The Saxenda Sisterhood

[Saxendastarter]

Hi all,

As the last thread is filling up I thought I'd start a new one so we don't get lost.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/4788207-im-starting-saxenda-this-week

This is the follow up from "I'm starting Saxenda this week" I'm personally journaling my way to a hopefully healthier and happier life. I'm journaling what I'm eating, the weight I'm losing (and gaining) and trying to see the positives outweigh the negatives on a daily basis. I'm joined on this thread and journey by many amazing women who are all very supportive and who are also sharing as much or as little as they like.

I'm finding I'm opening this thread instead of opening the cupboards, the fridge and the food delivery app on my phone and feeling less in my struggles and frustration and writing about my days makes me realize my life isn't all bad.

I'm thankful for all the voices in this thread and feel supported by the sisterhood of women from all over facing the same body struggles as I am.

I post some pictures and photos and I really like it when others do too.

If you're new please join us if you want to and let us know how you're getting on with your Saxenda journey. Come here for compliments when you deserve them and commiseration when you need some. You're welcome whatever your age, wherever you are and if you have 1kg or 10 stone to loose.

I've been on Saxenda for 10 weeks and lost 9.2kg (1st 6.2lbs) so far. I started at over 96kg and am now 87 and a bit. I have at least another 20kg to go to be happy with how I look - but knowing that the Saxenda sisterhood is here makes the journey seem less intimidating.

@Everdecreasingcircumferences yippee for wegovy !

I had a sort of onion green veg ricotta quiche.

Pre bake puff pastry with a weight on it so it doesn't puff up.
Slice and sweat 4 onions in oil with tumeric salt and pepper.
Blend eggs, ricotta, cottage cheese, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice and zest until smooth.
Put onions in thick layer on pre baked pastry. Add handfuls of frozen green veg ( peas, beans, broccoli, mange tout) and then cover with the egg mixture. Sprinkle over some more paprika and lemon zest. Bake for about 45 minutes at 180.

@Everdecreasingcircumferences my favourite vinegarette is simply Dijon mustard, ACV and salt. You can add oil, but I choose not to. Press some garlic, grate carrots and a courgette, mix this with a good dollop of this vinegarette, then leave in the fridge overnight.

Enjoy (great with quiche!)

Hi folks, just checking in. I’ve now hit a plateau. Stayed the same for the past two weeks. Weight loss is 22lbs in total. Don’t know what to do now. I’ll carry on for another week anyway, but don’t know whether to take a break to try to jump start things.

Any advice?

I suspect that as we go on we slack a little bit on what we eat? We are not as stringent. It surprises me on here to read so much alcohol consumed.

Day 10 ( yesterday*)

Breakfast
Milky coffee

Lunch
2 shandys

Supper
Creamy tomato gnocchi
2x gin and tonic
1 glass red wine
Yogurt with jam and almonds

@Tarragon123 Sorry! No advice - could you try being really strict for a couple of days ?
@KPops22 I'd love to surprise myself by drinking less, but it's a real struggle I have ... and I've come a long way already, I have alcool free days now without having to plan them and sometimes I even have a few days in a row ... to see that as an achievement may seem ludicrous to some but I spent my 20's basically as a female reincarnation of an 80's city boy ... work hard, play hard, curbing my appetite with black coffee and fags ( and worse on occasion) and probably drinking 90% of my calories in alcohol ... I've never been kind to my body. I'm so permanently stressed by work, by constant worry of losing a contract, of fucking up, of missing a deadline, of having misread a clause, of having recruited the wrong person, of having been too strict or too much of a push over, of having done something too early or too late, of having promised too much or too little to a client or of having everyone réalise that through the smile and the carrying voice I feel as incompetent as a first week intern.... until I find a healthier coping mechanism I need that glass or two or three to wind down. I'm fighting against my food cravings at the moment and only have the strength to fight one battle at at time ... but I do hope that one day I will drink less.

On another note Saxenda constipation is back with a vengeance ... haven't been since Friday and starting to feel mega bloated!

@justsaxy made a carrot and courgette salad with ACV (skipped the garlic and mustard as was having it it for breakfast) - was delicious and I wouldn't have thought of using courgette like this so thank you! Definitely making again tonight to take to work tomorrow, lovely and refreshing in this heat.

Sorry you're a bit blocked OP, it's something I'd never experienced until last pregnancy when I was on anti sickness meds, constipation is awful. Am working on upping my water intake (the airup is helping with that 😊 ) in anticipation of the switch to wegovy - am going to phone the pharmacy tomorrow to chase as am running of time with only one saxenda dose left.

It's interesting to read your reflection on not having been kind to your body in your 20s with a stressful busy life, I wasnt either but my path was totally different with food used more than alcohol (although to be fair there was an amount of gin and wine too) to keep me going through the exhaustion of shift work, stressful job, young family etc. You've done well to try to take a step back and be kind to yourself whilst still only in your 30s, its taken til my mid 40s for me to reach this point.

Have upped my hrt after call with my gp yesterday and I can already feel the difference in my energy levels - think I might go for a walk tonight despite the heat.

How's everyone else getting on?

@Everdecreasingcircumferences so glad you enjoyed! I had it for lunch today (I had cravings after our posts)

@Saxendastarter I hear you. Alcohol has always been a big crutch for me, (and over the last four years I pulled regular 16-18 hour days, where I was so high on caffeine to get me through, that I needed the alcohol to enable me to wind down!)

I managed to stop that last year, but it was like stopping smoking, in that, it was only when I felt strong enough to tackle it. (And even now, I have alcohol free shandies).

So, I too, applaud you for recognizing your patterns in your thirties. (I am 44).

Plus, Parisian/Geneva cultures are very much alcohol inclusive. My British friends are always quite amazed that the dechetterie/church/schools, even little kids parties, have wine on the go. We finish work or even the shopping and go for an 'apero'. It's just cultural and very social. But, binge drinking isn't a thing, like it is in the UK. I much prefer small amounts and often, compared to getting mortal every Friday and Saturday night.

My day has been good. Pasta at work today so I had two boiled eggs and massive salad, and a very small amount of pasta. Having boiled eggs and cornichons in the fridge at work are really saving me! (I wonder if I stink? No one has said anything...)

One more week for me until my appointment... Counting down (avec un sans alcool bière).

Santé 🥂

Good luck @Saxendastarter . Alcohol has never featured greatly for me and I need my calories for food as greedy!😂

Morning All, been reading . Good to see the thread thriving and in full swing . Good luck with the house move @ThisMustBeMyDream . Apologies for the poor memory , are you the one in an AiBnB having had sales fall through previously ?

I’m I’ve been really interested I. Reading what we all have to say about alcohol . I’ve struggled with drinking more than a good for me since my 20’s , it’s not until my 50s. Back in the 90’s I bought my house very young, I was a single home owner at 21. I thought it was very sophisticated to always have gin and a lemon in my fridge . Then I met my first husband who thought it sophisticated to have a full wine rack at his home . When he saw my otherwise empty fridge he remembers thinking , that’s the girl for me . What started off as a few drinks in the evening turned into a life long habit of 2 to 3 bottles of wine a night . While I managed to function in the main , I know it’s left a bit of a dark mark on both my children . How I raised them half cut from 5pm onwards I have no idea.

@Saxendastarter , I would have loved to run into 20 year old you , I think I would have thought you were awesome .

its been a month since I either was taking a low dose or no sax at all . I’ve continued to lose weight albeit it more slowly , I’ve lost Another 3 lbs I think .

These are the changes I have noticed.
Alcohol . Cravings are back which have caught me out a few times but on the whole my will power does seem more resolved . I asked my GP for medication to reduce the cravings but was declined . I may investigate the private route if it creeps up again .

Food. Weird feelings around food . When I was on the full dose of sax , my brain and stomach seemed to be on the same page. When my stomach was full , my brain said “stop eating “ . Now, when I can feel my stomach is full, my brain says nothing . I just want to keep eating what ever is on my plate .

Sugar cravings are also back and harder to ignore than the itch for wine .

its just a case of keeping on track as best I can . Follow my plan of ultra low calorie days ( 3 times a week ) and eat a more normal number the other days . It fits my life style and I don’t feel like I’m missing out.

Wishing you all a happy weekend . For those of us in the UK , the weather !!!!!!!!! Finally !!!!!!! I hope it’s the same wherever you are.

I should have proof read that before posting . 🤦‍♀️

Good Morning Everyone,

Back from holiday straight into the deep end with work, so just catching up with you all.

I fell totally out of routine with the Saxenda whilst away, and gave myself digestive issues- (I know what I did wrong & i'm an idiot!).

I also need to figure what I'm going to do now that Wegovy is available, I've a few Saxenda pens left.

So Friday check-in to stay accountable (2 weeks worth).

Start Weight: 129.27kg
This Week: 103.4kg
2 Week loss/gain: -0.81kg
Total Loss: 25.87kg (57.6llb)

A few photo's of the beautiful Opal Coast, I hope you don't mind me sharing.

@Footgoose , for the alcohol cravings (and mainly weight loss) I would say that Mysimba is the one. It's a combination of 2 drugs that are used for curbing addictions. Since there has been lack of Saxenda stock I made the switch to Mysimba which had no side effects for me (apart from food aversion which is the point and a bit of manageable constipation) and is in pill form rather than injection. I have lost a further 3kg in almost 4 weeks without really trying!!

As for me, first goal of under 90kg has been met :) The scale showed 89.4 this morning and I do feel so much better physically and mentally. Setting the next goal at below 80kg - I assume it will take me 5 months to get there if I continue with a 2 kg loss per month (which to be honest is not bad as I don't want to get too saggy!)

Another day down.

It's bloody hot here and so I went for a small mcds sundae whilst waiting for an appointment.

I think I am going to have a cup of tea, a cold shower and then hit the sack.

Food: omelette, carrot salad, veg and chicken curry, ice cream sundae. Ice tea.

That's enough for today!

Day 11 ( yesterday*)

Breakfast
Milky coffee

Lunch
Coffee
Water

Supper
Wine, cocktail, amangnac, cognac
Cold pea soup
Steak frites
Chou à la creme
Bread

Day 12

Breakfast
Milky coffee
Coffee

Lunch
Coke zero
small cheese crèpe

Supper
Hotdog
Coke zero
tea

Amazing losses @Glorfindels ! You must be feeling so different. Lovely pictures.
Well done for another day @justsaxy
@dontwanttostay Under 90 is great, each extra kilo away from 100 I get makes me feel better
Thanks @KPops22
@Everdecreasingcircumferences Carrot and Corgette seems like a good salad idea..; I'll give it a try.
@Footgoose I was an absolute menace and a real handful, and looking back, too pretty for my own good. I still look back in awe at the amazingly patient boyfriend ( he was 10 years older, it last about 18 months - I cheated and left him (not proud) - we're still friends, I was actually his wife's witness at their wedding and am godmother to the eldest) I had from 21 to 23, he grounded me, took care of me and I honestly think he's also one of the people who have saved my life without realizing. He used to wait up at his apartment for me to get back absolutely shit faced during the week after late afterwork drinks, try to feed me, make me drink water and go to bed and then wake me up in the morning, carry me to the shower and make me coffee and then put me in the car and drive me to my job ( massive detour in city rush hour - probably over an hour, could have done it in public transport.) and then spend his weekends helping me work on work projects and get ahead. He was also a big drinker but although he is 6'5 or 6'6 ( I've always dated very tall men, I think to make myself feel smaller, FPTOM is the first one to be under 6'4!) I used to drink him under the table. I also had my own appartement and was a fan of always having gin in the fridge, vodka in the freezer, whisky on the bookshelf and at least 2 bottles of red, rosé and white ... I asked him a couple of years ago what he saw in me back then and he admitted I was an absolute nightmare but that when I was fun I was the funnest and that his parents who at first very shocked by the age difference thought I was endearing, I always behaved around them though. I think I realized I'd grown up when at his wedding a few years ago when his father who is a very chic older French man and a public figure here introduced me to people saying a was a very dear old family friend and that he known me since I was a "child"...

Ah I feel miserable... I've woken up with a fever and no voice .... It's 34°C out and there is no air whatsoever. Pfff full of self pity. FPTOM is also sick as are 2 other people from the office. We're all negative for covid tho. But a fever in this heat is horrible.

Oh no! I hope you have ice and paracetamol to hand. Rest up.

A little update for you all after a full week (and two days) off Saxenda.
im not going to lie, the hunger levels have gone up and I’m starting to notice it more. On Saxenda I could easily get to 1pm before I thought about lunch (I’m not a breakfast person other than coffee!) but I’m starting to feel shaky at about 12. Also evening snack cravings are brutal but I’m trying to remind myself that I was fine not to overdo it only a few weeks ago so I need to get the willpower working. It will be an adjustment.

Regardless, I weighed myself as usual Friday morning and have neither lost nor gained weight - pretty good considering I definitely had more to eat!
We went out for dinner tonight and I opted to have no bun with my burger, didn’t finish the chips and then got the lowest calorie pudding because whilst I was tempted by a big sundae I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish it and would end up forcing myself to overeat.

We’ll see how it goes - it’s my birthday next week so i anticipate a gain - but I feel like my lessons learned from the effects of Saxenda will keep me going! (Hopefully)

Hi All

OP feel better soon, a fever in this heat is no joke.

Well I've done it, taken my first Wegovy dose. Very apprehensive about potential side effects but all I can do is wait and see. Focusing on protein, all things good for gut health and lots of water, and just the one cold can of cider this evening 😋

Am not going to miss injecting every day, have a couple of full sharps bins to dispose of (council has to arrange a collection for them where i live).

I need to work on a meal plan of sorts to keep my food balanced and varied as I quickly get bored with the same things. Also, needs to be relatively inexpensive,.not UPF and quick to prepare - not that I'm asking for much! All part of the plan to make long term wholesale changes to my diet to hopefully avoid ending up with a BMI over 35 again...

So for those trying Wegovy (WG) my experience week 1.

No heartburn, nausea etc which Sax gave me, to be fair it was only light but nothing on WG.

The change isn’t quite as instant. On Sax I couldn’t face food at all, WG feels like it’s less somehow, my portions are smaller and no snacking but I still eat with the family at least which is nice. That nagging food voice has gone again!

Sadly the constipation is something else so changing the food up tomorrow, hope it’s just a week one thing but feel very bloated.

Food:
BKFT: Banana
LNCH: Beef salad
DNNR: bbq - small meat and veg

• gallons of water 🥵

Hi all,

My fever didn't drop so after sending a protesting FPTOM home because I was feeling too disgusting and horrible I panicked at about 3 am and called a doctor out because I was having a hard time breathing and swallowing and fever not budging even with paracetamol and was starting to feel slightly delirious ... Doctor took me to a&e because I have tonsillitis and a had to have an abscess drained and FPOTM came and fetched me and now I'm home but still have a drip courtesy of FPOTM persuading the hospital doctors that if they gave him the fluid bags he's set me up at home and stay with me ... So I'm feeling very sorry for myself and its already 27° out ...

@Saxendastarter So sorry to hear you are ill, but it sounds like you are being very well cared for & I hope you are feeling better very soon.

@Everdecreasingcircumferences I hope this week goes well for you.

@10Lisa Thank you for sharing your Wegovy journey , I am thinking of making the switch too.

@MsLK14 Good Luck, and have a very Happy Birthday!

Struggling in the heat- DP went hunter gathering earlier...so we have been eating Ice cream- which isn't the best diet wise.

Have a good week everyone - May your coffee, pelvic floor, intuition and self-appreciation be strong.

Hi All

OP sounds really rough, I'm glad you have your FPOTM taking care of you.

Having started my WG journey yesterday I can report no noticeable changes so far, same appetite and no side-effects for now.

Am already daydreaming of shopping for smaller clothes sizes, getting ahead of myself I know!

Here's to a good week ahead for all of us.