Beginning the Zepbound journey

@cholash
I hadn't seen any research on it either but, given the evidence that it reduces inflammation, it seems natural to me that the inflammation caused by my lung disease has been reduced by taking the glp-1. I did write to a sarcoidosis research group with my results but did not hear back from them. People who have known me for a long time remark on how my breathing issues have disappeared. It’s quite amazing after 30 years of struggle. I attribute the improvement primarily to the drug rather than the weight loss as I have gained and lost significant weight a few times since I was initially diagnosed. The difference is the drug. Even had I not lost a pound, I would be praising the use of zepbound if for only this reason. It has literally changed my life.

@dsisko from someone with a different ling disease , bronchiectasis , I totally get it and am thrilled for you . Lung disease is a beast and trumps everything thing else . I’m only about 10-15 lbs overweight , but have been considering trying a GLP , just to see if my lungs would improve . To my knowledge , there’s no evidence based research for bronchiectasis & GLP 1’s…if it would help. The potential side effects , especially permanent hair loss keep me from making the leap and trying .

@cholash
I had hair loss for about 3 months. I believe it was because of losing weight too quickly. I starting increasing my protein intake (added morning fairlife shake for 30 grams along with being otherwise cognizant of intake). I also stabilized my weight loss with less pounds per month.
Now my hair is visibly growing back. In large quantities. Stopped losing hair in December and now I have lots of new 2-3 inch growth.
I’m sure it’s different for everyone but this is what my dermatologist told me and sure enough it worked.

Here are some Mayo Clinic resources on GLP-1 medications and weight loss that you may find useful:

- Considering GLP-1 medications? What they are and why lifestyle change is key to sustained weight loss https://diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2023/considering-glp-1-medications-what-they-are-and-why-lifestyle-change-is-key-to-sustained-weight-loss/

- Pros and cons of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss https://communityhealth.mayoclinic.org/featured-stories/weight-loss-drugs

- GLP1 and GIP Receptor Agonists: Effects on the Gastrointestinal Tract and Management Strategies for Primary Care Physicians https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(25)00551-8/fulltext

@thomctc I am also a vegetarian and wondered what your meals look like to keep protein up? Anything in particular- I see what you listed, I don't do tofu because of an allergy. How are the plant protein substitutes with Zepbound? Thanks!

Hello and thanks for all of your sharing to help as I start this process. I am like many others, couldn't lose weight, even though I dieted (on and off my whole life), I have been a vegetarian my whole life and I walk and do a work out 40-45 minutes, 5 days a week and work in the yard, walk over 10k steps on the weekends. So I asked my doc to recommend something, I want to feel better and I just need help- my body isn't changing with what I've been doing. So here's to trying and hoping it works!!

@amberfinn19

I am not a vegetarian, but that is a great subject, not just for GLP-1 users, but also for other vegetarians struggling with protein.

You might consider creating a new discussion on the subject.

Mayo does have a list of meatless recipes.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/recipes/healthy-plant-based-recipes/rcs-20533034

Hi, I'm 72 and have been on Zepbound for a year this month. I've lost 70 lbs but just gained 10 when I goofed up my new concentrated dose--having not known it was concentrated--so it's just now getting back to regular reactions, 2 months later.
A side effect I've had is that I sometimes get cold and stay cold. Yesterday was 80 degrees outside, 70 inside and I had to wear a shirtshirt around and to bed. But it's not all the time. The only other reaction is that I recently started having hard bowel movements. I try to drink more water but even when I do it doesn't get a whole lot better. I'm realizing I need more fiber like fruit, cereal, etc.
I've loved the weight loss and feeling like I'm becoming my old self in some ways. The first thing that people noticed is my face is skinnier. My butt and boobs flattened out like a grape with the goody sucked out! And none of my pants fit so I'm trying to alter them with limited success. I went down 2 size in underpants and when I have to wear the next size up they fall down eventually - now that's a weird feeling. Good luck to you. I'm new here, too.

Hi, @mef46 - wondering how things are going for you on tirzepatide (Zepbound)?

@thomctc
Six-month update - I have now lost a total of 47 pounds and will be at my goal weight of 200 lbs soon. The journey has been slow, but very steady. Sometimes a week or two with +1/-1 changes, but a consistent downward trend. Activities have increased and I have much more energy. Gym, pickleball and walking regularly throughout each week - dumbbells next to my desk and in use during conference calls.

Last weekend, I started purging my fat clothes. It is a really nice feeling to put on something that is a bit more flattering than the XXL shirts I had been wearing.

I stopped snoring! Have a retest at the sleep center in a few months- CPAP may be gone? Atorvastatin dosage reduced by 50% a few weeks ago.

Note- I made only one change in dosage - now at 5.0 once a week. No real significant side-effects anymore. Thanks Zepbound for being the catalyst to help me reclaim my health.