If you haven’t heard about Ozempic, the injectable diabetes drug that has gained popularity as a weight loss medication, then you must be living under a rock. This drug, which mimics the hormone GLP-1, has become a go-to solution for those looking to suppress their appetite and delay food digestion. The result? You feel fuller after eating less. However, for people like me who suffer from gastroparesis, taking drugs like Ozempic is not an option.
Gastroparesis, also known as paralysis of the stomach, is a condition that affects the muscles in the stomach, causing food to sit and ferment instead of being properly digested. This leads to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, gas, and acid reflux. Trust me, it’s not a fun experience. In fact, gastroparesis is estimated to affect about 10 out of 100,000 men and 40 out of 100,000 women.
My own experience with gastroparesis began in 2015 when I started feeling nauseous all the time. After months of misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery, I finally found out that I had gastroparesis through a special test at the hospital. Unfortunately, there is no cure for gastroparesis. I rely on medications like ondansetron for nausea, domperidone for delayed stomach emptying (which I have to import from Canada), and pantoprazole and sucralfate to manage acid reflux and ulcers. It’s a constant battle.
Managing gastroparesis requires an extremely strict diet. I have to limit my intake of fiber and fats, avoid meat, fresh veggies, most fruits, lettuce, oil, and fried foods that slow down digestion. I have to eat small, bland meals and constantly monitor my symptoms. It’s a constant struggle to find safe foods that won’t trigger extreme nausea. Even when I travel, I bring my own food and snacks just to be on the safe side.
Dining out is a challenge too because not all servers understand the severity of my condition. I often have to explain that it’s not about counting calories, but about preparing food with minimal oil or no butter. Sometimes, I have to deal with embarrassment and frustration when servers don’t take my requests seriously.
Living with gastroparesis has taken a toll on my emotional well-being as well. Nausea is debilitating, and during flare-ups, I question if I can continue living like this. It’s a constant battle between managing symptoms and living a fulfilling life.
While Ozempic and similar drugs may seem enticing for weight loss, I urge you to consider the potential side effects. As someone who has suffered from gastroparesis for almost a decade, I can confidently say that no amount of weight loss is worth it. Gastroparesis is a life-altering condition that affects every aspect of my life, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.
So, if you’re considering off-label use of Ozempic or any other medication, please proceed with caution. Weight loss should never come at the cost of your well-being.
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