Taking Metforim and Victoiza for Weight Loss - Can't eat...

Skeptical_Jess
Skeptical_Jess Posts: 18 Member
in Food and Nutrition
So without being too long winded here - My endo has me on Victoza and Metformin for weight loss. He wants me up to 2.4 of the Victoza eventually (2.4 -3.0) and 4 pills of the Metformin a day. I started the combo last Monday and I take 1 Metformin before bed and 1.2 Victoza at the same time. This is fine. My body is okay with it. I sleep fine etc. but I have literally NO appetite. I lost 7.5 lbs last week and I'm exhausted because I'm not eating.
I'm trying to figure out natural/whole food ways to get some energy. Have any of you had this issue? Success? Fail? I am going to try eggwhites for Protein but I need to figure out a way to get some good carbs in there too. I tend to eat my dinner fine, and in good portions but Morning -about 6pm I'm just not interested in eating and when I do eat I take like 4 bites and I'm done.

To add to this I have a Soy allergy/sensitivitiy so I can't just take any meal replacement or protein shake. And I have a sensitivity to artificial sweeteners (I get migraines). So when I tried Vega One I gagged, that's a no go. Are there any protein supplements that don't contain soy/don't taste like crap/will keep me full?

Thanks!
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Replies

  • jennybearlv
    jennybearlv Posts: 1,519 Member
    I had to google those drugs. Do you have diabetes? If so are you on any special diet for it? As far as general advice for getting in more calories peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a great way to pack in lots of calories, carbs, fat and a little protein in a small package. I buy unflavored whey protein out of the bulk bins at Winco, no sweetener, but it does have one of those "contains soy" asterisks if you are very sensitive.
  • Skeptical_Jess
    Skeptical_Jess Posts: 18 Member
    No I'm not diabetic, I should have added that in. I am suspected to have PCOS but I no longer have a uterus just my ovaries. We don't have winco here.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    Skeptical_Jess wrote: »

    To add to this I have a Soy allergy/sensitivitiy so I can't just take any meal replacement or protein shake. And I have a sensitivity to artificial sweeteners (I get migraines). So when I tried Vega One I gagged, that's a no go. Are there any protein supplements that don't contain soy/don't taste like crap/will keep me full?

    Thanks!

    baahh Most vegan protein shakes tastes horrible, and most of them contain soy.

    I'm sure there are protein shakes that do not contain soy, but most will contain some sort of artificial sweetener. I was going to recommend Isopure unflavoured protein powder, but even that has got soy in it, this is probably one of cleanest, unadultered proteins on the market that I'm aware of.
    You're going to have to do some ingredient list research.

  • Theo166
    Theo166 Posts: 2,564 Member
    Do you like peanut butter? A spoonful is an easy way to add some calories without getting filled up.
  • jen_092
    jen_092 Posts: 254 Member
    So, this caught my attention because I worked on a clinical trial for Victoza a couple years back. You may have been told about the mechanism behind how it helps you lose weight - it cues your brain to reduce hunger the same way certain hormones do. Here's an article that nicely summarized the study I worked on.
    http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2016/04/07/brain-activity-food/

    As for tips, I think one thing is you might need time to just get used to this new appetite. Victoza (liraglutide) particularly suppresses cravings for high fat foods, so if you're like me and eat/ate a lot of high fat foods, you might just need to get used to incorporating new things to be hungry for. Habits, the mental side of things.

    I'd say take it slow, don't force feed yourself but also watch for the concern that you have no appetite for too long, if this happens tell your doctor and they may reduce your dose. Any nausea? Most of my study participants suffered from that so be in communication with your doc about this, too!

    Also, maybe search through the weight gaining forums for tips on how to incorporate higher calorie foods without too much volume if you think this might help with energy for now.
  • VKetoV
    VKetoV Posts: 111 Member
    edited February 2017
    Just remember to titrate the Liraglutide slowly (up 0.6mg/day every week), restart the titration process if missing greater than 3 days. The nausea/vomiting tolerance can take roughly 1 year to achieve unfortunately (or fortunately depending how you look at the drug's efficacy).

    If using VICTOZA for the SAXENDA indication, you are likely going to exhaust your supply when using the high weight loss dose...leading to issues with insurance not wanting to cover it more than necessary (their rationale being it should be dosed only for type 2 diabetes; this disconnect from insurers drives me insane sometimes how stupid they truly are). I'm guessing your insurance only covers type 2 diabetes approved meds and not obesity meds (another disconnect from insurance...you'd think they would benefit from you having less overall risk of obesity complications).

    Professional Drug dealer rant off
  • crackpotbaby
    crackpotbaby Posts: 1,297 Member
    Have you told your specialist that your appetite is suppressed to the point of NO appetite?

    She/he needs to know this to tweak your dosage and possible titration regime appropriately.

    If you can't get an appointment then send an email to your doc with your concerns.

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    Kepplekakes wrote: »
    Skeptical_Jess wrote: »
    No I'm not diabetic, I should have added that in. I am suspected to have PCOS but I no longer have a uterus just my ovaries. We don't have winco here.

    I have been in your shoes. You don't have to have a uterus to have PCOS. High fiber, low sugar, low fat, high protein foods. And I'm not kidding about the sugar or fat. Metformin will make you sick if you consume too much. If you start to get ill...Take the metformin at night. Or even the metformin ER tabs are better. It's take a little while to get started but it does amazing things. Stick with it.

    Also peanut butter jelly sandwiches are counter productive when you are PCOS

    Most PCOS diets would recommend high fat low carb. Fat is essential for hormone balance. Cutting too low will actually cause a lot more issues.
  • jagodfrey08
    jagodfrey08 Posts: 425 Member
    I have PCOS, and my doc recommended lower carbs, but not cutting them out completely. She suggested I eat more complex carbs and avoid the refined stuff. I also have to ear a lot of non-starchy veggies, which help fill me up. So, I dot hints like a whole egg, baby spinach, and 2% shredded cheddar cheese scrambled up and served over whole wheat toast in the morning.
  • faidwen
    faidwen Posts: 131 Member
    Yikes... Victoza... I had horrible side effects with it... my doctor eventually switched me over to Invokana... and now, I take absolutely NOTHING anymore, and have no need for either medicine.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    My suggestion would be to get off the Metformin. That stuff is vile.
  • bellaa_x0
    bellaa_x0 Posts: 1,062 Member
    edited February 2017
    Need2Exerc1se wrote: »
    My suggestion would be to get off the Metformin. That stuff is vile.

    works just fine for me... everyone reacts differently to different medications

    ETA: although i'm not on it for weight loss... i'm on it for hormonal regulation re: PCOS; same dose as OP I believe (4 pills a day - 2,000 mg total)
  • bellaa_x0
    bellaa_x0 Posts: 1,062 Member
    edited February 2017
    Kepplekakes wrote: »
    psuLemon wrote: »
    Kepplekakes wrote: »
    Skeptical_Jess wrote: »
    No I'm not diabetic, I should have added that in. I am suspected to have PCOS but I no longer have a uterus just my ovaries. We don't have winco here.

    I have been in your shoes. You don't have to have a uterus to have PCOS. High fiber, low sugar, low fat, high protein foods. And I'm not kidding about the sugar or fat. Metformin will make you sick if you consume too much. If you start to get ill...Take the metformin at night. Or even the metformin ER tabs are better. It's take a little while to get started but it does amazing things. Stick with it.

    Also peanut butter jelly sandwiches are counter productive when you are PCOS

    Most PCOS diets would recommend high fat low carb. Fat is essential for hormone balance. Cutting too low will actually cause a lot more issues.

    I would assume that works for some and others it does not. So let me rephrase my earlier statement.

    My endo recommended to me for my PCOS diet plan to maintain low carb low fat diet. This may or may not work for you. Consider seeking the advice of your Endo and perhaps a nutritionist to customize the diet plan that will work best for you.

    if she's eating low carb, she shouldn't also be eating low fat... she needs some sort of energy source. protein is not an energy source.

    if you really want diet advice, a dietitian is ideal. anyone can become a nutritionist.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10142490/a-list-of-calorie-dense-foods/p1
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/content/ultimate-list-40-high-protein-foods.html

    You talk about eating egg whites. Is there a reason for you not to eat the whole egg? There is a lot of nutrition in the yolk and you need the calories.
    Can you drink milk? Some protein and calories and maybe drinking would be easier.

    Talk to your doctor about having no appetite, your weight loss and tiredness and these medications.
  • Michael190lbs
    Michael190lbs Posts: 1,510 Member
    edited February 2017
    bella_x0 wrote:

    if she's eating low carb, she shouldn't also be eating low fat... she needs some sort of energy source. protein is not an energy source.

    if you really want diet advice, a dietitian is ideal. anyone can become a nutritionist.
    No argument with your statement except the bold!! Protein does have 4 cal per gram and is converted to glycogen in an excessive calorie diet so you can easily get fat eating just protein.

    I like your way better :):)

  • Skyblueyellow
    Skyblueyellow Posts: 225 Member
    Metformin can take time to adjust to. When I first went on the dose you are on I couldn't keep anything in my body for more than a few hours for almost 9 weeks. Then my body adjusted. The lessened appetite might wane over time as your body adjusts to the medication. In the meantime try to find things that are calorie-dense so you can eat small quantities and still achieve your nutrition goals.

    I'm curious as to why your endo suggested high protein.
  • arialb122
    arialb122 Posts: 34 Member
    I drink Orgain Meal for breakfast. It is soy and artificial sweetener free (along with being USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Kosher, Vegan, Non-GMO). I can't say that it is delicious, but mixed with a bit of powdered PB, it is not so bad. I highly recommend the vanilla over the chocolate. Good luck!
  • bellaa_x0
    bellaa_x0 Posts: 1,062 Member
    edited February 2017
    Michael190lbs wrote: »
    bellaa_x0 wrote:

    if she's eating low carb, she shouldn't also be eating low fat... she needs some sort of energy source. protein is not an energy source.

    if you really want diet advice, a dietitian is ideal. anyone can become a nutritionist.

    No argument with your statement except the bold!! Protein does have 4 cal per gram and is converted to glycogen in an excessive calorie diet so you can easily get fat eating just protein.

    I like your way better :):)

    agreed; i should say that protein will be used as an energy source when the body is lacking fat or carbohydrate calories for fuel. when the body receives sufficient quantities of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, protein will carry out its intended functions, which include: replacement of old cells, building muscles, organs, blood, nails, hair, skin, and tissues.
  • AliceDark
    AliceDark Posts: 3,886 Member
    I really like truenutrition.com. They sell custom protein powder blends, so you can control what type of protein is used and what type of sweetener. I'd recommend maybe trying one of their unsweetened powders so you can avoid all artificial sweeteners, although it really does need some additional flavoring -- I really liked their unsweetened whey mixed with milk and chocolate syrup, but maybe you could add some PB2 or something else? (Not sure what your limits are since you're both low-carb and can't have artificial sweeteners). In any case, I've found that truenutrition (or really any other blend-your-own company) can more easily accommodate multiple dietary restrictions better than most other prepared protein powders I've seen.
  • crackpotbaby
    crackpotbaby Posts: 1,297 Member
    Need2Exerc1se wrote: »
    My suggestion would be to get off the Metformin. That stuff is vile.

    Is that your medical opinion?
  • VKetoV
    VKetoV Posts: 111 Member
    FYI, if you started out on 1.2mg VICTOZA, your endo is jumping the gun in terms of titration scheme; 0.6mg/day = starting dose. Believe me, I have had patients who did not titrate up appropriately (forgot) and described feeling like being poisoned. Metformin 500mg/day is lower than the recommended starting dose, also titrated up weekly at 500mg intervals; people do develop tolerance to the GI dyspepsia, cramping, flattice, and diarrhea around 2 weeks. You'd be foolish to discontinue Metformin in absence of Creatine clearance < 30mL/min....give it a chance to develop tolerance first, can lower androgen around 50% in PCOS via tying up more androgen via SHBG.

    Strongly recommend consulting your Endo about the high starting dose and especially if you develop hoarseness, esophageal pain with the VICTOZA (black box warning medullary thyroid carcinoma).
  • Skeptical_Jess
    Skeptical_Jess Posts: 18 Member
    VKetoV wrote: »
    Just remember to titrate the Liraglutide slowly (up 0.6mg/day every week), restart the titration process if missing greater than 3 days. The nausea/vomiting tolerance can take roughly 1 year to achieve unfortunately (or fortunately depending how you look at the drug's efficacy).

    If using VICTOZA for the SAXENDA indication, you are likely going to exhaust your supply when using the high weight loss dose...leading to issues with insurance not wanting to cover it more than necessary (their rationale being it should be dosed only for type 2 diabetes; this disconnect from insurers drives me insane sometimes how stupid they truly are). I'm guessing your insurance only covers type 2 diabetes approved meds and not obesity meds (another disconnect from insurance...you'd think they would benefit from you having less overall risk of obesity complications).

    Professional Drug dealer rant off

    Actually my drug plan covers it just not the needles because I'm not diabetic which I find absolutely hilarious. I also have supplemental coverage through innovicares so I pay $0 for the victoza.
    And my dad gives me needles from his supply cause he gets them free.
  • Skeptical_Jess
    Skeptical_Jess Posts: 18 Member
    VKetoV wrote: »
    FYI, if you started out on 1.2mg VICTOZA, your endo is jumping the gun in terms of titration scheme; 0.6mg/day = starting dose. Believe me, I have had patients who did not titrate up appropriately (forgot) and described feeling like being poisoned. Metformin 500mg/day is lower than the recommended starting dose, also titrated up weekly at 500mg intervals; people do develop tolerance to the GI dyspepsia, cramping, flattice, and diarrhea around 2 weeks. You'd be foolish to discontinue Metformin in absence of Creatine clearance < 30mL/min....give it a chance to develop tolerance first, can lower androgen around 50% in PCOS via tying up more androgen via SHBG.

    Strongly recommend consulting your Endo about the high starting dose and especially if you develop hoarseness, esophageal pain with the VICTOZA (black box warning medullary thyroid carcinoma).

    No he started me at 0.6 to increase up to 2.4-3.0 as needed. Right now I'm good at 1.2.
  • Skeptical_Jess
    Skeptical_Jess Posts: 18 Member
    lizery wrote: »
    Need2Exerc1se wrote: »
    My suggestion would be to get off the Metformin. That stuff is vile.

    Is that your medical opinion?

    While it might be vile it seems to serve a purpose. I appreciate your option but I am going to keep taking it.
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  • Skeptical_Jess
    Skeptical_Jess Posts: 18 Member
    Thanks guys! I also have a kidney disease so I have to keep my carbs balanced. I try to maintain higher protein moderate carbs and low to moderate fat. This is from my endo my gp and my kidney specislist.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    Look_Its_Kriss wrote: »
    Ive never heard of metformin for weight loss..
    Is it just to help with your IR?
    Sometimes too much metformin, like 4 tabs a day can make people poop a lot.. lol but not really a weight loss i'd count haha.

    The OP has PCOS. Metformin is a fairly common drug for it.
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  • VKetoV
    VKetoV Posts: 111 Member
    Look_Its_Kriss wrote: »
    Ive never heard of metformin for weight loss..
    Is it just to help with your IR?
    Sometimes too much metformin, like 4 tabs a day can make people poop a lot.. lol but not really a weight loss i'd count haha.
    Metformin is weight neutral but often results in overall weight loss from the initial appetite suppressing side effects of abdominal cramping, anorexia, etc. & utilizing insulin more efficiently (having to produce less for the same blood glucose lowering). Bias from causing weight loss can be that motivating factor for people initially started for T2DM and not wanting to further progress the disease state; it's a triad of treatment for T2DM: Diet, Drugs, & Exercise...it's not the drug entirely.

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