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.

Hi guys,

So glad I’ve found this forum! Just wanted to share my experience and not feel alone, I feel like people are quite judgy over it…

Obsessed! I started Ozempic back in Jan and lost 2st 7lbs by August… my issue now is weight gain as I can no longer get hold of stock! I’ve put on 9lbs since my last dose back in August and it’s really starting to stress me out… I’m getting married in July 2024 and i’m worried it’s all going to pile back on x10!

The hunger cravings are back already (with a vengeance)… I miss not thinking about food 24/7!! I honestly thought I’d be able to fight it and have willpower after seeing the number on the scales come down but sadly it still doesn’t stop me thinking about food all the time again and the constant battle is really getting me down!

Is there anyone else in the same boat??😩

Hi @Power95 . Welcome to the group and yes . I’m in the same boat . Finished saxander a few weeks ago . The feeling of hunger is back and having not experienced it for such a long time it feels like hell . I had an “exit strategy “ so to speak but I didn’t think it would be this hard . I’m sticking to low carb diet . Snacking on protein when I can’t help myself . I have managed not to gain but it’s bloody hard . I know exercise isn’t always an option for all . But I have bought a gym membership and for me the expense does make me think twice about blowing the diet in the same way the cost of saxander did . I really hate feeling hungry ( even when my tummy actually feels a bit full ) when I know there is a medication out there that can stop this . X

Thank you for the welcome! So nice to hear someone in the same boat too.

I too knew I would have to come off it eventually but I thought I’d me able to ease myself off maybe drop down to the tablets first but to just go cold turkey (dramatic😂) has made it harder.

I started the gym again yesterday so hoping that helps but tried all this before discovering Ozempic so i’m not hopeful… as you said, knowing there is a medicine out there that can ‘fix’ it all makes it harder!

It’s like a constant battle with your own mind… it was a dream to not even think about food! Hoping it settles down soon, or at least maybe the stock issue resolves soon 🙏🏼

The company I used previously for Ozempic got in touch to say they have a wait list for Wegovy but they’d have to start me on 0.25 again and they want to charge £350 😩 I feel so stuck and it’s really getting me down!

How long were you on Saxander? Xx

@Power95 . I took it for 4 months. My husband also wishes I could take it again as he hates me when I’m hungry. I did try to get some for the last half stone but rather predictably and probably rightly so I was rejected.
Tactic now is try not to get hungry by having a small amount of protein . I had planned to do time restricted eating but I ended up too hungry and eating random stuff .
Make sure dinner is ready for as soon as I get home ( when husband is cooking ).
If I can’t wait to cook my own dinner , I eat something quick to prepare and substantial ( omelette, chicken breast etc ….. ) and just don’t have a main meal .

No alcohol in the house as the wine witch is also back .
Drink loads of tea .
Honestly wish I had an answer but it’s simply not easy .

@justsaxy Well done on your loss. I don’t take the full dose as I am trying to stretch the Saxenda supply out before I start on the Wegovy.

@KatGirl007 I keep a diary of measurements, mainly because I am a data geek & it is a good check back that is non scales related. What has blown my mind is loosing 5cm just off my thigh, to be fair I will always have chunky thighs, but it isn’t something you can see from the scales going down. Well done on your loss.

@Power95 Welcome to the thread, I have no advice but I totally understand what you are saying about the food noise- this is the first time I haven’t had it 7 it was a revelation. I also haven’t told anyone about Sax or Wegovy, people do judge and I just sooner avoid the conversation. Anyone who has commented, I have just said that I am eating very healthily & have stopped drinking, then changed the subject.

@Saxendastarter I hope you are feeling better & are having a good week.

@FootgooseI hope you are having a good week too, sending you best wishes. Wine witch made me laugh- I have to avoid it too……turns me in to the fridge raider!

Well I haven’t been to the gym yet (what a surprize!) -but I did a gorgeous countryside walk over the weekend with my friend, they say being out in nature is good for your mental health & I can honestly see it is.

Hi All,

OP you really are having an rough time aren't you, what a combo of lurgies 🤒

It's so interesting to see how different our journeys are, it's almost as if we all function slightly different, who've thought? (apologies for the sarcasm, just had enough of well meaning 'advice' on how to lose weight, like I cant read or have never heard of intermittent fasting or keto or the numerous other things that havent worked for me).
I'm on week 2 of Wegovy 1.0, haven't found it denting my appetite much yet (there is a sliver of an echo of appetite suppression as am less tempted to snack) and am losing and regaining the same 1.5kg so will be ordering 1.7 to start in 2 week's time. No obvious side effects at the moment.

On a non weightloss related topic I was lucky enough to go to BBC2 in the Park on Sunday, The Pretenderz and Kylie were just brilliant and I did a lot of dancing 💃

Onwards and downwards all, get better soon OP.

@Glorfindels I have just got back from yoga and now want to sleeeeeeep.

I don't eat much before I go as I found I cannot do yoga with a full stomach. And now I am so tired, I just want to curl up in bed and fall asleep in front of eastenders...

@ThisMustBeMyDream TWO HOUR ROUND TRIP? Holy moly.

I failed and ate a plate of pasta today. But I am not going to beat myself up about it, as I am ramping up the yoga to three times a week. And it makes me sweat!

(I really need to learn how to go from downward dog into a plank properly.)

Hope you're feeling a bit better OP.

I've just received an order from Manual (side-eye at how they're charging a chunk more than anywhere else just because stock levels are low) and Royal Mail were supposed to deliver yesterday but didn't. It's just arrived and when I unpacked it the freezer packs were completely melted and room temperature and the box of pens didn't feel especially cold.

Does anyone know how sensitive it is to not being kept chilled? I'd ask Manual but they don't seem great at replying to queries although they did ask for the same photo and ID pics three times...

Thanks x

@justsaxy Your yoga sounds brill, & there is nothing much more comforting than a big bowl of pasta. I wish I had the motivation to do some structured exercise, though I did go out last night for a brisk 5k walk.

@Namechange602 Someone with better knowledge may correct me- but my understanding is if they have come-up to room temperature then they are okay to use within 30 days. If they are kept cold they have a longer shelf life.

@Everdecreasingcircumferences I just don't discuss weight loss outside of this thread anymore- some of the stuff people say is bonkers. Dancercise may be the way forward- I would love to see Kyle live.

@Saxendastarter hope you are on the mend, miss seeing your updates.

I hope everyone else on the thread has had a good week so far - sending positive vibes.

Hello all. I used Saxenda for a year and stopped about 10 months ago for various reasons. I really want to start again but I don't seem to be able to get it anywhere now?

Does anyone know if any of the online private doctors have stock now? I used to get it from Boots but they say they can't prescribe to anyone "new".

I'd even try the weekly version if that's available?

Any pointers appreciated. Thank you.

@BackT Ive just bought some from Manual. They seem pricey and will only sell you five pens at a time but they sent me a code offering 50% off to anyone I refer. Discount on meds seems a bit odd but if you want it you’re welcome to drop me a DM. Plenty of people have used them before so I was confident that they were legit.

@Namechange602 thanks I've Pm-ed you. Though I think I tried there and they just offered my orlistat?

@BackT Maybe I just timed it well and was lucky they had stock? I thought it was just because they were a bit more expensive!

I’ve sent that link over - good luck!

How is everyone doing?

I'm feeling a bit down today and reminding myself not to reach for sugar. I was utterly exhausted yesterday, and was in bed by nine.

This whole journey has helped me to realise that I am an emotional eater. I would never ever have said that about myself. Am trying to resist weighing myself daily as I know it can fluctuate, but it is not always easy to resist. Today I am .5 of a kilo heavier than yesterday...

So... pickled gherkins are being snacked on. Definitely not chocolate.
And I am setting about to make jam with the glut of grapes and plums that I have been given at the moment (literally bowls and bowls!), so that should give me something sweet for the next six months if needed.

I couldn't face traipsing around the pharmacies yesterday but I shall make a telephone list to call every Wednesday and Friday. Let's see if that brings me any success.

But positives: Got up and went for a lake swim this morning which helped lift my spirits. The water is getting noticeably colder... I felt all the air leave my body this morning! And my yoga teacher sent me an email this morning, congratulating me on my regular presence. She said she can see I am losing weight, my skin is apparently glowing and my eyes are twinkling. Which was fab to hear 😊.

Hoping everyone is having a great start to the weekend!

@justsaxy I am so envious of your lake swim- and what a lovely Yoga teacher you have, that must have been lovely to read. It is interesting what you say about emotional eating, it is so easy to eat your feelings- got a celebration- have a cake, feeling down- have some chocolate, feeling lonely- have a pie!I have a feeling it it was you who recommended Hairy Dieters Swedish Meatball recipe, well that is going to be our dinner this evening!

Weekly loss- 1.92kg which I am over the moon about, sometimes the amount of effort isn't reflected in the scales.

After a great week last week, I went out with friends yesterday and drank way way too many cocktails & drank two pints of craft ale. I'm too old for this type of thing!

I'm good @justsaxy thank you. Still on sax, and it's hard to obtain. But perseverance is paying off and I have just got another pen today. Only being able to get one pen is terribly annoying in terms of I'm doing long trips to obtain it. I've reduced to 1.8 so I'm not having to do weekly trips (hopefully). I had gone to 2.1.
Another good week this week with a 2lb loss. 14st 4 today, 2st 9lb total loss. I think this is week 20. I'm losing half a stone a month on average. So if the trend continues within the next 4 weeks I should be at my lowest weight in 3 years. I'm currently wearing a pair of jeans that are hanging off me. I really must dig the next size down out of the loft as I suspect some will fit me now.

That's a fab loss @Glorfindels well bloody done to you!

Just tried to get more pens from asda online doctor, tried dead on 10am as previously that’s when they had stock available. None at all.
Are any other providers taking on new customers, manual seem v expensive.
Anyone had any luck getting a private prescription from their doctors and then ringing round for stock?
I have one pen left and only taking the lowest dose but want to start sourcing stock before I run out.

Hi All

Week 3 of Wegovy, still not broken the 94kg barrier but it's definitely doing something as I'm having an awful time with my littlest at school (he's not the issue, school decision making is) and the non-jabbed me would usually be reaching for the chocolate and other sugary things for a dopamine hit. DH and I have found ourselves drinking more, but not so many calories as sugary food would be (as I drinking very slowly so not getting through a lot) so haven't gained any weight.
Feeling very low, but it's all to do with non-weightloss related issues. Good news is I wore a dress today that I've not word for a couple of years and it looks great on me now. Also feeling skint which wegovy isn't exactly helping but will be worth it if I can get to below 90kg by Christmas (unlikely but not impossible).

Hi to our new joiners, wishing you luck on your journeys.
@Saxendastarter I do hope you are on the mend.

Week 3 on the lowest dose of Ozempic (couldn't get Saxenda). Didn't notice a huge difference until now but also found out my husband is having an affair so not sure if my loss of appetite is the Ozempic or pending divorce.

But on top of the 80kg weight I am about to shed I am seeing some reduction on the scales.

@freetheunicorn1 Goodness, what a stressful situation, sending you best wishes.

@Everdecreasingcircumferences Sorry to hear you are feeling down, and I hope you have a good weekend and a better week next week. Sending all positive vibes and I am sure you will smash the 90kg by Christmas.

@Scottishlanza Sorry, supply is tricky everywhere.

@ThisMustBeMyDream Well done on your loss, you are absolutely smashing it. Those smaller jeans will feel & look great.

@Saxendastarter @justsaxy hope you are both doing well this week.
1lb off this week, which balances out last week. I've had a kidney infection and on antibiotics, which has knocked me about a little, but on the mend now.

@Glorfindels yeah for weight loss but booo to kidney infection. That is so painful. I hope that the antibiotics are kicking in.

@freetheunicorn1 I am so sorry to read this. How are you doing?

All ok here. Not been the best week, I have not slept well, not been as prepared during lunches and so have made not always made the less bad food choices... (and eaten a lot of haribo/chocolate).

I need to get my head back in the game.

Am away with some girlfriends this weekend, and just had an amazing dinner with pea and mango salad! Not a combination I would have ever dreamed up myself, but it was so good.

A photo I took on my drive to our location, as @Saxendastarter isn't posting photos for the moment.

Hi, I've been reading this thread as part of my research.

I live in New Zealand and my GP has offered me weight loss medication as I am at the low end of being pre-diabetic and I have put on 5kg in the last few months under the supervision of my GP health coach who recommended I that a lot more protein - its made me heavier and I feel uncomfortable in my skin now.

The weight loss medicines available in New Zealand are:

• naltrexone/buproprion (Contrave)
• liraglutide (Saxenda)
• orlistat (Xenical)
• phentermine (Duromine).

I can see that Phentermine is banned in Europe. I am kinda put off by Saxenda owing to the nausea it can cause, but I would be willing to try it. There are no supply issues here but it costs 250GBP per month.

I am so happy in life these days my mental health is great, I love my friendships and my relationship, I want to loose weight but not upset my equilibrium. I don't have any MH issues.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best way to proceed as I am a bit unsure as to what to do. I have a GP appointment tomorrow to go through all these options then get prescribed one of the four above!

I’ve had very few side effects from Saxenda, a little indigestion and a little constipation. I usually get side effects with every medication I take. Contrave is mysimba here and there’s threads on that saying people have had terrible side effects. I took orlistat and was allergic to it and the inside of my mouth swelled up. Other people report diarrhoea.
Saxenda has been brilliant for me and I’m now at the lowest weight for ten years

@NorseKiwi I have had very very little side effects. No ongoing nausea. I had 2 occasions where I randomly vomited in the first few weeks. First time was when I increased the dose. I just put the dose back down and it was fine. It was literally one vomit, no nausea. And the second time was because I choked on deodorant and it triggered my rather weak gag reflex 🫣. No nausea and just a one off vomit. That was back in June.
I'd recommend it 100%. It has been life changing for me.

This is week 21. 1lb loss this week. 14st 3. Total 2st 10. I'm still just as thrilled. I'm on 1.8 still. Managed to order another pen today. I have 4 pens so feel more comfortable now about stock issues as I have enough to see me through over a month.
Next goal is to hit the 13's hoorah! Never did I think back in May I could be in the 13 stone bracket! It's 4 weeks until we go to Alton Towers, so I'd like to be under that weight by then 🤞.

@ThisMustBeMyDream where did you get a pen from today please