I’m not ashamed.

I started taking weight loss medication 3 weeks ago and I’m not ashamed. I kept hearing more and more about these GLP-1 medications in the news, on social media and most importantly from my friends who had had a lot of success losing weight and keeping it off.

That has always been the hardest part for me…keeping it off. I could buckle down and get the weight off but then as soon as I tried to live with some sort of balance I failed. I couldn’t touch sugar or I would awaken the dragon! Then I was back to eating sugar all day. Even as I was filling my mouth with a chocolate chip cookie I’d already be feeling shame and regret. I wasn’t hungry but I would finish it. The taste of sugar was my happy place. Sitting in my car having a cookie in the middle of the afternoon was my break from stress and anxiety.

But not really.

I knew sugar fed my negative emotions. It intensified them. And left me feeling tired and depressed. I wanted to quit but it took so much energy it felt easier to keep feeding the dragon. I didn’t want to live without the pleasure of a Blizzard or birthday cake the rest of my life!

So I tried to accept my thicker middle. It’s just part of getting older, I told myself. But would diabetes be part of getting older too? Both of my grandmas had it. I told myself that I would be ok because I workout so much. But even with working out multiple times a day the pounds kept packing on.

I felt stuck another time in my life too. When I was 21 I was suffering from constant panic attacks and depression. I had to drop out of college because I couldn’t sit through a lecture anymore. I got to the point it was hard to leave my house. I felt like a prisoner in my own home. Finally after suffering long enough I went to my doctor and asked for help. I had heard that medications called SSRIs were successful in treating anxiety. I had to try. I was scared to swallow that first pill but I did it anyway. And after about 3 weeks life got easier. I wasn’t constantly fighting off my next panic attack. I started leaving the house more and was able to do things I enjoyed again.

That is what it has been like for me with this medication. It’s making life easier! I can be around food I couldn’t resist before and not have the constant pull to keep eating it. I can have a couple bites of cake and be satisfied!!! What? Who is this girl??? I used to eat a whole piece and then stand at the kitchen counter and have a few more bites because I didn’t want my sugary vacation to be over. I can also have 1 glass of wine and easily say no thank you to a 2nd glass. I used to be able to finish 3 glasses easily and on occasion a bottle.

Some would say…well obviously you gained weight, Amy! You can’t eat like that. You know better! And you’re right. I do. But this isn’t about will power. I used to think it was too. This is biology. Something in my body that informs my brain I have had enough was broken. My body didn’t gauge when the tank was full. So I was constantly overeating. I have always had a “healthy appetite”.

Now with the help of Semaglutide weekly injections I actually have a healthy appetite. I can eat a normal portion and be satisfied. I easily choose to eat the foods that are good for me. I’ve increased my protein and fiber and drink tons of water. I’m feeling more energetic and calm.

I’ll never be ashamed for taking care of my health. No one should. I’m down 7 lbs now from when I started. I haven’t lost muscle mass. I’ve had just a few side effects that are manageable and I’m excited to see where the combination of my workouts, a healthy BALANCED diet and these medications take me! I’ll keep you posted.

Love, Amy 💪🏼💗