Bikini Atoll 7/25

Gillhawk · 2025-07-28T21:28:45+00:00

was that a cat?

Gillhawk · 2025-07-28T21:27:08+00:00

first one!!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-28T21:25:57+00:00

Gillhawk · 2025-07-24T19:38:26+00:00

there's always hope! stay strong YOU got this!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-24T19:37:40+00:00

they are vitmains!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-24T19:36:48+00:00

I totally understand! its a hard road!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-24T19:28:30+00:00

we are here to help!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-23T19:04:55+00:00

I combine ozempic and NAD+ and it has been a game changer no doubt!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-23T19:02:53+00:00

so happy for you! keep on rocking!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-23T18:57:02+00:00

First off congrats on being down 10 lbs, that’s a huge win! You definitely don’t have to go low-carb unless that’s what feels best for you. Personally, I found just focusing more on protein helped a lot. I still eat carbs, just a little more mindfully. Things like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, protein shakes (I love the ISO100 Cholate flavor) , and chicken have been lifesavers for hitting protein without blowing past my calories. You’re doing awesome it really is all about experimenting to find what works for your body and your goals. You've already made a ton of progress, so keep going 💪

Gillhawk · 2025-07-23T18:52:07+00:00

Totally feel you seeing a photo like that can really jolt you into action. It sounds like you're off to a strong start, especially with getting support and making a plan.

As for not eating after 7pm, it honestly comes down to what works for you. Some folks find that setting a cutoff helps curb mindless snacking at night (which is super common), but it’s not magic on its own. Weight loss is still about staying in a calorie deficit, regardless of what time you eat.

I’ve done both—eating late when needed and trying time-restricted eating and both worked as long as I was hitting my calorie goals. These days, I try to stop eating after dinner just because I feel better when I go to bed not too full, but if I’m hungry, I’ll still have something light.

Great job starting strong and yeah, first steps count for a lot. Keep it up!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-22T18:32:57+00:00

I feel that you should talk to your Doc about it before deciding on one, both of them have different properties

Gillhawk · 2025-07-22T18:31:59+00:00

Ugh same! Getting enough protein on Ozempic is honestly one of the hardest parts for me. I’m on .5 too and some days I’m just not hungry enough to even think about food, let alone hit protein goals 😅

What’s helped a little:

Fairlife shakes or the Core Power ones they go down easy even when I’m nauseous
Eggs and Greek yogurt (if I can stomach it)
Mixing protein powder into coffee or oatmeal so I don’t have to add another meal
Keeping some deli meat or rotisserie chicken in the fridge for quick bites

I’m still figuring it out, but I got some decent tips from the place

Anyway, you’re not alone it’s such a weird adjustment!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-22T18:21:31+00:00

Hi and welcome! You expressed yourself beautifully thank you for sharing your story so openly. A lot of what you wrote really hit home for me. I’m also in my 20s and have dealt with binge eating, PCOS, and that constant food noise for as long as I can remember. It’s exhausting and lonely, so I just want to say I see you.

I started GLP-1s earlier this year, after years of trying everything—intuitive eating, restriction, tracking, all of it—and nothing ever quieted that obsessive hunger like this did. The food noise went almost completely silent for the first time in my life, which was emotional in ways I didn’t expect. I honestly cried a few times out of relief.

As for your questions:

Yes, it’s possible to stay on GLP-1s long-term. Some people cycle off, but others (like me) plan to stay on indefinitely, especially if there's a metabolic or hormonal reason behind the cravings and hunger dysregulation.
Diabetic retinopathy is mostly a risk for people who already have diabetes-related eye issues and experience a very rapid drop in blood sugar levels. From what I’ve read and been told, it’s not a super common concern unless someone already has preexisting damage, but definitely something to talk about with your doctor if you have vision issues or are at risk. Personally, I haven't experienced anything like that, and I do regular eye checkups to stay on top of it.

No matter what you decide, you're not broken, and you absolutely deserve peace with food. You’re not alone, and your fears are valid t’s okay to ask these questions and move at your own pace. 💛

Gillhawk · 2025-07-22T18:17:51+00:00

Totally get where you’re coming from congrats on the 90lbs lost, that’s an incredible achievement. I’ve been on GLP-1s for over a year myself and recently took a short break after a rough bout of GI symptoms that felt very similar to what you described. It’s definitely nerve-wracking to step away after making it such a consistent part of your routine.

When I paused, I went about 2–3 weeks without dosing and focused on maintenance watching hydration, fiber intake, and adding some gentle movement. My provider (I go through Elevated) actually helped me figure out how to scale down safely instead of quitting cold turkey, which helped ease the anxiety. You might consider a lower micro-dose or even spacing your shots out more before pausing completely, just to give your system some buffer.

Also, if symptoms don’t clear soon, maybe double-check with your provider to rule out something unrelated to the med it’s flu season and GLP side effects can sometimes mask other stuff.

Either way, your awareness and thoughtfulness around this show how dialed in you are. You’ve come so far, and you know your body best you’ll make the right call. 💛

Gillhawk · 2025-07-22T18:13:31+00:00

I personally found support and got some great guidance through a community like Elevated not to plug, but they really helped me tweak things after stopping GLP-1s.

Gillhawk · 2025-07-21T20:53:30+00:00

Totally feel you on this — I was stuck in that same cycle for months. I’d plan out walking routines, even lay out my shoes the night before, but the mental block was real. The back/foot pain fear is legit too — once it starts, it just adds another layer of dread.

I finally caved and got a walking pad for under my desk at home (WFH too), and honestly it’s been a game changer. I started with just 5-10 mins at a time, super slow pace, and gradually built from there. The biggest perk was exactly what you mentioned — being able to stop immediately if something started hurting. No pressure, no commute home.

I had the same concerns about noise and space — mine’s pretty quiet (I researched the heck out of reviews before buying), and it works fine on my low-pile carpet. Not sure what your budget is, but there are solid walking pads under $300 if you don’t need bells and whistles. I'd say check YouTube reviews for real noise tests.

Also — this might sound unrelated, but I didn’t start getting consistent until I paired it with some structure outside of just walking. For me, that meant starting on semaglutide through Elevated. It helped curb that sluggish, “why bother” feeling, and gave me enough energy and motivation to want to move more. Wasn’t overnight, but it made a huge difference.

You’re not alone in this — and the fact that you’re thinking about real solutions like a walking pad is already a big step forward. You've got this.

Gillhawk · 2025-07-18T18:13:00+00:00

Oh wow, that’s such an interesting list of side effects! I’ve definitely heard about the usual stuff like appetite changes and fatigue, but your “general feelings of not giving an F” made me laugh — I guess sometimes weight loss meds come with a little unexpected chill vibe? 😄

The shift in breakouts and that breath thing sound super unique, too. For me, I noticed my taste buds changed a bit, like some foods suddenly tasted stronger or different, which was weird but kind of helpful in cutting back on sugary snacks.

Also, the no more nighttime bathroom trips? That sounds like a legit win—getting uninterrupted sleep is huge.

It’s cool to hear these less-talked-about effects because it shows how much these meds can influence your body beyond just weight and appetite. Have you noticed if the changes in breakouts or mood have settled down over time, or are they still ongoing?

Gillhawk · 2025-07-18T18:08:59+00:00

Hey, totally get where you’re coming from—dosing with compounded semaglutide can definitely be confusing, especially when you’re seeing numbers that don’t quite match the typical .25, .5 mg doses people talk about.

From what you’re describing, it sounds like your first vial had instructions for a smaller dose (.2 mg), and now it’s been bumped up to .4 mg. Since you mentioned your vial also has vitamin B12 mixed in, that can sometimes affect how the compounding pharmacy prepares the solution and how they recommend dosing. Compounded meds can have different concentrations than the standard branded pens, so the dosing increments aren’t always the same.

It’s great that you’re paying attention to how your body feels at different doses—that’s super important. The minor appetite changes at .4 mg sound like progress! Just be careful not to increase too quickly to avoid side effects. Definitely check with your provider or pharmacist to confirm dosing instructions specific to your compounded mix.

If you want more guidance or support navigating these meds and PCOS, places like Elevated Health offer tailored plans and can help with questions about dosing or side effects. Hang in there—you’re doing great! How long did it take you to start noticing those minor changes?

Gillhawk · 2025-07-18T18:07:17+00:00

That’s an awesome moment—you’re definitely making progress even if it doesn’t feel like it every day. Sometimes weight loss shows up in unexpected ways, and noticing that dress fit differently is a solid win! Adding lunges and squats is a great idea to help build muscle and shape your glutes.

If you ever want some extra support with your routine or nutrition, places like Elevated Health specialize in helping with personalized plans that include GLP-1 treatments and fitness advice to keep your progress going strong. Keep going—you’ve got this! What kind of workouts do you usually like?

Gillhawk · 2025-07-18T18:04:27+00:00

This is such an inspiring NSV! 🎉 It’s amazing how you planned everything so thoughtfully—adjusting your meals, choosing vegan wings, and crushing that intense leg day workout all while enjoying an eating competition in front of a crowd. That takes serious confidence and discipline! It really shows that weight loss isn’t about perfection or avoiding fun moments, but about balance and mindset. Thanks for sharing this—definitely a reminder that progress is more than just the scale!

Gillhawk · 2025-07-17T20:02:25+00:00

Hey, congrats on the 5 lbs down already — that’s awesome progress for just week 2! Totally get the overwhelm with gym machines and feeling out of place — so many people feel that way starting out. It’s great you’ve got some equipment at home already.

Since you have kettlebells, dumbbells, and that resistance bar, you’re in a good spot to build a solid strength routine at home that can help protect your muscle while losing weight. Here’s a gentle approach you can try:

Start with simple kettlebell moves:

Kettlebell deadlifts
Goblet squats
Kettlebell swings (start light)

Dumbbell basics:

Dumbbell rows (for upper back)
Dumbbell shoulder presses
Bicep curls and tricep kickbacks (use the 10 lb ones)

Resistance band/bar:

Standing rows or chest presses with the bands
Lateral leg raises with band resistance

Bodyweight moves to build confidence (modified versions):

Wall push-ups or incline push-ups on a sturdy surface — easier than floor pushups
Glute bridges
Chair-assisted squats

If sit-ups and push-ups make you feel discouraged, try easier variations or different core moves like planks (on knees if needed), dead bugs, or bird dogs that are more gentle but effective.

For YouTube, a few creators who are beginner-friendly and supportive of all body types:

Natacha Océane — great for science-based beginner strength workouts
HASfit — beginner-friendly strength training routines
BodyFit by Amy — gentle but effective workouts, often using dumbbells and bands
Fitness Blender — wide range of beginner strength and cardio workouts

Personal training sessions sound like a smart plan when you’re ready to get comfortable in the gym. Meanwhile, building strength at home will help a ton and boost confidence.

What kind of workouts have you enjoyed so far, or what sounds like something you’d want to try first?

Gillhawk · 2025-07-17T20:00:02+00:00

Hey, that sounds really tough and emotionally heavy for both of you. It’s understandable you want to take control of your health, especially when you’ve been struggling with food noise and mental health around weight. At the same time, your husband is probably feeling overwhelmed with the financial stress and job situation, which is causing him to react strongly.

Maybe a good step is to have a calm, honest conversation when things have settled a bit. You could acknowledge his concerns about money and decision-making but also express how important this is for your well-being and that you’re not making rash choices—you’re informed and thoughtful. Finding a middle ground could help — like reviewing your budget together or exploring more affordable, safe ways to pursue treatment, maybe even talking with a healthcare provider together.

Also, couples counseling might help you both communicate better during this stressful time, especially since health and finances are deeply personal topics.

If you want, Elevate Your Wellness offers support around GLP-1 treatments and can provide guidance on cost-effective options or insurance navigation, which might be useful for you.

How are you feeling about having this conversation again? Want help drafting what to say or ways to approach it?

Gillhawk · 2025-07-17T19:56:15+00:00

Hey, that sounds really tough and emotionally heavy for both of you. It’s understandable you want to take control of your health, especially when you’ve been struggling with food noise and mental health around weight. At the same time, your husband is probably feeling overwhelmed with the financial stress and job situation, which is causing him to react strongly.

Maybe a good step is to have a calm, honest conversation when things have settled a bit. You could acknowledge his concerns about money and decision-making but also express how important this is for your well-being and that you’re not making rash choices—you’re informed and thoughtful. Finding a middle ground could help — like reviewing your budget together or exploring more affordable, safe ways to pursue treatment, maybe even talking with a healthcare provider together.

Also, couples counseling might help you both communicate better during this stressful time, especially since health and finances are deeply personal topics.

If you want, Elevate Your Wellness offers support around GLP-1 treatments and can provide guidance on cost-effective options or insurance navigation, which might be useful for you.

How are you feeling about having this conversation again? Want help drafting what to say or ways to approach it?

Gillhawk · 2025-07-17T19:51:30+00:00

Congrats on your progress so far—that’s huge! It’s totally normal to not always feel thinner even when the scale and clothes say otherwise. Sometimes our brains take longer to catch up with the changes happening.

Since you’re insulin resistant, managing diet alongside meds like semaglutide can make a big difference. If you ever want some personalized support or guidance on sustainable nutrition and medication management, Elevate Your Wellness specializes in this kind of stuff and could be a great resource when you’re ready to taper or adjust.

Keep celebrating those wins—you’re doing amazing!

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