Beginning the Zepbound journey

Posted by mef46 @mef46, Nov 11, 2025

I’m a 78 year old retired teacher who has struggled with being overweight since my late 30’s. I’ve tried numerous diets over the years but none were successful for very long. Now I’m dealing with a multitude of health conditions….high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, GERD, sleep apnea, glaucoma, asthma, multiple allergies, arthritis… to name a few. My 80’s are looming in the near future. I just received clearance to begin Zepbound. Does anyone have any experience with this GLP—1 that could share any tips, advice or approach to meal planning while on this weight loss medication?…I’m hoping that losing weight will help me reduce medications and overcome some of the many chronic conditions which have impacted my quality of life. —Mary from Indiana

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.

jennyinindy | @jennyinindy | Jan 6 9:02am

I'm 76, on Zepbound for 8 months, 58 lb weight loss. Appetite has decreased as expected, but I didn't anticipate dramatic changes in taste. (I also have some loss of smell after a viral infection and this may be part of the issue.) I'm now very sensitive to artificial flavors like fake vanilla. Some fresh leafy greens taste like they are rotten. Many foods are overly sweet. Former favorites are unpalatable. My food choices are complicated because I basically don't cook. My current diet is mostly muesli, yogurt, kefir, raw carrots, Panera soups, fruit and protein smoothies, commercial protein drinks, occasional hamburgers, vegetarian frozen entrees, some supplements, and so on.

I'm hoping other people can share if they are having the same issues and how you have figured out what to eat after radical changes in taste. There are no in-person support groups near me so I'm not sure where to get advice.

merrychristmas | @merrychristmas | Nov 12, 2025

Get a refferal to RD , preferably one who specialty is weight control.

cabby | @cabby | Nov 12, 2025

Start at the lowest dose and work your way up to the dosage your body can tolerate. Be ready to be extremely tired, have a headache that comes and goes, and be sure to receive medication for nausea. That being said, my primary symptom is skin sensitivity. At times, the bedsheet bothers me so much when touching my legs. It's a weird feeling. That being said, many days I have no desire for food whatsoever, and that has made my weight loss journey easier than ever. Eat lots of protein. And eat some more protein. Good luck!