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Posts by Joshua Garcia56

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Using Saxenda in Health ·
Here’s a quick update from my side! I started on Wegovy at the end of February, and I’ve been on the full 3 mg dose for about a month now. The results have been absolutely mind-blowing—I’m down 14 pounds! It actually caught me totally off guard since I haven't even been weighing myself outside of my doctor's appointments.

I’ve adjusted to it pretty well overall. Aside from some bouts of nausea and diarrhea for a few days whenever I bumped up the dosage, I don't really deal with any side effects anymore.

As for my routine, I’m not hitting the gym or doing anything intense because my schedule is just so packed, but I am being very mindful of what I eat. I stick to smaller meals and have cut out sweets and bread entirely.

To be honest, I feel like the effect of Wegovy is somewhat mild; I don't get that overwhelming feeling of being stuffed, so I still have to exercise a bit of self-control. Still, life is definitely better with it than without it!
The only real downside is the cost, which is honestly driving me crazy now that I'm on the full dose. I have to grab a new box every 18 days, and at $150 a pop, it adds up fast.
I would love to switch over to Ozempic just to save some money, but if that doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. At least I'm saving a fortune on groceries!
Good luck to everyone!
Using Saxenda in Health ·
Saxenda here! 🙂 It’s my fourth week, and I’m increasing my dose following the instructions. My plan is to work my way up to the maximum dose and then try tapering down from there.
I’m using 32g, 4mm needles—my doctor mentioned those are the best because they’re so thin and cause the least amount of pain.
I actually ended up with this instead of Ozempic, which has been impossible to find lately, but honestly, I kind of like it! I don't think I'll bother switching. I’ve read that Ozempic can sometimes cause tougher side effects since you only take it once a week, whereas with this, you're doing it daily, so maybe the body just adjusts more smoothly.

As for weight loss, I don't have an exact number yet—just something small but definitely noticeable. I’m trying not to get too obsessed with the scale. I haven't started exercising yet; I'm just focusing on eating smaller portions. I’m taking things very slowly because I feel like I’ve spent half my life sabotaging my own system and slowing down my metabolism with yo-yo dieting. I've finally realized that if I want a permanent change, I have to give it time. It's not just about the physical aspect; it's a mental game. Your head needs to catch up with your stomach and realize that this lifestyle shift is a permanent state, not just a temporary fix.

I'm planning to start a food diary soon, so I'm hoping to see even better results.

Also, I am so happy I found this group! Your experiences mean the world to me. I was actually feeling like I was losing my mind because I felt a much stronger effect on a lower dose, and I thought I was the only one who felt like a higher dose worked less effectively. 🙂
Fashion for curvy girls in Fashion ·
urbannomad14 said:Hey everyone. I could really use some advice here.
I’m hunting for a fancy dress for a Christmas party. Why am I asking you guys? Well, for years I was a solid size Medium—good build, bit of a larger bust, nothing crazy, but I could always pull off those tight midi dresses without a second thought. But then life happened. You know how it goes—office job, endless stress, sitting at a desk way too much—and suddenly I’ve jumped up to an XL and I am completely lost on what actually looks good on me. My chest is huge, and honestly, everything I try on feels way too vulgar or just "too much." I’ve got strong arms and legs, and my proportions are still pretty balanced overall, but I’ve gained weight so fast lately and I’m just totally struggling to find my footing with this new shape. 🙂 I’ve already overhauled my diet and started moving more, but obviously, it’s a long road ahead and the party is coming up fast. 🙂
Thanks a million...

Ever since I transitioned into plus-size fashion, I haven't leaned into dresses much. In my opinion, for a dress to truly look elegant, it needs to drape beautifully and strategically skim over the areas you want to highlight. Trying to guess the right cut and size online feels like playing the lottery, and I don't always have the energy to trek through malls all day just to find one thing. I also have a larger bust, but I’m shaped more like an "apple"—meaning I have slimmer arms and legs (though lately, I’ve been calling myself a "potato" shape!). Because of that, I discovered jumpsuits! They are so versatile; they drape nicely because of the pant leg, and you can dress them up with heels for a gala or keep them casual with flats or even sneakers.
Maybe something like this from ASOS or maybe H&M.
Fashion for curvy girls in Fashion ·
Chloe Roberts2 said:I’m on a desperate hunt for some decent, colorful trousers—and I don't mean sweats or leggings, just your standard, everyday pants. Does anyone have any leads on where I might actually find them? I’ve already wasted my time scouring the racks at Target, Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic, but nothing seems to hit the mark. I’m looking for a US size 14/16.

I'm not entirely sure what style you're aiming for, but maybe something like this:

image

this is C&A.
By the way, that specific style of patterned trousers has actually fallen out of fashion recently, so those fast-fashion retailers that focus heavily on current trends probably don't have them in stock right now.
Your best bet would be looking at more traditional department stores like C&A, Takko, or even Kohl's and Target.
Regarding your size, a 12/14 is still considered a standard size in most American stores rather than "plus size"—at least in the places I mentioned—so you can definitely expand your search to the regular clothing sections instead of just looking in plus-size departments.
Just like everything else these days, with society being so incredibly polarized, the whole debate over physical discipline has become the ultimate holy grail of modern parenting.
If you’re in favor, you’re labeled an abuser; if you’re against it, you’re seen as some crazy hippie who’s going to raise a little >.
But the truth is, every child is unique, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all rulebook that works for everyone.
My own child is what a psychologist would call "difficult to raise," even though he also called me a very caring mother—regardless of the occasional swat on the backside.

When we sit down to talk, I feel like I'm conversing with a tiny adult rather than a five-year-old; he understands just about everything. He even picks up on sarcasm, which I've been told is a sign of high intelligence! You can see it all within the first five minutes.

However, in the *next* five minutes, that same child is capable of sprinting into a busy street, dumping a full glass of juice on the cat, stuffing an entire roll of toilet paper into the toilet, or jamming coins into the car radio... all at Superman speeds.

Naturally, after trying to reason with him, you eventually just explode. It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that your kid can be Einstein one moment and then—well, since I lack a better description—Donald Trump the next. 🤔

First, I had to realize that my child isn't a clone of me. Just because I "would never" do something doesn't mean he won't.
Second, I had to learn the vital difference between authority and fear. My own mother used to hit me occasionally, but I absolutely adored her, loved her, and listened to her. I think I turned out pretty well because of it.
On the flip side, my father never laid a hand on me, but he was emotionally cold and, frankly, quite immature, which I interpreted as him hating me. To be honest, I harbored a deep resentment toward him well into my adult years.
I am teaching my son to respect me. So far, it's working; the outbursts are at a minimum, and he listens to me. Plus, he actually talks to me and tells me he loves me.
But yes, getting to this point required a lot of patience, endless conversations, and sometimes, having to firmly show him what really happens when I say: "this is the last time you do that."
Fashion for curvy girls in Fashion ·
Brandon Wells712 said:I need some help—does anyone know where I can find an extra-long pareo? I’m looking for one that goes all the way down to my ankles, and since I’m a size 14 or 16, I need something with actual coverage... ideally for a beach trip.
I couldn't find anything at Gap...
And does H&M still not carry larger sizes in our stores? I'm asking specifically about pants... I’d probably just order them online, but sizing is always such a headache for me—though maybe elastic waists would make things easier...🤔
I'm not really the type to spend my weekends wandering around shopping malls.
Basically, where should I be looking for size 16 pants?🕺

Beachside stands? Honestly, I’ve already picked up at least four or five pairs from them—and they were absolute steals!

Brandon Wells712 said:I need some help—does anyone know where I can find an extra-long pareo? I’m looking for one that goes all the way down to my ankles, and since I’m a size 14 or 16, I need something with actual coverage... ideally for a beach trip.
I couldn't find anything at Gap...
And does H&M still not carry larger sizes in our stores? I'm asking specifically about pants... I’d probably just order them online, but sizing is always such a headache for me—though maybe elastic waists would make things easier...🤔
I'm not really the type to spend my weekends wandering around shopping malls.
Basically, where should I be looking for size 16 pants?🕺

You can find H&M's plus-size selection over at Westgate, though since I’ve never actually stepped foot in that location, I can't tell you exactly what their current stock looks like. Their online shop, however, has a massive variety to choose from! My best advice? Take your measurements first—if you're looking at something with an elastic waistband, you might want to grab a smaller size for the best fit.
I've got to say, when it comes to finding great options in larger sizes, I always find myself gravitating toward C&A. My absolute favorite spot for that is definitely their City Center location!

Jonathan Perez88 said:Bikinis? Is the material actually decent? I'm looking for a two-piece—nothing fancy with a high waist, just a standard cut. 😬 I need to try them on first; ordering online is out of the question. I’m a size 12 or 14 🤔.

Someone mentioned Kik in the bikini thread—anyone actually used them? None of their locations are convenient, so I don't want to make a wasted trip. I picked one up at a Target clearance sale last year; the fit was great, but let me tell you, that fabric takes forever to dry.

I’ve started picking up my holiday outfits from Kwik Trip lately. They aren't exactly high-end designer pieces, but honestly? They're super affordable and hold up just fine for a season or two!

coppertinker13 said:Hey ladies!
I really wanted to give a shout-out to our fellow member ironsurfer10.
So, I was basically bugging my cousin about how much I missed ordering from BonPrix, and she ended up posting an ad looking for someone to help out with shipping from the BonPrix US and Canadian sites. That’s when ironsurfer10 reached out.
We worked out a deal for an order from their main site. Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say—communication was super clear, easy, and fast, and you can totally negotiate the service fee.
The package should be here in maybe two weeks, which is pretty much how long it took me when I used to order through the local outlets. I’ll probably check back in once I actually grab the box, but so far, so good! 👍

On another note, I’ve been thinking about picking up some stuff from Takko. But man, the deals on their premium line in-store are just a joke. The last couple of times I popped in, I found this tiny corner with half-empty shelves and just a bunch of empty hangers hanging underneath, even though their website claims they’re fully stocked. It's such a lie! I already told myself I wasn't stepping foot in that Takko ever again, and then, well, I went right back. 😵

I am officially switching to online shopping for everything!

Honestly, I’ve been feeling pretty disappointed with Takko lately. Even though the locations around the greater Chicago area are still decent and there's plenty to choose from, it seems like the stores right in the city center just can't compete with all the other options anymore.
Fashion for curvy girls in Fashion ·
hollowmarlin49 said:They look cute, definitely a solid summer duo. Asking about sizes because if anyone has them... I'm a size 52, should I go for a 3XL? Getting to the mall in the suburbs is such a trek since I don't drive, even though I'd love to just go try them on in person...

Oh, definitely skip the 3XL; you’ll practically be swimming in it!
Personally, I think it just comes down to what you prefer. I'm not much heavier than you, but an XL with some stretch is plenty for me to feel comfortable without feeling like I'm wearing a giant sheet.
Just for comparison, their jeans fit me perfectly true to size.
If you check the measurements on their online shop and compare them to yours, it should be much clearer which way to go. 🙂

It's quite different from somewhere like ASOS. Usually, I'll measure myself up and then order a size larger there, mostly because their stuff feels higher quality, which also means it isn't quite as stretchy.🕺
Fashion for curvy girls in Fashion ·
hollowmarlin49 said:Looking for some black mako incense. Used to be able to find it at places like C&A or Takku, but now? Nowhere to be found. It’s my absolute favorite for summer vibes. If anyone spots some, let me know... Also, does anyone know where to grab long-staple cotton (like mako or viscose dresses)? Thanks, ladies.

Count me in on the flare-legging obsession! 😁
I always used to pick mine up at H&M. They actually still carry them, at least on their website! They aren't super tight around the ankles, which is honestly how I prefer them anyway.
I'm not exactly an expert at posting links, but here is one just in case: http://www2.hm.com/en_eur/productpage.0399667005.html
By the way, their standard XL runs huge when it comes to these stretchy items, so don't stress too much about the sizing. Even if you don't want to deal with online ordering, you can definitely grab some in-store.
That goes for their dresses and tunics, too!
Genius Mind in Psychology ·
Sam Cooper2 said:Hey everyone, I've been lurking and reading through a few threads on this subforum, so I figured it was finally time to chime in myself 🙂

To give you a bit of a rundown, I'm 21, working, high school diploma...

Throughout my entire life, I’ve always had people telling me how smart I am, yet how I’ll never actually do anything with it; I can still vividly picture my old teacher from the physics department back in middle school saying, "...it's such a shame about that brain of yours, because if you just applied yourself even a little bit, you'd be a PhD by now." I guess the whole PhD thing was just a metaphor, but I'll never forget her... she was always telling me, just a little more effort, just study a tiny bit harder, and back then I honestly thought my parents had bribed her just to make sure I got into a decent high school 😵, but it turned out to be the exact same story in high school, where a teacher from the American language department used the same lines, trying to "steer" me toward the right path; I remember one class specifically when I was texting on my phone while calling out answers, and she just snapped, stood up and started yelling at the entire class, telling me to wait for her after the bell—she was screaming at everyone because they were all sitting there clueless while I was just distracted by my phone, even though I knew the answers...

After class, she gave me another lecture about my potential and how much of an idiot I'd be if I just settled for a high school diploma, which, honestly, hasn't changed one bit to this day
.

To recap things a little, throughout my whole education, I never really felt a connection to books—it always felt like such a chore—but I never once worried about my future, because deep down I know something big is waiting for me; I don't know what that "something" is yet, but I know it's coming...

I've always had this internal conviction that I'm the type of person who will change the world; I have no idea how that'll happen, obviously, but I hope it leads to something better rather than something worse 😁

So now I'm wondering, is this just "youthful naivety," this constant hoping for something better, or
Have any of you ever struggled with these kinds of questions about yourselves, or did you all just move through life following a pre-set plan?

I have so many questions swirling around, but I can never quite find the right words to pin them down; I see myself as a significant individual, the kind that's becoming increasingly rare these days, and I say that without a shred of egoism, since my ego is actually quite small...

Best,

It seems like those little stories about how "special" you are have really taken root, haven't they? Based on the feedback you've received from a few people in your life, it’s pretty clear that your claim isn't holding much water!
You’re definitely a small person with a massive ego, but since you're still so young and immature, I honestly think there's still a real chance for you to turn things around.

It honestly feels like I personally know more people who have been labeled "special" or "exceptional" at some point in their lives than those who haven't. I'm talking about the ones who were constantly singled out and praised by their professors in high school or through college. It doesn't even matter what field they were in—whether it was athletics, the hard sciences, social studies, or linguistics—there always seems to be that group of people who were recognized as standout talents early on!
They’re nowhere to be found today. It seems they’ve become so accustomed to constant praise that they’ve completely lost their drive to actually perform. It’s such a shame to watch—all that raw talent just goes to waste because of complacency, leaving people to settle into being nothing more than totally average, or even below-average, citizens of this planet.
It’s a sad reality, but that's just how things are.
Is this a normal reaction or what? in Psychology ·
Ignoring them is honestly the smartest move you can make... don't let yourself be fooled by them; once a jerk, always a jerk.