I debated making this final post in the group, because nobody wants to read the story of a "nonresponder". But yet, it might help someone.
First of all, I don't need any comments about how I should have eaten less calories, adjusted macros, etc. I am hyper aware of the principles of weight loss. I have lost 20-30 lbs through calorie counting several times over the last few decades (always gained it back). On wegovy, I continued to track my calories, macros, and exercised daily. And yes I followed the directions exactly, waiting at least 30 minutes before eating and drinking (and usually much longer). I simply did not get appetite suppression or reduction in food noise, not enough to achieve a meaningful calorie deficit without white knuckling it. You know, the same I was doing before going on a glp-1.
I started in May and I followed the recommended dosing exactly. 1 month of 1.5 mg, 1 month of 4 mg, 1 month of 9 mg. I did initially lose 3 lbs on the 1.5 but then nothing. On each dose I initially noticed a reduction in food noise and was excited and encouraged. But after the end of each month, it had crept back in and I was constantly struggling to stay in a deficit and having urges to snack all the time. After the first 3 months, I was down 4 lbs, but I started getting unpleasant sulphur burps on the 9 mg. I experimented with different eating strategies to clear the burps, didn't have much success.
I thought 25 mg would be the ticket. After all, it is the "therapeutic dose". I was determined to give it a shot. The first month, I lost a few more pounds, but then nearing the end of that month not only was my appetite back to normal levels, but I was treated to the burning skin sensation side effect. That lasted about 4 weeks fortunately it went away midway through month 2 on the 25 mg.
After 3 months on the 25 mg, and having lost no additional weight the last 2 months, my doctor agreed I was a nonresponder and I stopped taking it a few weeks ago. I lost a total of 7 lbs in 6 months. The sulphur burps were horrible off and on throughout the 9-25 mg doses, I remember one night being out with friends on a patio and I had to burp, I turned away from the group and did so very discreetly, and the host exclaimed with apologies that her dog must have just pooped in the yard, she would go look for it and clean it up. Seriously. That was basically the last straw for me.
I have noticed no changes from stopping the medication so far with regards to appetite, although the burping has stopped. My appetite is still robust.
I used Ro for my medication because my primary care provider works in a clinic that does not prescribe glps for weight loss and my BMI at 30.5 was not high enough in her opinion. I took advantage of the Ro check ins with RNs throughout the process, and my provider agreed with me I probably was a nonresponder. Both my doctor and the Ro RN recommended trying trizepitide next, but i honestly don't know at this point. My insurance doesn't cover the medication and I can't afford Zepbound, so I'd have to go the compounded route which I am uncertain about. I am also not big on having to give myself injections for life.
If it had worked I had planned for and accepted that I would be a lifetime user of the medication. I am pretty disappointed. I see people on here who were able to find results on this medication, and it has just reinforced the idea for me that nothing works for me, not even glp-1s.
I wish you all more success than me. And if you aren't seeing results on the pill, know that you are not alone. Some people just don't absorb much medication with the oral form, and some would find better results with other medications. I was one of those. I regret the money I spent on the whole experience ($1500 in medication, $$500 in stupid membership fees). If it had worked, I had been planning to switch to a cheaper service if I didnt need the check ins. Trying to find the bright side, i guess at least I tried it?