As promised, here's an update on my Ozempic journey.
I am not so much concerned about anything physical now, but I now have a new concern.
As with any new medication, it's natural to do the inevitable Google search about side effects. It may not be smart, but it's human nature.
By now, we’ve all heard a patient could experience nausea, bowel issues and indigestion. What I didn’t expect to have to concern myself with was becoming a big bore! As in dull as dish water. Ozzzempic, as it were. Heavy on the z's.
I was watching a program, hosted by Piers Morgan, recently, with a panel of doctors and patients discussing what has been described “as the magic bullet” for diabetes and also weight loss.
What Piers says came as a shock. He said, “all my friends are on Ozempic, or some form of it, and they’ve all turned into complete bores.”
At first, I laughed. Then I panicked.
What he meant was that his group of pals are now so obsessed with the drug that it's all they talk about.
My assumption is most of his friends are taking it for weight reduction and not as it was meant, which is for Type 2 diabetics.
I know I hated it when friends were on a diet and I wasn’t. Dining out lost all of its magic because we had to discuss how many calories were in each meal, how many points it would be on the Weight Watchers program and how they had to skip dessert. Zero on the fun scale.
I assume that’s what Piers meant. A group of new Ozempic users sitting around discussing dosages and side effects would be of little interest to most anyone else.
I can see how that could happen.
I do recall being at a group event, a few months ago, and every conversation got around to it somehow. If anyone shows up appearing a little lighter, the obvious question is: “Are you on Ozempic?” It seems to be an acceptable question.
I also promised to tell you is its working for me.
This is now Week 8, on the weekly shot, at very low dosage and I’ve lost 30 pounds.
It happened seemingly overnight and without one bit of a changed routine from me. I expect that is what happens at the start and then it tapers off.
What changed was I just wasn’t that hungry.
The other change was I didn’t think anything tasted that good anymore. That has come as a disappointment from a lifelong food lover. I fill up faster and food doesn’t seem as tasty.
I’m hoping my taste buds come back to life, in time.
Again, I can’t say if this is the case for anyone else on the weight-loss drugs.
When it is prescribed for diabetics, it is meant to be a life long proposition, so I anticipate ups and downs, as well as lots of plateaus.
The weekly injection is absolutely no big deal. The needle is so tiny, it's less painful than a finger prick.
If the semaglutide is prescribed by a doctor, it will be covered by OHIP.
That’s about the extent of what information I can offer from personal experience.
Now, my biggest fear is being a bit drip at parties.
Some may avoid social functions because dining out isn't as enjoyable.
Food remains a big part of our recreational gatherings, so changed eating habits could impact our activities.
I really don't want to be a dud.
I shall not break into the jingle: Oh-Oh-Oh-Ozempic.
I promise not to yell out my blood-sugar numbers in public, nor offer my opinion unless asked for it.
Any future weight loss will be celebrated in private.
I must and will talk about other topics.
Back to politics?
What can possible go wrong with that?
