1. < Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss
Profile picture for mef46

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.

Profile picture for dsisko
dsisko | @dsisko | Apr 6 9:07pm
In reply to @cholash "@dsisko that’s such great news for your lungs. I have bronchiectasis and have wondered if GLP’s..." + (show)
Profile picture for cholash @cholash

@dsisko that’s such great news for your lungs. I have bronchiectasis and have wondered if GLP’s would help it or not . I’ve not seen any evidence based research regarding this matter.

Jump to this post

@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.

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for cholash
cholash | @cholash | Apr 7 9:04am
In reply to @dsisko "@cholash I hadn't seen any research on it either but, given the evidence that it reduces..." + (show)
Profile picture for dsisko @dsisko

@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.

Jump to this post

@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 .

REPLY
1 reply
Profile picture for dsisko
dsisko | @dsisko | Apr 7 9:57am
In reply to @cholash "@dsisko from someone with a different ling disease , bronchiectasis , I totally get it and..." + (show)
Profile picture for cholash @cholash

@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 .

Jump to this post

@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.

REPLY
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator
Moderator
Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Apr 8 4:14pm

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

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.