Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster!
I went in for my annual physical in early June this year. All my blood work was elevated, BP was 130/81 (Stage 1 hypertension) and I was almost pre-diabetic. Being on the road as a cargo pilot took it's toll on me. As the others have mentioned, food choices are poor, especially when I travel to the Caribbean. During my Class 1 renewal, my AME suggested that I look into Zepbound (Tirzepatide) as it was approved for pilot use as long as it is managed by my PCP. I ended up being approved and I pay $24.99 monthly for the four individual pens through my company's insurance.
I started mid-June. I had given up alcohol a month prior (social drinker - beer only). Practically overnight, my approach to food changed. It's really odd....it's like a switch is flipped in your brain. I lost all interest in crappy foods. I stopped drinking sodas (and alcohol), stopped eating junk food, pizza, candy, chocolate, ice cream, donuts, fried foods and anything else that was unhealthy. I simply had no cravings for that stuff any longer. I increased my intake of water to 3-3.7 liters daily (which you absolutely need to do on GLP-1), increased exercise activity including a minimum of 7,000 steps a day where possible, plus do weights 2-3 times per week.
Starting weight was 203lbs at 5'11". Less than the 30 BMI you typically need to have to qualify, but I had OSA and elevated cholesterol which were both a qualifying co-morbidities. I lost 21 pounds in the first eight weeks on 2.5mg. I then titrated to 5mg which I am still on. In 23 weeks, I have lost a total of 35 pounds. That's an average of 1.5lbs per week which is right on the money. For the past 4 weeks, I have plateaued. I may need to go to 7.5mg. Will find out tomorrow.
I'm now at 169 lbs. I have 14 pounds to go. I then hope to go on a maintenance dose. My snoring has practically stopped, BP is now 110/70, all bloods are within normal ranges. A1C is now 5.3. I have more energy, look/feel better, have dropped a pant size and am overall a lot happier. The only complications I ever got to date was mild constipation which I have easily managed with Mag07 magnesium supplement and Smooth Move tea as required. Never had nausea thankfully.
I had tried a variety of methods to losing weight previously, but none were successful. In my mid-50's, it gets harder to lose weight. I am extremely thankful to this drug. It has been a game changer! If you're on the fence, consider giving this a go.
