How to deal with fat re-distributed...to non exercise/diet reach areas...

[flashdance]

One of my biggest issues while dealing with CRIXIVAN (1996-2003) is "fat re-distribution". I used to have photos of "before-Crixie" and "after-Crixie" and my jowls ballooned to extreme proportions. My neck size is probably a 4XL and my body is XL.

I doubt I can ever wear a tie again.

Good exercise and diet regimes never help this neck area....and as much effort that I put into staying fit...it hurts when I look in the mirror and see the fat jowls that came about the first few months on Crixivan.

I look at the "fat re-distribution" of being a side effect that probably took my genetic future expected jowls and hyper-sped the fat to accumulate under my chin.

Recently...I started using a wrap around the front side of my neck to help dehydrate and deflate the mass. After a quick test...it might be working but so slowly that it would end up costing over $500 with the results that I would be happy with. If you like to "read" about it...give me feedback...the stuff I am using is associated with the web site "my it works".com without the spaces and parentheses. I really would not be surprised if someone thought it was a bad idea to even try it.

I just wondered if anyone has had similiar experiences.

[aztecan]

Howdy Flashdance,

I, too was on Crixivan - from 1996 to 2007. I have the goiter-like neck to prove it.

I also had the hump on the back and at the base of the back of my head. The jowls are there too, but not as pronounced as you are describing.

There is no exercise that will rid you of this. I tried everything, diet, exercise, wrapping it in those fat loss wrap things, etc.

I finally bit the bullet and had them surgically remove the hump and the lumps at the base of the back of my head. It was not a pleasant experience, but it worked.

The hump as grown back slightly, as have the lumps at the back of the head, but not nearly as bad, at least, not yet.

You don't mention if you have the visceral fat. I do, and no exercise will rid you of that, either.

The best I have found is that exercise will help build muscles that will help you hold your belly in check.

I know some people take Egrifta, but that is outrageously expensive and if you stop, the fat returns.

I wish I had better tidings.

By the way, the doctor wouldn't remove my flappy neck. The insurance would not cover it and the plastic surgeon wanted another $5,000 to remove the neck fat.

I still have it and have gotten used to it.

I still cannot find shirts to fit. My neck, as you noted, it quite large, but the rest of me is just a large or extra large, depending on the shirt and style of shirt.

Let me know how things go.

HUGS,

Mark

[konkrypton]

I'm in the same situation as you two. My solution has been Egrifta, which is helping the visceral fat around my organs and reducing my fat between my shoulder blades. However, so far my neck isn't reducing. Unfortunately my Egrifta is on back order until later this month, no word on when. I understand that bodybuilders are using it now, to "cut" the fat around their muscles so they are more defined. I wonder if that's why there is a shortage.

I'm disabled, so Medicare D is picking up the cost of the drug. It's a once-a-day shot, but I already take insulin so that's not a problem for me. Just some info in case you are interested.

Kevin

[flashdance]

Thanks for the replies....ONE...because I finally found someone else with the issue....and TWO....maybe it brings me back to reality.

The wrap that I have only spent $25 on to test addressing my neck...I may have access to another box of treatment for free. The funny thing...I like the smell!!! Hey, I am 57 but the smell of the wrap takes me back to some crazy times from my younger sports days.

I addressed this issue with my long time HIV doc...and his "funny" reply was...."Well, you may try something to get rid of the extra fat around your neck...but you probably would not like the results.".....

Thanks, again!!

[aztecan]

Hey Kevin,

I thought about Egrifta, but when I checked with my insurance company, I found it would cost me a copay of $400 a month.

I just can't afford that. I already pay more than $300 a month in copays for all the other meds.

I am glad it is working for you, though. Right now, I am fearful the humps are returning. We'll see, I guess.

HUGS,

Mark

[Theyer]

Hey Kevin,

I thought about Egrifta, but when I checked with my insurance company, I found it would cost me a copay of $400 a month.

I just can't afford that. I already pay more than $300 a month in copays for all the other meds.

I am glad it is working for you, though. Right now, I am fearful the humps are returning. We'll see, I guess.

HUGS,

Mark

 Mark I am sorry to read that.

[aztecan]

Mark I am sorry to read that.

Hey Michael,
It isn't that pronounced as yet, but I noticed a bit of it coming back. If it does, it stays. I am not going through that surgery again.

But, who knows, it may just be my imagination.

HUGS,

Mark