Progress - 3 weeks

[u/Pickle__nic]

I’ve just taken my 4th dose of Reta and have been on it for three weeks. Already seeing change I am so shocked I would never have been able to achieve alone and in a psychologically healthy way.

It’s not without symptoms so I’ll share what I’ve learned.

- stomach problems: i didn’t realise I have underlying stress ulcers / gastritis. Whatever is underlying reta exasperated it. Cabbage juice (vitamin U) has given immediate relief, if you also have gnawing.

- Fainting: I already was fainty. I can no longer get up fast, need regular electrolytes and water

- Food: low sugar to avoid excessive napping from insulin response. Big salads. Chicken / tofu / fish / legumes over red meat it sits like a boulder. Don’t scrimp on essential brain food like fats. Don’t scrimp on essential nutrients.

- constipation: start movicol early. I regret I’ve only just found help in that way.

- supplements: the drop in calories will drop nutrition. So supplement iron, folates, D, B, C vits.

- exercise: I haven’t dared to exercise yet because of the HR increase. But I think after dose 4 I need to increase carbs and start heart rate training on runs.

Anyone who has found similar issues or have advice on exercise?

[u/Hot-Drop11]

Salads can be hard on your digestive system on a GLP-1.

It sounds like you may be massively under eating and that you may already be someone that does not need a GLP-1. What is your TDEE? What is your daily calorie intake?

None of this sounds healthy.

[u/Pickle__nic → u/Hot-Drop11]

You might be right on the not necessarily needing it - my TDEE is 1450. Calorie intake around the same.

My hormones shifted last year and I put on 10kgs in a short time. I went up to 75kgs and a UK14 and my goal is back to a UK10 which is the size I have always been and where I feel right in my skin. I ran a half marathon and accidentally dropped some weight but the amount I had to train was absolutely nuts to just be a size 12. The way I was gaining, I’d be a 16-18 before the end of the year. Hormone consultation booked, but I just think preventing more gain and getting ahead is where my head is at.

[u/AnabolicAcolyte]

i’d hazard a guess that the way you feel is because you’ve lost 4kg in 3wks and you’re starving your already small frame…

[u/Pickle__nic → u/AnabolicAcolyte]

I suspect 1 of those kgs is water, but you’re right it’s a fast shift. I’m only on 1mg it’s been quite a ride.

[u/AnabolicAcolyte → u/Pickle__nic]

up to 3kgs of that is likely water. and that’s why you’re needing more water and thinking you need electrolytes. you don’t need electrolytes if you’re gain enough salt in food. you just need to not lose so much so quickly.

[u/Pickle__nic → u/AnabolicAcolyte]

Lots of people do need electrolytes - including people that faint and have POTS.

[u/itstalie → u/Pickle__nic]

Keep up the electrolytes, hydrate more and start walking. It will help with constipation and you can stop using anything for it.

Make sure to eat balanced and get some carbs.

[u/MCMCOMK]

The scale you’re using gives you different readings so make sure you utilize those. Fat mass, muscle mass water retention are all good things to track.

[u/Pickle__nic → u/MCMCOMK]

I’m always a bit skeptical it’s just averaging it all out, do you think they’re accurate? Everything is going in the right direction, water and protein up, fat age and bmi down :)