Switching injection sites - worth it?

WichitaWanderer

WichitaWanderer

Well-known member
Hey everyone! It's been a minute since I've updated. Started on O in Feb '24. Had my gallbladder out in October, pretty sure it was from the med. That really slowed down my progress for a while.

I bumped up my dose from 1mg to 1.25mg around late January '25 and things are finally moving again. So far I'm down from 200lbs to 152lbs. It's been so slow though, and I even bounced back up a notch this week. Grrr.

I read some comments mentioning that changing where you inject can help, so I'm going to try my arm today instead of my stomach. Fingers crossed!

I'm hoping to reach my goal of 130lbs, but these last 20ish pounds seem impossible. Super annoying. I'm adding some before and (recent) after pics to show my progress so far.
 
Interesting! Injection location absolutely influences drug uptake. Consider these factors for optimal results:

Abdomen: Fastest absorption – ideal for pre-meal boluses of rapid-acting medications.
Upper Arm: Moderate absorption – suitable for both rapid and intermediate-acting drugs.
Thighs/Buttocks: Slowest absorption – typically used for long-acting medications.
Deltoid/Femoral: Prolonged uptake, extended duration, particularly relevant for regular insulin.

Exercise Alert: Avoid injecting into limbs prior to exercise as physical activity accelerates drug absorption and increases the risk of hypoglycemia.

Enhance glycemic control through:
* Site rotation within a given anatomical region.
* Avoiding areas of lipohypertrophy/scar tissue.
* Refraining from pre-exercise limb injections.

References:
* PubMed Studies
* Medical News Today
* Frontiers in Endocrinology
* ADA Clinical Diabetes
 
I just see a pattern of ups and downs. It's slow for a few weeks, then I lose weight again. Don't sweat it.

How do you know Ozempic was the reason for your gallbladder issues? There's a saying that women who are overweight and getting close to 40 often need to have their gallbladders taken out. I needed mine out in my early 30s. It's pretty common!
 
I've switched injection sites a few times, but it hasn't made much of a difference, honestly. I haven't used my arms much, so I might give that another shot. My weight loss has been pretty consistent, so I'm not worrying about it too much. You look great, by the way!
 
Changing sites won't do anything unless you weren't injecting correctly before (e.g., into muscle rather than subcutaneously).
 
I switched from my upper leg to my stomach, then my weight loss stalled for a few weeks. Then I switched back and I lost weight again. It's probably worth trying!
 
I was wondering what people thought about injection site effectiveness. Totally subjective and not based on science, but here's a poll:
 
I'm also stuck at 190lbs after starting at 245lbs. I'm curious to see if injecting somewhere other than the belly will help.
 
I've been on .5mg for months, and my weight loss has barely moved. I've lost almost 40lbs, but it's stopped I think I need to increase my dose? I've been on it for about 8 months.
 
I've also been stuck for months! 😭 I might also give this a try. Interesting idea. I've been on it for a year, and 1mg since January. Always inject on either side of my stomach. I've been stuck in the 160s for what feels like forever...
 
Hey, for those using injectable pens, what do you all do with your used needles? I'm just curious. A lot of people just toss them out. I know there are ways to dispose of them safely and legally. What do you actually do? Drop box? Mail-back kit? Or just… the trash?
 
Dax442 said:
Hey, for those using injectable pens, what do you all do with your used needles?
Click to expand...

In the USA, Novo Nordisk offers a complimentary sharps container with return shipping. Complete the form on their website:

https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/resources/safe-disposal.html

Alternatively, verify local regulations to determine if a properly labeled, sturdy container (e.g., laundry detergent jug) is acceptable for disposal. NEVER discard loose needles in household waste due to potential risks to waste handlers.
 
Okay, slightly embarrassing story time! I've been on this stuff for two months and thought I wasn't really feeling it. Turns out, I wasn't taking the second cap off the needle this whole time. 😂 I've wasted so much medication! Explains why I haven't had any side effects, lol.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top