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Vikspine13

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Hey all,

After lurking on these boards for quite some time, I figured it was time to say hello. I'm in my late 30s, and my weight has been a battle through nearly all of my grown-up years. Work pressure, extended shifts, and workouts that came and went have caused me to put on far more pounds than I would have guessed, and now my stamina and my health in general are paying the price.

GLP-1 drugs have really caught my attention, since I've watched them do a lot of good for certain individuals (a few of my friends included) when it comes to hunger, urges, and losing weight in a way that lasts. Sadly, as is true for plenty of folks on here, the price tag has stood in my way. These medications aren't covered by my insurance, and paying cash for the name-brand versions is just beyond what I can swing at the moment.

My main reason for being here is to pick up what I can from what others have gone through — how you began, what those initial weeks were like, how you dealt with side effects, and which daily habit shifts mattered most in combination with the medication. I want to go about this carefully and with safety in mind, and I'm grateful for spaces like this one where real, honest stories get shared instead of pure advertising talk.

Appreciate the welcome, and I can't wait to hear from all of you.
 
For me personally, I haven't experienced any side effects at all, though I've kept a close eye on how much of the medication is still lingering in my system. Between not knowing what could happen and the terrifying accounts you see on reddit, it's easy to second-guess yourself. Learning the facts matters most!
 
Make sure your protein intake is sufficient.

The only thing I've had to contend with while on tirzepatide has been constipation. That's no small matter and it has to be managed. Tonight I'll locate the details my PCP and I went over.

Make sure your protein intake is sufficient.

Staying hydrated is absolutely essential.

If you're able, I'd start figuring out your food and meals right away, since you'll be taking in very little and what you do eat will count for even more. My approach was high protein, mid-low fat & mid-low carbs.

And yes, make sure your protein intake is sufficient.
 
I agree with @MedicallnMO — while on g1ps, getting sufficient protein matters. The reason is that people typically don't take in enough protein during use, which harms health and also causes worse gym performance.
 
This is the protocol/document I used, and I went over it with my PCP. I absolutely needed to establish a daily bowel regimen, and after that I've had few problems.


https://www.reddit.com/r/Mounjaro/s/1FxciJsZ62


“Here’s my repeated post about constipation ✊️

Begin with this to clear acute constipation: https://www.vumc.org/trauma-and-scc...files/Protocols/Trauma Bowel Regimen PMG_.pdf

After that, put yourself on a daily bowel regimen to help stay regular. MD Anderson has useful information here (scroll down for “bowel management guide”) for their patients, many of whom deal with constipation. Or search for the bowel management guide from whichever cancer center or pain clinic you prefer. They know #2. 💩”
 
Welcome! I began at .5mg — quite low — but since nausea is something I absolutely hate, I'm steering clear of it at all costs and titrating slowly. For some things that might be a waste, yet it's hardly ever bad for you.

This is literally my first week (started Sunday), so there's nothing really to report. Still eating the same amount for now.
 
I logged all my food, measured my protein, and gave myself a daily calorie cap. During 10 months of actively losing, I went over that cap just twice. The side effects stayed easy to handle and easy to foresee. Begin at a low dose and increase only once the scale stops moving.
 
On Tirz, I dealt with side effects for roughly 1.5 months, after which they vanished entirely—except for more gas, which looks like it will stick around for as long as I keep taking it. Fingers crossed that Reta takes care of that problem.
 
Welcome to the forum!

As of yesterday morning, I'm down 35 pounds and I've just started month 4 of Tirzepatide. Side effects have been basically nonexistent, except for times when I eat really fatty meals (pizza / lasagna). The biggest lifestyle shift for me has been having the ability to get out and do more now that the weight is coming off. I began with 5k steps a day, worked my way up to about 10k, and now I'm adding weight training plus HIIT workout classes so I can fit more cardio into the week and keep things interesting!

My Tirzepatide dose is 7.5mg and I intend to stay at this level for a while. Hunger suppression is still working great for me. What this medication really gives me is the chance to concentrate on other things instead of my brain constantly pushing me to binge on snacks!
 
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