Saxenda
I used Saxenda for 18 months. I lost about 8% of my weight and it stayed off. The most tangible benefit was that it really helped manage my hunger. My appetite was significantly reduced.
The only reason I am not on it now is because I actually had a lot more to lose and decided to pursue the surgical program. I used Saxenda until I started Optifast.
*TWH* Referral - December 2017; Orientation - March 2018; SW Assessment - May 2018; Nurse Practitioner - June 2018; Nutrition Class - June 2018; Psych - August 2018; Dietitian - August 2018; Appt. w/ Surgeon - November 2018; Surgery date - January 2019
Weight loss
Pre-surgery: 14, M1: 18, M2: 9, M3: 8, M4: 10, M5:6 , M6:9
I did not have any side effects at all.
My doctor had a good trick, she recommended that I take this at night before bed so I would sleep through the side effects in the initial stages. It worked for me! I think the most common side effects are headache and nausea...I felt no nausea and had a dull headache for the first 2-3 days. Eventually I started to use it in the morning instead, because I felt my hunger creeping back in in the evenings...so delaying the dose addressed that.
I actually think Saxenda really just made me understand the benefits of the surgery. I was very much on the fence before. Seeing what a difference the GLP made to my hunger was eye opening. Surgery has made my hunger go to zero.
I do want to say that it does not help you with cravings. So you may not feel hungry, but I found I still had to deal with my mental hunger/cravings. But I am fortunate to have access to a therapist and some self help books that help me deal with these.
*TWH* Referral - December 2017; Orientation - March 2018; SW Assessment - May 2018; Nurse Practitioner - June 2018; Nutrition Class - June 2018; Psych - August 2018; Dietitian - August 2018; Appt. w/ Surgeon - November 2018; Surgery date - January 2019
Weight loss
Pre-surgery: 14, M1: 18, M2: 9, M3: 8, M4: 10, M5:6 , M6:9