Sema journey: 4 month check-in

[Shot-Ready]

Hey all,

After about 16 weeks on semaglutide (generic Ozempic, similar to Wegovy), I figured I’d share my experience. Lots of questions floating around about what to expect, if it’s “worth it,” etc, so here’s my two cents:

Stats:

* Start weight: 240 lbs
* Current weight: 200 lbs
* Height: 5'7"
* Total lost: 40 lbs
* Time on sema: ~16 weeks (currently at 1.7mg)

Biggest benefits:

* Appetite decrease is legit. Food used to be constantly on my mind. Now I sometimes forget to eat.
* Portion control is now natural. Half the food fills me up.
* Binge eating is gone. A total game changer. My brain is quieter, somehow.
* Weight loss is consistent, not super fast. About 2-3 lbs per week on average. Some weeks were slower.

Side effects I've had:

* Mild nausea for a day or two after dose increases
* Occasional tiredness
* Mild constipation, which I fix with more water and fiber

Tips that helped me:

* Eat slowly, chew thoroughly – you'll feel full sooner
* Stay hydrated, especially the first few weeks
* Don’t only depend on the medicine – some exercise actually helps
* Use the head start to make better habits (meal planning, journaling, etc.)

I’ve still got a ways to go, but I actually feel in control for the first time in forever.

Happy to answer questions or listen to your stories. It’s encouraging seeing what everyone else is going through!

 

[HeartCoffee]

Thanks for the terrific details! Steady weight loss is optimal. Have you noticed any loose skin issues?

 

[under-construction]

I've been taking Rybelsus for a year now. Remember to do some strength training because you will lose muscle mass.

 

[Metabolic_Mitch]

Thanks for the insight. My doctor prescribed this for my type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble affording the copay. The prices are around $300-$500 a month, which is out of reach for me. Any suggestions?

 

[Clover]

Some tips for newbies:

You can basically eat what you want, but don't go overboard. Stick to your healthy calorie limit (use a TDEE calculator online - recalculate every 10-15 lbs lost), at least 100g of protein every day, drink 80-100oz of water, get 25g of fiber, and move your body (walking and weights are the best for weight loss).

Try to get protein from actual food like chicken. Don't just rely on protein bars. Don't completely cut carbs, you need them. I'm using another GLP1 medication (tirzepatide) and I've lost about 70 lbs in 8 months. These meds are incredible!

 

[ByeByeBelly73]

Are you following a specific diet plan or calorie limit? Are you weightlifting?

 

[A_R_C_Journey]

That's awesome! 40 lbs is my goal, too.

 

[JerseyGirl_Health]

So, I'm on 0.5 and binge urges are still present (although less intense and I feel full more quickly). Did increasing to 1mg make the cravings even less frequent?

 

[Shot-Ready]

Thanks everyone!

 

[HeartCoffee]

Thanks! My starting stats are similar and I am starting Tuesday. Hope my trip goes as well. Big congratulations.

 

[under-construction]

I think I'm going to scream. I've never had a huge appetite to begin with. I was already eating carefully for my diabetes. I took my first dose last night. I've been stuck in the bathroom all day with the runs. I don’t know why the little chicken and water I have had are doing this. Do most of you just sail through this stuff?

 

[Metabolic_Mitch]

I've been on 1.7mg for over 3 months. Zero appetite reduction! I think I'm hungrier! I want chocolate constantly. I have had exactly zero of the benefits I read about. It's the same as not taking anything!

 

[Clover]

Are you on other medications?

 

[ByeByeBelly73]

Where do you get your GLP-1 from? I'm doing research and seeing so many negative comments about online ads. My doctor won't prescribe it.

 

[A_R_C_Journey]

Turning 60 next month, this is a reset. It’s been about 6 months, down about 20 pounds. The weight is coming off slowly and steadily. Better yet, my blood pressure is way down. I was on a high dose of one med, then had to add another. Now I have stopped the second med and my dose of the first med is half of what I was on. Yesterday it read 107/77. I've never seen one that low even with medications.

 

[Shot-Ready]

Thanks for the terrific details! Steady weight loss is optimal. Have you noticed any loose skin issues?

That's a great question! I'm seeing a tiny bit of looseness around my stomach, but it's not too bad. I'm hoping it will tighten back up over time.

 

[under-construction]

Where do you get your GLP-1 from? I'm doing research and seeing so many negative comments about online ads. My doctor won't prescribe it.

Be really careful buying online. There's a lot of fake stuff out there, so do your research on any vendor before you give them your money!

 

[A_R_C_Journey]

Hey all...

...Happy to answer questions or listen to your stories. It’s encouraging seeing what everyone else is going through!

It's great to hear your success story! I'm not losing as fast as some people, but the improvement in my blood pressure is a huge motivator. I'm hoping to lose another 20 pounds or so.

 

[Clover]

I'm losing about a pound a week. It's slow, but I'm still happy with it. I'm trying to make lifestyle changes that will last, not just lose weight quickly and then gain it all back.