Using Saxenda

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Insulin resistance shows up in blood work—not just the standard stuff you get at a routine physical, but specific markers my insurance didn't cover this time around. I’ve had it diagnosed before, but doctors seem split on it; some see it as a legitimate issue, while others act like it's nothing. That’s why I want to visit the Mayo Clinic—I need to hear what actual specialists think about my situation.

I'm not exactly thrilled about needles, but if an expert tells me it's necessary given my diagnosis, I'll consider it. If they tell me it's no big deal, then I'll take their word for it. To be honest, a nutritionist told me recently that losing weight on my own would be an uphill battle because of these specific parameters. So... I'm still weighing my options since I haven't quite made up my mind yet.

How did you all find the motivation to finally pull the trigger?

Does anyone actually know how to calculate the HOMO index? I've been scouring the internet but I'm coming up empty... 😵

You can't just eyeball this—you need actual lab work, specifically insulin levels, glucose, and the rest of the panel.
Oh, because Google is such a reliable medical authority.

Ashley Walker56 said:How does one calculate the HOMO index? I can't seem to find any clear documentation online... 😵

The clinical utility of this calculator remains questionable at best. While the math might be sound, applying these specific hemodynamic parameters to real-world critical care often feels like an exercise in futility. It’s one thing to crunch numbers on a screen, but translating that data into actionable bedside decisions is a different matter entirely... especially when you consider how much physiological noise can skew the results. One wonders if we are actually improving outcomes or just adding more complexity to an already overwhelming workflow...

Here you go, if you managed to pull the glucose and insulin levels from those units. I'm not entirely sure if this one is accurate...
To me, that’s an endocrinologist's problem...

Look, Carrie, I’m not exactly uneducated here... I wasn't just pulling numbers out of thin air. I specifically asked about the formula because, obviously, you have to calculate it using my actual insulin and glucose levels. But hey, thanks for the lecture on how to use Google... really helpful.

thanks Bljuć 🙂

I'd probably join 🙂

Started on Ozempic today. Starting weight is 270 lbs. 🙄

Hey there, welcome 🙂

So, how'd you manage to track down some Wegovy? Is it actually showing up in pharmacies lately?

Hey everyone! Once Easter is wrapped up, I’m planning to head in and ask about that medication, so count me in! I’m starting a more moderate diet this Monday because, let's be honest, I am a total sucker for sweets.

My main question is about the actual injection—is it painful or awkward? I have a bit of a phobia when it comes to needles, so I'm wondering if I can handle doing it myself. Also, is it just once a week, or is it a daily thing?

Ashley Walker56 said:Hey, welcome 🙂

How'd you track down the Ozempic? Is it actually showing up at CVS Pharmacy yet?

Thanks 🙂

My endocrinologist recommended it and wrote the script, so I went in for an abdominal ultrasound. Didn't even know what it was back then.

I'm based in San Francisco. There's a CVS Pharmacy right by my office, and they happened to have just one single dose of Ozempic left, so I grabbed it on the spot.

Amy Kim25 said:Hey everyone. After Easter, I'm thinking about asking my doctor about that medication too, so count me in. Starting Monday, I'm trying to watch what I eat more closely because, honestly, I'm such a John Doe when it comes to sweets.

My question is about the injections—does it hurt? Is it awkward? I'm terrified of needles. Not sure if I can even handle doing it myself. Is it once a week or every single day?

The shots aren't as bad as I expected, really. I just didn't think I'd actually be able to do it to myself. It stings a little bit an hour or so after. Hopefully, it gets easier with time.

Are there any mandatory tests you need to pass first, or is this medication just handed out to anyone who asks?

No pill on earth is going to save you if you don't fix your lifestyle first. There’s nothing sweet about digging your own grave by snacking on junk every single day. So, make a choice: you want to live, or you want the sugar?

If I’ve got this right, it works by suppressing your appetite while you're actually taking it. Once you stop, does that hunger come rushing back?

Alexander Morgan33 said:If I'm following you correctly, it works by suppressing your appetite while you're actually taking it. So once you stop, does the hunger come rushing back?

Most likely, yeah. But by the time you're off it, you've hopefully overhauled your lifestyle and built up some solid, healthy habits—and honestly, that’s the real victory right there!

I also suspect it helps reset your hormonal balance. Most people struggling with obesity are dealing with messed-up metabolic hormones like insulin, ghrelin, leptin, and so on.

It’s really not as simple as everyone thinks.

That’s exactly how I looked at it too! While you're on it, you're basically training your body by eating clean and sticking to smaller meals, all in the hopes that once you stop, your system will be totally used to this new rhythm and portion sizes so you can just cruise along without needing Wegenda.

As for that whole "getting your hands on it" thing, it's definitely split, but honestly, it seems like it's mostly reserved for those who actually meet the criteria (at least that's my take). I don't think it's just handed out to anyone who asks. I highly doubt any doctor would just write you a prescription for Wegovy without running a bunch of tests first.

Megan Anderson5 said:That was my takeaway as well; while you're on it, you try to eat clean and stick to smaller portions, essentially hoping your body adapts to this new rhythm and volume so you can maintain it once the Saxenda is out of your system.

As for this whole "handful of pills" situation, opinions vary, but my impression is that it’s reserved for those deemed eligible—it isn't just handed out to anyone who asks. I highly doubt any doctor would prescribe Saxenda without running a full battery of tests first.

I'm not sure how things work in America, but I managed to get Saxenda through online pharmacies while I was living in the UK and Germany. You just fill out a questionnaire, tell the truth, and they mail the package right to your door.

The only reason I stopped was because I sourced some Ozempic through a different channel. Plus, at my maximum dose of Saxenda, the side effects were brutal. I spent several days around Christmas and New Year's basically glued to the bathroom; the stomach cramps were honestly horrific, so I called it quits.

It wasn't a lack of lifestyle changes, either; Ozempic is simply more effective.

Ashley Walker56 said:Hey, hi! Welcome to the group 🙂

So, how on earth did you track down the Ozempic? Was it actually showing up at the local CVS Pharmacy?

From what I heard, they’re expecting more stock around April 19th. And honestly, you really shouldn't be messing with this stuff unless a doctor tells you to—don't just go rogue with it.

Hey there, I just started on Victoza, and I’m currently on day eight of the treatment. So far, I haven't experienced any side effects at all, which is a relief, though I suppose I should be bracing myself. Fingers crossed that things stay this smooth

Since my usual Wegovy was out of stock, I switched over to Victoza for a bit until things stabilize... I spent the first week sticking to 0.6, but then I bumped it up to 1.2 for the last three days.

The side effects have definitely kicked in since I moved up to the 1.2 dose. My appetite is basically non-existent—I just don't feel like eating anything. My stomach feels constantly unsettled; I can barely finish half a normal meal. Once I actually do eat, there’s this heavy, bubbling, churning sensation in my gut, plus heartburn and nausea. A little baking soda helps for maybe an hour or two, but before that, I'm just dealing with pain, nausea, and feeling totally wiped out. Last night was weird too... had this strange shivering and nausea that didn't let up until I finally managed to get warm.
My main goal is just to drop about 20 pounds to hit my target weight and hopefully get my insulin resistance under control.

As for the injections themselves, it's fine. I ended up buying size 8 needles because the size 6 ones felt way too small for me. It doesn't really hurt or sting at all. I usually just do it right before bed, once a day. No issues there, except 😉 I haven't really been measuring much... during both of my pregnancies, I was on daily heparin for the full 40 weeks, which stings like crazy and leaves bruises everywhere, so I mostly just Googled how to handle the shots.

What kind of symptoms are you guys dealing with?☕

darkjackal70 said:Not sure how it works in America, but I used to order Saxenda through online pharmacies when I was living in the UK and Germany. Just filled out a questionnaire, told the truth, and had the package shipped straight to my door.

I only quit because I managed to get my hands on Ozempic through a different channel. Plus, being on the max dose of Saxenda gave me some brutal side effects. Seriously, around Christmas and New Year's, I spent days stuck in the bathroom. Just constant, horrible stomach cramps... so I called it quits.

Didn't stop changing my habits, obviously, but Ozempic just works better.

How much weight did you drop on Saxenda versus Ozempic? If you don't mind me asking.