It’s officially been 9 months since I first started on Ozempic.
Prior to beginning the medication, I didn’t know much about it. I was aware there was a buzz in the media about some type of drug that people were taking to lose weight. Beyond that, I was fairly oblivious to the commercials about lowering your A1C with weekly injections, and so on.
Fast forward 9 months later and I not only know about Ozempic, I have first hand experience on how Ozempic has helped me become healthier and happier.
This post is my Week 36 update. If you would like to read about my journey from the beginning, please click here.
Side Effects:
This past week, I definitely was experiencing the typical side effects I’ve associated with taking Ozempic.
I had a few days where I was continuing to feel nauseous after the previous week. I never threw up, but there were times I was thinking I was going to. My stomach seemed bloated and just full of air. I went to work like normal, however there was one day where I was thinking about staying home and just crawling into bed.
Along with the excess gassiness, I was having bouts of diarrhea. I made sure that I didn’t stray too far from a restroom. As long as I was aware of my stomach issues, I was able to continue with my normal activities without changing anything.
Another side effect, of course, was the feeling of ‘fullness’ that seems to happen directly after beginning a meal.
My niece graduated high school this past weekend and the family went to a local pizza place after the ceremony to celebrate. I ordered a chicken ranch calzone, which came to the table looking amazing. We also had some garlic knots as an appetizer. I had some chicken noodle soup for lunch that day, but otherwise nothing else to eat. I was starving by the time Friday evening rolled around.
The calzone was cut into five sections. I was able to eat two of them before I put my fork down and declared that I was done – to the delight of my husband who had been eye-balling the rest of my meal. Needless to say, he’s not on Ozempic and has been enjoying the fact that I typically share my meals with him.
Sugar Levels:
I had a couple of times this past week where I was experiencing a headache and I felt ‘flushed.’ Both times, my sugar was in the mid 200s and I knew exactly what I had ate to make it rise.
Beyond that, my glucose level tends to be in the low to mid 100s area. It is rare for me to experience some of the side effects that I associate with high blood sugar such as extreme thirstiness, blurry vision, etc…
The Ozempic is supporting my efforts (sometimes minimal efforts) in controlling my glucose levels. I feel healthier and happier because of it.
Weight Loss:
I was pleasantly surprised to have another weight loss this past week. I lost 1.2 pounds.
There’s nothing outrageously crazy happening with my weight loss, however it’s beginning to add up. Overall, it feels as if I have a partner and/or safety net working alongside me as I continue on a journey for a healthier me.
- Week 1: -4.5 lbs
- Week 2: –1.5 lbs
- Week 3: -1 lb
- Week 4: -2.8 lbs
- Week 5: -1.6 lbs
- Week 6: +1 lb
- Week 7: +1 lb
- Week 8: +/- 0 lbs
- Week 9-11: – Didn’t Weigh In
- Week 12: -3 lbs
- Week 14: -3.4 lbs
- Week 15: -1.4 lbs
- Week 16: -2 lbs
- Week 17: +1 lb
- Week 18: -0.8 lb
- Week 19: -2 lb
- Week 20: -1.4 lbs
- Week 21: + 1.2 lbs
- Week 22: Didn’t Weigh In
- Week 23: -1.6 lbs
- Week 24: -1 lb
- Week 25: -1.2 lbs
- Week 26: +0.8 lbs
- Week 27: Didn’t Weigh In
- Week 28: +1.2 lbs
- Week 29: -1 lb
- Week 30: Didn’t Weigh In
- Week 31: -1.4
- Week 32: Didn’t Weigh In
- Week 33: +1 lb
- Week 34: +/- 0 lbs
- Week 35: – 0.8 lbs
- Week 36: -1.2 lbs
- Total Lost: -26.4 lbs
Giving Yourself the Weekly Ozempic Injection
I’m not sure if I’ve talked about the injection itself lately, but I wanted to take the time to do so.
I have given myself weekly injections for my psoriasis for many years. While I’m not fond of needles and shots, I’m also not a beginner with them. My psoriasis medication, however, has always been a weekly shot in the thigh. The recommended spot to give your weekly Ozempic injection is in the stomach and I was dreading that first dose of medication because of this.
I should not have been worried about it at all. The preparation of the shot is quick, with a turning of a knob and an attachment of the needle to the dispenser. You then press the needle into your stomach, a few inches from your belly button, and then click the button so that the medicine is dispensed. After a few seconds you are done.
I sometimes feel a small prick when I first stab my stomach with the pen, but that’s it. The medication itself does not burn while going in as it does for my psoriasis medicine.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier with how Ozempic has worked with me in lowering my A1C and helping me control my Type 2 Diabetes.
Goals for Today:
- Work Outside in the Flower Beds
- Organize the Porch Area
- Cook Something Healthy for Dinner Tonight