I found Elysee through an advertisement and was quickly called for a phone intake. After filling out an intake form and undergoing a blood test—which is done before the program to check for potential contraindications—I was called back by an internist. She asked if I still wanted to start because I was heading towards type 2 diabetes. This motivated me even more to begin, especially because I am a father and grandfather who wants to see my grandchildren grow up.
Weight loss progress
In total, I lost about 20 kilos over nine months, with the first 2-3 months being the fastest for me. When I started the program with Elysee on January 5, 2023, I weighed 109.5 kilos. With a height of 178 cm, I had a BMI of 34.4. I was already taking medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol and on my doctor’s advice I still use these but with the goal of eventually stopping. My target weight was 87/88 kilos. I eventually reached 88.5 kilos and am now stable at 90 kilos. In the first month, I started with a dose of 0.25 mg and lost a kilo every week. The dose was eventually increased to 1.0 mg and temporarily to 2.0 mg. After that, the dose was reduced again.
Lifestyle changes
I maintain this weight myself now by making different choices in my diet and lifestyle, where Ozempic has helped. I used to work out once a week with a personal trainer, and now I do it twice a week. My lifestyle and eating habits have drastically changed thanks to Ozempic. During this process, you notice that it’s easier to avoid unhealthy food. Although I still have a weakness for candy and the winter evenings can sometimes be challenging. The use of Ozempic has completely changed my way of thinking; I have become much more aware of what I eat and drink. I used to be hungry all day, but that has disappeared. I now have regularity in my eating pattern. Ozempic is not a miracle cure, and you have to put in some effort yourself, but I was willing to invest in myself, not only financially but also in terms of time and awareness.
Guidance and support
From the beginning, I received excellent guidance. The advice from the nurses was appropriate and personal, and I was treated as a person. They asked about my pitfalls and guilty pleasures, and there were conversations about what I liked to eat and what not. The tips were practical and applicable. I regularly received messages asking how I was doing, and schedules were reviewed and tracked so I gained more insight into my diet and lifestyle. I found the personal and open contact very pleasant and special; you really build a bond with them when you talk to each other for months.
Side effects
As for side effects, I had mild nausea and constipation in the first few months. These complaints were minimal. I also had much less desire for alcohol, and my eating pattern changed completely. I decided not to use the maintenance dose but to extend the program beyond the usual six months.
Conclusion
For those still in doubt, I would say: just do it! Sometimes it is indeed a financial issue, but you can’t buy health. This organization, Elysee-StopOverweight, stands for the improvement of your lifestyle and thus your quality of life. I could recommend it to everyone.
