Went off Ozempic and not happy #Ozempic #weightgain #PCOS #perimenopause

Around the holiday season I went off of Ozempic since it wasn't covered, and it was getting too expensive. I attempted Metformin for the 2nd time, and I have to say I'm not a fan. I felt so much better health wise when I was on Ozempic. I had more energy, I was getting down to a normal weight range. When I went off of it in December 2024 I weighed 155 Lbs at my lowest. Now that It's May 2025, I find myself at 180 Lbs, and that's with Metformin and monitoring my calorie intake. I'm shocked at how quick it came back on, and without eating crap.

I believe I've started perimenopause and it hasn't been fun... night sweats to the point that my clothes and sheets are wet but I'm cold at the same time. I've been having major hot flashes. I'm not sure if I'm more irritable and moody, or just have a lower tolerance for bullshit. I'm always tired, but can't seem to sleep at night. The skin on my face seems to be dryer then usual, but I'm getting the odd zit like I'm back in high school. Body hair is decreasing, while it seems to be popping up on my chin... I hate the changes my body is going through... so over it... and I'm so anxious.

Nothing seems to be working or helping when it comes to my PCOS... and the Metformin just upsets my stomach. It's so hard to try and get all 3 pills taken throughout the day. The morning and night are no problem, but half of the time the lunch pill gets missed. 

Welcoming 2025... Happy New Year! #happynewyear

It's been a crazy 2024 and I can't wait for a fresh start in 2025. This year has been quite tiring, and I'm glad  it's ending.

An update, I've been off Ozempic for quite some time now, and been on Metformin. I was tolerating the Metformin in the beginning no problem, but after the holiday season it completely fucked up my system. I can't seem to eat/drink anything without dumping it. I've been in diarrhea hell, and it's exhausting. I've lost count of how many times daily I have to run to the washroom, and I sure hope it's only temporary. I've also noticed that I've gained 6 lbs being off Ozempic... not sure if that's due to too many sweets during the holidays, or if it's the coming of Ozempic. I'm currently 166 lbs, and was hoping to be at 150 lbs by the new year. I purposely didn't buy chips or any other munchies for New Years Eve... just going to have guacamole with baked corn chips and Tostitos. 

My new years resolution is to eat healthier... focus of increasing protein, eat less sugary sweets, increase my water intake and increase my daily/weekly steps.

Happy New Year everyone!

I've Scheduled My Skin Removal Surgery! #weightloss #gastricbypass #skinremovalsurgery #Ozempic

Brianna & myself,  © 2024 thismomneedswine.com

I'm super excited to announce that I'm finally going to have skin removal surgery! I will be having it done by Dr. Chivers through the Canadian Plastic Surgery Centre and Canadian Dermatology Centre - through one of the Scarborough hospitals.

I've yoyo'd for many years but it's been a long journey, and I'm very close to my goal weight. I'm currently sitting at 160 lbs, with my next goal weight being 150 lbs. 

It's been about 12 years since I had gastric bypass, and I've also been on Ozempic for about 12 months to assist with the final weight. In the beginning Ozempic was covered by one of my insurance plans, but since I'm not a diabetic, they discontinued the coverage. I've been using it as maintenance for PCOS, and enjoyed the bonus side of weight loss. I was paying about $280/month through my regular pharmacy, but then found out it was cheaper at Costco for $240/month. I ate the cost for quite some time, but can no longer afford it.

I'm on my last thing of Ozempic, and will be going off of it after this month, and then going onto Metformin. I was on Metformin years ago and had a hard time stomaching it. I was on 500mg 3 times a day, but somehow always forgot my lunch pill. It's just so hard to schedule medication three times a day, and to actually take them all. I have my pills in a weekly/daily planner that is for the morning, lunch, and night... but where do I keep them to make sure I remember to take them? I guess the best place would be my work desk in my room, since I'm here from 8AM - 5 or 6PM Monday - Friday. I would have to try and bring my pill box down for Saturday and Sunday... don't want to accidentally forget those days. 

I figure the best thing would be to use the winter months to try and get used to the Metformin, since I wouldn't be going out as much as I would in the warmer months. Hopefully my body will get used to the medication, and I wont have diarrhea like the past. I'm hoping I just have it for the first few weeks or a couple months, and then get used to it and no longer have the Hershey squirts! Or maybe it's a combination of no longer having a gallbladder mixed with the medication, that I have the problem. All I know is that when I plan on going out to do something, I don't eat before going, nor do I have coffee... don't want to shit myself! Metformin and Ozempic do pretty much the same shit... it affects your body on how it breaks down the food, especially sugar, which helps with weight loss. 

The shapewear I'm wearing this year is definitely worth buying! #shapewear

Shapewear has a transformative impact on our confidence and well-being. It helps us look and feel our best in various ways. This month, I discovered a game-changing collection that has completely captured my heart. I can't wait to share more about it. Say goodbye to any concerns or doubts. Waistdear shapewear is worth every money.

Quality That Speaks Volumes

https://www.waistdear.com/products/detachable-straps-full-body-shaper-zipper-abdominal-control 

What sets Waistdear's wholesale body shapers and wholesale waist trainers apart from other vendors? The answer is straightforward: uncompromising quality. You can tell the difference as soon as you slip into one of their items. It's the kind of quality that gives you confidence that you're investing in a product that will last.

Body Shaping Beyond Expectations

Let's dive straight in. Body shapers help you achieve your dream silhouette. Waistdear designs these shapers with precision to deliver the desired results to you. These shapewear garments provide solid support while ensuring comfort. You'll be surprised at how well they fit into your routine. Whether it's a big occasion or another day at the office, these body shapers have your back. The compression zones perform like magic, providing a slight lift where you need it the most. It's like having a personal stylist hidden in your wardrobe. Ensuring you always look your best. Let us now discuss wholesale waist trainers. Waistdear has mastered the technique of waist cinching. They offer you that coveted hourglass form while also providing much-needed lumbar support. What distinguishes them is the level of comfort they provide. No more feeling like you're suffocated in a corset - these waist trainers are actually a breath of fresh air!

Summer is half over! #weightlossjourney #Ozempic #summerfun #camping

Kim, © 2023 thismomneedswine.com

I can't believe the summer is half over already... it's the August civic long weekend coming up. It feels like just the other day I was planning the camping trip, and that's now long gone. It's been an awesome summer so far, and I don't want it to end. 

At the beginning of July I went camping with my partner and our two kids to the KOA campground in Barrie. We borrowed my neighbours popup tent and camped for 7 days - which I must say there was some challenges along the way, but I can laugh at most of them. It started on July 2nd... we rented a truck to be able to tow the tent/trailer to the campsite. We had zero knowledge or instructions from U-Haul and ventured to the site. Well, we were on the way there and the damn trailer came off the hitch on a hill! Shit... we ended up blocking the small highway as people were passing us. Thank God 4 people pulled over to help us... didn't realize that we forgot to put the pin on the hitch, which made it bounce off. One of the gentlemen were kind enough to give us one of his that he had... thank you to the wonderful people who stopped and helped us that day. It's also a good thing that we didn't have any of the kids with us at that time... we wanted to go and set everything up first and then grab the Munchkins.

We arrived at the campsite and had a hell of a time setting everything up... once again thanks to some amazing campers next door to us that helped us set up the pop-up camper. I'm sure they enjoyed the show from beginning to end... especially watching my partner try and back the trailer up using a U-Haul truck! 

Once everything was set up, we took the truck back and then swung by our Barrie home to get Brianna. We weren't able to pick up his daughter until the next day... so first thing in the morning we went to Toronto to get the Munchkin. We flew across super fast and was back at the campsite... I can't even remember each day what we did, as it felt like one really long day instead of 7 days! We went swimming daily, watched evening movies with all the kids at the campground, enjoyed crafts, water fights, board games and plenty of temper tantrums! 

26 Low-Calorie Snacks to Keep You Slim! #lowcalorie #weightloss #gastricbypass

Time to drop some pounds! #newyearsresolution #weightloss #gethealthy

Brianna & myself, © 2023 thismomneedswine.com

I want to start off by wishing everyone a Happy New Year... it's now 2023! I have no idea where the time goes, and there never seems to be enough time. I actually intended on publishing this post January 1st, but the time flew by too quickly. 

I had a new years resolution that I failed at already. Yes, I intended on dropping some pounds and of course I put a few on. Actually, more like 15lbs since before the holiday season. I indulged a bit too much, and now my ass is feeling it. I feel sluggish, and have a hard time doing regular tasks at times. It could be a combination of the weight gain, along with the severe anemia. I did finally get an appointment with a specialist to go for iron infusions... it only took me about two years! I have the consultation in April and get a date for starting treatment.

I haven't been well #malabsorbtion #gastricbypass #anemic

Me & Brianna, © 2022 thismomneedswine.com

It's been 10 years since I had gastric bypass surgery, and I'm almost at my goal weight. The process isn't easy, and it's a daily battle... no one truly prepares you for the life after surgery with possible complications, and severe malabsorption. I'm currently at 175 lbs, with the goal weight of 150 lbs. Over the years I've had an issue with malabsorption, and it recently snuck up on me. I went for routine bloodwork due to having dizzy spells, and my doctor called me over the weekend advising me to go to the ER right away. Apparently my hemoglobin was so low, that she called me on her day off... it was 61. By the time I went to the ER and they did testing, it was 67. No wonder I was feeling dizzy and always fatigued... my body wasn't able to function. I went to RVH and after further testing, they ended up doing a blood transfusion and an iron infusion... I was there for most of the day, and expected to feel better directly after it. Well, I felt worse for a few weeks actually... was constantly freezing, but had night sweats, my chest was hurting - could feel a weird discomfort in my lungs, incredibly tired and had zero energy. It's been a little over a month since the procedure, and I'm finally starting to feel somewhat human again! 

I have been referred to a hematologist, as well as supposed to go for a colonoscopy and a scope down the throat. I guess they want to rule out any kind of internal bleeding and/or cancer. I've been calling around trying to get follow-ups regarding the referrals, and it's taking forever. I truly feel like I moved to a city where I will die if I need to go to the ER. Barrie, Ontario has to have one of the worst hospitals in which there's a major wait for everything. 

Happy New Year Everyone! #newyearsresolution #getbackontrack #weightloss

I've been taking a break from the blogging world and the fitness/health world for a while, and it shows on my hips. It's a new year, and I'm ready for yet another try and the weight loss journey. The last  several months I've let my eating habits go to shit, and I actually feel like shit because of it. You really are what you eat, and I need to start eating better... not just for myself, but for my daughter. I need to set a better example, and get in the habit of eating cleaner. This year and decade I will make some big changes... work on breaking old habits and becoming the best version of my self.

My goals for 2020:

ACHIEVE YOUR BODY GOALS: WEIGHT LOSS, EXERCISE, AND HEALTHY DIET

In the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to neglect your fitness level – until you painfully admit you simply HAVE to do something.

Using a three-part strategy is the best method to achieve the healthiest body you can have. Weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet are equally significant to reach optimal fitness.

WHAT IS WEIGHT LOSS?

It’s quite simply reducing the overall mass of your body. Weight loss is usually pursued to improve one’s appearance or promote fitness and health. Ideally, you want to lose fat, not muscle or water weight.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS TO CONSIDER WEIGHT LOSS?

Healthy weight is a crucial part of good health. When you’re overweight, everything feels harder. Excess weight puts added stress on joints and organs.

Need some motivation, other than your appearance, to pursue weight loss?

Even losing a small amount, 5 to 10 percent of your weight, can dramatically improve health. Consider the areas VeryWellFit.com says weight loss will improve:

I Feel Liken Shit #holidayeating #newyearresolution

The holiday season was very good... spent lots of time with family and friends and had plenty of yummy food. What's the problem? I feel like shit now... my body is not happy with me after indulging on way too many things. I sit back and think of how far I've come since I had the gastric bypass surgery, and it's partially gone to hell. The last two days I haven't been well, and I think it's because of my poor choices the last couple weeks. Been having the dumping syndrome more often, and the fatigue is uncontrollable. I've come to the realization that I have to get back on track... to even be able to properly function.

Yesterday I woke up with pain, took Tylenol and slept half of the day. The same thing happened today... so I've got to get back on track. Forget about the new years resolution... it starts from today. No more crap... no junk food, no sugar, no carbs, no fast food... I'm done with it all. I'm tired of feeling the pain in my gut, and want to get back to being me.

THE SLACKER’S GUIDE TO WEIGHT LOSS: WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT SANS DIET OR EXERCISE

The most commonly known ways to lose weight:

1. Cut the calories
2. Eat nutritious food and ditch the processed junk
3. Exercise

But what if you’ve done all that and still can’t budge as many pounds as you would like? Or, like me, you’re way too busy/lazy/unmotivated to stick to a diet and exercise plan? Or you have medical issues that don’t allow you to do as much as you would like? Or maybe (and let’s be honest, it happens to all of us at some point) you just want an easier way out?

For these, and a million other reasons, health and weight loss experts have a host of hidden tricks up their sleeve that are not so common knowledge. These are the hacks that are used every single day by those svelte models and celebs who can afford to spend the big bucks on weight loss advice. And they go a long way in melting that excessive bulge – without giving up on those Kettle Salt & Vinegar chips (my personal nemesis!). Try them out for size (pun intended)?

New Year Resolutions: Overcoming Weightloss Obstacles #newyearsresolution #weightloss

It's a brand new year and we're off to a fresh start again... 2017! Happy New Year to everyone, now what's your new years resolution?! Is it one of the typical one's that many of us are continuously failing at?! Mine is to eat healthier, and cook more vegetarian meals at home. With that said, I would like to drop more weight because I've been yo-yo-ing between 190-195 lbs. My ideal weight would be 130 lbs, but I'd be super happy with 150 lbs. There's plenty of obstacles that I've faced along the way, and have come up with a list of the common one's to help all of us battle similar struggles.

I hate to exercise

Yes, I've said it many times that I have to exercise, but keep in mind that theirs plenty of forms of exercise out there. It doesn't mean that you have to spend every day at the gym, it just means that you have to get off your ass and move. When it comes down to it, you need to work in about 4% of your 24-hour day to the cause.

Boozing with benefits: The right way to drink red wine for weight loss

It all started with the French Paradox.

The question about how the French eat a high fat diet, smoke and totally shy away from active exercise, yet they have half the rate of heart disease (143 vs. 315 per 100,000 middle-aged men) and live 2.5 years longer than anyone else in the world.

French researcher Dr. Serge Renaud’s studies concluded this was primarily because the French drank bucket-fulls of red wine – at the time 16 gallons per person per year vs. 2 gallons per person per year in America.

25 years later, practically every science lab across the world has not only endorsed the theory but actually taken it further, crediting red wine with everything from weight loss and protection against cancer to lowering the risk for diabetes and helping manage depression.

A sampler, if you may.

First, let’s look at red wine and weight loss

Enjoying a Cup of Latte With My Organic Matcha From #matchaorganics

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

If you know me well, you would know that I love all things cold: ice cold water, iced coffee, and my favorite, iced tea. I'm addicted to tea and drink it daily, and have a nice collection. Tea has many health benefits, so I'm all for drinking it! I recently came across the company Matcha Organics, which offer two kinds of culinary grade green tea products. You may ask yourself, what is Matcha? Well, it's green tea that's been finely milled into a powder. Most teas come in the form that needs to be steeped and drained prior to drinking, but since matcha is in a powder form, you're able to take full advantage of it's health benefits.

The Japanese is known for their leading luxury teas. The Matcha is packed with plenty of health benefits.  It's considered the world's most powerful green tea, as well as being the best quality. It's made from a natural ingredient that comes from the Camellia sinensis herb, in which it undergoes a natural and complex process that involves both stone grinding and steaming. Once that process is done, the powdered green tea is vacuum-sealed into a pouch, or sealed in a tin... this keeps it from direct light, which helps preserve its natural antioxidant properties.

Summertime Getting Healthy... Back on the Bandwagon!

Last night when I came home for the first time in a few days, as I had been working and staying at moms, my partner looked at me and asked if I had put on a few pounds. Naturally I was insulted and hit his head off... he didn't say it to be mean or rude,  but I was upset regardless. It's summertime here in Toronto, and I don't feel fully comfortable in my body. I knew that I had put a bit of weight on, but didn't really know how much until last night. Yes, I had put on at least ten pounds since I last weighed myself. I guess with working in an office for long hours, and lack of exercise and some poor food choices, it snuck on. So this morning when I woke up, my choices were better.

Beauty recipe: Drink away your cellulite!

Summer will be here soon enough and my thoughts turn to cellulite. Aaaaaaaaargh! Swimsuits. Shorts. Mini-skirts. And cottage cheese thighs. Definitely not a good combination, though it strikes the best of us, regardless of size or age.

I have seen women who are a size 4 have bad cellulite, so my considerably chunkier thighs are fair game for the cottage cheese syndrome. Consequently, I have battled cellulite with every lotion, potion, cream and treatment available (and even some that are in the experimental stages) but have come to the conclusion that the only salvation lies in exercise, dry brushing, healthy eating AND this potent anti-cellulite drink.

How-to: Potent and simple

Squeeze the juice of one lemon into 8 ounces of water and add up to half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly, drink thrice daily and watch the cellulite melt away.

Thinspiration Sunday - Weight Loss Inspiration

Join me for Thinspiration Sunday's and create your own weight loss post to help inspire you to keep on track. It can be photos, poetry, recipes, or a diet tip. Make sure to have fun, and good luck!

Today's weigh in: 183Lbs

I've been working at my new job now for a few weeks, and I'm enjoying it. When I originally started, I expected to be walking to and from work for every shift. Well, as of yet that hasn't happend. I guess one of the main reasons is that I've been staying at my mother's place, as my shift is 10am-10pm. Since I'm still breastfeeding the little Munchkin, it would be a real shock if I wasn't there in the middle of the night for a comfort feed. I probably could leave her over the Saturday night without me, and then walk to work Sunday morning... but I would feel guilty.

Sip up to slim down: The right way to drink green tea for weight loss

Yes, green tea makes you lose weight. No, having it in the form of ice cream or noodles does not count. Neither does wearing green tea perfume. Or dropping green tea scented bath bombs in your ‘tub. That’s because the weight-loss benefits are in the epigallocatechin gallate (a.k.a. EGCG, a health-boosting antioxidant) found in green tea. Not the green tea flavour.

A fact that makes you wonder what other myths surround this potent superfood? Like whether green tea extract is effective? Or whether temperature affect its potency? Time to round up the health and wellness experts to spill the real scoop.

Tips To Keep In Mind For Weight Loss Surgery

Looking at a bag of chips or a pack of cookies might lead to a perfect snack through the day, but if you're trying to lose weight, then this isn't the way to go, especially if you are adding other calories through the day as well. Weight loss surgery is an option for those who are obese and can't lose the weight in any other way. A Bay Surgical weight loss physician can give you all of the options that are available while giving you details about how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect once it's over.

Follow all of the advice that your doctor gives. There are limitations as to what you can do when you get home when it comes to lifting and moving until your body is healed, and there are certain things that you can eat. The doctor will likely give you a diet to follow that includes liquids or pureed items until the stomach is able to tolerate solid foods. However, there will be a limit as to the kind and amount of solid foods that you can enjoy.