cool-down walk either side, so in total I only ran about 6 minutes. It actually felt pretty easy which was a surprise, dare I say I even enjoyed it! 😂I didn't push it because hopefully this will ease me in nicely so I don't get shin splints.

I'm WFH today and not doing much work, so I best crack on with my work 😆
Hope you're all good.

@BinnityBoo The Gen Z at the office are obsessed with açai ... I often poopoo them about it not be ecologically friendly or socially sustainable ( https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.10085) but I do love it from time to time. In Paris there are so many over priced açaí bowl, poke bowl, bubble tea places ... but you can also get it frozen online - even in the UK - https://acailife.com/product-category/frozen-acai-packets/

I love açaí too! I sometimes buy it frozen from Brazilian shops (I live in London so there are plenty of them).

I woke up feeling very queasy for the first time. Took a gaviscon and that seems to have helped. Feel like I've no energy today. I was meant to go to the gym but I felt so tired I gave it a miss.

Jealous of running. I've tried it so many times and I still hate it. At least I've learnt how to love the gym and do a few different classes - love a bit of body combat and spinning (although I always feel like I'm about to die at the end of it!)

@Saxendastarter very interesting take on the jabs from a professional. I've also done a lot of reading because I was annoyed at myself for knowing I'm able to do it on my own but at the same time failing miserably. In my case, even the low dose is working wonderfully. Because it's giving me some willpower not to eat crap so as the money is not wasted, while at the same time reducing my urge to eat. So I'm hoping the 0.9 will continue to work for me, or 1.2 so as the side effects are sort of kept at bay too. You go and wear that bikini until FPTOM takes it off

I just got a push notification ( actually for work) for this article - so it may be the same with liraglutide - so it's not just a "feeling"

https://neurosciencenews.com/ozempic-alcohol-addiction-23422/#:~:text=Summary%3A%20Semaglutide%2C%20or%20Ozempic%2C,rats%20by%20more%20than%20half.

Day 50

Breakfast
coffee x 2
Sugar free Squash

Lunch :
Gaspacho
Water
Sugar free Squash

Supper:
2 steak haché with salad
Sugar free squash
Gaspacho
lemon almond vodka cookies

That is really interesting, what the endocrinologist said. My GP actually discussed surgery with me, but DP was really against it. So, this is our second choice, but with full assessment first from endocrinologist (which is why I am counting down to this appointment.... 4 weeks to go!)

I was a pretty active person, and still am, but my weight is massively holding me back at the moment. Stopping me doing things and particularly in activities that I know I love. as I am worried how I will look in public. Am also careful how I move, because falling and landing as someone over 100k will have a bigger impact that when I weighed 70k.

I am really excited for this appointment. Check this thread daily, as motivation (as well as stalking accounts on instagram).

I stopped drinking last week as I had a major op, and won't be drinking in the near future. I always put my love of alcohol down to my Geordie genes, (plus living in beautiful wine regions now).

Morning all,
Hope everyone is well. @Saxendastarter thanks for sharing that article and the insight from the endocrinologist, really interesting reading. Fellow Geordie here @justsaxy - hope your op went well 🤗
This morning was my first official weigh in and I'm down 5lbs for my first week which I'm delighted with. Side effects have pretty much gone, though I'm a bit bunged up now. Sticking to around 900 cals a day and feeling fine on it. Need to up my water intake though, really crap with that. Not hungry almost at all so sticking on 0.6 for another week to see how I go.
I really don't understand the "clicks" thing though? When people are saying they are on 0.9 and there's 5 clicks or something? Can someone explain how to do that please as I'd rather go up in smaller increments (saving me dosh and diarrhoea)? Thanks 😊

@TangoShoes hello, pet!

Start of week eight and weigh in number 7 here

Weight loss this week 1kg (2.2 lbs)
Current Weight 89.1kg (14 stone 0.6 lbs)
Total weight lost to date 7.7kg ( 1 stone 3 lbs)

Starting Weight 96.8kg ( 15st 3.4 Ibs)
Goal Weight 70kg (11st)
Time On Saxenda 50 days
Total percentage of weight loss so far 7.95
Total weight to loose when starting 26.8kg ( 4st3lbs)
Total weight remaining to loose 19.1kg (3st)
Side effets Tiredness

Goal for end of July 80kg (12st6)
Dose 3 - the full dose
Starting BMI 34.3
Current BMI 31.6
Average loss per week on Saxenda 1.06kg (2.2lbs)

@justsaxy I hope your operation went well. @TangoShoes I think that there are 10 clicks between each dose and you can titrate up more slowly by using the clicks. I'm sure someone else will be able to explain better.

Morning All . @BinnityBoo . Feeling your pain . I’ve plateaued since last Saturday . 4 week weight loss is 15 pounds but nothing since last Saturday despite sticking very religiously to 900 calories or less . My job is very sedentary so I need to up my walking of an evening . It’s been really chilly of a night where I live and instead of a walk I’ve been sitting by the burner in June !

@TangoShoes . Exactly what saxander said . There are 10 clicks between doses . I’ve seen some people up the dose in smaller stages by counting the clicks .

@Saxendastarter . I got a bit creative and made Gazpacho last night . Usually I buy it and if I’m honest , I prefer the shop bought, mine lacked a bit of flavour.

Im sticking to 1.8 for now but think I will have to go up over the weekend . I was in the mood for evening snacking yesterday so I just went to bed early . I’ve a very food oriented weekend ahead and DH is away until Sunday morning which means I usually crack open the wine and watch movies if home alone . Must avoid that.

wishing you all a lovely weekend . Fingers crossed my neck of the woods get a bit of this heat wave we have been promised. I’m fed up being cold. 😂

@justsaxy. Wishing you a speedy recovery. X

@Footgoose i always buy gaspacho - i prefer the shop one by alvalle. I have a Spanish friend ( actually my oldest friend in Paris - we met at an organic market when I was 17 just after I arrived and we both wanted the last bunch of basil - true Amelie poulain style - he said he’d take it and cook for me - and so I crazily went back to his and he cooked - he was horrified when he found out I was 17 - he must have been about 25 at that point - so nothing else than him asking what I was studying and proceeding to help me do some homework happened … - he was a phd student when I was a first year student - many many years later we are still firm friends and cook together often and by chance we both now work in suite close proximity - im at a spin off from his university department and he is now the thesis director of one of my interns - we’re going to make such good food for her viva party ) Anyway he makes only amazing food, from the way he makes morning coffee to everything he’s ever made me to eat is delicious … and long story short - I prefer shop bought gaspacho to his - i am particular about the brand tho …

@TangoShoes @justsaxy I'm a geordie too!!! 😂

Eeeeee man @BinnityBoo @justsaxy hope yous are gannin canny like 🤗
Thanks for the explanation {mention:Saxendastarter}@Footgoose I'll go up to 0.9 when I feel like the 0.6 isn't working anymore. Happy with the 5lb loss this first week - had already been dieting from the week before and had lost 5lb my first week then too so 10lb overall. Had a bit of a shock earlier - measured my waist and there's 11cm gone 🤯

@TangoShoes I was also bemused at first but after reading on here how to do it, I've become a 0.9 girl! If you move the dial slowly from 0 to 0.6 you'll see that you'll be able to hear 10 little clicks. That means each 0.6 increment needs to have the dial turned 10 times. So if you get to the normal 0.6 and then turn slowly and count 5 small clicks, this will give you another half a dose so you'll have 0.9 in total. That has been working very well for me, I've been on it for about 10 days now.
I might increase to 1.2 next week as I'm going away on Friday and I know my willpower will diminish. But equally I'm worried about side effects. Decisions decisions!

( I've just had to google what geordie means!)

Ah I had no idea.. that's a shame. They are EVERYWHERE on GC, Australia. I try and be as environmentally conscious as possible, I'm not perfect but I try my best. I go to an independent, low-carbon footprint, hippy type festival in Northamptonshire once a year which I adore. I do only usually get them once a year, when in Aus! Definitely a good thing that they aren't readily available in the UK then.

@Footgoose ah sorry you're plateauing, it's a really rubbish feeling. I think it's the added money part, that makes it even more frustrating 😅Do you get a lunch break? I've been popping out on my lunch and going for a walk now the weather is a bit nicer 😊although sounds pretty chilly where you are! I broke through my plateau this week finally, funnily enough the day before I actually ate a couple hundred more calories than I have been, I'm wondering whether my body maybe just needed a little bit of a boost.

Side note;

I've always suffered with absolutely horrific periods (to the point sometimes I throw up the first day of my period) I have diagnosed PCOS.. I've come on my period yesterday, first one since starting saxenda.. no pain??? a normal amount of blood VS the usual blood pouring out of me so much I feel faint, I feel normal! Didn't even know it was coming, which is REALLY unusual for me. I'm obviously happy but it's kind of spun me out a bit. Wondering whether it has anything to do with the saxenda?

If so, long live Saxenda!!!! ✊😂