I see you've passed a year now-I haven't dug around yet to see your progress, but I will. I've been on the shots for a few weeks and despite everyone I know telling me how they 'lost 50 pounds in two months', I am feeling sad about my very slow response, although the reduction in food noise is nice. I could go on at length about my faulty metabolism that I can trace back to my first diet at age 8. It's a story a lot of us share, where our moms listened to the experts and forced us to live on grapefruit and eggs at much too young an age. (I write about that in a memoir that is still unpublished.) Anyway, I hope that you had success and that time is our friend in this journey! In the meantime, I am going to binge all of your posts and videos. I am low-key obsessed and feel like we should probably be friends. :)
SO, I really didn’t write progress reports, but I will tell you that I’ve been really happy on the medication (Zepbound). I’m up to 12.5mg and I think that’s my sweet spot. I’ve lost about 54-55 pounds. I’m still fat, but I’m happy and feel so much better that if I never lost another pound, I’d be fine, more or less. It’s the reduction in food noise that’s been biggest reward of this experience. If I have to stay on it forever, I’m willing.
When I started taking it, I’d just tested pre-diabetic for the first time.
My A1C is completely normal, my body doesn’t hurt anymore, and I have a lot more energy. My assignment for this year is to get to the gym.
I’m happy that you reconnected, that’s awesome.
Come check out my new project. It’s the best thing I’m doing right now.
A feminist story slam. I saw that you subscribed earlier. Come to the March slam if you can and of course, if it interests you.
I am very interested in the slam! Of course, me being me, I hope that I could offer up a good story here and there. Hopefully your needs match my offerings one of these days. I'll look and see what aligns, and will definitely try to get to the March one.
Great job on the success this year with the Zep! I am not giving up yet. I do workout a ton so I have that working against me, strangely. It's like people who quit drinking soda and lose 20 pounds. 'But I don't drink soda, wah wah....'. Slowly but steady. Glad your numbers are good and that you are feeling good, that is really what is most important, after all.
Great! So, go to the calendar here: https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/slam-calendar-themes to see the themes for the coming months. May is the only one that's full with a long waitlist. And of course, this month's event is fully scheduled for storytellers. xo
The same is true for me. You bring such wonderful energy to us. Such a great addition to our community. Now it's your community, too. Love right back at you, my dear friend. xo
Darn, I'd started a response and somehow lost it. Yes, it will be interesting and challenging. But you can do it! I've seen your persistence.
I've got my tags working and populating as poems move from scheduled to published. But I've got more questions, so see you on Thursday at 1:30 your time! Hope I can find the Zoom link....
You write so honestly about the emotional roller coaster that brought you to this decision, Nan. I love that you're giving yourself this birthday gift! Much love to you, dear heart. Happy birthday.
Your vulnerability, honesty, and courage are surpassed only by your commitment to your own life. What a beautiful, inspiring example of loving your whole self. Thank you for this, Nan.
Oh my goodness! I lost count of the similarities in our stories, and I am here to validate EVERYTHING you said! I am (was) in the 50-100-lbs-to-lose range, had the pre-diabetic test results, was having trouble fitting into places, so much food noise/coping with food, so much hesitation to try these injections.
I started Zepbound (tirzepatide) in October 2024 and hit the 50-lb loss milestone last week. I can't tell you how lifechanging it's been. It's affected EVERYTHING -- my relationships, my work, my fitness. My weight has always been the one thing I couldn't get a handle on, and now that I'm empowered to control it, I feel empowered in other ways.
The food noise -- those who haven't experienced will have no idea what you mean. And once it's gone, you're like, "Ohhhhh, THIS is what a normal relationship with food looks like!" I still eat sugar -- sometimes, too much, especially when I'm feeling really strong emotions. I gain a few pounds when I'm on vacation. But now, my body and hormones and mindset magically adjust like they're supposed to when I'm back home. The pounds come off as I go back to my normal routine.
I have a few pieces of (I know, unsolicited) advice:
1. Make sure you're getting enough protein. I use the MyNetDiary app to track my protein and fiber intake (the app lets you customize the dashboard to see exactly what you want to see, and nothing else).
2. Make sure to exercise (especially resistance, since these medications can cause muscle loss -- See Also: "Make sure you're getting enough protein.")
3. Make sure you're drinking enough water. Because you're eating less, you're not getting as much hydration through your food. And because you're not constantly thinking about eating or drinking, you can go a long time without drinking. I've started drinking an electrolyte drink (Ultima powder) each morning to help.
4. ENJOY THE RIDE. There is NO shame in taking this approach. It's a tool, not a shortcut, cop-out, or any other negative connotation others might want to give it. :)
This is wonderful, Elizabeth! You totally get it. And thank you for the unsolicited advice. It's all very sound. I have to find out what enough protein means for me. I'm pescatarian, and used to just eat one piece of fish at night with my veggies, etc. Now I've added a 30g protein shake to my mornings (not much a breakfast person) and lunch is confounding to me. The hardest parts for me are night-time eating (which has lessened unbelievably this week), getting into a good exercise routine (my new treadmill is arriving today), have to address resistance exercise, too. And hydrating enough. But it's all falling into place, I think, hope, plan. I'm not feeling much shame about it right now. My 12-step network has been very supportive. I only wish my insurance covered it. It's a stretch for me, but it's worth it! Thank you so much for this generous comment. xoxo
Stunning piece. Honored to witness you evolve in real time. Thank you for your authenticity, what a treasure to behold. I am rooting for you big time with my whole heart!
I've worked in and around agriculture for 30 years, and by association with food system reform. Americans have been thrown under the bus by a system that prioritizes fat, sugar, and salt which hijack the brain's reward system. And then, as with many corporate sleights of hand, we are blamed for not having proper willpower. Economic disparities factor in here in their own way.
I'm glad you're in a good support group, Nan, and that writing here is serving as an added avenue for support and accountability. I'm glad you have new tools to try. It appears that you're going into this with your eyes wide open, and I hope it goes well.
Thank you, Elizabeth. The food manufacturers are criminal in their behaviors. Sugar, HIGH fructose corn syrup, combinations of ingredients that create addiction and craving loops in the brain. This is an experiment. Time will tell. I definitely reap the benefits of writing my stories as a way of processing, but I also write to contribute to others and try and normalize things that we've been programmed not to talk about. I love it here! xo
Inspirational my love. The one thing to look out for is fried foods. I know folks who've had a real problem with the GLP and fried foods, and up your protein intake. I'm really proud of you, taking the step, and talking about it. Love you mama
I love you so much, Jodi. Thanks for the FFW (fried food warning). I don't tend to eat fried food. I lost my gall bladder about 8 years ago, and was warned about using care with them then, but frankly I've never had a problem when I have eaten them. They don't appeal to me that much...except for fried oysters and the occasional french fry indulgence. I've added a 30 gram protein shake to my day, and I have to work on upping it more, I kind of get lost with my midday meal. Learning curve for sure! Can't wait to see you in April! xo
My steady weight gain -- regardless of what I did to try to curb it -- started in earnest after my gallbladder removal. Why? Because no one told me to eat differently. My doctors said, "You can go back to what you were doing before!" which for me, was high protein, high-healthy fats. I only learned last year (thanks to the incredible Fatty Liver Alliance of Canada: https://fattyliver.ca/, which I discovered after being diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver) that that is a terrible diet for gallbladder-less people!
Yes that's the same as I'm taking - Mounjaro/Zepbound. I am so glad they are finally offering it compounded to make it more affordable. I think it also gives you more flexibility with dosing, I've seen some people say they split their dosage into two shots a week for various reasons.
I sometimes wonder if you write in the middle of the night, in the dark, arbitrarily, but importantly protected in all the ways from the world's view. I wonder because that would be the only way I could be this vulnerable, this honest, this unsure of my sureness. I love that you're following the only person, saint, or spirit that ever mattered...YOU. 🫶
I love you, Jess. I don't write in the middle of the night, in the dark, arbitrarily. I write in my cozy chair, with one dog snuggled in between my legs, and the other one tucked into my right side, in the full light of day, usually on Saturdays and Sundays. Thank you for being a reader, a witness, and a lovely new friend. Have fun on Saturday! I'll miss seeing you. xo
I see you've passed a year now-I haven't dug around yet to see your progress, but I will. I've been on the shots for a few weeks and despite everyone I know telling me how they 'lost 50 pounds in two months', I am feeling sad about my very slow response, although the reduction in food noise is nice. I could go on at length about my faulty metabolism that I can trace back to my first diet at age 8. It's a story a lot of us share, where our moms listened to the experts and forced us to live on grapefruit and eggs at much too young an age. (I write about that in a memoir that is still unpublished.) Anyway, I hope that you had success and that time is our friend in this journey! In the meantime, I am going to binge all of your posts and videos. I am low-key obsessed and feel like we should probably be friends. :)
No bingeing! OR, do whatever you want.
SO, I really didn’t write progress reports, but I will tell you that I’ve been really happy on the medication (Zepbound). I’m up to 12.5mg and I think that’s my sweet spot. I’ve lost about 54-55 pounds. I’m still fat, but I’m happy and feel so much better that if I never lost another pound, I’d be fine, more or less. It’s the reduction in food noise that’s been biggest reward of this experience. If I have to stay on it forever, I’m willing.
When I started taking it, I’d just tested pre-diabetic for the first time.
My A1C is completely normal, my body doesn’t hurt anymore, and I have a lot more energy. My assignment for this year is to get to the gym.
I’m happy that you reconnected, that’s awesome.
Come check out my new project. It’s the best thing I’m doing right now.
A feminist story slam. I saw that you subscribed earlier. Come to the March slam if you can and of course, if it interests you.
xo
I am very interested in the slam! Of course, me being me, I hope that I could offer up a good story here and there. Hopefully your needs match my offerings one of these days. I'll look and see what aligns, and will definitely try to get to the March one.
Great job on the success this year with the Zep! I am not giving up yet. I do workout a ton so I have that working against me, strangely. It's like people who quit drinking soda and lose 20 pounds. 'But I don't drink soda, wah wah....'. Slowly but steady. Glad your numbers are good and that you are feeling good, that is really what is most important, after all.
:)
Leslie
And yes, I want to to do a slam. Yes I do.
Great! So, go to the calendar here: https://www.whambamthankyouslam.com/p/slam-calendar-themes to see the themes for the coming months. May is the only one that's full with a long waitlist. And of course, this month's event is fully scheduled for storytellers. xo
I like your intro and outro. They put me in a good mood.
Thanks! I like them, too! So upbeat. My best friend helped me make them. xo
Nan, I so happy and grateful to be on this journey with you. You are smart, funny, a warrior‼️
Your writing is amazing. Thanks for inviting me into this facet of your life.
Love to you.
The same is true for me. You bring such wonderful energy to us. Such a great addition to our community. Now it's your community, too. Love right back at you, my dear friend. xo
Good on you, Nan. I'm proud of you. Do what you are able to do for your health. We want you around for a good long while! And happy belated birthday!
Thanks, Amrita. This is going to be a very interesting process for sure, physically and emotionally! xo
Darn, I'd started a response and somehow lost it. Yes, it will be interesting and challenging. But you can do it! I've seen your persistence.
I've got my tags working and populating as poems move from scheduled to published. But I've got more questions, so see you on Thursday at 1:30 your time! Hope I can find the Zoom link....
Go for it Nan and a belated Happy Birthday for yesterday 🎈🎉🥳
Thank you, thank you! xo
I continue to admire your openness and honesty, Nan. Best of luck with the new meds!
Thanks, Chris. We shall see! xo
You write so honestly about the emotional roller coaster that brought you to this decision, Nan. I love that you're giving yourself this birthday gift! Much love to you, dear heart. Happy birthday.
Thank you, my lovely Paulette! I'm very hopeful and excited about this! xo
Hugs to you!
Back atcha! xoxo
I am so inspired by your courage, honesty, and vulnerability. You have a valuable perspective, and I’m glad you shared it.
Thanks, Joni. Happy you read it. Thanks for commenting here! xo
So moved by your story. And happy early Birthday!! I think we are all rooting for you.
Thank you, so much Mimi! I forgot your real first name already! I'm sorry. Can you remind me? Or can I call you Mimi, too? xo
It's Vicki, but you can call me Mimi, too. There are a few on Substack who do. Either way is fine with me!
Thank you!
Your vulnerability, honesty, and courage are surpassed only by your commitment to your own life. What a beautiful, inspiring example of loving your whole self. Thank you for this, Nan.
Thank you, Debbie. Love you and you are very welcome! xo
Oh my goodness! I lost count of the similarities in our stories, and I am here to validate EVERYTHING you said! I am (was) in the 50-100-lbs-to-lose range, had the pre-diabetic test results, was having trouble fitting into places, so much food noise/coping with food, so much hesitation to try these injections.
I started Zepbound (tirzepatide) in October 2024 and hit the 50-lb loss milestone last week. I can't tell you how lifechanging it's been. It's affected EVERYTHING -- my relationships, my work, my fitness. My weight has always been the one thing I couldn't get a handle on, and now that I'm empowered to control it, I feel empowered in other ways.
The food noise -- those who haven't experienced will have no idea what you mean. And once it's gone, you're like, "Ohhhhh, THIS is what a normal relationship with food looks like!" I still eat sugar -- sometimes, too much, especially when I'm feeling really strong emotions. I gain a few pounds when I'm on vacation. But now, my body and hormones and mindset magically adjust like they're supposed to when I'm back home. The pounds come off as I go back to my normal routine.
I have a few pieces of (I know, unsolicited) advice:
1. Make sure you're getting enough protein. I use the MyNetDiary app to track my protein and fiber intake (the app lets you customize the dashboard to see exactly what you want to see, and nothing else).
2. Make sure to exercise (especially resistance, since these medications can cause muscle loss -- See Also: "Make sure you're getting enough protein.")
3. Make sure you're drinking enough water. Because you're eating less, you're not getting as much hydration through your food. And because you're not constantly thinking about eating or drinking, you can go a long time without drinking. I've started drinking an electrolyte drink (Ultima powder) each morning to help.
4. ENJOY THE RIDE. There is NO shame in taking this approach. It's a tool, not a shortcut, cop-out, or any other negative connotation others might want to give it. :)
This is wonderful, Elizabeth! You totally get it. And thank you for the unsolicited advice. It's all very sound. I have to find out what enough protein means for me. I'm pescatarian, and used to just eat one piece of fish at night with my veggies, etc. Now I've added a 30g protein shake to my mornings (not much a breakfast person) and lunch is confounding to me. The hardest parts for me are night-time eating (which has lessened unbelievably this week), getting into a good exercise routine (my new treadmill is arriving today), have to address resistance exercise, too. And hydrating enough. But it's all falling into place, I think, hope, plan. I'm not feeling much shame about it right now. My 12-step network has been very supportive. I only wish my insurance covered it. It's a stretch for me, but it's worth it! Thank you so much for this generous comment. xoxo
Stunning piece. Honored to witness you evolve in real time. Thank you for your authenticity, what a treasure to behold. I am rooting for you big time with my whole heart!
Thanks, Mary Caroline! xo
I've worked in and around agriculture for 30 years, and by association with food system reform. Americans have been thrown under the bus by a system that prioritizes fat, sugar, and salt which hijack the brain's reward system. And then, as with many corporate sleights of hand, we are blamed for not having proper willpower. Economic disparities factor in here in their own way.
I'm glad you're in a good support group, Nan, and that writing here is serving as an added avenue for support and accountability. I'm glad you have new tools to try. It appears that you're going into this with your eyes wide open, and I hope it goes well.
Thank you, Elizabeth. The food manufacturers are criminal in their behaviors. Sugar, HIGH fructose corn syrup, combinations of ingredients that create addiction and craving loops in the brain. This is an experiment. Time will tell. I definitely reap the benefits of writing my stories as a way of processing, but I also write to contribute to others and try and normalize things that we've been programmed not to talk about. I love it here! xo
Inspirational my love. The one thing to look out for is fried foods. I know folks who've had a real problem with the GLP and fried foods, and up your protein intake. I'm really proud of you, taking the step, and talking about it. Love you mama
I love you so much, Jodi. Thanks for the FFW (fried food warning). I don't tend to eat fried food. I lost my gall bladder about 8 years ago, and was warned about using care with them then, but frankly I've never had a problem when I have eaten them. They don't appeal to me that much...except for fried oysters and the occasional french fry indulgence. I've added a 30 gram protein shake to my day, and I have to work on upping it more, I kind of get lost with my midday meal. Learning curve for sure! Can't wait to see you in April! xo
My steady weight gain -- regardless of what I did to try to curb it -- started in earnest after my gallbladder removal. Why? Because no one told me to eat differently. My doctors said, "You can go back to what you were doing before!" which for me, was high protein, high-healthy fats. I only learned last year (thanks to the incredible Fatty Liver Alliance of Canada: https://fattyliver.ca/, which I discovered after being diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver) that that is a terrible diet for gallbladder-less people!
Oy vey.
Yes that's the same as I'm taking - Mounjaro/Zepbound. I am so glad they are finally offering it compounded to make it more affordable. I think it also gives you more flexibility with dosing, I've seen some people say they split their dosage into two shots a week for various reasons.
I know there's concern about quality control though, that is a consideration.
I sometimes wonder if you write in the middle of the night, in the dark, arbitrarily, but importantly protected in all the ways from the world's view. I wonder because that would be the only way I could be this vulnerable, this honest, this unsure of my sureness. I love that you're following the only person, saint, or spirit that ever mattered...YOU. 🫶
I love you, Jess. I don't write in the middle of the night, in the dark, arbitrarily. I write in my cozy chair, with one dog snuggled in between my legs, and the other one tucked into my right side, in the full light of day, usually on Saturdays and Sundays. Thank you for being a reader, a witness, and a lovely new friend. Have fun on Saturday! I'll miss seeing you. xo
Then I'm even more impressed! And now I love having that image tucked up in my brain and will send a smile to it this Saturday.
MWAH! xo