Ozempic: Life After?

T2D_Survivor_Mark

T2D_Survivor_Mark

Well-known member
Hey everyone. I wanted to share my experience coming off Ozempic. I started it in late 2022 and stopped mid-way through 2023. Since then, I've managed to keep the weight off. This is a lifetime battle, but I'm happy with my progress so far.

Common Questions

How much weight did you lose?

*Started around 285 lbs, and now I'm sitting pretty at 175 lbs. That's a drop of 110 lbs.*

How have you been maintaining the weight loss?

*I'm way more active now. I hit the gym most days, and I've gotten into cycling and hiking. My diet's pretty strict, but I allow myself a cheat meal once a week. I've swapped processed foods for whole foods.*

Did the food cravings return?

*Absolutely! The hunger pangs came back with a vengeance. The key is consistency and a disciplined diet. Diet is crucial for maintaining weight loss. I prep my lunches for the week, and I snack on healthier options. I’ve cut out sugary drinks entirely.*

Would you recommend Ozempic?

*Yes, I would. It gave me the jumpstart I needed. It's frustrating when you're putting in the effort but not seeing results. If Ozempic works for you, I'd definitely recommend it for an initial boost.*

Plans for the future?

*I've got some loose skin from the weight loss, so I'm focusing on strength training to build muscle. I'm also committed to maintaining my healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.*
 
Thanks for the detailed write-up! I'm a month in, just upped my dose from 0.25 to 0.5. Started around 315. 41M, 6'2". I can usually drop 30-40 lbs on my own with calorie counting and daily walks, but I always slide back into old habits around 270. What dosage were you on mainly? You look fantastic, much younger!
 
Thanks everyone for the support! Jim_Now, I was on 2mg for the majority of the time. It worked well for me, but everyone's different. And to anyone asking about my diet/exercise, it's nothing crazy. Just consistency. I try to get at least 30 minutes of cardio every day, and I lift weights 3-4 times a week. Diet-wise, I focus on protein, veggies, and healthy fats. Cutting out processed foods and sugary drinks made a huge difference.
 
Wow! I thought I was doing great losing 80lbs in 10 months. This is incredible!

Your workout routine is clearly working. I'm so happy for you! You're an inspiration.
 
I'm surprised the 'common questions' didn't mention changes in libido or...other physical changes. Seems to be a hot topic for men losing this much weight on here.
 
I just had my first injection, and I’m *more* hungry than before. Did you exercise a lot from the get-go?
 
Exercise will help, but it probably won't eliminate the saggy skin. Surgery might be the only real fix, or just learn to embrace it.
 
Zara64 said:
I just had my first injection, and I’m *more* hungry than before. Did you exercise a lot from the get-go?
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It can take a bit for the medication to reach its full effect, and some people react differently at first. I started with light exercise, like walking, and gradually increased the intensity as I felt better. Don't push yourself too hard too soon!
 
T2D_Survivor_Mark said:
Hey everyone. I wanted to share my experience coming off Ozempic...
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's good to know that it *is* possible to keep the weight off long-term. I'm worried about going off it and regaining everything. What were the biggest dietary changes you made that you think contributed most to your success?
 
Hank_2005 said:
What were the biggest dietary changes you made that you think contributed most to your success?
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Cutting out sugary drinks was huge, and also reducing processed foods. I started cooking more at home, so I knew exactly what was going into my meals. I also focused on getting enough protein, which helped me feel fuller for longer.
 
Just a reminder for those restarting after a break: titrate *slowly*! Don't jump back to your old dose right away, or you'll probably feel awful.
 
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