I am rewriting this particular post because apparently it was lengthy and overshadowed a previous posts. I am going to divide into 10a, 10b, 10c. Thank you for bearing with me. This is such an important post. "Wishing Everyone Love, Happiness & Joy! Well, it is now 8 to 9 months into my Zepbound. Journey. I can honestly tell you that this medication absolutely, without a doubt, changes the way you view food. Your intestines are slowed down so much, but the most important part to me is that it triggers something in your brain that makes you not think about food. The medication balances your blood sugar in a way that you feel fine and you don't really get hungry. I have noticed that if you don't make yourself eat, you really start to deplete your energy and start to drag. I am still learning how to manage this. I truly don't want to eat, but it is necessary. If I go too long, I feel it physically. I have started to make sure to take my vitamins religiously. I am drinking protein drinks, eating low fat yogurt and healthy foods. Snacking really isn't in the cards. If I feel the need, I reach for yogurt with some fruits. The most frustrating thing about the Zepbound is the fact that it slows your intestines so much I feel bloated and it's rather painful for many days. The natural course of the in and out happens happens after 4 days of discomfort and then you are ok for a couple of weeks until you take another shot. After that the bloating starts again and sometimes it drives you crazy. I can stick a tiny ball behind my back just to put pressure on my intestines to keep them active enough until the bubbles move a little. Lord, I want to scream at times. But I hurt far more packing around to 80 lbs before I started. The trade off is worth it. to be continued 10b
I need to start exercising as I see I am starting to lose muscle. I began this journey, as you know, around February weighing in at 253. I was given a sample dose for a month and lost 11 lbs. I then had to wait until April for the medication to be approved. Technically though, since February 2024 I began my journey at a whopping, painful 254. I am 5'6' and it wasn't comfortable at all to carry that weight. Today I weight 169 lbs. I am going to try and get to 145 lbs and that will be fine. I know I have about 15-20 lbs of loose skin hanging off of me. It is very uncomfortable and annoying If I can keep the weight off and maintain for 6 months, hopefully the insurance will approve my surgery for skin removal. When I hold my arms out I measure 4-5 inches of loose skin hanging off of each arm. This is really pulling on my shoulders and my neck. My stomach has about 3 lbs of loose skin. My inner legs, Lord help me, I think I have easily 10 lbs of loose flab swaying back and forth. When I walk I can feel the pull on my hips. I am concerned about this as it is not good for my joints. It is like having a 10 lb bag of liquid hanging on the inside of your legs. Try walking with this and see what happens. When you walk it moves with you, and when you stop, it swings back and forth. You have a constant pull on your hips. My back has about 7 lbs of loose skin. Sometimes I reach around my body and pull forward just to get relief from all the heaviness that is hanging around. I know this is graphic, but this is reality. I share this with you because I hope that if you are contemplating this journey it will help you with what to expect. There are obstacles, it is not easy, but it is worth it.
Third installment of #10c Now comes the hard part for me. I am a survivor from childhood trauma. I won't go into this but suffice it to say I intentionally carried this weight for over 60 years to HIDE MYSELF. I have been working very hard on my past, but it is still very much inside the child within. I am in full panic mode at times, as this new identity is sometimes more painful than carrying the weight. That child that is so damn scared wants to run away, but there is nowhere to hide anymore. People see me. I still dress to hide myself. I still have trouble making face contact. I still shrug my shoulders to hide myself. I am truly scared. BUT, I am a survivor and I will prevail. A very good friend of mine said, if not now, when? It is time. It is time to face my fears. and to feel the joy in life. It is time to be me and to walk proudly. I have a long journey ahead of me and I ask for your prayers. I have so much past trauma. I was 35 years old when I actually realized I was going to survive mentally and hold up in one piece. Also at 35, I managed to stay within my body and feeling emotions, living the emotions and getting up the next day remembering what I experienced. I KNEW then I was going to make it. I was 35 years old when I came home from work, greeted at the front door partner. I walked in and other people were standing around. Chris gently hugged me and said come on in and sit down. We need to share something with you. I sat down and they began to tell me that my father, who was running his whole life in and out of our lives, "very chaotic" and extremely dyfuntional, continued to tell me that he shot his girlfriend then turned the gun on himself. I was able to feel this pain without becoming dissociated. I felt this grief as I stood there. I knew then I was going to survive. I went to bed in this grief and I woke up feeling the same grief. I stayed in my body. for the very first time in my life. I knew then I was going to survive. Don't ever give up and please don't judge anyone. It you see someone is heavy, you NEED to know there is a history. It isn't by chance. There are deep seated issues and you might just smile or give them a hug. Love you guys, stay tuned. I will be taking a picture in the next update. I want to share the amazing transition in my life. *As you can tell this is a deep seated, difficult feeling to share. I admit Roxie beyond words. Maybe more than ever because of her willingness to share this with strangers. Well, maybe not strangers. Hopefully you have been reading her diary.
Today, I am still 5'6", ha ha, because I refuse to say 5'5" because of gravity, AND I am weighing in at 188 lbs. Yes! You are seeing this right. I have lost 65 lbs in 5 months i have gone from a size 24/26 big momma pull up jeans, to a 14-16 zip up jeans. I can actually go into any store now and purchase NORMAL clothes. I am seeing bones I never thought I had, and I am seeing AN AWFUL LOT OF SKIN I DIDN'T HAVE. I have skin hanging everywhere. I probably have about 15 lbs of lose skin, so in reality I am likely weighing at 173 lbs. Dr. Yusufzai has made a referral to a Plastic Surgeon. He isn't very hopeful that my insurance will cover the removal, but I do have chronic pain that I have been treated for many years. The loose skin pulls terribly on my joints, shoulders, legs and stomach, actually everywhere. I hope that this doctor finds it in his heart to fight for me and to write this up in a way that it is medically indicated. Stay tuned, keep your fingers crossed for this old girl. Pray for me and send good energy in hopes that I can get this approved. I would love nothing more than to be free of this burden. Realistically though, I would take this skin anytime over the burden of the excess weight. Love to you all and when I hit my ultimate goal and hopefully the skin removed, I will take a picture of myself before and after and shock the living daylights out of you. If the visual does not encourage you to try this medication, I don't know what would. Also, FYI, my son started this medication at 353 lbs, 6'4" and in two weeks was down to 327 lbs. **Thanks Roxie. This is an amazing testimonial. Very appreciated!
I am re-entering this post because the last half of her article was transcribed over another part, but only on phones. This will be in two parts as it is too important to miss. Just to get you up to speed, I started on Zepbound, Mounjaro, late April 2024 starting out at 2.5 mgm, then 5 then 7.5. I am now at a 10 mgm dosage. The 10 mgm is pretty strong and I can feel some irritability in my intestines. It feels like they are bloated, and I can feel the pressure under my ribs when I lean to the side. It has been bothersome for the last 3-4 weeks, but I am pushing through. Not painful, just extremely annoying. BUT, what I can tell you is the weight I was carrying was WAY more irritable than these gassy bowels. Funny is the bloating is internal . It just sort of moved from area to area, it doesn't release, it just comes and goes on its' own. Maybe if I drank more water this would subside. I just have a difficult time drinking water, I just don't like it. So, on that note, beginning late April of this year, I began this journey weighing 253 lbs at 5'6". My knees were about to give out. My entire body was hurting, my blood pressure was starting to get elevated again, my legs were swelling. I was just a mess. I looked horrible, I felt even worse. I could barely walk, and had ZERO self esteem. I was counting the days to leave this dimension and move on. I was not focusing on anything but getting through the next day and wondering how many of those I still had. It was a bitter fight to be here for my loved ones and wanting to leave as quickly as I could. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Yusufzai!! He walked in with a kind smile, but at the end of our hellos and medical talk, he simply looked down at me and said ROXIE, you must get the weight off. He walked out and came back in with the box of Mounjaro shots. I hadn't heard of this before.. He said I want you to take this. I am giving it to you free. It may make you feel a little sick to your stomach, but it will help you lose some of this weight. You have no CHOICE in what needs to be done. I took the box with me, at which point I began my transformation of a life time. to be continued Part 2- Saturday, October 19th
Strange name. Conjures up all sorts of thoughts. It literally means that we are never satisfied with our bodies. We decide to go on a diet as we often do, we are successful, lose the weight, but still see ourselves as not good enough, not thin enough. It is an interesting discussion and one that should make us pause. What is "good enough"? We are currently watching all the stars, etc lose a lot of weight, get down to 23 -25 inch waists, removing ribs to give a more accentuated waist. Who is that for? Do we need to be that small? With that comes all sorts of risks, one being osteoporosis. How much is too much? I have to admit, I am a little tired of seeing 50 plus year old stars half naked on FB, Newsbreak, etc. Aren't there things that are more important in life that to prance around half naked at that age? Who is that for? I watch my good friend Roxie losing all this weight for the right reason. She wants to be healthy and lower her risk of serious health issues. That seems to be the right reason and I am so proud of her. She is my new hero. But to be 50 plus and want to basically dress as seductively as possible, why? Do you need that for your ego? Sorry, this has bugged for me for a long time, but it seems to be an epidemic. Your thoughts are appreciated. We should all be the best that we can be, but can't we keep our clothes on? My last question is what do our kids think of a mom that is half naked?
This is good news for some, not others. Eighty percent of french fries come from fast food restaurants. The suppliers that make french fries are actually cutting jobs because of decreased demand. Good job everyone! Maybe next? Less cholesterol med demand.
As we approach the "dark time" of the year, we need to reevaluate our commitment to our health. We spend approximately 6 months of the year indoors making the availability of time seem less. But it is not! You still have 24 hours per day, that doesn't change, it is all about how you use it. Stop and think about your biggest obstacles. Family, well maybe, but there are 1440 minutes in a day. You are a role model for your family so find an exercise that includes them. There are so many exercise videos, too numerous to list here, but it is great laugh therapy to exercise with your family. Of course they won't want to, but figure out a reward system that will entice them. It doesn't have to be every night, possibly Monday, Wednesday, Friday and a long walk on Sunday. One hundred fifty minutes is suggested per week. (Reminder, there are 10,080 minutes in a week) Walking with your partner, a friend or children is invigorating, the fresh air I mean. Talk with your briskly walking partner, enough that you are slightly winded. Introduce your family to a gym, ie Planet Fitness, there are family memberships. We put our kids in so many activities, maybe consider a gym in place of another activity as it is available all year. Hide their phones, lol. If you are retired, get out early and start your day working on your serotonin. Calories used? I have never believed the sport watches, machines, etc. There is no way i can really expend 700 calories in an hour. But, if you exercise without thinking of calories and maintain a healthy range of calories for your height and age, you will lose weight or maintain if that is your goal. We can all make excuses, right? But I can tell you from experience that when a heart attack occurs in someone not taking care of themselves, they quickly begin listening to the Health Care providers advice to exercise. Why wait? Prevention is the key. Ideas: Weights-ladies, spend the money and get your own set. It feels cool to buy weights, like watch ME get strong! But you have to use them. We aren't trying to look like Arnie, just defined. Start with 5 lbs, or just cans of soup, curls, 10 each side, gradually increase to 20 to 30. Put your elbows at your waist, 90 degrees, and go from center to lateral. Great for posture. Side dips, hand/weight eventually drawn to lateral knee. Start slow. No hurry, but start. If health issues, check with your doctor. Walk daily, don't start with old shoes, the soles dehydrate on the shelves and you don't want to walk in worn out shoes. You want to avoid foot pain and shin splints. Start with 15 minutes per day if you are really out of shape, work up to 30-40 minutes per day. Gyms-Planet Fitness, Crunch, etc Reasonably priced with trainers. You don't have to commit to a trainer, but at least get started with one and follow up with them periodically, or enjoy the incredible information they have with regular visits. Don't be intimidated by their bodies, they, too started somewhere. Exercise Videos-Check You Tube for your favorite type, aerobic, toning, weights. etc Get a smart watch so you can become pleasantly neurotic about your steps. Home program-wall pushups, planks, etc Look online for the one that fits you the best. Swimming-start slow. Biking is also great but start slow. Need inspiration: Ernestine Shepard, www.ErnestinShepard.com 82 year old body builder, started in her 50s. fyi in 2019 she beat off an intruder entering her home. You go girl! I am committed to exercise and have been since I was 28 years old. Long time. I can guarantee it will make a difference in your life.
As we approach cold and flu season, a recent article in Helio states using saline nasal drops in young children shortens symptoms and reduces transmission of the virus to family members. The study is from England where they used the drops for 3-4 times per day for 5 days. Good news. Recent dentist appointment? When was your last appointment? Ideally within 6 months per the recommendation of the ADA. Our gums can harbor Streptoccoccus Mutans which can collect in the valves of the heart and cause heart disease. Don't take chances with your teeth or your gums. Buy a toothbrush that times out after 2 minutes, at least twice a day, plus flossing once per day, recommended by the American Dental Association.. The recommendations are not just for beautiful teeth, but a beautiful heart.
Sarcopenia What is Sarcopenia? It is a multifactorial disease that causes muscle loss and a decline in the muscle function or strength. It is brought on by a combination of factors. Aging Physical inactivity-remember, use it or lose it. Nutritional deficiencies-most people as they age do not eat enough protein Chronic illness Other factors include obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, insulin resistance, and neurological decline. Can it be reversed? Yes, a healthy diet and reasonable diet can reverse sarcopenia. Symptoms-Falling, muscle weakness, slow walking, muscle wasting and tires easily with daily activities. Treatment-there is no medicine, you have to take this one on by yourself. Obviously you need to intake more protein, fish oil, amino acids, Omega 3 supplements and Vitamin D. Strength training, strength training, strength training. Let's talk diet because I am not talking about a 12 oz Ribeye every night. How much protein do you need per day to build muscle? There are very different amounts suggested, but AARP suggests 20-30 grams of protein per meal with an additional 12-15 grams per snack to build muscle. One site recommended 30-35 grams of protein 2 hours after your workout, maybe dinner so as not to increase your calories too much. Harvard suggests your weight, multiply by .36. Example, 125 lb times .36= 45 grams per day. Maybe a protein shake? There are 8 grams of protein in an ounce of chicken, an egg, an ounce of cheese, etc. Read labels, keep a food diary, know what you are eating. It doesn't take long to get to know the ins and outs of protein counting. Generally when you increase your protein, you stabilize your blood sugar, your energy is heightened and there is an overall improvement in your health. Make good choices though. Ideas-chickpeas, jerky, cheese, nuts, edamame, tuna, greek yogurt, peanut butter, eggs, cottage cheese and protein shakes.
This is where I came to a dead end. Doc said you must get this weight off and left me with no alternatives. Here is how it started: Sultan Sanjar Ysufzai, MD 2/15/2024 This wonderful man, who happens to be one of the most incredible Doctors I have ever had, took a chance on me and let me begin Zepbound. My insurance declined it so I was not allowed to get the medicine. Three times, my Doctor fought for me, wrote letters, and followed up over and over until finally I was APPROVED. This was the darkest moment regarding the weight. I WAS AT THE POINT OF NO RETURN, IT WAS NOW OR NEVER. On 2/15/2024 I was given another chance. Here are my stats.on 2/15/2024. B/P 120/60, pulse 74 Ht 5'6" Weight 253 lbs On 2/15/2024 we began seeking approval for the minimal dose of Zepbound .25 mgm initially. After a little over 2 months I FINALLY, FINALLY received approval. "Good morning, your medication was approved" on 4/05/2024. On 4/6/2024 I finally began my first injection at the lowest dose, slowly increasing periodically. Today, 7/30/2024, Doctor allowed me to increase to 1 mgm, the mid point. I am well on my way to making positive changes. Today, 7/30/2024 my follow up stats are: B/P 90/60 Pulse 80 Ht 5'6'' weight 212 lbs I will begin the increased dose of 1 mgm beginning August 2. My goal is 165 lbs and then figure out what to do with the extra skin. In these 3 months I have lost 41 lbs. and for the first time ever I have hope that I can meet my goal. My B/P has decreased from 120/60 to 90/60. Doc has reassured me that this B/P is good as long as I am not dizzy. I don't have a big appetite, but when I do eat, I chose healthy foods. I feel more like moving, even if I am tired. When I break the 200 lb mark I will buy some new clothes. If you are thinking about taking this journey, I hope that by sharing my progress with you, that it will give you more courage to take the next step. I have lost 41 lbs in just over 3 months. Praise God and all the wonderful souls on this earthly plain that have offered to help and support my uphill battle. Love to all, Roxie
"Ok, so an update. This is technically month 4, of being Zepbound, AKA Mounjaro. I started out at 2.5 mgm and increased two times. I am on now at 7.5. There are three more increases that will likely be needed to maintain my weight loss. I can report that it is truly starting to work. I went into my thyroid doctors appointment today as a 6 month follow up. She nicely looked at me and said I see you are taking Zepbound, are you still taking the medicine? I answered yes and she asked how I was doing? I told her there are minimal to no side effects. Before I could answer her, she looked TOTALLY SHOCKED and quickly looked over at me and said, OH MY GOODNESS! She then proceeded to tell me I had lost 40 lbs since the last time she saw me. I was shocked. THAT FELT SOO GOOD. She went on to tell me to make sure I was exercising as if there was no med in my system. I was recently fitted for a special knee brace which I picked up today. I am so excited that I will be able to walk daily as that really hits the weight where it counts. Truly looking forward to getting healthy, stronger and living a life of joy and a positive outlook for the future of which I have not had for quite some time. Until next time, stay blessed and I wish you nothing but happiness and good health". Roxie **I know this lady and she is filled with determination and kindness. Anyone that would like to contact her through me, feel free. Encouragement is always the best. You go girl!!
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Physical Guidelines for Americans, a balanced exercise plan includes: *At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or an equivalent combination of the two every week. (During moderate activity such as a brisk walk, you can talk, but not sing, during vigorous activity such as running, you can't say more than a few words without catching your breath.) *Strength training sessions twice a week for all major muscle groups. *Balance exercises if you are an older adult at risk for falling. Adding core work You don't need to be sporting six pack abs or to be ready for advanced Pilates during the day, but adding a few core exercises to your usual routine takes just a few minutes: *Start slowly and gradually challenge yourself. Aim to to do core exercises two to three times a week. Start with basic exercises. Once that becomes easier advance to a more difficult set and add more reps. *Sprinkle in core work throughout the day. Look for opportunities to do short bursts of exercises or stretches a few times per day, like before a meal. As always, start slowly, then increase the reps. *Tack core work into your strengthening exercises. Start twice a week and advance the reps, and possibly increase the days. Check out You tube, 15 min Standing Abs Shred or You Tube, Best Core Exercises ***As always, any exercise plans should be discussed with your provider before you start.
My journey continues, and I am still moving in the right direction. It feels really good getting some of this weight off. My knees, while still very much bone on bone, thank me with every pound I take off of their job. I am going to get re-fitted for a new knee brace as the one I am using is TOO BIGGGG!!! Yippee!! I truly feel that I am just getting started and that I need to increase the Mounjaro one more notch. I am at .05 mg. This is a strong medication on the stomach , so you would want to titrate it FOR SURE!! From my experience, I would say take it at least two months before increasing the dose. I have noticed "angry intestines" on occasion, and it is usually after the day taking the new titrated dose. So GO SLOW and steady. I have a long way to go, but at least I keep heading in the right direction. I am about 25 lbs away from breaking the 200 mark. When I reach 199, I am going to go buy myself a new outfit. I wish the best for everyone and I hope by me sharing my journey and struggles that in some small way it may help light your fire. Then you too can get to make the changes you deserve. Thank you CR for revealing your privacy and sharing your thoughts with us. I have known you and love you as a good friend for a long time. I am so proud of you! There are no words. Barb
I was recently at a party and one of the people there, who was a bit younger, came over to talk to our little group as she said the other group was only talking about cataracts, illness, etc. She found it dismal. I reassured her we weren't and we all laughed. But I wonder if that fills a lot of conversations in "older peoples' dialogues at gatherings. Even I, as a medical person steer away from that at parties, anywhere else it is fine. But what I really wonder is why it preoccupies so much of our retirement life? Is it possible that we are not living a healthy enough life to either slow the slow demise of our bodies, or are we just giving in to the process? If we concentrate on failing health, then we just accept it. I once read that about age 40 opthamologists will tell you that you will eventually get cataracts, so it is the power of the suggestion that creates them. I sort of doubt that, but if we just expect arthritis, etc to take over our body without doing anything preventative, then what is that about. There is enough research out there that suggests wearing sunglasses helps to prevent cataracts. Other evidence supports wearing a spf to prevent skin changes of aging and skin cancers. Enough water keeps our kidneys strong. High fiber diets help prevent colon cancer. But we continue to go outside with no spf, eat the ungodly food on the dry goods shelf that is filled with preservatives, and fake foods, and get dehydrated with the heat without fluid replacement to tax our kidneys. I am positive that you do some of these things. Plus, look at the average American , overweight and no exercise. We are just sitting ducks for disease. So my challenge to you is to drink 2 liters of water per day. Put a 2 liter bottle in the refrigerator, fill it up, and you have to drink it. Carry it with you when you run errands. No energy drinks. Start the morning with a high fiber cereal with fruit. Have an orange later. Eat a salad for dinner or a big portion of broccoli. When you are brushing your teeth, take a second more and apply spf, repeat both at noon. When it cools down in the evening, go for a 20 minute walk, then advance to 30 minutes. There are 1440 minutes in an day, you can't afford 30 for exercise to improve your health? These are simple things that take moments in your life. Following the Kardashians on tv, or watching Price is Right maybe a priority, but your health is much more important. Please adjust these simple things so you can be a healthier and happier.
There is a wisdom and confidence that we achieve as we age. The Indians call it "sage". Some women are fortunate and just have it from a young age, but for most it is an achievement when we realize we have much to offer others and possibly help this world. The games of youth are over, the knowledge we have gives us a knowing that others will rely on. Really important to believe this. But the years of "knowing" also bring forth the wear and tear on our face and bodies. But, how much do you want to let that affect you? What control do you have over this process. None? No, there is a lot you can do and if you are reading this as a young woman, please take note of this post. First, of course, is to build a foundation of emotional and physical health. I briefly touch on this as we all know what we are supposed to do. Watch the fats in your diet, exercise a minimum of 100 minutes a week, wear sunscreen, take a multivitamin, vit d3, keep the stress down to a minimum and for sure, BE HAPPY!! As we age, our forehead expands, ears get a bit longer as the cartilage grows, ugh, and the tips of the nose may droop. To add to all the happy news the fat volume decreases in your face, and goes to the other end of your body, and of course the dreaded wrinkles. The wrinkles between the eyes and forehead are call expression lines. Other folds deepen due to the decrease in fat. Finer wrinkles are due to sun damage, smoking, (I hope not), and natural degeneration. Enough dreary news. WHAT CAN YOU DO? The gracefully aging face is a beautiful thing. It is not to be hidden or to be ashamed. Your face celebrates your years on this planet, your joys, your sadness and challenges. But not everyone feels that way, so let's look at nonsurgical alternatives. Sun protection: A lot of the damage comes from the UVA part of the light so you need UVA and UVB protection, at least spf 35, if very fair, a 50. Apply every 2 hours, especially if swimming or sweating. Wear a wide brimmed hat, similar to the Kentucky Derby Styleor at least a baseball cap. Creams: Moisturizers soothe dry skin, but get one with glycerin, applying liberally. They help to bind water to the skin for hydration. If you are home, apply 2-3 times per day including your lips. Also, remember put the straws down. They not only an ecological disaster, but also create the lip wrinkles. Several prescription creams, Avita, Avage, Renova and Retin-A are known to reduce wrinkles, and "liver spots". These products contain retinoids, a form of Vit. A that seem to increase collagen, but not fat. Apply at night and let them work there magic. Botulinum toxin injections: these immobilize the muscles that form expression lines so the skin smooths out. They don't treat the deeper wrinkles. Dermal fillers: The most common cosmetic procedure performed in the US. Expensive and definitely a term limit as to how long they will last. Generally 3-6 months for Botox. There are new ones coming out almost weekly that project over a year. Laser treatment: Expensive. They are used for everything from brown spots to full facial resurfacing. The uppermost layers of the skin are stripped away to work at a deeper level in the dermis which stimulates outer inflammation, which leads to collagen formation. One other thought, there are a great deal of tutorials on You Tube on how to apply makeup to enhance your natural beauty. I suggest you look at those if you want to refresh your look. I am always amazed when I click on to one. An example is an Oprah transformation with the right makeup. You want to be your best, of course, but possibly explore some alternatives as to how you define your BEST. The confidence in yourself can come in many ways that don't cost money. Love yourself, be a good person, love your family, start exercising, change your hair, and look up makeup tutorials. Remember, beauty is truly from within. As I write this post, I ask myself
"This month the injections were increased to .05 mgm and I noticed a SIGNIFICANT difference in not wanting to eat. The desire is simply not there like it was. I am noticing a big difference in the fluid retention as my legs are getting smaller, and it is becoming easier to walk. My energy level is so much better, but I can still tell that I am not at my highest potential. I am going to ask Doc if we can increase another step. There are 4 more levels in the medication. I don't think I am going to need more more increase in the strength, but I know there is room for improvement. There is NO DOUBT in my mind that this is a MAGIC PILL for anyone who has thrown their hands up and said I CAN'T, because with this, you don't even have to try . It does it for you. It simply changes the way you think about food, and your desire is more to EAT TO LIVE instead of LIVE TO EAT. Please, please, if you are on the fence and are afraid to take the step, you can use this as a tool to get healthy again. I give thanks every day that I was given this chance. God speed to all of you and may the loving light, surround you , guide and comfort you every moment of the day. Next update: I am going to step on the scale and see how much I have lost in 3 months. I am guessing about 15 lbs. It should be more as I haven't been perfect in my choices of what I put in my mouth. As I see gradual reductions in size and struggle, this weight will be easier to drop as I am more and more active and HAPPY!! Thank you CR for your ability to help us all see how difficult this journey is for you. Dieting is never easy that is why the word DIE is in it. Your words are teaching us and making it very realistic. YOU CAN DO THIS!
"Update on Mounjaro #4. Month three. My dosage was increased last week to .5 mgm. I have noticed a significant difference in the effectiveness. However, I can feel a bit more angry stomach at times. But, this is a side effect that I am ok with as it truly takes your desire to eat away. I can't get over how it truly stabilizes your blood sugar. To go day after day without bottoming out is truly an incredible feeling. I am walking more and have lost a few more pounds and have noticed I am not retaining as much water in my ankles and feet. My walks are getting longer and I am getting slowly stronger. I am starting to get flickers of my life back in my heart. I am getting a second chance at a life and feel my zest for life. It feels like a second chance at a life that was totally gone. Onward and upward. Be blessed and know how much I appreciate your support.
"The last three weeks were not as good as the first 6. I have still managed to lose a total of 10 lbs. since I started Mounjaro/Zepbound. Even though the weight loss is small, it has an impact on my mobility. I noticed that I wasn't feeling the same intensity the last few weeks as I did when I first started the medication and the weight loss slowed down. I called my amazing doctor and discussed this. He agreed that I probably plateaued as I was taking the lowest possible dose, .25 mg. He increased me to .5 mg. I started the .5 mg today, 5/17/2024. I pray this will do the trick and refocus my mind to get past the hurdle. Once I lose another 10 lbs. I can start exercising regularly which is going to not only speed up the weight loss, but my overall quality of life. My hope is that by the end of the month I will be able to report an additional 10 lb. loss. I will be paying close attention to how I feel now that I have increased the dosage. My journey to health continues. Wish me luck. If you are thinking about taking Mounjar/Zepbound to improve your health, realize that it will give you a new lease on life. I strongly encourage you to take the leap. I have ZERO regrets and look forward to a much happier, healthier, active future. I can ABSOLUTELY tell you that this medication has increased my focus, improved my energy and balanced my highs and lows during the day. To me it is a miracle drug. Blessings. Til next time. May you put Zep in your STEP, TOO!!"
How do you define the FIT part of your health? Is it walking? If so how many minutes, how many times per week? I think most people who are not used to exercise can start with walking, so lets' get you prepared. We are starting at an elementary level as it shouldn't be overwhelming. I am assuming you are newly retired or newly thinking that it is time to get busy. If you have not exercised and you are now signing up for Social Security, check with your doctor regarding any restrictions on your health. I will provide a few checkpoints. a. Check with your Physician for clearance, let him know you are just starting with walking, possibly start 15 minutes three times per week. We will increase as tolerated. b. What to wear? Loose clothes, temperature appropriate. c. Shoes? This is an area where I have strong convictions. Good shoes, not the $40 special at a shoe store. I believe in good shoes, strong support and for your first pair go to a running store and get fitted. Sounds expensive? Yes, but if a pair of shoes cost $120 once a year and your foot is analyzed by staff at a reputable running store, they will watch you walk, check your heel strike, etc. This is how you avoid shin splints, plantar fasciitis, etc. d. Phone, yes! You never know when you might need help, get lost, etc. Put it in your fanny pack, carry it, etc. Invaluable. e. Water? Of course. Think of a bottle of water as a dumbbell, weights! f. Come back with a smile, a serotonin high and the rest of your day will be calm and less chance of cognitive issues. g. Go for it!
RC's story "The last few weeks were not as good as the first 6.I have still managed to lose a total of 10punds since I started Mounjar. Even though the weight loss is small, it has an impact on my mobility. I noticed that I wasn't feelingthe same intensitythe last few weeks as I did when I first started the medicationand the weight loss really slowed down. So, I called my amazing doctorand discussed this. He agree that I probably plateauedas I was taking the lowest possible dose which is .25. He had now increased it to .50. I started the new amount May 17. I pray this will do the trick and help to refocus my mind and body to get past this hurdle. Once I lose another 10 lbs, I can start walking regularly and it will speed up not only the weight loss but improve the quality of my life.
This brave diary is from a beautiful friend of mine, will call her CR, who has decided to become healthy. I am just writing this out for her so it goes in the right category. This is not just medical, she wants to change her life. I am over the top excited that she trusted us and this platform as she wants to help others. ****** If you don't mind I would like to share with you an experience I am having since I have started taking Zepboound. I have struggled my entire life with weight, it has been a way of protecting myself on so many levels. The problem is when you get older you slow down and the bad habits start piling up. The heart issues, the knee issues, the mental anguish of wishing you could still do things like you used to. Compounded with the "Damn, I am fat and can't move and getting older and simply don't really want to go on like this. I TRULY was at my last breath when I visited my doctor for my knee that was hurting me so badly and said, "ummmmm you have got to get this weight off". He has known me for so many years and knows my past history with abuse and such, so he knew I needed help in this area. I have had so many personal issues plaguing me that I would NEVER stick to a strict diet long enough to lose the necessary weight as quickly as was needed. Without a word he walked out of the room, came back with a box in his hand. He said " I want you to take this". He went on to tell me that it had been approved for weight loss and that it had AMAZING results. He told me it could cause a little upset stomach but that I should start losing weight pretty quickly. I have only been on this for 5 weeks and have already lost 10 lbs. I can honestly tell you that I haven't been great at sticking to the best food choices, so as I see more and more results, I am sure I will feel more like walking and then choose better foods. It should get easier and won't feel like such a burden. I am on the lowest dose, 0.25. I think it is best to stay there for 2 months, then adjust. I am very sensitive to medications so I was a little worried about taking it. The all-in-one shot is THE EASIEST ever to do. YOU DON'T EVEN FEEL THE NEEDLE going in. In 5 seconds it is done. It takes the urge to eat COMPLETELY away. There are days I go without eating enough simply because I am not hungry. It has also stabilized by blood sugar which was previously high and low. I am extremely GRATEFUL and hopeful to finally get healthy for the first time in a long time. It also helps the mental part of wanting to eat. These are all new feelings for me. I absolutely encourage anyone that is in the position of feeling hopeless to take that step. I have ZERO regrets. Stay tuned as I start to lose more weight. I will update you on my progress. I hope this blurb helps others as I am absolutely convinced this treatment will work. ****** I read this over and over before I printed this post.. What a brave soul she is. To be this vulnerable with me is one thing, but to open her heart to share the pain and the promise of a new life makes my heart swell. Thank you my friend. You are a blessing to all of us. 5/6/2024
This is where I want the community to be involved. What are your ideas of health, fitness. I have been dedicated to exercise and a healthy lifestyle for 40 years, but there are lots of you out there that are either beginning or have ideas to share. My hero is Ernestine Shepherd, 80 year old body builder. Follow on Instagram, shepherdernestine. Inspirational!!