Crisscat

I had zero luck with Saxenda and Ozempic which is odd I think. I tried Wegovy when Zepbound was at the height of running out. I actually thought Wegovy helped me better but when Zepbound was more available I just went back to that. I have CVS insurance and they are making ppl speak with a dietitian every single month in order to get the script paid for. Personally I think they are holding the script hostage to make sure you participate in their weight loss program. Its ridiculous if you ask me as I am not fond of dieticians lol. However, that being said a prior coworker lost 118 lbs or more on Wegovy and he has been in maintenance mode for several months. He seems to be doing well but like another poster stated, I think the weight came off too fast for him as well on Wegovy.

I dont have alot of experience with this type of topic but I have always been larger busted once I started having children. I got up to 48 DD before sleeve surgery and now on Zepbound. I find it interesting as mentioned in other posts about the band size. I started at 48 and am currently at a 42 and possibly not far off from a 40 width band size. Ive gone down cup size from DD to a C currently. I have never been good at getting the right sizes I probably need to be in. I should just go have a fitting and get the correct size period lol. For me because I have been larger busted, I prefer to be smaller I just feel it suits me better and I still have at least 60 more pounds to lose before hitting goal so hard to say where Ill ultimately end up at. Good luck to you

3 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I'm right there with you when it comes to my arms. I need ALL the things done, but my first priorities are my neck and arms. I use Spanx right now to keep my skin in place on my thighs and stomach, so I'm not quite as worried about that right now. Second to be done will likely be a boob job (I used to be a DD, now I'm a small B). Third would likely be a Tummy Tuck, 4th would be a lower body lift (including butt lift). That's really the order based on priority for me. I have a ton of loose skin on my face, so I may look into that one day, but that would be well after everything else is done.

I remember you!!!! We had gastric sleeve the same day lol. You've done very well with your progress. I see you had to go to a bypass after the sleeve. I got really discouraged because with my sleeve I lost 52 lbs and that was it. I couldnt budge off that. I didnt want to have the bypass done as well so I just bummed around and got discouraged. Gained like 12 lbs and by January 2024 I was seeing another Dr to see if Zepbound would be beneficial for me or not. I started Zepbound by the end of Jan 2024 and so far I have lost an additional 72 lbs so its working better than the sleeve did. So much so I have all this loose skin now to deal with lol. Good to see your posts again!

13 hours ago, SpartanMaker said:

Most doctors wouldn't recommend Minoxidll for Acute Telogen Effluvium (the type of Hair loss that happens during rapid weight loss), because there's little scientific evidence that it actually does much of anything for this condition. In addition, Minoxidll can actually cause Telogen Effluvium either when beginning treatment, and/or when stopping treatment.

Keep in mind this drug was actually originally developed as vasodilator, but it was noted to promote Hair growth for patients suffering from androgenic alopecia, a completely different type of hair loss.

While you certainty can try it, Acute Telogen Effluvium will resolve on its own once the weight loss stops and there is some risk it won't do anything, or even might make the problem worse.

I'd honestly suggest talking to a dermatologist if your Hair loss is concerning enough you are considering medication.

Just my .02.

Im not interested in hair medicines just yet. I know the rapid weight loss can contribute to this hair loss. So far its just worrying to see how thin its getting but Im not in panic mode yet lol. Im hoping it slows a bit but if not I guess Ill have to deal with it until the journey is over. Thanks for your input very informational

15 hours ago, SpartanMaker said:

Hair loss is almost inevitable with significant weight loss due to a number of reasons such as lower Protein intake and lower levels of certain micronutrients such as Iron, niacin, etc. Stress and hormone changes are also leading causes of excess hair loss during weight loss.

This is true regardless of how you lost weight, thus it's not unique to Zepound or any other GLP-1 drug.

The good news is that it typically will come back once you go off the diet.

Thank you! I think I have all those loss of nutrients and certainly lower Protein.

1 hour ago, Arabesque said:

Unfortunately, Hair loss can be upsetting and frustrating but it is a perfectly normal side effect of weight loss as the others have said. It’s also common after many bigger surgeries, pregnancy, etc. It is temporary and most find it slows after about 3 or 4 months which is when you’re probably eating a little more & a more balanced diet as you’re better understanding your nutritional needs even on a GLP-1.

The thing to remember is the hair you’re losing is hair you were gong to lose anyway. It’s just your normal Hair loss cycle has been accelerated. Your new growth is still occurring but just at its usual rate. In a couple of months you’ll notice the fluffy new growth bits starting to show through & in an other 12 months or so your hair will be much the same (depending on its length) as it was before weight loss. Many of us cut our hair if it was long (I went to just above my shoulders) as shorter hair looks thicker and tends to be bouncier. Plus it takes less time for your new growth to reach the length of the rest of your hair.

As for minoxidil, I’d probably leave it for a few months to see whether the hair loss is related to your weight loss or age. Had you lost any prior to your weight loss like with the onset of menopause? Menopause is when I lost some and developed a thin spot above my right temple. I use minoxidil for that spot (and my eyebrows). If you go down that path, it is for life. Stop using it and you’ll lose the hair again. Also look for 5% (2% isn’t enough) and look for the men’s minoxidil. The pink tax is still alive and well with price discrepancies.

Congratulations with your weight loss so far.

Thank you. I had hair loss with my gastric sleeve back in May 2022. I did not lose as much weight with the sleeve as I would have hoped. I guess it just didnt work for me as well as it seems to do for others. I started losing my hair during that period. I cant say that I noticed it ever slowing down either. My hair has gotten really long but its thin all over because Ive always had thin fine hair. The top at the crown is where I see the most gone. I decided to start Zepbound because I saw a few of my coworkers having such good success with it. So I gave it a shot myself, yes it has helped me alot more with the weight loss and I still steadily lose each month but that pesky hair loss kicked back into gear so thats a bit disappointing. Not alot I can do about it I suppose because I am still on the shots and have at least 60 more pounds to go to reach my goal. I havent attempted any hair loss meds I figured Id just ride the wave Im on a bit longer lol

Just asking others on their thoughts with Zepbound?

Ive been on Zepbound since Feb 2024 and have lost more weight with this then my gastric sleeve surgery; however I can get the normal side effects nausea (its manageable) but I am really experiencing lots of hair loss! Anyone else losing their hair at a steady pace just like the weight loss? Im 56 so could be age induced as well and I have very fine hair anyway but even I am getting concerned with the amount I am losing especially on the top!

11 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

I had the whole shebang done several years ago, but it was really the front part that was really painful (probably because of the muscle tightening). I don't remember my backside hurting that much.

The whole shebang huh lol. Im a bit leery of it all myself. I have lost enough weight now between gastric sleeve and Zepbound that I have the sagging skin issue in several places. My biggest area that I suppose bothers me (in looks) is my arms. I hate how much is sagging and actually quite heavy skin. If I do anything it will be those upper arms for sure first!!! It wasnt really until recently I noticed it wasnt just the upper arms, it has now gone downward into forearm area. Skin there is really starting to get loose. I just dont know whether to do both upper arms at the same time or one at a time. I have not spoken to a plastic surgeon yet as I am only just now seeing other areas of my body with loose sagging skin. Ive lost a considerable amount in the breast area, my thighs are now saggy and loose as well as my butt lol. I just noticed a noticeable fold of loose skin thats irritating ha!! I just dont know if I want to go through so many surgeries to get rid of all this, it seems a bit much but I guess time will tell which areas will irritate me enough to do something about it.

I have been on Zepbound since Feb 2024, I have lost an additional 72 lbs while on this drug. More weight loss than my gastric sleeve. I lost about 52 lbs from that. I am on a higher dose now but have been steadily on it for the past 3 months without upping the dosage. It is not a dramatic loss but steady and Im good with that since I was at a complete stall of weight loss after the sleeve

On 9/27/2022 at 11:25 AM, crazycatladycanada said:

As my post mentions. I have lost two pounds in five weeks. To me that is pretty much nothing. I shouldn’t stall after one week.

I lost 0 lbs in 5 weeks. Yes it can happen and it is normal. I lose alot slower than others on here because I have a knee issue and cannot walk any real distance (I need a knee replacement and keep putting it off).

I believe I lost 22 lbs pre op then 14 lbs in like 9 days post op then after that I was on a 5 week stall no weight loss whatsoever. It can certainly play mind games with you.

I am 5 months post op and I lose only about 7-10 lbs per month. But not all months, for example in Sept I think I only lost 5 or 6 lbs and so far October isnt looking that great either lol. I just take what I can get at this point. As long as I am not gaining, I see it as a small victory

My stall came at 3 weeks and lasted a full 5 weeks!! I was about to pull my hair out over that one so I truly hope I dont have a second stall lol. I have been gradually losing 2-4 lbs a week once the stall passed. So I am on average right now with my monthly weight loss according to my team and others in here as well. I take what I get as long as its weight loss and no weight gain. Every number gone is a win for me.

Im not years out so cannot offer any suggestions or advice, but I have noticed at only 3 months out I sometimes will lose my appetite after only a few bites. Sometimes I am ok and can get about a tablespoon in but on those weird days when I just cannot stomach eating I have to literally ask my family members to take my plate out of the room after only a few bites because I get to a point where seeing the uneaten food on the plate makes me want to throw up. Its weird....its not all the time every meal but it happens enough that it makes me wonder why its happening and whether it will be long term or not.

Im curious if you started out this way or if it was just like that from the beginning and has spilled out the same over the years?

So my program is against chewing gum? Even sugar free gum??!!

I have not asked why because when I was in the office for my 3 month follow up it was mentioned and I really didnt think anything about it as I am not a chewing gum type of person only on occasion and if I do chew gum its usually sugar free.

Anyway, has anyone had their program tell them that they cant chew gum? If so, I am curious as to why?

Recognize and pay attention to the "effects" of eating too much for your sleeve. I got so close to throwing up twice. Once I broke out in a sweat and had a runny nose. The second time was like heart palpations, runny nose and being centimeters from actually throwing up. It was awful to stay the least lol. You would think it would only take once to recognize it but as with everything for me it took twice lol.

I sometimes get skiddish to eat for fear of losing track with eating too much. By the time my nose starts running Ive already had 1 or 2 bites too much.

Dont over buy all the "stuff" needed for post op. You more than likely dont need it and wont eat or drink it. I have a couple of bags of things I thought I could use but I never did. You dont feel like eating and its something to build up to.

Ditto to what everyone else said about comparing yourself to others. Some will lose quicker and some will lose alot slower (this is me). It can be frustrating and discouraging but itis what it is and its your body's way of handling the weight loss.

And ditto to measuring yourself you will see the difference. I was at my dads birthday party this past Saturday and my oldest brother was videoing and got me in the shot. When I saw the video I was horrified at how I looked and quickly realized I have just lost 52 lbs. A couple things went through my head: 1) if I thought I looked bad now imagine how I looked 52 lbs ago. 2) I could see the difference enough to realize I needed to keep going no matter how long it takes. So pictures and measurement help to put things in to perspective.

I had one very similar to that, I was told not to put any ointment on it (they didnt want it to stay moist) only clean it and put a steri-strip on it to help it stay closed. Mine healed up just fine and finally closed I guess in about a week. It scabbed over like someone mentioned above. That scar for me is alot darker and thicker scar then my other ones.

Im only 3 months out but I cant say whether or not my hunger is back. I guess I can say its not back full force yet. I have gone through periods where I thought I was over the top hungry only to find out I wasnt and I get full quick. Ive also gone through a phase where I wanted to eat whatever I could get ahold of or I wanted to snack for no real good reason. Currently I am in a phase right now where Im not bothered if I eat at all. So its a real struggle and I can relate to you when you say you dont want to eat sometimes because your full from the meal you ate earlier. It seems odd sometimes tho lol

I told no one except my husband. I didnt tell anyone because I felt it was a decision I made for my health and a better me. I have witnessed others derogatory comments/statements of others. I feel bad enough on my own accord that I allowed myself to become this big that I didnt want to hear what other ppl thought too good or bad.

INo one has said anything to me about the 50+ lbs I lost already except for my boss. She said she could definitely tell but no one else including my own family has not said a word. LOL I am beginning to wonder how much I need to lose before others says something. I have lost and gained weight before so maybe they are waiting for that to happen again who knows lol.

When my boss asked me about it I just said the truth, I am drinking more Water and taking in higher amounts of Protein while reducing my carb intake. She was satisified with my answer...it was a Win, Win.

Welcome Steve. This is a very informational forum and lots of nice ppl here willing to help.

As far as the pre op diet yep that can be a rough one but after the 4th day for me I was doing good, not as crabby less hungry and I didnt have a problem getting through the next week and then it was surgery time. Set your eyes on the prize and you will do just fine

On 7/31/2022 at 7:03 PM, SleeveDiva2022 said:

Definitely MyFitnessPal. I swear by it.

Yep I agree with others, MyFitnessPal is my favorite

And SleeveDiva2022 you are looking marvelous 😛 Keep up the good work you are doing

On 8/1/2022 at 7:38 AM, liveaboard15 said:

LMAO. Thats funny. I always assume most in here are females. Rarely do i encounter a male in here lol.

I think you and I were on here about a month before I realized you were a male LOL.

I go for my 3 month labs in the next few days. I hope all goes well for me like yours but Im a bit weary.

Congrats on your good numbers tho

On 3/28/2022 at 9:05 AM, GradyCat said:

I can only have a forkful or a single spoonful or potatoes, rice, or carbs.

Same here. I am 3 months post op and what I have found is after I eat my Protein first I really cant get much more in such as potatoes, rice, bread or Pasta. If I am craving potatoes I will have about a tablespoon full and its hit or miss if I am able to eat it or not. I tend to just stay away from it because its not worth eating too much and having adverse effects from it. I tend to pick my battles with mash lol

On 7/31/2022 at 8:05 AM, catwoman7 said:

I didn't have problems with actual sleeping - but getting in and out of bed could be challenging, and also, it was about three weeks before I could sleep on my side (my preferred position).

Ditto to what catwoman7 said. I bought a recliner in case I couldnt sleep in bed. I was in the recliner approximately 2 days and slept horribly. I decided I would try my bed and I did much better. I moved a bit gingerly within that first week but I experienced no issues after 1 week and slept like a baby literally lol

I never had a sleep study done but I can say before surgery I was up 2-3 times a night constantly waking up and having to go to the bathroom. Since surgery 3 months ago I have been sleeping the whole night, in fact I noticed a few weeks after surgery I wasnt waking up for whatever reasons anymore. Happy to say for me I am sleeping better after the weight loss I have.

I hope you will notice a big difference as well

My marriage is the same pre op and post op. My hubby has always been supportive of me and never said anything to me about my weight. He was not all in for the surgery and still doesnt care for it. But he has seen the impact physically and mentally for me. I still struggle at times and shame myself. He would never do that to me though. He is a good guy and does his best to build me up. Its my own struggles that I battle with.....I still see myself at my highest weight even tho I can see in the mirror how much my face has slimmed down and I notice the weight loss because of the way my clothes are so loose on me and the inches I am losing from my body......but to get passed the morbidly obese person I still see in the mirror is more of a challenge for me than my marriage. In time I hope I can move passed what I see in the mirror versus what is actual.

I was able to tolerate eggs pretty good. I just wasnt bothered to eat them that soon. I am just now 3 months post op and eat them more than I did starting out after surgery.