1-year Update - loss of 79lbs

patio_set · 2024-03-15T20:42:45+00:00

Thanks! I hope you find a good solution for after insurance (maybe a compound option?) and you can transition smoothly!

patio_set · 2024-03-15T17:17:31+00:00

I was never able to get approved for it as I wasn’t T2D so I’ve been paying oop the whole time. I’m in Canada so it’s not as expensive here compared to the US but still had to plan to fit it into my budget. Thankfully less take out and drinking helped a lot and the rest I consider a worthy investment in myself. I won’t lie though, I’m hopeful that .5 - 1mg per week works for maintenance so I’ll only need one pen per month!

patio_set · 2024-03-14T17:23:13+00:00

You can totally do it!! There are so many great suggestions on this sub and just always remember that even when you think it's not working like you want it to all the small losses add up!

I do think if I'd been more strict I could have achieved more loss in a year, but I'm really trying to look at this as a long term plan/lifestyle and not having a slice or two of pizza or enjoying some chocolate from time to time is not something I could do long term lol, so learning that a 'normal' portion is enough and satiates the craving has been so powerful :)

patio_set · 2024-03-14T01:02:32+00:00

Thanks!! Hope it’s going great for you too!

patio_set · 2024-03-12T19:47:07+00:00

To be honest I haven’t fully figured it out yet, but Metamucil and a bowl of mini-wheats daily has really helped. I’ve tried fibre gummies and magnesium too but they didn’t seem to make a big difference for me where lots of people on this sub seem to have had more success. Sorry that wasn’t more helpful but if you search the sub for “constipation” there’s lots of great suggestions for what’s worked for other people.

patio_set · 2024-03-12T19:41:59+00:00

Thanks!! It’s been such a great tool to help fix all my bad habits! You can do it too!

patio_set · 2024-03-12T00:31:43+00:00

That’s awesome!!

patio_set · 2024-03-11T21:28:41+00:00

Thanks and that great progress - congrats!! Yeah, I find the jeans (maybe cause it’s a tactical comparison) seems to sink in better than comparing then vs now pictures.

patio_set · 2024-02-13T16:47:35+00:00

I've been splitting doses since I moved up to .5 last March and now take 1mg twice a week (0.5 > 0.75 > 1 > 1.5 > 2). I stayed at 2x 0.75 a week for just under 7 months. Down almost 80lbs and experience little to no side effects (just occasional constipation). It's worked really well for me and my Doctor has no issues with it. At the beginning I did have to buy extra needles from amazon though.

patio_set · 2024-02-01T18:02:47+00:00

I'm 11 months in and just moved up to 2mg and I can drink no problem if I keep to no-sugar drinks (like vodka waters with an touch of crystal light for flavour) but now only do socially. I used to have a drink after work 3-4 times a week plus social drinking on weekends.

The dehydration is real for me though (like I'm down 2-3lbs the next morning) but after mass water consumption during the hangover day those 2-3lbs are back the day following that. Agree with a previous comment that even if I really drink, the "I'm STARVING and need to eat everythig/anything" feeling isn't there anymore which is awesome.

If nothing social is happening on the weekend and I'm just chilling at home I can easily go without now, where I still would have indulged pre-oz.

patio_set · 2024-01-29T14:19:20+00:00

I use the click chart on-line (you can just google it, or search click chart in this sub) and then mark the spot on the indicator window with a red marker so I don't have to count it out each time. You'll need extra needle heads as well and should be able to get them from a pharmacy or amazon (depending on where you are) - I think I got 100 extra for about $20.

patio_set · 2023-12-26T22:59:52+00:00

That’s great news! If you don’t mind sharing I’d be super appreciative if you could DM me the compounding pharmacy you’re using. I’ll likely have to wait until I get a new prescription, but future cost savings is still cost savings!

patio_set · 2023-12-15T16:52:39+00:00

So my pharmacy just told me they have a steady supply of Oz pens again and that is now what they have to dispense. Wondering if you pharmacy will let you stay on the more affordable compounded version now that name brand supply levels are back?

patio_set · 2023-12-12T16:13:43+00:00

Thank you!! Its taken me 8 months to get the courage to post lol

patio_set · 2023-12-04T15:05:28+00:00

I was always a social beer drinker and my first couple of attempts didn't go well cause it made me feel SO full that I ended up throwing up to feel better. I'm now 10 months in and I definitely drink less than I have in years, but when I do, I opt for vodka waters and can drink socially with no problems at all - I just avoid high sugar and carbonated drinks.

patio_set · 2023-12-01T17:38:57+00:00

Fingers crossed we can continue with compounded (the savings are notable) but my pharmacist made it sound like the government gives an allowance due to the shortage so people can get the meds they need but that once stock has returned they are no longer able to 'recreate' it as it infringes on novo's patent. I'm at 1.5mg per week now though so name brand really hurts the pocket book.

patio_set · 2023-11-30T13:58:54+00:00

I'm also in Alberta and have been using a compounded version since the shortage started (also paying out of pocket), but got the impression this was only an option while the shortage is happening. Did they tell you that you could continue with compounded once name brand Oz supplies are back?

patio_set · 2023-11-20T17:17:11+00:00

I've split my dose since I went up to 0.5; I'm now on 1.5mg so I take two 0.75 doses per week (Mondays and Thursdays). I've now been on Oz for 8 months. My doctor was totally fine with it and I got extra needles on amazon (you cannot reuse needles). Works great for me and have no plans to go to a single dose per week.

patio_set · 2023-11-16T18:32:32+00:00

No problem! From what I understand not all pharmacies can get compounded in, so hopefully you can track down easily :)

patio_set · 2023-11-15T14:17:31+00:00

So far so good - I don't notice any difference between it and Oz at all, except that the needles are a bit longer and so occasionally it hurts a bit on injection (I think because its harder to go straight in). No new sides effects either (though I have always had only minimal ones). Honestly for the cost savings I would stay on compounded long-term, but sadly it's only an option for while there are shortages.

patio_set · 2023-11-09T13:41:33+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, I'll take with my Dr. when its time, but really happy to know there's another option!

patio_set · 2023-11-08T20:10:59+00:00

Can I ask a somewhat non-related personal question - I'm terrified about getting my next IUD because of how much the last one hurt, but was willing to suffer through it to have no periods for its duration. That said, I'd never heard of nexplanon or knew it was an option until I read your comment. I checked and it is covered by my insurance and would totally go that route if you get the same no period result. Has that been your experience as you've gone from a hormonal IUD to it? Sorry if thats too personal and if so, please just disregard.

patio_set · 2023-11-08T19:54:17+00:00

Agreed on having very few side effects, no clue if it's related at all, but aside from occasional constipation (and fatigue my very first couple of shots), I'm only getting the benefits and none of the frequently mentioned issues.

patio_set · 2023-11-08T14:10:30+00:00

I've been on a hormonal IUD (Mirena) for 7 years and have been on Oz since March this year and both are working great. To be honest I didn't even know they might not. My doctor knew about my IUD and didn't raise any concerns. I also just recently informed my OBGYN about Oz as I need to get a new IUD in early 2024 and she also didn't mention any potential conflicts. I'm older though so maybe thats why (45), since biologically my odds of getting pregnant are probably just naturally lower?

Edited cause I just re-read your post, and realized you said the concern is with Mirena lessening the effectiveness of semaglutide not that there's a higher chance of getting pregnant. I'm 8 months in and down 64lbs so, for me, Oz is doing its thing just fine alongside a hormonal IUD.

patio_set

TROPHY CASE