Starting Zepbound

Anonymous
Taking my first dose (2.5) this evening and just wondering if anyone has tips based on your experience. Best time of day, or on empty/full stomach, etc.? Thx!
Anonymous
My doctor started me at 5.0, so hopefully your side effects will be minimal. I took mine in the morning after a light breakfast (protein drink). I felt nausea the next day and took ginger tablets, which worked. You can't have too empty a stomach or too full of one. I have reflux at night, and this made it worse. So I only had a light supper early each night. The weight came off fast. Too fast for me, so I spaced my shots out 10-11 days eventually. I never got above 5.0 and after 6 months had lost 25 lbs. i've been off since I had to stop it before anesthesia and just haven't restarted. It's been six months and my appetite has not really come back yet.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Taking my first dose (2.5) this evening and just wondering if anyone has tips based on your experience. Best time of day, or on empty/full stomach, etc.? Thx!


Where did you get it ?
Anonymous
I started on 5.0 after switching from another med. it’s helped me zero. It’s been pretty disappointing. I think I might need a higher dose. However, your mileage may vary. I would highly recommend joining one of the Facebook groups because there are lots and lots of people who have been getting started on this medication and there’s a greater pool of input. You are not going to get the support you need here.

On the other medication, I had some very mild nausea sometimes. It was nothing I could not handle. I also had vicious heartburn, however, I have been prone to heartburn ever since having a baby nine years ago.

You will want to have some over-the-counter and prescription medicines in your stable. Some zofran for mild nausea, your heartburn med of choice, and also be proactive about avoiding constipation.

Otherwise, these medications are really wonderful. I successfully have lost over 20 pounds.



Anonymous
I’m on zepbound 12.5 (switched from Mounjaro since this alternative is now available) and it’s been great overall. Started Mounjaro one year ago and am down ~65 pounds overall. It’s changed my life and my health. My confidence is up. I feel like I can really embrace life and all it has to offer now, and better weather the good and bad with my improved health and wellbeing.

My quick tips (ymmv)-
-plan around small light meals, you might find you crave simpler, whole foods- rather than processed.
-exercise has shown to increase the effects of the medication, so try to start a routine
-for my shot day, I try to eat particularly light the evening before and day of/day after. The meds slow the emptying of your stomach, so if it’s particularly full around shot day you may experience discomfort and lack of appetite.
-the medication/weight loss makes me experience some fatigue, but I just embrace it that that’s what I need right now (more sleep/a nap)
Anonymous
Thx all - I appreciate the tips and suggestions.

22:11 - The pharmacy at my neighborhood Safeway had it in stock.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I’m on zepbound 12.5 (switched from Mounjaro since this alternative is now available) and it’s been great overall. Started Mounjaro one year ago and am down ~65 pounds overall. It’s changed my life and my health. My confidence is up. I feel like I can really embrace life and all it has to offer now, and better weather the good and bad with my improved health and wellbeing.

My quick tips (ymmv)-
-plan around small light meals, you might find you crave simpler, whole foods- rather than processed.
-exercise has shown to increase the effects of the medication, so try to start a routine
-for my shot day, I try to eat particularly light the evening before and day of/day after. The meds slow the emptying of your stomach, so if it’s particularly full around shot day you may experience discomfort and lack of appetite.
-the medication/weight loss makes me experience some fatigue, but I just embrace it that that’s what I need right now (more sleep/a nap)


When do you experience fatigue? In days after the injection? Or throughout the week?

What is the best day of the week to do it? Better to plan around tiredness/nausea or around when it’s peak effective (to avoid overeating at social gatherings)?
Anonymous
How else are you changing your lifestyle, OP? Because it won't work unless you also change your diet and increase your exercise.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:How else are you changing your lifestyle, OP? Because it won't work unless you also change your diet and increase your exercise.


How does that answer OP’s question?
Anonymous
How are you feeling, OP?
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:How else are you changing your lifestyle, OP? Because it won't work unless you also change your diet and increase your exercise.


I think the idea is that it suppresses appetite, which causes a reduction in calorie intake.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:How are you feeling, OP?


It's been pretty fascinating. I don't usually react to medicines - rarely have side effects or even feel the affect directly. But this is quite different.

For about the first 24-36 hours I feel DISTINCTLY different and not altogether comfortable. I'd describe the sensation as feeling bloated and gassy (without any actual gas). There was some mild but steady/regular cramping, some fatique, and headaches. By day 2 it was noticeably subsiding and today (3rd full day) I feel pretty normal. And throughout it all there has been practically no hunger at any point, and when I do eat I only want a little - so I had to be pretty intentional about getting enough water/protein/calories - which is SUCH a reversal of focus it's astonishing.

It's really bizarre. I wouldn't have said I was governed by cravings but this total absence of a physical push to eat is really disconcerting. So I guess I'm encouraged - we'll see if I get the same symptoms w/ successive shots or if that subsides (or if it's substantially worse if/when I go up a level in dose).

And I'm down a couple of pounds but I'm sure that is just water weight - especially as the discomfort wanes and I figure out how best to eat. I was able to eat more normally and comfortably today so I'm still navigating the learning curve.

Anyway - that's the update so far.
Anonymous
Thanks for the update. I’m talking to my dr this week.
Anonymous
Any other experiences from anyone? I am going to start mine tomorrow and a little nervous about the nausea.

I have been on metformin for months with little results for SSRI induced insulin resistance, so my doc thinks this will help.

Do you think having already gone through the nausea and side effects of metformin it may be less on this?

Thanks anyone!
Anonymous
Just a warning, if you start having egg starting burps, it my be your gallbladder. I had to have mine removed.
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