Semaglutide Journey

A while back, I shared as part of my lupus journey how I've also gone through a journey with my weight and body image. My weight is something I have fought with my whole life, and lupus can also impact weight for many. I’ve gone UP, and DOWN, and usually back up again. I got to the point recently that I was just so over the constant battle. After a discussion with my PCP, I started on semaglutide along with metformin.

I want to take some time and talk about semaglutide itself. As well as my personal experience with it, just in case any of you have been curious what it’s all about. Of course, my experience will not be the same as anyone else’s.

Weight medications

Before we get into my experience let’s talk a bit about the medications. I’m sure that you have all heard about Wegovy, or Ozempic, or the generic for Ozempic, semaglutide. They are medications designed for people with diabetes. But they were also found to help people lose a considerable amount of weight. (Like most meds that end up being used for other conditions than originally designed for.) 

I do want to say that most insurance companies will NOT pay for these meds when used for weight loss. So it can be VERY expensive when paying out of pocket.

Discussing with my doctor

There has been some discussion and claims that those using these meds for weight are making it hard for diabetics to get their necessary meds. For me, this is not the case. I was prescribed by my primary care physician, who I’ve seen for over a decade. She prescribed semaglutide, to come from a compounding pharmacy. It will NOT come from the supply for diabetics.

There is also some controversy surrounding the compounding of these drugs. Why? Because they aren’t as closely regulated by the FDA. Has it worked for me? Yup! Have I seen relief? Yes! Then I’m okay with it (along with my doctor).

It’s a sub q shot, meaning it’s given into fatty tissue, like the inside of the thigh, inner arm, or belly, on a weekly basis. But how does it work? How does it help you lose weight? Basically these meds work by slowing down digestion and decreasing appetite. It’s the strangest thing. I just have no appetite at all. I know I need to eat but nothing sounds appealing.

Food noise

"Food noise" was a term I had never heard of until I started this med. Food noise is the constant thoughts of food many of us deal with. Thinking about what you want for your next meal. Or what sounds good for dinner. Or the intrusive food noise, that is the thoughts of NEEDING ice cream, or cookies at 9:00 PM. (Even though you know that’s the last thing you “need.”)

Being on semaglutide, that food noise is gone for me. I no longer sit and think about food. Which is big, because that was a big issue for me. I was always thinking about food.

Side effects and results

If you’ve heard anything, or know anything about these meds, the most talked about aspect seems to be side effects. I will say they are no joke. There is a LOT of nausea and diarrhea for most. So it is not all roses and happiness.

So how has it been for me? Overall it’s been mostly a positive experience. In the first month I was on the medication I lost 13.2lbs. Then the weight loss slowed down. I then lost a little over 32 lbs in about 3 months. But the next 3-4 weeks after that I really haven’t lost anything. Which was frustrating. However, I have been losing inches and have been able to drop a size in clothes.

For me, I have really struggled with the side effects. A LOT of nausea, and going back and forth between bad constipation to extreme diarrhea. Which I won’t lie, has made me question my choice to use the medication. It’s kind of become a pros and cons situation. 

Not a miracle drug

Overall, it’s been positive, because the side effects aren’t felt all day every day. That’s not to say it hasn’t been a real challenge. I do want to make this point clear. This medication is NOT a miracle drug. If you don’t change your mindset in regards to food and moving your body. You are not going to just drop the pounds.

If I don’t lose any more weight using the medication it will have still changed something in me. It’s gotten me to change my lifestyle, how I eat, what I eat, and moving my body. Talking to others on the meds has given me different ideas on how to move my body. Which has not been something I’ve enjoyed in the past. But now that I’ve been trying different types of exercise, I’ve really come to enjoy it!