How is it March already?? It is cool this morning but sunny and bright which helps with my mood and motivation!

Today marks the start of my second week on ozempic. So far it has gone well. I definitely noticed a significant drop in appetite and also my digestive system has slowed down ... as in "nothing" has moved in a week. :( I am doing well with fiber but my body is still adjusting. I havent had any of the unpleasant side effects. I havent had nausea or been ill. I do notice that I am a bit burpy but that is really it so far.

I have not lost any weight but I have to believe the meds are kicking in and working. I do still get hungry but usually only in the afternoon before my first meal of the day. I am tracking my calories and protein and they are both leaning a little lower than I'd like, I am looking at this past week as an "adjustment" phase ... transitional. I am eating less but I am not hungry. I suspect I will naturally add calories (and protein) in the coming week as I get into a routine.

I spent a little time going through my closet yesterday-- it is really time to do a deeper purge. I have done mini purges but even without ozempic, I am down 80lb and just since the fall I am down over 10. It is hard to let go of some of my favorite items but I am recognizing that they can't be favorites anymore if they dont fit or flatter my evolving shape anymore. I feeling good about passing them to someone else who will wear them well!

This coming week is going to be busy -- I am focused on getting a better protein balance in my diet but with easy meals. One of the things I have noticed is that I care less about what I am eating. I don't really need the variety I used to .. so that will help.

How are you doing? What are you focused on this week?

Funky, my GP suggests a dose of Miralax any day there is not activity, IYKWIM!

LOL Sue! Makes sense: snow vs sunshine -- but love that you are getting so much time outside!

Thanks, RN. I am taking benefiber each morning in addition to food sources for fiber. I am not great with water so focusing on that today! If my system continues to be so sluggish, I'll definitely give Miralax a try.

It’s pretty nice to start the day with coffee on the patio! I have also spent time in the hot tub almost every day. There is no way I’m spending the whole winter in New England ever again!

❤️ oh yes! A lovely way to start the day!

I am doing things differently next winter!

@Sueb20 beautiful. Is the pool heated? I was looking at VRBO for that area. I saw a number of places and reviews saying the pool was great in and they were reviewing a Winter month but the write up by owner didn’t mention heated pool just pool. I am leary if it isn’t mentioned. I miss our month away!!! 😳

Funky, you have great style, and someone is going to appreciate your no-longer-fits.

Sue, enjoy that beautiful weather, and all those extra steps in it!

I'm on cruise control. I've not lost any of the holiday lbs, but spring and warm weather are on their way. I'm continuing my good routine at the gym, and lifting heavier, so that's good. My diet is fine, but I do need to focus on losing these few extra lbs. Note to future self: don't even buy the eggnog in the first place!

The pool is NOT heated. So far it’s too cold for me but DH did a ”cold plunge” this morning.

@Sueb20 thank you that is what I assumed. I am definitely thinking about next February!

Have fun! c

Did Sueb just become a snowbird? ;-)

Most in SW FL don't have heated pools, but the smaller hot tub attached to the pool is heated. Some people have solar panels to warm up the pool a bit. It costs too much to keep a residential pool heated, whether you use electricity, NG or propane.

I do know one guy that has his pool heater tied to his propane tank and he said the 250 gallon tank barely lasts 3 days. He only does it when grand kids visit. That is like $600 for 3 days! You also have to cover the pool or you lose a lot of the heat overnight. Not worth the hassle, when we can swim 8 months of the year without needing any heat.

We've had pools at every home we have owned. We have always heated them, because it extends the season so much for an outdoor pool in the Northeast. Yes, it is costly. And then the costs of running an indoor pool year round are truly cray-cray, yes. So our kids' inheritance will just be that much smaller.

In two of our homes with pools, the pools were built by us, and we used a dark grey tinted plaster which does retain some heat and IMHO is prettier too (the shocking aqua of a white pool feels garish here).

We are still on vaca so I've not weighed myself. Lots of yummy ceviche, which feels so healthy, but then there are the (albeit virgin) PC's.I cannot say I've taken advantage of the sunshine to be particularly active other than quite excellent snorkeling from the sandy beach here in Bonaire right outside our villa door!

I am focused on getting a better protein balance in my diet. Saw this thread too. I am doctrinaire about getting protein and fiber in every meal/snack. IDK if it's in my head or not but I do not feel full if I don't get enough protein, and then I overeat.

However, isn't the whole point of the medication satiety? If it is already keeping you from feeling hungry, than maybe you don't have to be as focussed on consuming protein (also, ask your Dr. how much protein you really need.... there is lots of conflicting info.) However, it is very important to retain muscle mass; but you can do that (much better) with exercise. Start simple at home, with resistance bands.

random fyi: https://youtube.com/shorts/D_mP3UIB65I?si=y37FPPP_cLfL0q2t

I'm enjoying the Florida weather as well - I've been here about 10 days but leaving tomorrow. It has been very good for my activity level - some pickleball, walks, bike riding etc. It is much easier to go outside and move when it is nice. Eating has been ok, but we've eaten out a lot.

I too think you really get more bang for your muscles doing resistance and weight training. I know I eat enough protein, but I lost all my muscle gains when I stopped lifting weights. It is such a key for me - I look so much better, and I love feeling strong, but I still can't get back in the habit.

There are multiple reasons for a focus on protein while on a GLP-1 .. many of them are related to the fact that you are eating less and yet still want to maintain target amounts of protein. I already struggled with approaching protein targets and now that I am eating less I need to work harder to hit those targets.

My focus on protein is more related to managing my blood sugar levels than a fear of muscle loss or feeling full with less food. My A1C was in the diabetic range this fall-- higher after I'd had lost weight than when I was 80lb heavier. While I embrace the anticipated weight loss, I am most focused on reducing my A1C and blood sugar spikes before they cause damage to my heart and kidneys. Protein helps to better manage BS - and increasing protein earlier in the day helps decrease blood sugar spikes throughout the day.

Yes, protein along with fiber also help you to feel full with less volume... and as a couple of threads have noted, protein (along with exercise) helps prevent muscle loss.

I am aware but less concerned about muscle loss as I expect to be able to be more active as my vision improves. I love the suggestion to get started with resistance bands-- I have them but havent been using them. No reason why-- laziness and lack of a routine, I guess.

I am very concerned about the possibility of hair loss and poor nail health which some have reported when taking GLP-1s.

Some people report fatigue while on GLP-1s. I havent noticed any fatigue or lack of energy since starting-- but that can be linked to dehydration and/or reduced protein intake. I am not great with water either.. and so I am trying to do better here also.

I am still new to this -- but seem to be adjusting well to the drug. I have had very minimal side effects and none that are concerning. My goal right now is to work with the ozempic and continue to modify my diet to lower my A1C ... of course I am hoping/expect to make more weight loss progress. I'd be lying if I didnt acknowledge that-- but from my experience thus far, that will come with eating less. Last week (starter dose) I was consuming +/- 300 fewer calories a day. I havent cut anything specific from my diet but as I add protein, I expect the balance to shift.

My current focus may be a bit obsessive and is definitely somewhat irrationally driven by a fear of losing my hair but I think working to have a better balance of lean proteins, good fats and low glycemic carbs will benefit my effort to lower my A1c, lose weight and improve my overall health.

LOL sorry this was so long-- i should have better organized my thoughts!

I listened to this podcast this morning — some helpful info on protein, fiber, and fermented foods.

https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-367/

Great piece in the NYT today on weight loss and muscle loss.

Summary: "Keep Calm and Carry On."

Summary: "Keep Calm and Carry On."

LOL .. thanks, Mtn. 💕

J said the same to me last night. He is at his goal weight and his bloodwork is much improved and looking good after a year of ozempic + some work. His point was ... "you will always have a healthier diet than I do so this will come easier to you. I understand it is all new and you are focused right now but DO NOT stress it!"

Now, he doesnt have to worry about hair loss (that ship has sailed lol) and he is less concerned over appearance and saggy skin... but he is right, his diet isnt always optimal but even still, he has still made great progress (again--he's at his target) and he hasnt had any ill effects. In fact, the opposite .. his diabetes is very much under control and his kidney disease is slowed/stopped. If he can do it, I surely can ... and he has never counted a single calorie or a gram of protein!

Sorry if I have been annoying with my focus on protein specifically. With or without ozempic, I do need to improve my protein intake and I am trying to do so without powders and bars...but I won't continue to post on it every other day ;)

Thanks for the links, info and sanity checks all!

ETA .. I don't like referring to SO as "SO". It feels even more impersonal than DH (which he is not) ... so I will refer to him as J. Hope that doesnt create confusion.

Congratulations to J! And I’m glad you have him on your side. Sounds like a wonderful, supportive partner. I think you’ve made a great decision for yourself, and I’m excited to read about your continued progress.

F has been a gym rat all his life and is very strong, but has never tracked protein. He tells me frequently that I don’t need to worry so much about it.

LOL, Feathers... that is so the truth!

@Funkyart -great news on J. I have a friend on GLP and she is losing weight slowly - but she just FEELS better. It has helped with some foot issues and joint pain - even before she lost any weight. I wish you all the success. I met a woman on my trip who was also on them and working with a group that prescribed them. She has been doing weight training with that group, and although she hasn't lost many pounds on the scale - her body scans show she has lost fat and gained some muscle, so she is very happy with that result.

I am back from my trip and decided to weigh in this morning - up again. I am not trending well - I need to figure out a plan of action and get re-motivated. I have my annual exam next week with bloodwork. I'm sure there are some changes. I also have that huge bloodwork I purchased OOP that I need to do. Maybe seeing more health black and white results will get me motivated. I was doing better when I listened to a lot of health related podcasts. One point that clicked with me is that you need to change your lifestyle and think of yourself as a healthy person and live like that. You need to change your daily habits to that of the healthy person you want to become. I am slowly morphing back into the less healthy person I was before.

I do love fresh fruits and veggies and all of the good stuff - but I also love chips, and anything salty and crunchy. And those are so easy for me to overeat. I might have to just go cold turkey for awhile on those types of foods - I'm not good at moderating those. And maybe another stepbet to at least get me moving some more. The weather isn't great, but it's not ice, so I should be able to get out there.

<<you need to change your lifestyle and think of yourself as a healthy person and live like that >>

Yes! I think this is so true. For me it is as much changing my thinking as changing my lifestyle. I felt defeated for a long time.. and even now with my weight loss to date, I can still become very negative when I don't see regular progress. Getting healthier isnt just about weight loss! Surely, for me that is a part of it but there are a number of measures other than weight. I am in a good head space now but I need to remain focused and aware so I have fewer of those negative and self-loathing days.

Thank you, Legomom ... and I hope it works for you too! Youve had some setbacks with some old behaviors slipping in-- but you are aware and you know how to get back on track! Youve already made such great strides! The weather is still spotty here too but warmer temps are coming and we already have longer days. It is a good time to renew your resolve and continue your progress! ❤️

I committed to getting back to regular workouts and happy to report that I've worked out every morning so far this week (Mon, Tues, Wed). On Tuesday, I slept later than I intented (one of the great joys of retirement is not setting an alarm!). While in the bathroom, I told myself it's fine we'll skip today and get back on track tomorrow. When leaving the bathroom, I said inside my head -- F it, just do it. And I did. And I was so happy I did. I don't know why I so often have this fight with myself inside my head about this. I know that when I do it, I feel better all day. And when I don't do it, I'm just not happy with myself all day. So why is it such a battle? Ugh, I wish I was one of those people that loved it. Unfortunately, I never will be.

I will also be starting a weight program again today on my Tonal. The only thing I dislike more than aerobic exercise is weight lifting. But I will do it!

Happy news -- I bought a pair of jeans in December. They were slightly tight in the waist at the time but wearable and I knew I was going to lose more weight. Put them on today for my hair appointment and they are loose in the waist! LOOSE IN THE WAIST. They are still wearable. I'm actually kinda liking the baggy look. Did I mention they are now loose in the waist? ;-)

And I worked out every morning this week!

Feeling good about myself today and I knew you would all understand.

That's awesome, Jsk! So impressed that you continued with the workouts each morning-- and what a great reward to discover you jeans are loose in the waist!!

It is so motivating to get such positive returns for your workouts!

Thanks, funky. Yes, it's so motivating. The only down side is I want to buy all the clothes. And if you follow the what to wear thread, apparently that's exactly what I'm doing.

Hadn't weighed in a few days. Got on the scale today and it asked if it really was me because I had lost so much. It was me and it was the first time upright out of bed feeling like a human in several days. A bug has run thru DDs's house and I was lucky to get it. My DH is last man standing and he's watching over his shoulder waiting for it to hit him. Return to eating hopefully starting tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Hi, everyone, it has been a busy week. The week after next is spring break so it is crunch time for midterms. I had a great time at my conference last week.

I mentioned I had the titers for MMR and was low on mumps, so I got a booster. I also got updated blood work. FINALLY after all this time my A1c has dropped to 5.3! I have been consistently at 5.6-5.7 the last several blood draws.

I find resistance training boring but it is a must. I also did a BodPod this week and my percent body fat is not really changed, so that's a little frustrating. It is entirely possible any changes I have are very small and within the error of +/- 2-3%. I probably need to look at adding another day of resistance training. I am not looking for more weight loss and am otherwise happy where I am. It was sooooo incredibly nice out today and I got to WFH. I had a a few Teams meetings, so I did my workout on the deck though I may be sorry with the pollen ramping up already. But it is too nice to be indoors and I really did not have time to go to the Y.

Great work reducing your A1c, gscience! It is encouraging!

Hope you continue to feel better, Rn... it is a terrible way to lose weight!

Lol Jsk ... I get you. I lost only 7 lb since Christmas but it is enough to take me down a size in my jeans (I had been on the cusp of the lower size the last few months). Luckily, I had purchased a smaller size when they were on sale so I have 2 pair to wear for a bit. I am tempted to buy more but going to hold off for now.

Funky, ”only” 7 lbs since Christmas is great!

So maybe I shouldnt even admit this, but here’s my PSA for today. I haven’t slept great since, oh, about 2020. I have tried various things. Anyway, I decided to try a THC/CBD gummy. I have tried them before but not consistently. So I went to a local dispensary and they recommended this Bettys Edible taffy thing. Oh wait, I did mention this here already. It worked great, I was sleeping well and waking up feeling more rested and refreshed. Yay, let’s stock up! I had been taking them for several weeks and then started feeling ”off”, just kind of nauseous at first and even sort of foggy and forgetful. Also anxious; like, minor panic attacks. Then I started having these weird headaches that felt ”pokey”…not sure how else to describe it. I actually made a dr appt for when I get home later this month because I was starting to get concerned.

I kept thinking, what have I been doing differently? And realized it was maybe those gummies. I stopped, and within a day or two I was back to normal. And yep, I googled side effects and:

No more of that for me!

LOL I worded poorly -- I am happy to be down 7lb but I wouldnt have thought 7lb would drop me to a new size.

Glad you discovered what was "off", Sue ... and glad it was a quick fix. I am not a fan of gummies but no judgement! There are other related products I have found helpful.

Eons ago when I did Weight Watchers, they said a 10# loss was a size. I believe that to be true when people are size 16-18 and under. So there you go, Funky!!

@Sueb20 yeh i wondered if you were taking them every day. DH said be wouldn’t advise it. He uses it infrequently and it is the liquid concentrate. He said he had read all the above s/e when he first got it.

EDIT: it screws up REM sleep that’s why you have to use it intermittently.

I had a reaction after only 1 dose of 5 mg. That was my one and only try. DD stopped as well.

I am up usually 2x a night for an hour each time. bummer but I won’t take anything except 2 regular Tylenol. That almost always does the trick. 🙏