Author’s Note :: When this article was originally written, the semaglutide compound was obtainable through Canadian pharmacies. According to news sources and my doctor who was able to get me the Ozempic compound from Canada, shipments from the country are now limited to preserve the drug for their country. I am now scrambling to find another option to continue my weight loss journey including looking for the compound made in the States, even if that means paying a heftier price tag.
Why won’t this pandemic weight come off?
I, like a lot of people, gained the “Covid-19.” Ever since I lost 105 pounds before having children back in 2015, I have been consistent with keeping my weight off. I had my oldest boy back in 2017, gained pregnancy weight, and then got it back off. I had my twins back in 2019, gained pregnancy weight, and then got that back off. Then, came Covid-19. During the pandemic, I did a lot of sitting around, drinking wine/beer, and eating. I gained weight a little from that. I went to New York in 2021, ate a lot of great food, and drank a lot of good drinks and the rest is history. I gained 20 pounds from 2021 to 2023.
Hello, TikTok trends!
I’m really skeptical about trends, but I kept researching the latest semaglutide weight-loss craze. I knew after studying about it, that I had to try it. I decided to give it a try with a local doctor. She is able to get it compounded from Canada for cheaper than in the States. I have been on the semaglutide compound Ozempic since March 6. This drug has it’s perks like the weight/inches that I have lost, so far, but the curse is the side effects.
Is it worth the side effects? For me, yes! This medicine has come with a price tag (literally and metaphorically), though.
*Please note I am not a medical expert, but these are my results and side effects thus far.
- Extreme nausea – Thank goodness for Zofran and Phenergan. I was given this by my doctor to combat my nausea. For me, the nausea is all day, but it mainly sets in around 2 pm in the afternoons. I call it my “evening nausea.” The nausea is no joke. No vomit, luckily, but the nausea is enough to make me cringe.
- All-day headaches – I’m not sure if this is from me being in a constant caloric deficit or not, but I combat a dull/mild headache all day long and every evening. Luckily, Ibuprofen and Tylenol are a godsend. If you are on semaglutides or considering them, electrolytes and water will help make sure you stay hydrated. Because I’m in a caloric deficit from having my appetite suppressed, I need to stay on top of my salt and water.
- Constipation or diarrhea – No in between … seriously! Most of the time, I am backed up. My doctor has me on stool softeners and a probiotic. The thing about semaglutides is, that is their job. A semaglutide is known to slow down the digestive track to make you feel fuller, longer. The bloating from constipation makes me feel “bleh,” but I’m losing inches and weight!
- Suppressed appetite – Because I am fuller for a long period of time, I have to force myself to get meals and snacks in. I stay on top of my protein and healthy fats because I do work out, but it’s a struggle. At times, I will eat a few bites of a meal and then push it away.
- Increased anxiety – I will disclose that I am diagnosed with anxiety and depression disorder, so I am on prescribed medication for that. I’m not sure if it’s because I am in that caloric deficit that I tend to feel jittery at times. However, I have noticed, at times, I have random panic attacks. I have a ‘toolbox’ for that so, when I feel a panic attack coming on, I know how to combat them.
- Fatigue – Coffee, please! Fatigue does not happen every day. I find I am most fatigued after a major weight lifting day. My muscles are tired, therefore, I am tired. The fatigue has been manageable for me.
My results, so far:
- My starting weight was 167 pounds on March 6.
- My current weight is now 154 pounds, as of April 14.
- My starting inches was:
- Waist: 39 1/2 inches
- Hip circumference (including glutes): 43 inches
- Right thigh: 23 1/2 inches
- Left thigh: 23 inches
- My current inches are:
- Waist: 39 inches
- Hip circumference (including glutes): 42 1/2 inches
- Right thigh: 23 1/4 inches (probably muscle gain)
- Left thigh: 23 1/2 inches (probably muscle gain, again. Been doing extra leg days)
If you are looking to start semaglutides, a compound semaglutide or tirzepatides, it’s important to do your research first. In my experience, I went around the same time each week to get injected with the medicine. Some clinics allow you to inject it yourself. Note, it can be pricey! Most clinics offer a better price than others for the compound, but I have found the first 4 weeks to be around $500. Every month after that can be around $300 – $400. Do your research, first!
***When this article was originally written, the semaglutide compound was obtainable through Canadian pharmacies. According to news sources and my doctor who was able to get me the Ozempic compound from Canada, shipments from the country are now limited to preserve the drug for their country. I am now scrambling to find another option to continue my weight loss journey including looking for the compound made in the States, even if that means paying a heftier price tag.
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