The Eclectic Interweb

There are a few things that I might mention here, for example, the support I’m getting, and a couple of issues about what I’d call ‘side-effects.

I suppose the main support I’ve been getting is from the FaceBook group “Gastric Sleeve Support Group Australia Wide“. The members are a real source of support and ever helpful. Obviously, they’re fully oriented towards the surgery, pre and post, but are more than helpful in all areas of diet and nutrition.

The second support is really the Ozempic. I’m not saying I’d fail without it, but I’ve failed so many times in the past. mainly because of my uncontrollable grazing, the assistance from the drug seems to be making a huge difference. Clearly, because I’m on such a low initial dose, and have only had one injection so far, I can’t be sure that it *is* the drug that’s helping but, whatever the reason, I *do* feel relieved of the pressure to snack. Is it really the drug? Is my willpower slowly asserting itself? Or is it some sort of placebo effect? I don’t really know, possibly all three! Whatever the reason, my gut feeling is that drug really *is* a great help, even if it’s simply by existing.

Family support is another big help in its own way. My wife and daughters are still not entirely on board with the reasons I have for wanting the Bariatric surgery but they *are* on board with my overall desire to lose weight, and maybe get healthier. The daughter who lives with me helps out, not just by consatant encouragement, but by cooking meals occasionally that add variety to my diet and keep me on track.

Another, perhaps odd, source of support comes from my physiotherapist! I see him for 30 mins each Friday morning where he manipulates whichever part of my frame is causing me issues, I originally saw him because of a damaged Achilles Tendon, then for bursitis in my left hip, then for the residual pains in my left shoulder caused by a rotator cuff injury, and also back pains which I’ve had most of my life. Once I made him aware of the new diet and my concerns about ‘snacking’ he made me weigh, recorded it and said we’d do this each time I saw him. This is potentially a *very* useful suggestion. Knowing there’s third-party monitoring of my weight will give me yet another incentive to keep to the regime and not embarrass myself by *gaining* weight, even if I’ve not lost a huge amount week by week. Also from his point of view, it gives me an additional reason for maintaining regular sessions!

As for ‘side-effects’, the two main things that I’m feeling are some nausea (which could be caused by the Ozempic) and a feeling of ‘lightheadedness’ (possibly a change in my blood sugar levels – again caused by the Ozempic}. The latter is something I have to be constantly aware of. In fact, a couple of days ago I walked from my bedroom into our living room and just *fell*. On the way down, I hit a reclining chair, landed heavily on my left knee and twisted the muscles on my left side. Today I still feel the effects with a stiff neck, pains down my side and a *very* painful knee! Considering my age and bulk, I was very lucky not to break any bones, but it was a salutary lesson about the risks I face doing this at my age. The nausea usually hits me when I wake in the mornings and persists until I have my morning shake etc. Is it just hunger, or is it a side-effect from the Ozempic? No idea, but whatever the reason, it’s not causing concern right now but might be a discussion topic with the GP when I go to report back on the benefits or drawbacks of the Ozempic.

Finally, first-line support is right *here*, i.e. writing these blog posts! Being able to write up how I’m feeling. what actions I’m taking to support myself etc has been essential. I can document my hopes, fears and desires about the change in my lifestyle… and especially my concerns… to get them out of my system and act as a boost when I feel a bit down, as I do from time to time. Some self-help goes a long, long way. I have to keep telling myself that whilst this *is* pretty much a selfish decision, I’m right to be doing it. Self-care at last.