Weight Wars # 6

It has been a year since I last wrote about my weight struggle.  I changed my injectable from Victoza, to Trylicity and now Monjauro.  The Monjauro seems to have been a bit more effective as I have lost 8 lbs with it after being stuck at about 223 for some time.  I am now under the 220 mark which was a goal.  Now my goal is to actually get below 200.  At 215 I am still in the obese range (but no longer grossly obese).  At 196 I would no longer be obese but only over weight.  Here is watching that things continue in a positive fashion.  I am exercising more.  I try for 5x a week.  However I still have binge eating episodes.  My sugar is a bit better this wick.  A1C Monday was 6.8.  Under 7 was my goal.

Weight Wars #4. 2/25/25

 My previous weight post was during the middle of Covid, April 2021.  At that time I weighed 240, obese. Now I am hovering around 220.  My eventual goal is to be under190 overweight instead of obese.  My wife blames the weight loss on continued use of Victoza.  I feel this helps but it is more.  I don't eat quite as much.  I could exercise more.  I developed sciatica in 2022 which really limited my exercise.  But to be honest it has resolved enough I could be exercising more.

Weight Wars #3.   4/19/2021

 I have posted twice before, but not for the past two years.  I saw my weight go from 298 in 2003 to 248 in 2019 and 245 in 2019.  My weight has not dropped much more.  Now I weigh about 240.  I am no longer grossly obese but just obese.  However I have been stagnant in any further weight loss.  I was able to take pills to help with weight loss, and then Victoza shot.  Victoza helped me lose about ten pounds but then no more.  However it is going to take something more to get me below the 240 line and continue my trek to 190 which is my ultimate goal.   I was doing better before Covid made everything be work from home.  Then I did not walk near as much as I no longer took the train to work.  I have not gotten into a pattern of exercise since having retired.  I keep thinking something will change.  I guess that something will need to be myself.  I need to lose that last 50 lbs to be as healthy as I can be.  

So I commit to a half hour walk or activity everyday.  I commit to doing exercises to help my frozen shoulder.  I commit to watch my food intake.  I commit to no food after 8 p.m.  

Weight Wars #2. 4/11/2019

I published a previous post about my weight and being half way to not being obese, down from 298 to 248.  I can now say I am down another 5 lbs but still only half way.  The difference is an adjustment in my height.  I guess I am shrinking, which means I have another 10 pounds to lose before escaping the obesity line.  So down 55 pounds with a goal of 55 pounds more.  I hope this sharing will motivate me, as my life is at stake.

Weight Wars. 9/29/2018

I came across something really scary: a record of my weight from 2001 through 2003.  I started at 292 in December of 2001.  However I was down to 285 by mid January; only to blossom back up by the end of the year.  My last recorded weight in 2002, early December, was 292.  Then I became my heaviest.  I started 2003 at 298.  That is just gross.  That is the most I have weighed my entire life.  That is 100 pounds above the obese line.  I recorded that by the end of 2003 I was back to 285.  I have continued a mostly downward spiral, with significance periods of getting stuck.  I am half of the way to the obese line--in other words I am 50 pounds lighter than my heaviest with another 50 to go.
What have been the consequences.  I have diabetes and tinnitus, and sleep apnea and high blood pressure.  Weight is a contributing factor in all these areas.  I hope when I am no longer obese--some of these health issues will be resolved.  I would be grateful if just one or two  would improve and I not have to take so many medications.

Magazine Article Review: Eating Season: And if You're on a GLP-1 Medication Holiday Feasts Might Mean more Side Effects

 Eating Season: And if You're on a GLP-1 Medication Holiday Feasts Might Mean more Side Effects, Karen Ansel, M.S., R.D.N., Prevention, November 2025, pp 48-55, Hearst Magazine International, New York.

I have been taking an injectable for diabetes for about ten years nw, starting with Victoza when I still lived in San Jose.  Due to insurance I was switched to Trulicity.  Now for the past few months I have been taking Monjauro.  Victoza was a daily shot while Trulicity and Monjaro are weekly.  This article talks about how to prevent or lessen side effects, particularly heartburn and upset stomach.  \However long-term use of the medication is sketchy.  This is due to the cost of the medication, but also the side effects, particularly nausea and vomiting.

They give seven ideas: 1. Eat smaller but more frequesnt meals.  Because the digestive system is slowed, food stays in the digestive system for a longer time.  This can result in nausea, bloating, heartburn and stomach pain.  Three mini meals and two snacks is recommended.  However they must be packed with nutrition as you eat less overall.  2. Prioritize protein.  Proteins supply the enzymes your body needs.  It is important to eat proteins first in your meal so you get them before you fill up.  Exanples are almonds, an egg, nut butter, cooked chickpeas, lentils or beans, lean beef, portk or chicken, fich or shrimp.  Low-fat dairy can also provide protein. 3. Go lighter on fat.  Eating too much fat can slow down digestion and lead to heartburn.  However healthy fats should not be avoided, such as avocado, olive or canola oil, peanut and almond butter, nuts and seeds.  Meat that is grilled or broiled is better than deep fried.  4. Consider other Gut issues.  Some food may especially cause problems.  For example chili powder or Cajun spices may be an issues.  Garlic and curry may also cause problems.  Some vegetables may cause gas or bloating.  With this regards best to experiment and see what does or doesn't work for you.  5.  Don't cut all carbs.  Carbs are an important energy source.  Especially good to include high fiber foods.  Avoid sugary sodas and lemonades.  6.  Be strategic with fiber.  Fiber digests more slowly so can help prevent sugar spikes.  It can also keep the digestive flow regular.  for some people it can cause diahrea so should be eaen carefully.  8. Drink up.  Water intake is important, expecially if you are eating lots of fiber.  With GLP-1s dfrinking lots of water is vital.  two to three liters of water a day are recommended, that is 80 to 100 ounces.