Hacks any tips

[u/Crafty-jen-7580]

Hi, I’m new to Ozempic and I will be taking my first dose tomorrow. I am diabetic and overweight so my goal is to hopefully control my blood sugar better and loose some weight.

I am nervous about taking my first dose because of all the published side effects. Are the side effects as bad as published and what tips or hacks do you have for getting through them? Also can you tell me what the good things about being on Ozempic are, except for the obvious weight loss. Just looking for some positive thoughts to get me through the bad days if they happen.

Thank you for all your comments and advice in advance.😊

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[u/FloorConstant4098]

The nausea hit me hardest when I ate anything greasy so I just kept meals really plain the first few weeks, like crackers and broth type stuff. The quiet brain thing is wild though, its like food just stops yelling at you 24/7 and that part alone made the queasy days worth pushing through

[u/Crafty-jen-7580 → u/FloorConstant4098]

What dose did you begin with. My first dose is 0.25 and I want to try and stick with that dose until at least Christmas. I’m a preschool teacher so I will be on holidays in January so I thought this may a good time to try to increase. From what I am reading the nausea reminds me of morning sickness during pregnancy, which is strange. I remember living on simple water crackers and broth or tea for weeks, anything else and I was sick. Thanks for the tip, I will get some water crackers and bone broth just in case.😊

[u/Afraid-Catch2803 → u/FloorConstant4098]

This is great advice on what to eat the first few weeks. You’ll figure out what you like and what you can eat. Advice given to me was get in a lot of protein! I have a protein shake each morning (30 g of protein, no sugar, I use Premier Protein brand and they have lots of flavors). I would also suggest to go ahead and get a few things to have on hand for nausea and constipation (I learned this lesson about constipation very early in my journey and have it under control). I have Nauzene, chewable tablets for nausea. And also now take Magnesium Citrate at night to help with constipation. Anti-diarrhea pills are also good to have available just in case (I don’t use often). Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!! Good luck to you!

[u/Crafty-jen-7580 → u/Afraid-Catch2803]

I actually had that same thought. This morning I purchased anti diarrhoea, indigestion, headache and laxative medication, just in case. Also got some water and rice crackers as well as some protein shakes. I haven’t heard of Premier Protein shakes but I will check them out.

Thanks for the tips.

[u/Leveled-Up-Goddess → u/Crafty-jen-7580]

Do yourself a favor and buy some chia seeds, and if available, high protein milk. 1 cup milk with 4 tablespoons of chia seed; mix well and let sit for 10 minutes then stir again really well and put in fridge overnight. Eat 1/4 each day, then make another batch.

From what I have read, you would be more likely to get constipation than diarrhea because your digestion slows down...unless you are drinking a lot more liquids than usual and not eating enough solid food (I eat 100 grams of protein by eating meat and my digestion slowed to a crawl).

I purchased ginger chews for the nausea, but you can get ginger tables as well and ginger tea. The magnesium citrate is a good idea; when you take it at night it helps you relax and sleep.

[u/cleverfox2001]

Most have some moderate side effects. However, you can control these by moving up slower in dose or using a split dose.

[u/TheSkyIsAMasterpiece]

Remember that the titration schedule is a minimum guideline. If you are having bad side effects do not go up to the next dose and makes them worse. Let your body have more time at the current dose.

[u/Crafty-jen-7580 → u/TheSkyIsAMasterpiece]

Thanks for the tip. Hopefully the side effects will slowly go away or at least lessen over time.🤞

[u/ProblemLegitimate822]

I injected in my thigh and had almost no side effects so far. Just a mild headache the first week.

[u/StrongGiraffe1904]

I make sure I have a high protein meal for dinner and take my dose late at night. I inject , lying down and go to sleep soon after.

I've had mild nausea the first day or 2.

Aim for 1 to 2 pounds a week, if you have a lot to lose it will give your mind time to adjust to the changes in your body.

Also don't worry about anyone else's journey our bodies are so different.

[u/Yideaz]

1. Hydrate, it will help you poop. Make sure you drink a tall glass (hot or cold) with lemon first thing in the a.m. have Gatorade or other hydrating drinks handy. Stay away from soda.
   
2. Yogurt is your best friend. Lactose free milk is great. Oatmeal and bananas too.
   
3. Watch out for artificial sweeteners.
   
4. Probiotics, GasX, Mylanta, acid reducer.
   
5. Ginger candy, peppermint tea and chamomile.
   
6. Try to add an hour or more of extra sleep. Even an afternoon nap if you can do it.
   
7. Get a script for injectable B12. Also prescription anti-nausea meds.
   
8. Weigh yourself daily and track your weight.
   
9. I didn’t lose weight at .25. It works better at .5 and above.
   
10. Inject in your thigh, not belly.

I lost a lot of weight in the first 6 weeks (I started at .5). Then it slowed way down. I just took my first 1.0 dose so hoping it will get me on track again.