GLP-1 and guidance as I cope with serious heart issue

I have been on a GLP1 for two years and have had great success. Please feel free to ask me any questions. The main dietary thing you should do is eat protein first. I try to eat 100 g of protein a day. I cook most of my meals and if I do eat out I try to make good choices. When you feel that first tinge of being full…stop eating. If you overeat…you will feel sick. I also strength train to keep up my muscle mass. I also recommend staying on the lowest dose you can for as long as you can. I follow three obesity/ endocrinologist on Instagram who have given lots of helpful information. I started on these before they saw the cardiac benefits…I have since had a heart attack and am so glad I am on the GLP1! Good luck!

@bobmidwest86791

Welcome to Mayo Connect. Guidance with GLP-1 would be extremely helpful. GLP-1 is most effective when combined with lifestyle changes.

Did your primary provider prescribe the GLP-1, and if so, did they offer a consult with a nutritionist?

Even if your primary or cardiologist did not prescribe your GLP-1, it may be worth talking to them about weight loss and assistance. Many clinics offer a weight-loss medication support program.

You might find this YouTube video with a Mayo dietitian on GLP-1 as a tool:

The one aspect of both my local cardiology care and my cardiology care at Mayo that I think was/is suboptimal is nutrition guidance. When diagnosed with HFpEF at Mayo I was given a folder full of info (I call it the “death manual”). The only dietary guidance…cut sodium. To what? Not hard because we don’t do a lot of processed foods that are packed with sodium. After my surgery, I was on a strict ”cardiac diet” at St Mary’s. No guidance on whether I should continue that. I have decided to pretty much follow that same plan at home. Lack of guidance is the one thing I have recommended changing in the experimental program I’m part of.

@roch I contacted my primary about glp1 and his staff kind of half heartedly tried monjaro and my insurance denied that . My EP at Mayo thought Wegovy would be great for me with my HFpEF . My pryin Duluth thought a visit with a Dietitian would be great but was advised my insurance would not cover the one hundred fifty five dollar charge per fifteen minutes of consultation fee.
Unfortunately I have been given no guidance as to using this drug . It just seems that a neurologist and Wegovy should go hand in hand but I’m seeing that there is help out here from current patients.
Thank you Laurie.

@altilla 😆😆, your story sounds amazingly familiar. It certainly seems like it would be vastly helpful if insurance would cover some Registered Dietitian time. Certainly no disrespect for my Mayo heart team but your description of the farewell with the “death manual “ ,😅😁 made me chuckle.
I guess I can can cover the estimated $1100.00 at the RD but I don’t want to.
Best wishes

@altilla, I'm glad you were able to give that valuable and constructive feedback to the team at Mayo Clinic.

Diet and nutrition guidance are important. Have you asked for a referral to a dietitian to get a personalized dietary plan?

@bobmidwest86791

Did you contact your insurance company directly about coverage of a dietitian? I am on Medicare, not on GLP-1, but I had gastric surgery, and when endocrinology referred me to a nutritionist, I had no trouble getting it covered. But every insurance company and patient is different.

@alana924 Nice advice. I was on Glp1 for 9 months lost 45 lbs it was great until gastric upset. I would love to try it again at a lower dose. I'm diabetic with left side heart failure and blockage. Plan to discuss with my doctor on next appointment.

@lisalucier I didn’t. I may in the future. We have been using the app “my fitness pal” for ages. However, that was primarily for calorie counting. Now I pay very close attention to the nutrient levels…particularly sodium and potassium…and the fluid intake. Fluid is the hardest. Supposed to include fluid from food as well but that can get to be TOO much and drive a person away from tracking everything else closely. I go with the 2L limit from the St Mary’s time and try to adjust based on activity. That is an ongoing learning experience. 😉

@roch I have not contacted my insurance but I’m quit certain my primary a n RD did because the Dietitian called me to tell me the “bad news “ about costs but maybe tomorrow I will call. Assumptions can be bad but thank you .