Tag: ozempic

Status Report

So, summer is over in Central Texas. We’re heading into the rainy season.

I wanted to check-in and report how it’s going with the Semaglutide. I started injecting myself this week with the higher dosage: 1.0mg. It was surprisingly easy, and not scary at all.

The weight loss has been slow-going, but since I started in June, I think I’ve lost about 20lbs. So, that’s not terrible. Of course, remember, I had gained weight when I moved here. But, I pushed past that weight gain and am now back on track to continue losing.

You can see on the chart a slight tick up, and then the sharp decline. That’s about when I started the Ozempic.

I did the math and discovered I still need to lose 60lbs to get to my desired goal weight. So, it feels like I will be on this drug for a very long time. Maybe a year.

After working so hard for so long to lose this weight, I at least want to arrive at my goal. Once there, I’m not sure what will happen. Predictably, I will probably start gaining again once I’m off the medicine.

My theory on this is that at that lower weight, I will not mind exercising. I might even start jogging again like I used to when I was younger. I will definitely go back to the gym. It will be more comfortable in a thinner size.

I will definitely pursue the horseback-riding goal too. Maybe by this time next year, I can finally deliver on my original goal to ride horses again.

But, to be honest, I’m not unhappy with my progress. There have been some great small victories as I’m a “smaller” person now. For instance, when I was severely obese, I wasn’t able to take a bath. I didn’t have the agility to get out of the tub. That seems really awful, but it’s true. Now I take baths all the time. It’s a great way to relax after a long day.

Also, when I go to the department store, I skip the Plus section. I go directly to the “better sportswear” section. I can definitely fit in L and XL tops now, so I’ve been enjoying browsing the new fall fashions. I even bought a dress recently I’m looking forward to wearing. I particularly like this fashion brand, Bryn Walker. I’m very much looking forward to being thin so these clothes fit me well. Of course, I will never be a 0 or supermodel thin, but the opportunity to wear good quality, fashionable designer clothes is within reach.

I’m planning on continuing on this path. I will keep you updated. In the meantime, happy fall. There’s not much of a fall in Central Texas, but I sure am glad those 100+ degree days are coming to an end.

Marking Time

It’s been about two months since I last wrote. I am not thrilled to report that I have not made much progress. I definitely lost that miserable 15lbs I gained when I moved to Texas, but it’s been slow-going since then on the Semaglutide. I started on Ozempic and am still on it for a few more weeks. I’m only at the .5 dosage, so still just making a dent in the progress and maybe the potential.

The clinic is moving me up to 1.0 in a few weeks. We already ordered it, so should be here in 3 weeks or so. I’ve read that at the higher dosage, it really kicks in. I’m willing to make the investment to try it. So far, it hasn’t been crazy expensive. The clinic has been working with me, as I’m paying out of pocket. I’m willing to keep going to see if things start accelerating at the higher dosage.

Nonetheless, since I started June 12, I’ve only lost 7.7lbs. That’s about three-quarters of a lb per week. C’est la guerre.

OF COURSE, I am not exercising. So there’s that. But, what I’ve realized is I’ve so dramatically changed the way I eat* as a result of what I’ve been doing for the past few years, I can’t expect to have the same dramatic results other people do.

The shot absolutely descreases your appetite. I honestly can’t remember being hungry all summer. I could probably abuse the Semaglutide and eat very little, but that would not be sustainable over time. I am concerned about going off it too. I don’t have severe side effects (yet, anyway). I’m a little nauseous sometimes, but nothing serious. Constipation is one annoying side effect, but that doesn’t happen often. So far, so good in other words.

So, this is just a check-in post to let you know how it’s going. I’ll report in again when I have something else to say. 🙂

On the choice of photo, I’ve been wondering about the French lately. Why are they so thin? They eat bread, pastries, cheese, drink wine… They take long lunches. I remember a book, “French Women Don’t Get Fat” that came out in 2007. I think I’m going to pick it up from the library.

Onwards.

*I still severely limit my carbs and have effectively eliminated refined sugar from my life.

Mind over Matter

This is a photo of my father and his mother, my grandmother. I’m guessing my father was in his 20s in this photo, so that would date this photo sometime around 1938 or so.

My grandmother was a brilliant woman. She spoke seven languages. I’m posting this photo of her to bring attention to her shape.

In the 30s in America, there were no processed foods. No junk foods, no fast-food…

Let’s let AI tell us:

The 1930s were a very different time in terms of food and diet. There were no McDonald’s or other fast-food chains, and the concept of “junk food” didn’t really exist yet. Most people were eating traditional, home-cooked meals with whole, unprocessed ingredients.

In the 1930s, most families didn’t have access to refrigerators, so they relied on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Fast food restaurants didn’t exist, and there were very few processed foods available. The average American diet was much healthier in the 1930s than it is today. In fact, rates of obesity were much lower, and people had a much lower intake of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats.

My point here is I believe my body simply wants to be fat. It’s in my genes. I have similar photos of my mother who was obese the entire time I knew her on earth.

So, my body wants to be fat…

And my mind wants to be thin.

For this reason, I feel my journey is particularly difficult. I’m literally fighting with my DNA– the foundation of all living organisms on the planet.

Nonethless, I did go to the weight loss doctor. They started me on Ozempic which led to a bit of backlash when I announced it on my Facebook page. Not because my friends don’t want me to lose weight. Because there’s apparently a shortage of the drug that is life-saving for diabetics. The doctor told me they would be switching me to Wegovy when I return next month.

In short, I feel like I need science in this battle. I’m also doubling down and trying intermittent fasting.

Wish me luck.