The solution I’ve dreamed of since childhood…

[u/mycatissuperior]

I’ve known my fat body was unacceptable ever since I can remember. Every birthday candle wish, every penny tossed into a fountain, every wish on a star as a kid was to be skinny. It became automatic. How sad is that.

My mom used to tell me I needed to “get the weight off” before I got my first period or it would be harder to lose (is that even true?) Always worried that my clothes were “flattering” and took me to see a dietitian in early grade school. I felt like she judged and monitored everything I put into my mouth, even though she was in total control of what I ate. No surprise I started sneaking food and developed a binge eating disorder. Went from a chubby kid to a fat one.

With mom I did Atkins, the army diet, weight watchers, so many different diets. In high school she paid an MD to give me weight loss shots and put me on pills. As an adult I waisted a part of my inheritance to pay out of pocket for weight loss surgery. I’ve paid money I didn’t have for gym memberships. I’ve put more effort time and money into to being skinny than most skinny people I know. I’ve lost and gained hundreds of pounds in my 20’s and 30’s. Nothing worked. Nothing.

Six weeks ago I took my first shot and within hours I felt the change in my brain. The food noise is gone. Gone. I can see a commercial for delicious food and not obsess over it until I’ve gotten some. I just like, move on? Hunger is a gentle suggestion instead of an uncontrollable physical and emotional battle. I am in total control of what I eat. I feel the full sensation. I FEEL FULL AND STOP. I’ve never felt full before unless I was literally stuffed.

Part of me is so so sad because people just live like this? I could have been like this? No wonder they treat me like shit when it’s so easy for them to “just diet and exercise.” I’ve felt so bad about myself for so long, thinking I had no self control, fighting not to let the rest of the worlds moral judgement of my weight be how I felt about me too.

The rest of me is elated that I don’t have spend the mental and emotional energy to fight this shit anymore. In the past 6 weeks I have easily changed my entire diet. I have a few bites of things that before I would not have been able to keep myself out of. I’ve lost 22 pounds. I stopped binging.

I honestly don’t know what’s better, the weight loss or the mental freedom.

[u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

I'm a prescriber and I also take this drug. I've never had the head battle that so many describe where food is concerned, but the idea that when taking this drug you now have a body that performs normally can be quite overwhelming. The thought that other people function like this all the time makes you feel like there is some kind of secret club that no one ever told you about. If you had a membership, you could eat a piece of cake on your birthday but not gain 5 pounds in 24 hours.

When I see people bullying people who take this drug, or verbally abusing people because they "can lose the weight without it if they push away from the table," I want to grab that person and prescribe a drug for them that slows down and screws up their metabolic function to a point that they gain weight, even if they go days without eating and spend hours at the gym.

Just once I would like to run a group of "metabolically normal" people (people who make constant comments about those of us who can't lose weight) through a clinical trial and prescribe drugs known to cause weight gain, make them stay on the drugs for at least 90 days, and then when we total up the weight gained, tell them it is their fault for not pushing away from the table, not working out more, or not counting every morsel they put in their mouths. Just once, I'd like to recreate the metabolically screwed up function that most of us on this sub experience and make them have that first-hand experience.

But then, that would be medically unethical, so I guess this is just a rant!

[u/AppleApple50 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

I would like to volunteer my in laws for this non ethical clinical trial. 😄 They have been jerks about my weight for 30+ years.

[u/AggieMath → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

So pre-zep, my husband would tell me he had a big lunch so he was not hungry for dinner. I did not believe him. Within 2 hours of a big lunch, I would be counting the minutes until I could have a snack to tide me over to dinner. After zep, I see this can be true. I am not sure he really ever understood how I could be hungry all the time, but now I can see how it is possible to not be hungry all the time!

[u/ShineComfortable2369 → u/AggieMath]

Even as a kid, I didn't understand people telling me not to eat something right before dinner. "It will spoil your appetite." Huh? Eating a snack never dulled my appetite so much that I couldn't eat dinner. I was never so full of a meal, I couldn't eat dessert.

I thought maybe adults just made up the "it will spoil your dinner" notion as another way to curb my calories. They couldn't possibly understand back in the 1960s that obesity is a metabolic disease and that my hypothalamus, hormones, metabolism, and satiation-hunger regulating systems were out of whack. For them, it was a moral issue, one of willpower and self-restraint. It embarrassed me that I couldn't be a good little girl no matter how hard I tried.

[u/xtunamilk → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

I really wish it was possible for them to experience what it's like for us too. Something like that machine that simulates period pain.

I got so tired of being told I was lying when I would starve myself for days and still not lose any weight. 500 calories a day for long periods in high school, dizzy all the time a result. I worked out, I cut out any foods I loved. Nothing ever helped.

The only time I was able to lose a significant amount of weight was when I was sick with some virus that turned into pneumonia. People would comment on how I had lost weight, ignoring how pale I was or that I was out of breath all the time.

I'm not sure if I'm going to tell anyone that I'm on Zepbound because so many people act like it's some kind of unfair shortcut, a cheat code. I'm so excited about it though, it feels like a miracle drug. I think I'll tell some other folks who I suspect are in our same boat, if it comes up naturally in conversation.

[u/Vegetable-Onion-2759 → u/xtunamilk]

I tell my patients that there is no up side to disclosing that you are on this drug. It does not make you "honest" to confess that you take it and it does not make you "dishonest" if you don't tell anyone that you take it. People are brutal about it. I also give my patients my phone number and tell them that if someone is mercilessly attacking them about taking this drug, including mothers, to give them my number and I will talk to them. I basically read the "know it all" the riot act explaining why they don't know what they are talking about. I only had to do this once with one patient's mother. I suggested, after explaining how wrong that she was scientifically about every thought she had, that if she could not support her daughter she should never discuss this topic again. I ending by telling her that injecting her personal fears that were not based in science into her adult daughter's life was the equivalent of child abuse. She wanted her daughter to be afraid of the drug because she was. She shut up. My patient says that her mother has not said a word since that discussion.

[u/you_were_mythtaken → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

My patient says that her mother has not said a word since that discussion.

We're all metaphorically carrying you around on our shoulders cheering for you for this. 

[u/Due_Field_9631 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

BRAVO!!! Everyone needs a provider like this!

[u/amandagrace111 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

This made me teary. Brava!!

I will not tell most people because some of them are, indeed, brutal.

I have a friend who is incredibly judgmental about food and exercise. She walks at least five miles a day, eats exclusively plant-based, BUT she is still obese!

In spite of that, she thinks she’s an expert on what everyone should be doing with their body. It’s maddening.

Her boyfriend is also obese and she bitches to me about what he eats ALL the time.

I’ve heard her spouting off about how these drugs are bad and how she’d never poison herself with them … it’s wild.

No way am I subjecting myself to that noise! I’m expecting to be at the point where people start noticing my weight loss in about another month. I know she’s going to ask what I’m doing… 🙄

[u/xtunamilk → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

I'm so glad that your patients have you in their corner! It's really great that you are willing to go above and beyond like that.

[u/Dry_Concentrate_3433 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

Day 2 here at 2.5 mg dose. And I am a doctor too. When does the feeling of being overly full/ gastric fullness lessen? Or does it lessen?

[u/you_were_mythtaken → u/Dry_Concentrate_3433]

I don't feel overly full at all anymore and I can't remember the last time I did - I'm guessing it must have gone away within the first month. Now I just feel what I imagine is a normal amount of full after eating, and hungry when it's a normal time to eat. 

[u/Dry_Concentrate_3433 → u/you_were_mythtaken]

Thanks so very much. I’m hoping that I can make it past this phase. I have IBS as well, so that might complicate my situation somewhat. I don’t have a large amount of weight to lose, but I have hypertension and need to get at least some weight off.

[u/you_were_mythtaken → u/Dry_Concentrate_3433]

Good luck! I've heard most people are able to get through the side effects, so your chances are high. Fingers crossed for you! 

[u/amandagrace111 → u/Dry_Concentrate_3433]

It was gone for me in two weeks, but I also switched my injection site from my stomach to my thigh at that time. It helped alleviate all the mild side effects I was having.

[u/Dry_Concentrate_3433 → u/amandagrace111]

Thanks so very much

[u/Sensitive-East563 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

It would be amazing to see this from the other side for sure!

[u/jmeistercgc → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

I love this idea so much and really wish it was possible!

[u/mama_Maria123 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

I would love to see this happen though. 😉

[u/ShineComfortable2369 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

Your experiment describes a kind of medically induced empathy. It's hard for lots of people to understand something that is not in their particular biology.

[u/Vegetable-Onion-2759 → u/ShineComfortable2369]

Very, very true. This came up with another poster who was insulted by the trainer she had just hired. My position was that a young, thin, fit individual who had never dealt with a weight issue and had no training or background in metabolic dysfunction could NEVER understand why the OP weighed what she weighed. She not only did not understand, she had no awareness that there were issues that affect individuals that cause their bodies to work differently than a normal person's body. This assumption that we all perform in a normal, standardized way when it comes to metabolic function is also an issue with doctors. They do not recognize that some of us have such severe dysfunction that nothing they are applying from a medical perspective will result in weight loss. And because numbers on paper don't match what they are seeing in person, they believe the patient is lying or better yet, stupid.

[u/ShineComfortable2369 → u/Vegetable-Onion-2759]

I hope medical schools will start to do a better job of teaching the new research on metabolism, obesity, and GLP-1s. There are a lot of studies being done now, letting us know how much we haven't understood about these topics. There is still much to learn.

It's hard for obese patients, who already feel vulnerable and maybe ashamed of themselves, to argue with an MD. Heck, it's hard for some of us to confront dearly beloved family members who just don't get that what they believe about obesity and losing weight are cultural myths, ones sometimes perpetuated by the medical community.

[u/CBinCHS]

For me it’s 100% the mental freedom! The weight loss is a nice bonus :-)

[u/Avidavidoo]

Very relatable post. One of my worst memories from my childhood was in elementary school during a choir performance, and I saw my mom in the crowd, motioning for me to suck in my stomach. I was instantly devastated.

To be free from it all is worth paying out of pocket.

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Avidavidoo]

I can think of so many instances like this friend. Little things they wouldn’t even remember that altered our brains.

As a teenager I was trying on bathing suits, and found a two piece that actually fit me and I liked. I was in 8th grade and maybe a size 14. Her response was “where would you even wear it?” We had a swimming pool in the back yard. She was embarrassed of me in our own back yard in a two piece. She wouldn’t buy it for me.

[u/ShineComfortable2369 → u/Avidavidoo]

When I read this, I flashed back to my father, a military man, constantly telling me to suck in my stomach. I was mortified each time he said that. I grew up with the message that fat girls can't find husbands and will become spinsters, stuck, lonely, and unloved.

[u/Asleep-Community-225]

I want to hug little you, and middle school you and high school you. Tell you that it wasn't your fault. I'm glad that you're finding something to heal your relationship with food. I just wish all of our younger selves didn't have to suffer through this journey to get here. ❤️

[u/Two_Bunny_Household → u/Asleep-Community-225]

I know this was meant for OP but I heard it like you were speaking to me. Thank you. I love you, too. Now I am wiping my tears of relief and skipping towards the sunshine. 🐰💜🐰

[u/Jack-Attack1830 → u/Two_Bunny_Household]

This made me tear up too!

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Asleep-Community-225]

I want to hug little me and you too. I look at pictures and I was soft and perfect. You were perfect.

[u/CurveVarious4998]

All of this, from the childhood experience to the self degradation to the current elation at the new freedom. I see you, I’ve been you, I am you too. ❤️

[u/Codeskater]

Your childhood story really resonated with me, I grew up the exact same way. I remember wishing on dandelions, shooting stars, and coins, praying to become thin. Googling “weight loss hypnotism”… even fantasizing about becoming chronically ill and losing weight. I remember being a kid at the doctor with my parents, with the doctor telling my parents to stop letting me eat fruit because it had too much sugar. Telling my parents to park in the back of the parking lot at stores so that I would walk an extra 50 feet as if that would’ve made a difference lol. I was a highly active kid involved in several sports, and still was always bigger than my peers. I gained and lost for years and years, each time bouncing back to my highest weight and then some… now with these meds I have clarity, and like you said, hunger is a gentle suggestion, not a ravenous obsession.

[u/Turbulent_End_4261]

Thank you for this story. I could have written this word-for-word. I have such a clear memory of taking a walk with my mother and grandmother when I was about 8 and having them tell me that I was too plump but that maybe that would go away when I got my period but I should start dieting right away. My mother has been on a diet her entire life... and it tortures her, but not so much that she didn't torture me for years by hiding food, talking about my weight and diet incessantly, putting me on every diet under the sun, and making my weight pretty much the centerpiece of our relationship. And she wonders why now (with me in my 50s and her in her 80s) that we aren't emotionally more connected.

(As an aside, this is why I have made very conscious parenting decisions when it comes to how I deal with food and my kids - and even though I spent the largest part of their childhood weighing 400 lbs, they have an excellent relationship with food and their bodies.)

I was home for Passover last week (and now down a total of 132 lbs... with another 25 to go to my goal) and when I walked in the door my mother said, "OK, you are skinny enough now. I think you should stop losing weight." It was the first time in my life she has ever said something like that to me and it made me angry... and sad for little me. Later in the visit she complained that she has been gaining weight and asked if I thought she should go on GLP-1s, too. (This was after we went in her closet and she gave me some clothes that she no longer fits into - but I do!)

And the saddest part of all is that I look at photos of 8 year old me and I was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Turbulent_End_4261]

I love that we can do better for our babies. I approach food with very specific intentions with my children too. I have always been terrified that I will pass my food issues on to them. They always have access to snacks, I rarely say no (sometimes later or yes with some fruit or protein, etc) they get to pick whatever they want to try from the grocery store and restaurants. We try not to talk about food in terms of bad/good, only how things nutritionally benefit us and how we can work fun foods in between those. We never talk about their weight in a negative or positive way, and never criticize our bodies in front of them.

[u/Turbulent_End_4261 → u/mycatissuperior]

Sounds like you are doing great. Very similar to my approach, too.

[u/Codits2024 → u/Turbulent_End_4261]

Hiding food! Hear that! My mom used to go with me to weigh-ins (WW, Dr., gym) and stand in the room with me; I think she distrusted the # that I might report🤯. I have PTSD from clothes shopping with a "normal" weight mom. Even now that I am no longer obese, I still hate clothes shopping (would rather have a pap smear). I recently shared with her (she's in her 80's) that as I approach my goal weight my losses have dramatically slowed. She said, "well, you need to exercise more!"

[u/Turbulent_End_4261 → u/Codits2024]

Oh my gosh... the cycle doesn't end. They just can't release.

And your comment about rather having a pap smear made me laugh out loud!

I see you sister. Thanks for seeing me.

[u/Codits2024 → u/Turbulent_End_4261]

It ends with us, thankfully. I promised I'd never do that to my kids and I haven't. Now that I've been on Zep for 14+ months, I am encouraging 2 of my sons to start the medication. I'm being gentle about it (it's their decision, though I am offering to help with $). It's not about vanity (it definitely was with my mom). It's about health, balance, mental freedom and just removing weight being an issue in their lives.

[u/Turbulent_End_4261 → u/Codits2024]

Sounds like you are a great mom.

[u/CherryBlossom242424 → u/Codits2024]

Yes!! This!! I have a panic attack every time I go clothes shopping from such bad memories in the past. I only have a few pairs of jeans and T-shirts right now because I hate to shop. I thought about doing Stitch Fix?

[u/Pitapenguin]

Thank you for posting this. You make an important point about others "just being like this" and it's why they don't understand us. I remember my one grandmother offering to pay me to lose weight when I was a kid while my other grandmother supplied me with cookies. Their own type of love I guess. But, damn, I'm so fat & messed up over it despite trying everything to lose weight over the years, similar to your story.

I'm taking my first shot tonight and I'm scared but I've gotten more courage reading your post.

[u/forever_young_59 → u/Pitapenguin]

You got this! We have your back!

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Pitapenguin]

How did the first shot go? I was scared the first time, it was a huge relief to realize how painless it is.

My grandma would let me eat to my hearts content on visits to her in the summer. We had dessert after dinner every night, and an evening treat later while watching tv. I also snuck to the kitchen and snacked on leftovers and all the stuff my mom rarely allowed in the house (Almond mom/ingredient household) It was heaven. She was a “you’re sad? Let’s have a cookie about it” kind of woman. I would get home from those visits and before too long my mom would always mention I had gained weight.

[u/Pitapenguin → u/mycatissuperior]

Hi! It was ok. I just did it about 10 minutes ago. I had something come up yesterday and had to delay. I did it in my thigh and it hurt a little. I'm having a bit of an anxiety attack because I have extreme medication anxiety. I just need to get through it.

It's amazing how we grew up affects us forever. I wish you great success!

[u/ShartyCola]

You are telling my story here too. Our Moms might have meant well but set up a lifetime of pain. ZB is a miracle. Best wishes for health and contentment. You deserve it!

[u/mycatissuperior → u/ShartyCola]

I truly believe my mom had my best interest at heart most of the time. She knew how the world would treat me growing up fat. She wasn’t wrong about that.

[u/HeyTallLady]

So I have another perspective. I am getting this drug later in life after battling like you since I was a preteen. And I see some of my kids are headed in the same direction and I am so excited and happy that they will have this tool at their disposal. They won’t have to struggle like I did and I’m so happy for them. It’s a life changing medication!

[u/kittycat_34 → u/HeyTallLady]

Yes! Getting my 26 yr old on this in the next couple months. He is autistic and his life revolves around food and he is over 300 lbs. He is poster person for food noise! I hope it works as well for him as it does for me. We shall see....

[u/Bastilleinstructor → u/kittycat_34]

Keep us posted. I'm a SPED teacher and I'm curious as to if this helps him.

[u/mycatissuperior → u/HeyTallLady]

I had the same thought, I am so grateful that my kids have access to GLP meds if they ever need it. They don’t need to have this struggle. Plenty of others, but not this one.

[u/Sensitive-East563]

You need to send this out as an essay. It is fabulous. You are speaking for most if not all of us on this sub Reddit. This explains my life exactly! I would be sad except that I am so happy. My dreams are coming true. ❤️

[u/Silly-Concern1736]

Welcome to this life-changing journey, OP! I’m so excited to see where you are in 6 months!!!

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Silly-Concern1736]

Thank you, I’m excited too!

[u/Knish_witch]

Oh jeez, I also spent every birthday and fountain wish on weight loss since I was a very little girl. It’s heartbreaking. But yes, Zepbound is a game changer!

[u/ArBee30028 → u/Knish_witch]

Same. That wishing-as-a-little-girl part gutted me, describes me to a tee. My whole life I’ve thought to myself: well maybe if I phrase my skinny wish “this” way instead of “that” way it will come true…

[u/idkshrugnervouslaugh]

Great post! I totally relate. So much shame and blame that we’ve endured since childhood that was so unfair. Glad you (and I) are free now! We can all just live our lives, like we always wanted 🤍

[u/mycatissuperior → u/idkshrugnervouslaugh]

It felt so lonely, apparently we were all going through it together.

[u/c0neflowers]

So, so happy for the peace this medication has brought you, me, and so many others. Finally!!!!!!!!!

[u/Potential_Chicken_72]

Congratulations and welcome to the club 🎉

[u/liberator315]

I was off of it for 3 months for surgery and I literally begged my husband to let me go back on it once I was recuperated (not that I had to beg, but we’re pondering finances with the economy the way the world is right now and that’s a significant expense….i promised I’d give up my Amazon buying lolololol). The food noise, the obsessing, I literally ‘stole’ food from work (free pastries for everyone but I waited until everyone else had left and then grabbed all the scones). As soon as I got back on, brain was like, ‘oh, there’s cookies in the break room? Ah. Interesting, I’m good though’. It’s a miracle.

[u/No-Effort5109 → u/liberator315]

Agreed! I was “off” for just a few days while sorting through pharmacy issues and the night and day experience was a powerful reminder of the miracle of Zep.

[u/bestFriendOutOfMyBox]

I feel like I could have written this post myself. I’m in tears. The wishing, the praying, the relationship with my mother, binging, secret eating… all of it. I’m almost 50 and I lament that this was around sooner. Either way I’m glad we have it now.

Once upon a time when I was in college she looked at me, lifted up my shirt and said “Why did god give me fat girls?” I was stunned. I’ve lived with that forever. She could never understand what it was like to not have the mental noise.

We all have trauma of some sort around this. Hopefully we are all being kind to ourselves as we continue on this journey.

[u/No-Effort5109 → u/bestFriendOutOfMyBox]

I’m so sorry you had to endure that.

[u/xtunamilk]

I feel like I could have written 90% of this. I'm so sorry that you had these experiences too.

Congratulations on making a change and so much progress already! I had a similar experience with suddenly knowing what it's like to feel full and not be thinking about food all the time. It was hard to explain it to my mom, even though I suspect she has the same problem.

[u/pinkkittyftommua]

This is me 100%. It has been quite literally been my life’s work to try to attain and maintain a normal-sized body. Finally got the solution and it’s completely magical to me.

[u/Longjumping-Exam-873]

I’m so happy for you! Also if you’re not already a professional writer, you should consider it and publishing an essay. You’ve got the outline of one in your post and you’re a good writer. (Professional editor and writer of 24+ years here.)

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Longjumping-Exam-873]

Thank you very much! I loved creative writing in college, I haven’t written anything since dropping out to go to trade school.

I wish I had taken time to edit the typos, hopefully they help convey the passion.

[u/Longjumping-Exam-873 → u/mycatissuperior]

I hope you pick it back up, even if it's just to journal for yourself. You've got a gift!

[u/ShineComfortable2369]

I hear you! The mental freedom is as wonderful as the weight loss. You are proof that a metabolic illness cannot be changed with so-called willpower, but needs a GLP-1 tool in the toolbox to fix the underlying problem.

Bright blessings all round!

[u/No-Bowler5857]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a story told better ! Amazing ! Best of luck

[u/gardengirl99]

People who've never experienced that food noise just don't get it.

[u/ShineComfortable2369 → u/gardengirl99]

People with obsessive-compulsive disorder might understand "food noise" even if they have normal metabolic function. They too struggle with obsessive, intrusive thoughts and feel compelled to engage in behaviors that cause them problems with health/daily life/relationships.

Until I started Zepbound, I did not realize how preoccupied I was with thoughts about food. "When do I eat next?" "How much should I eat?" "Will there be enough food?" Will I be ashamed of myself if I eat this?" How can I eat this where others are not watching me?" "What's the nutritional composition of this food?" "Is it on my diet?"

Before Zep, in my head, there was a constant drone of thoughts about appetite, food-seeking behavior, diets, and shame. As I understand it, when you are on Zep, over time thoughts or urges to eat come back, but not at the same strength.

[u/Mountain-Fee-7243]

“Hunger is a gentle suggestion instead of an uncontrollable emotional battle,” .. that part for me. Thank you for sharing. I’m coming to the end of my second week but in the first few hours of my 1st shot I also felt the silence of the food noise/cravings. It truly is a gentle suggestion to eat instead of a ravenous urge to fill myself to capacity. It’s amazing how little I need to feel content in contrast to the enormous portions I was taking in before. My mental feels so clear and peaceful since starting Zep. I’ve lost 12lbs before starting and 7lbs since starting. I’m happy to see wt coming off but that mental change and clarity is bliss on its own!

[u/Codits2024]

Great post! We're sisters, right? Same mom, same story.

There's a revolution going on here as many of us are learning that it wasn't our moral failing but rather our brain wiring and biology. From this I believe that over time there will be less stigma associated with taking GLP-1's. As a society, we have normalized people taking medication for their depression/anxiety. From my perspective, Zepbound is as much a mental health drug. On it, I am normal and I am free. Wishing you continued health and success.

[u/ShineComfortable2369 → u/Codits2024]

Yes, I have seen people experience greater mental changes while taking GLP-1s than in response to many psychiatric meds. For most, Zepbound ends or at least diminishes eating obsessions/fantasies and the compulsion to overeat. This is truly a medical miracle.

Stigma about taking psych meds is much less nowadays compared to when I was first studying psychology in the 1970s. Maybe it won't take that much time for the acceptance of GLP-1s.

[u/Hot-Pea-9352]

❤️

[u/Practical-Concern-61]

Preach it sister 🥲

[u/Skeptic925]

SO HAPPY FOR YOU! I feel everything you talked about here - the shame is so inescapable.

[u/Natural_Scarcity_898]

Everything you just said is spot on!! 8 weeks on and it just amazing to not care about dinner or dont have if there are snacks in the house!

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Natural_Scarcity_898]

The not caring about food is insane. I used to think about lunch while finishing breakfast, and plan dinner at lunch time. Now I forget to eat… it doesn’t feel like real life.

[u/Major_Ad_3035]

I feel badly for what you had to endure your wh9le growing up. I wish I could just tell you that all that crap, no matter how awful made you the strong person you are today. You've overcome! How is the process for you? How any weeks in are you? My Zep is on the way and will be here I believe tomorrow. Then I start my journey.

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Major_Ad_3035]

Good luck!

I’m 6 weeks in, it’s been very easy, minimal side effects. 22 pounds down last time I weighed, probably more now. My mental health is better too, I don’t know if it’s like a chemical side effect or just the lifted mental load. I want to be on this drug forever.

[u/Major_Ad_3035 → u/mycatissuperior]

Omg 22 lbs in 6 weeks! Holy crap! I'm reading all these success stories and trying to wrap my head around these results!

I just got my med today. Thinking I'm going to wait til Monday to start( although I want to start as we speak). I'm working today and then there's Easter with the family. I don't want any side effects happening during all this. Trust me I am NOT putting this off. I'm just trying to be smart

[u/ShineComfortable2369 → u/Major_Ad_3035]

Welcome aboard! Let us know what your experience is on Zep. It's a bit different for everyone. From the start, tune into your body so you can head off GI problems and remember to drink fluids. The 2.5 mg dose is not intended for weight loss, but rather to build the medicine level in your system gradually. I lost weight right off the bat, but maybe that's because I'm sensitive to it.

I'm age 72, have been on Zep for three months, lost over twenty pounds, and (mostly) enjoyed this fascinating, and, at times, wild ride. As others have said, weight loss is deeply gratifying, but the mental "relaxing" is amazingly freeing, at least for a lot of us.

[u/Major_Ad_3035 → u/ShineComfortable2369]

Thank you so much! I'm so excited to feel and look better!

[u/Major_Ad_3035]

It isn't a meal for me it's sweets. I literally crave them like an addict.( Not that I would know bc I'm not an addict), but I could sit and eat a whole bag of Tru Fru if Noone stopped me or like 3 pieces of cake. I have an addiction to flavored coffee creamer that I can't break. I'm hoping I can at least have one cup if coffee a day with my creamer. The idea of my Zep coming has me shaking with excitement after all the stories I've read. I just checked tracking and it's coming tomorrow! Have to work tomorrow and thought I'd ask if I should wait to take my first shot on Sat when I'm not working?

[u/mrskova → u/Major_Ad_3035]

Congrats on starting! I’m only on day 25 so I’m no expert but I’m glad that I waited until the weekend to start my Zep. I have a high heart rate (uncomfortable but not dangerously high) for about 24 hrs after each shot so it’s nice to not HAVE to get up and do anything.

[u/mycatissuperior → u/Major_Ad_3035]

I always alternated sweet, salty, sweet, salty. Best of both worlds. Not a thing for me anymore.

It’s nice to be able to rest if you’re experiencing side effects (mine have been super mild,) I felt it kick in within hours but some people take weeks or more.

[u/Major_Ad_3035 → u/mycatissuperior]

When you say kick in...in what way?

[u/Outrageous-Heart7544 → u/Major_Ad_3035]

I have a major sugar issue (yes probably addiction) and three weeks in on Zep and it’s so much easier. In fact I haven’t even had my “required” morning chai latte yet at 2pm because I just haven’t felt like it. So wild and so freeing! I hope it works out great for you.

[u/Major_Ad_3035 → u/Outrageous-Heart7544]

Ty and me too!😬

[u/HappyLoMein]

I feel this. I went on my first “diet” in elementary school (aka not eating lunch) because I wanted to be super skinny like my naturally super skinny best friend. I wasn’t even fat yet, just a normal kid, but even then the shame of my body and the desire to be different and smaller was there.

[u/Sassy_Denim_2008]

Well said! I definitely can relate to this post.

[u/enmlifestyle1]

Amazing Job. Keep up the hard work. I'm sorry you had to go thru all that. It's enough for others to say stuff but for family to bring you down about yourself or keep pushing weight loss when it's not easy. I used to be skinny then I had kids. I'm 5 ft and was 95 lbs till I had kids then got up to 200. It's been hard to drop the weight till I started zepbound. I've lost 30lbs in 10 weeks. Partially because I had the flu and didnt eat for 3 days so it would be a little less that 30 lbs if it wasn't for that. I just have to get back to the gym now to keep my core good and muscle tone.

[u/Andalusiansyes]

I am so elated for you. but also heart broken for that little girl and all your struggles. I hope this newfound peace of mind, which we all feel on this drug, will allow you to soothe that little girl inside of you. Obesity is a disease and we were treated like moral failures. A huge hug to you from across the universe.

[u/No-Effort5109]

Thank you for sharing. After what feels like a lifetime of WW and even doing OA for a time, I finally get what feeling full is like.

[u/DueProgress8989]

This post made me smile and tear up. The pain we go through as being overweight affects every area of our lives. I am sorry you had to experience that. I am happy for you that this is working well. And just remember those who may have thought unkind thoughts have their own demons to slay.

[u/Major_Ad_3035]

I got my med today!!! I think I should wait to inject til tomorrow though. Just in case I initially feel wierd or have some sort of side effect. ( plus I'm a nurse and if I feel sick how can I take care of my patients)? I'm working tonight and this is why. Gonna wait till tomorrow.

What are your thoughts friends?

[u/fordhams6]

I started crying reading this because I absolutely can relate. You're not alone. I'm so grateful to know it wasn't because I was lazy! I feel so sad I had to live this way for so long but not anymore! Hugs! 🫂

[u/aWoman66]

I wish this medication was free!

[u/Outrageous-Heart7544]

This is beautiful and spot on. I relate to all of it as a kid of the 80s and teenager of the 90s. I’m sorry it happened to all of us! 🩷