OhMaya

I’ve been on Zepbound (tirzepatide) for about two years now and had a similar experience with my doctor. I was told that I’d be weaned off the medication once I reached a certain goal weight, but I also wasn’t given any guidance or resources on how to maintain the weight loss after stopping the meds. However, after some research, I came across a paper discussing long-term GLP-1 treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes. Although it doesn’t specifically address weight management, the authors suggest that ongoing treatment could help sustain benefits. I found that point interesting, though I know treatment decisions should always be made with a doctor. The paper also mentioned the possibility of using different GLP-1 medications, which was relevant for me since I’m already on tirzepatide. I reached out to my doctor again to talk about these findings, and she was receptive to discussing them further. She wasn’t familiar with that specific study but was open to considering its points. We’re now looking at how this might fit into my long-term maintenance plan. While my experience hasn’t been entirely straightforward, I’ve found promising avenues for maintaining results through open communication and research. I found it helpful to share studies with my doctor to get her perspective.

Good luck with your arm lift! It sounds like you're being very proactive about your recovery this time around.

Yes, that's accurate. Vitamin patches are generally less effective than pills or capsules because the skin doesn't absorb most vitamins well. Most vitamins have molecules that are too large to penetrate skin efficiently. Oral supplements have much more research supporting their effectiveness and better absorption rates. If you have trouble swallowing pills, liquid vitamins or sublingual tablets would be better alternatives than patches. Stick with traditional oral supplements, they're more reliable and proven to work.

I had an emergency c-section, which may differ from other surgeries, so my experience might not fully represent typical recovery room practices. My husband was allowed to come back once I was stable and alert enough. Policies can vary between hospitals, so it's worth checking with your specific facility about their recovery room visitation guidelines.

It varies. The most common issues are constipation and gas/bloating. For me, I was extremely gassy for the first week; my stomach looked like a balloon about to explode. That passed pretty quickly but then bloating started and that was more long-lasting. It took several months before it didn't feel like my stomach had expanded and just felt normal again. The pain is also variable. Some people have none at all. I had mild pain for the first few days, and then a sharp twinge after every bowel movement for about two weeks or so. That was annoying but nothing to write home about. For me, the biggest issue was fatigue. I didn't eat much at all for the first week because food just made me want to throw up. And even when I could eat again, my stomach could only handle small portions for several months (and it had to be bland foods). So I basically lived on chicken broth with noodles and saltines for a few weeks. That plus not being able to exercise left me so tired. It was hard to get through the day sometimes. Good news is that you should start feeling better within 2–3 weeks, although some people take longer than this. And it just keeps getting better from there!

How little you need to eat after a while! I remember one day at work, I was hungry around lunchtime but it wasn’t quite noon yet, so I had a small yogurt. The hunger went away quickly and I just didn’t feel like eating again until past 1 p.m. I was shocked that my body told me when I was full!

I’m having my second RNY. My first was 16 years ago when I weighed 265 lbs. After losing 100 pounds, I gained about half of it back due to a medical issue I didn’t know about. So, the best option for me now is another RNY. My doctor mentioned that I could consider a sleeve, but he would not recommend it because of my history of gaining weight. The main reason I’m choosing an RNY this time is that I previously had a duodenal switch and do not want to go through that again. I think the choice depends on how much weight you’ve been able to lose on your own, how high your BMI is, and your medical history. For me, it’s absolutely an RNY.

1. My favorite large shirt to wear after the swelling goes down. 2. Compression garments 3. Something for pain. I love tylenol pm but it makes me feel sleepy the next day so I don’t always take it. Depending on your job situation, you may need something stronger.

I’m so happy you are doing well and enjoying the fruits of your efforts! I am just getting back into coffee again, since I gave up caffeine for a while. I use collagen peptides in my coffee as well as whey protein powder, and I add stevia to sweeten it. You can find many affordable versions of both supplements. You could also just stir some collagen into your tea if you prefer that over coffee, and add stevia for sweetness. Some people experience changes in taste after surgery and find that they no longer enjoy certain foods like grapefruit. But if it still tastes good to you, that's great, stick with what works! I hope you continue to do well and I look forward to hearing more from you!

Hi Reggie! Welcome to the forum. Also I'm gonna assume you smoke right? how do you balance the munchies and diet? 😅

Hey there! First off, HUGE congrats on hitting your goal weight, that's absolutely amazing! Your story really resonates with me. The whole hysterectomy throwing everything off track is so real, hormones really are no joke. I'm so glad you found the right combo with getting sleeved + Zepbound. Are you doing anything specific now to manage your constipation, or did it resolve on its own? And also did your doctor have thoughts on why Ozempic didn't work for you initially, but Zepbound did? Maybe dosing, timing, or formulation differences?

That's really interesting! I hadn't heard that specific podcast yet, but I've been following some of the emerging research on GLP-1s beyond just diabetes and weight loss. The potential psychiatric and neurological applications are fascinating. I remember seeing some early studies suggesting GLP-1 receptors in the brain might play a role in mood regulation and addiction pathways, so it makes sense they're finding benefits for depression and substance use disorders. Do you know if Dr. Weiner mentioned which specific studies he was referencing? I am going to check out that podcast, thanks for sharing!

Oh honey, I am new here but I just want to say I'm so so sorry you're going through this. Breakups are brutal, and dealing with them post-surgery adds a whole other layer of complexity. Sending you the biggest virtual hug right now. ? EDIT: oh I have just read that things are good for you now! That is so good to hear!