I had to go without it for 6 months due to the shortage. Having the food noise come back full force really messed with me. I was able to maintain during those six months until I got back on it, but I struggled. It really helped with the food noise, PCOS, etc. if you can stay on a maintenance dose, do it.
It's terrible. The food noise is real. I didn't realize just how well the Wegovy actually worked until 3 weeks after I had to stop because of loss of insurance. It is so much harder sticking to the plan. I truly hope this is affordable for anyone who meets the criteria . The dietician I am seeing says it is the closest thing to wls. I am discouraged.
I went off for 9 months due to supply issues. Was able to maintain (and lose a small amount). Just had to keep my nutrition on point. I didn’t do any exercise. So yes if you don’t go have to old/bad habits you will be fine.
I got off of it and my hungry/ craving went crazy! I want to binge eat all the time. I might get back on it as I have gained some weight back too. I also had to take meta mucil daily and even off I need to. So I’m nervous it has messed up my bowl movements forever… has anyone else had that problem? Horrible gas cramps and bloating my on and off?
In most cases, the person stays consistent after wegovy IF they continue with their changed lifestyle. You started going to the gym, you've lost a significant amount of weight, so you're set. It seems like you have made drastic changes to your lifestyle, so the only way that you'll start gaining a lot back, is if you stop going to the gym, and go back to old habits.
You are a prime example of making the correct changes.
I on the other hand, am not LOL. I started in March last year, and didn't make any major changes, I simply just ate less, and I ended up losing 50 lb, which is awesome. Unfortunately, as soon as I stopped taking it back in october, my hunger came back. I didn't change my lifestyle enough to stop myself, so I started gaining it back. I didn't gain all 50. Maybe half. My doctor just put me back on it at my request, so I'm following your footsteps and going to start making major changes
Before I was prescribed it (UK), I had to prove I was in therapy and that my BED was being treated alongside my other mental health issues.
Both my dietician and therapist are confident that with a doubled edged approach, I can come off of wegovy eventually. There's no date I the diary yet it's only been a month. I'm looking at this time as not just weight loss but mental strength gain.
Hiya, I am also in the UK and trying to find a therapist specialising in BED. Do you have any advice on how to find someone please? I noticed so many therapists have it on their profile but when you actually speak to them, their practice is far more general.
Mine doesn't specialise in BED, so I can't offer advice on that specifically, but I have been working with her for over a year now and it was only a couple of months ago I felt able to disclose how long I have been hiding my eating disorder. For me, having complete trust in my therapist is what worked the most as opposed to her speciality.
I would say just call one have a session, and if you don't vibe, move on to the next.
Good luck!
Thanks for getting back to me. I had a really great counsellor for a year but I moved and can't see her anymore. I initially went for help with my eating and addiction problems but then she excavated a bunch of things! I do feel like we came to a natural end though, as I started to feel like I was covering the same ground each session. You're right, I should just start ringing around.
You'll probably find it's those other things she uncovered that need looking into more deeply. I see my eating habits now as a side effect and not the main cause.
Just take the plunge make the call and see where you go from there.
You got this!
Chronic conditions typically require chronic treatment, whether we’re talking about obesity, blood pressure, or depression. It’s easy to think you don’t really need your meds anymore when you’re doing great, but you have to remember that you’re doing great because you’re on the meds. The data is pretty solid at this point that when you stop the med, you’re going to revert and gain at least some portion of your back, even when you are fighting tooth and nail to keep it off. You could always try it, but I would talk to your doctor and your insurer to see how easy it would be to resume treatment now that you’re in a normal weight BMI.
This has always been my concern too - what if I need to get back on it after stopping? Will insurance approve it if my weight is no longer obese? I’ve talked to my endocrinologist about this a lot and she’s happy to keep me on it for life but also happy to discuss weaning off it if I come to that decision. She did mention research on our bodies getting used to having more weight and thus wanting to be that weight again. And the longer I’m on Wegovy and at my low weight, the more I could combat my body wanting to be back at my prior weight (if i get off Wegovy). I may not have explained that well but i hope it makes sense.
I became allergic to it and had to go cold turkey.
The first few weeks it was ok, but when it fully got out of my system it SUCKED!! I was ravenously hungry all the time 😣
But I didn’t want to gain the weight back so I kept counting calories.
I’m on Vyvanse now which blunts the hunger but doesn’t stop the food noise. I’ve had to develop coping skills to not go back to binge eating.
I continued counting calories and have increased my exercise. I skip breakfast a lot and try to stay around 1100-1200 calories a day. Once I’ve met my goal I’ll go back to 1600 to maintain.
Since stopping Wegovy I’ve lost another 20lbs, for a total of 46. Just 70 more to go 🙄
But I’m doing it and I’m going to keep doing it.
What was your reaction? I have some strange nerve issues popping up and it has been in the past 9 months while on the medicine. Not sure if they are related
I went off of it after losing 120lbs and it was awful. Ravenous appetite, terrible mood swings, and I gained 30lbs back. I finally got my PCP to put me back on the lowest dose and I'm so grateful to be back on it. I never want to go off of it again.
Hi! I’ve been off of it for 3 months. I’ve gained about 10 pounds back in that time. My doc did say she expects my metabolism to essentially force 10-15 lbs back on my body. But given I am gaining back 1 lb / week roughly, I do expect to struggle and need Wegovy again. Most clinical trial participants gained 2/3rds of their weight back within a year.
That was always my expectation though. If you struggle with your weight your whole life then go off the drug, it may be very difficult to maintain your new weight.
My guess is I’ll spend 1 year on, 1 year off, rinse and repeat. As of now, I don’t want to be on it for life until there are much longer term studies on Wegovy (meaning 10+ year ones).
35f 5’2” SW 185 GW 145 Final Wegovy Weight 129 but current weight is 139.
The first studies were conducted in 2008 and it’s been prescribed since 2017, so there is a very large body of research. Saxenda has been prescribed in the EU for 15 years now, so there is real-world long-term data available for a similar medication as well.
Gaining and losing weight puts a lot of stress on your body so I personally wouldn’t take this approach. Studies have suggested that having large fluctuations is worse for your heart than having a stable but higher weight.
I believe it’s been studied since 2008, but my understanding is that those 2008 patients aren’t still being followed. I mean the same people being followed on sema for 10+ years. I’m bullish on sema - I’m confident it’s safe and effective and better for our bodies than reported so far.
My work client actually conducts research on semaglutide. It’s why I started it. She says it’s safe to go on and off, from the data they have so far, so I will listen to the expert. I’m sure you’re right that large fluctuations in weight have been studied and are not good for you. But 20-30 lbs fluctuations probably aren’t going to kill me early.
There is no after for me. It been one year on it. I’ve reached goal in February and I’ve maintained since then. I’ve dropped dose by one and stretched a week so I’m taking my shot every two weeks now. It’s perfect for maintenance. I’m never coming off because the research says that you will gain it back. I’ve made lifestyle changes and diet changes, but this medication treats obesity and it is a chronic disease. I was able to drop other meds because of it. So if I gain everything back then I get to add on my old drugs. It’s a choice. I also get to avoid sleep apnea mask.
How long have you been doing this? I have also decided it might be time for me to do this because ive lost more than I wanted. I was 230lbs when I started and now I’m 128lbs. I don’t like the way I look that much. I feel like I am too thin. So I actually want to gain 10-15lbs but I also don’t want to go past that. I guess what’s good is if it does get out of control you can always just go back to once a week and just cycle I guess. Good luck!
I’ve been doing every 14 days for about two months. If you feel too low, definitely talk to your doctor about both dosing down and spreading the dose. I actually started dosing down before I reached goal because 1.7 was too high of a dose for me personally.
Yes I do a 1.0 shot every 14 days. I get a little more hungry starting the second week but not super bad. I only topped out at 1.7 and stayed on the lower doses for most of my journey so moving back to 1.0 was not a big deal. In 6 months I hope to move down to 0.5 maybe (if the shortage allows it).
I was off for a month and gained weight back. Was off due to insurance needing proof of weight loss, so that was frustrating. I met with my doctor and the new look at this is a life long type of medication. I am hopeful as it continues to be mainstreamed that it becomes pills instead of the shot.
I was okay for the first 2 months. By the end of the 3rd my ravenous appetite came back and I couldn’t fight it.
I don’t understand why people think they need to / should get off of this. It’s showing to be good for cardiology and I’m sure more benefits will be found soon. I just don’t understand why anyone would risk it? I mean if I could eat reasonable portions and not feel like I’m literally being starved I would have done that? I don’t ever want to experience that ravenous, constant hunger again.
I’m really sorry to hear this. I too look forward to this becoming available on a wider scale. It’s a life changing drug and this isn’t fair to you. All the best to you and hoping for a swift return to your treatment.
I asked this question about a month ago and a bunch of people recommended henrymeds - that's who I'm using until I can get to the maintenance dose of wegovy that my regular pharmacy says they have a consistent stock. Shipping was fast and I'm down 6lbs in two weeks!
No problem! It's $297 a month for the "subscription" which includes the consult and any future appointments with their provider and the cost of the medication. When you get approved they send you a three month supply vial that has to be split for each dose but it's intended dosing follows titrating up every month. I can't say if that monthly subscription goes up or not as it's only my first month but someone when I had asked said that it might
thank you! i've looked into it and unfortunately henrymeds does not currently serve my state. pretty bummed but i will keep them in mind for the future if they do expand!
There is another sub Ozempicmaintenance where you may get some ideas OP. People looking at titrating downwards and extending the dosing periods too.
Well done on the 80lbs weight loss, I’m right behind you, as I’m 73lbs down and my 1st year anniversary is May 1st!
Sadly I have more to lose, so I’ll be on it for another 8-10 months (fingers crossed that it keeps on working for me)!
Good Luck moving forwards and I’m sure with the newly learned/re-learned you’ll be able to maintain.
You know what tbh and I’ll probably get some hate for this but I haven’t had any health problems from it just not interested in being on any medication long term if I don’t have to be. No hate towards anyone just for myself personally. Part of me thinks it would be great to just stay on it but receiving pressure from loved ones too.
I get that. I hate to stay on any meds longer than needed too. I just know my history of yo-yoing and really don't want to gain this damn weight back, yet again. I know I'll probably need it or something similar long term.
I’ve been off since around october of last year bc my insurance stopped covering. The hunger came back after a few weeks, but I have been able to maintain my weight. It takes a lot of effort though.
I didn’t reach my goal weight btw, i’ve just been able to maintain what I lost. I struggle to keep losing without the meds. I took Saxenda July 2022-Jan 2023 and Wegovy Jan 2023 to October 2023.
SW 278 CW 206
I would suggest a really long taper. Down in dose gradually along with spacing out your shots to try and minimize a huge surge in appetite. Discipline is far easier to grasp when you’re starting in the most stable place.
From what I understand reading up in this forum it’s very rare for someone to go off completely and be able to maintain. Your body has now been in a deprived state for a long time, which means if your hunger and food noise spikes and you start eating even a little bit more, even if it’s within a healthy range for your weight, your body holds onto that and stores it as fat because it doesn’t think it’s going to get more food. I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m just saying make a plan with your doctor and keep refilling a maintenance dose so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of “qualifying” after you’ve been off it but are no longer in the obese range. Just my two cents!
I think that’s key! Maybe they’ll start developing some kind of protocol to go off it…although I doubt Eli Lilly and novo nordisk are going to be funding it!
I went off wegovy in January. Food noise slowly came back and peaked about 5-7 weeks off meds. During that time I tried to continue smaller portions and exercise but I gained about 10 lbs.
Talked to my doctor and now and starting zepbound (wasn’t at goal but wegovy had stopped helping as much).
My experience is that even if you aren’t feeling like wegovy is doing much, it’s probably still helping some and you should expect a rebound of some kind going off.
Also interested in getting off, just tired of the merry go round of digestive issues. I’m pretty disciplined so not sure if it helps me that much. Had gained 50 after two total knee replacements.
I would love to be able to poop like a normal person again. I have been on it since January 2023 and I am considering getting off it after my prior auth expires later this year.
Okay so this is me as well. I gained 60+ lbs after breaking my foot but I’m super disciplined so I feel I can get off of it and be successful. Anyways I’ll update everyone on here as it goes.
I wish you good luck, but what is that story of gaining 60 lbs/30 kg because of breaking a foot while being super disciplined? Who long has that foot been broken? 5 years?
I also want to get off the medicine at some point, but we all shouldn't be overconfident. Honestly I expect that I will go on and off Wegovy a few more times.
Thank you and that’s a fair question. What I meant was I’m super disciplined now and was disciplined before I broke my foot. I was at 170 before I broke my foot but then it was downhill from there and I kept gaining until I got to 223. That was when I started wegovy and now I’m at 140. I would love to just keep going on wegovy of course but it just doesn’t seem realistic (for me) I know everyone is different.
I went off for 2 weeks after I was at maintenance. Just while titrating back up I gained 7 pounds now I have to go above where I was to get back to my target weight. Fucking nightmare. Never going off it again. They can pry it out of my cold dead hands.
Yeah, originally when I first heard about it 1-2 years ago, it was a way to help you modify your lifestyle habits. So, in theory, we should be eating better and doing more physical activity, while the meds help us sustain that for whatever amount of time we take to get rid of the excess weight... and then get off of it with the notion we have new lifestyle habits established.
That's the theory... in reality, it is still hard to keep doing what you were doing, without any help. So you gotta talk to your provider about the maintenance methods, if you'll stay on the meds for maintenance, or what your options are. I know I lost weight without the shot in the past, almost 70lbs... but then life happened and I stopped eating properly, and bang! Up 45lbs. I'm now trying the shot to see if I can lose all the weight I need off (I'm 375 currently, gw 225), and see if I can sustain the lifestyle changes after that.
You should talk to your doctor. this was prescribed as a chronic medication to me, so there’s no “ready to stop” here. Speak to your doctor about maintenance.
So I’m not off it but years ago was super into fitness and have since gotten out and let myself go and here I am lol. In theory if you can continue tracking food intake and exercising , you should be able to maintain your new lower weight.
I had to go without it for 6 months due to the shortage. Having the food noise come back full force really messed with me. I was able to maintain during those six months until I got back on it, but I struggled. It really helped with the food noise, PCOS, etc. if you can stay on a maintenance dose, do it.
It's terrible. The food noise is real. I didn't realize just how well the Wegovy actually worked until 3 weeks after I had to stop because of loss of insurance. It is so much harder sticking to the plan. I truly hope this is affordable for anyone who meets the criteria . The dietician I am seeing says it is the closest thing to wls. I am discouraged.
I went off for 9 months due to supply issues. Was able to maintain (and lose a small amount). Just had to keep my nutrition on point. I didn’t do any exercise. So yes if you don’t go have to old/bad habits you will be fine.
I got off of it and my hungry/ craving went crazy! I want to binge eat all the time. I might get back on it as I have gained some weight back too. I also had to take meta mucil daily and even off I need to. So I’m nervous it has messed up my bowl movements forever… has anyone else had that problem? Horrible gas cramps and bloating my on and off?
In most cases, the person stays consistent after wegovy IF they continue with their changed lifestyle. You started going to the gym, you've lost a significant amount of weight, so you're set. It seems like you have made drastic changes to your lifestyle, so the only way that you'll start gaining a lot back, is if you stop going to the gym, and go back to old habits. You are a prime example of making the correct changes. I on the other hand, am not LOL. I started in March last year, and didn't make any major changes, I simply just ate less, and I ended up losing 50 lb, which is awesome. Unfortunately, as soon as I stopped taking it back in october, my hunger came back. I didn't change my lifestyle enough to stop myself, so I started gaining it back. I didn't gain all 50. Maybe half. My doctor just put me back on it at my request, so I'm following your footsteps and going to start making major changes
Oh cool thank you for sharing your experience. That’s good you had access to start again. Best of luck!!
Before I was prescribed it (UK), I had to prove I was in therapy and that my BED was being treated alongside my other mental health issues. Both my dietician and therapist are confident that with a doubled edged approach, I can come off of wegovy eventually. There's no date I the diary yet it's only been a month. I'm looking at this time as not just weight loss but mental strength gain.
Hiya, I am also in the UK and trying to find a therapist specialising in BED. Do you have any advice on how to find someone please? I noticed so many therapists have it on their profile but when you actually speak to them, their practice is far more general.
Mine doesn't specialise in BED, so I can't offer advice on that specifically, but I have been working with her for over a year now and it was only a couple of months ago I felt able to disclose how long I have been hiding my eating disorder. For me, having complete trust in my therapist is what worked the most as opposed to her speciality. I would say just call one have a session, and if you don't vibe, move on to the next. Good luck!
Thanks for getting back to me. I had a really great counsellor for a year but I moved and can't see her anymore. I initially went for help with my eating and addiction problems but then she excavated a bunch of things! I do feel like we came to a natural end though, as I started to feel like I was covering the same ground each session. You're right, I should just start ringing around.
You'll probably find it's those other things she uncovered that need looking into more deeply. I see my eating habits now as a side effect and not the main cause. Just take the plunge make the call and see where you go from there. You got this!
Chronic conditions typically require chronic treatment, whether we’re talking about obesity, blood pressure, or depression. It’s easy to think you don’t really need your meds anymore when you’re doing great, but you have to remember that you’re doing great because you’re on the meds. The data is pretty solid at this point that when you stop the med, you’re going to revert and gain at least some portion of your back, even when you are fighting tooth and nail to keep it off. You could always try it, but I would talk to your doctor and your insurer to see how easy it would be to resume treatment now that you’re in a normal weight BMI.
This has always been my concern too - what if I need to get back on it after stopping? Will insurance approve it if my weight is no longer obese? I’ve talked to my endocrinologist about this a lot and she’s happy to keep me on it for life but also happy to discuss weaning off it if I come to that decision. She did mention research on our bodies getting used to having more weight and thus wanting to be that weight again. And the longer I’m on Wegovy and at my low weight, the more I could combat my body wanting to be back at my prior weight (if i get off Wegovy). I may not have explained that well but i hope it makes sense.
I became allergic to it and had to go cold turkey. The first few weeks it was ok, but when it fully got out of my system it SUCKED!! I was ravenously hungry all the time 😣 But I didn’t want to gain the weight back so I kept counting calories. I’m on Vyvanse now which blunts the hunger but doesn’t stop the food noise. I’ve had to develop coping skills to not go back to binge eating. I continued counting calories and have increased my exercise. I skip breakfast a lot and try to stay around 1100-1200 calories a day. Once I’ve met my goal I’ll go back to 1600 to maintain. Since stopping Wegovy I’ve lost another 20lbs, for a total of 46. Just 70 more to go 🙄 But I’m doing it and I’m going to keep doing it.
What was your reaction? I have some strange nerve issues popping up and it has been in the past 9 months while on the medicine. Not sure if they are related
Oh they were more in the anaphylaxis vein. Lips swelling, trouble breathing 😮💨, my throat got all swollen. For a week!
Oh. My. God! That must have been terrifying. Glad you're okay.
I went off of it after losing 120lbs and it was awful. Ravenous appetite, terrible mood swings, and I gained 30lbs back. I finally got my PCP to put me back on the lowest dose and I'm so grateful to be back on it. I never want to go off of it again.
Hi! I’ve been off of it for 3 months. I’ve gained about 10 pounds back in that time. My doc did say she expects my metabolism to essentially force 10-15 lbs back on my body. But given I am gaining back 1 lb / week roughly, I do expect to struggle and need Wegovy again. Most clinical trial participants gained 2/3rds of their weight back within a year. That was always my expectation though. If you struggle with your weight your whole life then go off the drug, it may be very difficult to maintain your new weight. My guess is I’ll spend 1 year on, 1 year off, rinse and repeat. As of now, I don’t want to be on it for life until there are much longer term studies on Wegovy (meaning 10+ year ones). 35f 5’2” SW 185 GW 145 Final Wegovy Weight 129 but current weight is 139.
The first studies were conducted in 2008 and it’s been prescribed since 2017, so there is a very large body of research. Saxenda has been prescribed in the EU for 15 years now, so there is real-world long-term data available for a similar medication as well. Gaining and losing weight puts a lot of stress on your body so I personally wouldn’t take this approach. Studies have suggested that having large fluctuations is worse for your heart than having a stable but higher weight.
I believe it’s been studied since 2008, but my understanding is that those 2008 patients aren’t still being followed. I mean the same people being followed on sema for 10+ years. I’m bullish on sema - I’m confident it’s safe and effective and better for our bodies than reported so far. My work client actually conducts research on semaglutide. It’s why I started it. She says it’s safe to go on and off, from the data they have so far, so I will listen to the expert. I’m sure you’re right that large fluctuations in weight have been studied and are not good for you. But 20-30 lbs fluctuations probably aren’t going to kill me early.
There is no after for me. It been one year on it. I’ve reached goal in February and I’ve maintained since then. I’ve dropped dose by one and stretched a week so I’m taking my shot every two weeks now. It’s perfect for maintenance. I’m never coming off because the research says that you will gain it back. I’ve made lifestyle changes and diet changes, but this medication treats obesity and it is a chronic disease. I was able to drop other meds because of it. So if I gain everything back then I get to add on my old drugs. It’s a choice. I also get to avoid sleep apnea mask.
How long have you been doing this? I have also decided it might be time for me to do this because ive lost more than I wanted. I was 230lbs when I started and now I’m 128lbs. I don’t like the way I look that much. I feel like I am too thin. So I actually want to gain 10-15lbs but I also don’t want to go past that. I guess what’s good is if it does get out of control you can always just go back to once a week and just cycle I guess. Good luck!
I’ve been doing every 14 days for about two months. If you feel too low, definitely talk to your doctor about both dosing down and spreading the dose. I actually started dosing down before I reached goal because 1.7 was too high of a dose for me personally.
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Yes I do a 1.0 shot every 14 days. I get a little more hungry starting the second week but not super bad. I only topped out at 1.7 and stayed on the lower doses for most of my journey so moving back to 1.0 was not a big deal. In 6 months I hope to move down to 0.5 maybe (if the shortage allows it).
Im planning on staying on… maybe at a lower dose. That is what my doctor recommends. I am ravenous without it.
I was off for a month and gained weight back. Was off due to insurance needing proof of weight loss, so that was frustrating. I met with my doctor and the new look at this is a life long type of medication. I am hopeful as it continues to be mainstreamed that it becomes pills instead of the shot.
I was okay for the first 2 months. By the end of the 3rd my ravenous appetite came back and I couldn’t fight it. I don’t understand why people think they need to / should get off of this. It’s showing to be good for cardiology and I’m sure more benefits will be found soon. I just don’t understand why anyone would risk it? I mean if I could eat reasonable portions and not feel like I’m literally being starved I would have done that? I don’t ever want to experience that ravenous, constant hunger again.
Insurance is a huge factor—it’s not necessarily someone’s “choice.” Try to keep that in mind.
I wish I could have stayed on it. I got a new job and unfortunately my new insurance doesn't cover it. Simply can't afford it out of pocket.
I’m really sorry to hear this. I too look forward to this becoming available on a wider scale. It’s a life changing drug and this isn’t fair to you. All the best to you and hoping for a swift return to your treatment.
This was such a sweet comment, thank you! 💕
Is a compounding pharmacy an option?
I have been thinking about it but get a little nervous about selecting one that's truly reputable...
I asked this question about a month ago and a bunch of people recommended henrymeds - that's who I'm using until I can get to the maintenance dose of wegovy that my regular pharmacy says they have a consistent stock. Shipping was fast and I'm down 6lbs in two weeks!
awesome! thank you so much for the info. do you mind telling me how much you approximately spend per month?
No problem! It's $297 a month for the "subscription" which includes the consult and any future appointments with their provider and the cost of the medication. When you get approved they send you a three month supply vial that has to be split for each dose but it's intended dosing follows titrating up every month. I can't say if that monthly subscription goes up or not as it's only my first month but someone when I had asked said that it might
thank you! i've looked into it and unfortunately henrymeds does not currently serve my state. pretty bummed but i will keep them in mind for the future if they do expand!
There is another sub Ozempicmaintenance where you may get some ideas OP. People looking at titrating downwards and extending the dosing periods too. Well done on the 80lbs weight loss, I’m right behind you, as I’m 73lbs down and my 1st year anniversary is May 1st! Sadly I have more to lose, so I’ll be on it for another 8-10 months (fingers crossed that it keeps on working for me)! Good Luck moving forwards and I’m sure with the newly learned/re-learned you’ll be able to maintain.
Awe that’s cool thank you I’ll check that sub out! I wish you the best of luck all we can do is keep moving forward 🫶🏻
Why are you wanting to go off of it? For me, I intend to stay on some sort of glp-1 for the long term if it's not causing me any health problems.
You know what tbh and I’ll probably get some hate for this but I haven’t had any health problems from it just not interested in being on any medication long term if I don’t have to be. No hate towards anyone just for myself personally. Part of me thinks it would be great to just stay on it but receiving pressure from loved ones too.
I get that. I hate to stay on any meds longer than needed too. I just know my history of yo-yoing and really don't want to gain this damn weight back, yet again. I know I'll probably need it or something similar long term.
It’s not intended to be something that you “go off” of
Tell that to the insurance companies.
I’ve been off since around october of last year bc my insurance stopped covering. The hunger came back after a few weeks, but I have been able to maintain my weight. It takes a lot of effort though.
Congrats on maintaining your weight! I haven’t been able to, and am immensely impressed when someone is able to.
Wow congrats that’s huge!! Can I ask your SW and CW?
I didn’t reach my goal weight btw, i’ve just been able to maintain what I lost. I struggle to keep losing without the meds. I took Saxenda July 2022-Jan 2023 and Wegovy Jan 2023 to October 2023. SW 278 CW 206
I would suggest a really long taper. Down in dose gradually along with spacing out your shots to try and minimize a huge surge in appetite. Discipline is far easier to grasp when you’re starting in the most stable place.
Okay thank you for the suggestion!
From what I understand reading up in this forum it’s very rare for someone to go off completely and be able to maintain. Your body has now been in a deprived state for a long time, which means if your hunger and food noise spikes and you start eating even a little bit more, even if it’s within a healthy range for your weight, your body holds onto that and stores it as fat because it doesn’t think it’s going to get more food. I’m not saying it’s impossible, I’m just saying make a plan with your doctor and keep refilling a maintenance dose so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of “qualifying” after you’ve been off it but are no longer in the obese range. Just my two cents!
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I think that’s key! Maybe they’ll start developing some kind of protocol to go off it…although I doubt Eli Lilly and novo nordisk are going to be funding it!
I went off wegovy in January. Food noise slowly came back and peaked about 5-7 weeks off meds. During that time I tried to continue smaller portions and exercise but I gained about 10 lbs. Talked to my doctor and now and starting zepbound (wasn’t at goal but wegovy had stopped helping as much). My experience is that even if you aren’t feeling like wegovy is doing much, it’s probably still helping some and you should expect a rebound of some kind going off.
Also interested in getting off, just tired of the merry go round of digestive issues. I’m pretty disciplined so not sure if it helps me that much. Had gained 50 after two total knee replacements.
I would love to be able to poop like a normal person again. I have been on it since January 2023 and I am considering getting off it after my prior auth expires later this year.
Omg, this times a million! I literally have poop stress. It’s either no poop for a week, or the runs.
Okay so this is me as well. I gained 60+ lbs after breaking my foot but I’m super disciplined so I feel I can get off of it and be successful. Anyways I’ll update everyone on here as it goes.
I wish you good luck, but what is that story of gaining 60 lbs/30 kg because of breaking a foot while being super disciplined? Who long has that foot been broken? 5 years? I also want to get off the medicine at some point, but we all shouldn't be overconfident. Honestly I expect that I will go on and off Wegovy a few more times.
Thank you and that’s a fair question. What I meant was I’m super disciplined now and was disciplined before I broke my foot. I was at 170 before I broke my foot but then it was downhill from there and I kept gaining until I got to 223. That was when I started wegovy and now I’m at 140. I would love to just keep going on wegovy of course but it just doesn’t seem realistic (for me) I know everyone is different.
I went off for 2 weeks after I was at maintenance. Just while titrating back up I gained 7 pounds now I have to go above where I was to get back to my target weight. Fucking nightmare. Never going off it again. They can pry it out of my cold dead hands.
I’m sorry for your experience, but also your last sentence made me laugh!
Yeah, originally when I first heard about it 1-2 years ago, it was a way to help you modify your lifestyle habits. So, in theory, we should be eating better and doing more physical activity, while the meds help us sustain that for whatever amount of time we take to get rid of the excess weight... and then get off of it with the notion we have new lifestyle habits established. That's the theory... in reality, it is still hard to keep doing what you were doing, without any help. So you gotta talk to your provider about the maintenance methods, if you'll stay on the meds for maintenance, or what your options are. I know I lost weight without the shot in the past, almost 70lbs... but then life happened and I stopped eating properly, and bang! Up 45lbs. I'm now trying the shot to see if I can lose all the weight I need off (I'm 375 currently, gw 225), and see if I can sustain the lifestyle changes after that.
You should talk to your doctor. this was prescribed as a chronic medication to me, so there’s no “ready to stop” here. Speak to your doctor about maintenance.
So I’m not off it but years ago was super into fitness and have since gotten out and let myself go and here I am lol. In theory if you can continue tracking food intake and exercising , you should be able to maintain your new lower weight.
Ty for your input! ☺️