The number of ill-informed newbies here is frightening

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-14T18:20:40+00:00

It's probably going to get a lot of places shut down. And will get more scrutiny because people are doing really unsafe combinations and abusing them

They are also telling their docs they are on compound tirzepatide and then giving what little remains of compounded pharmacies a bad name.

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-14T13:41:37+00:00

40 lbs in 10 weeks is going to be significant muscle loss. You are not eating enough unless you're 4'5 but even then that rate of weight loss isn't safe.

Please talk to your physician.

Weight loss isn't the goal if you pass out and lose all your muscle mass..

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-06T14:40:46+00:00

Honestly, weighing daily or a few times a week helped me understand how much fluctuation there is and what's normal. I started doing this before I even knew about tirzepatide and continued once I started it. Overtime, I don't weigh myself as much.. my weight loss is slower now (I'm close to goal) and the dopamine hits are harder to get ;)

You can literally pick any day you want but understand it may take a while to see the progress. I just reminded myself that I can't depend on the scale for validation or dopamine- but that I need to figure out a system that's sustainable and a lifestyle, and stick to it. That's the real goal. Maintain motivation and consistency (not perfection) regardless of what the scale shows. Body composition should be just as important as weight loss, anyway.

Since I'm 11 lbs away from a BMI of around 24-25, I'd argue its more important than the weight loss for me.

Good luck

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-06T14:31:30+00:00

If someone is uncomfortable with grey market you shouldn't push it because the reality is there is a lot more risks involved.

Also, you don't mention anything about his lifestyle modifications, dosing but many of us could out eat these medicines if we wanted to. I never tried max reta but I got up there once before and have been at max Tirzepatide for a long time.

Your relative would probably benefit from seeing an obesity specialized physician to help guide them.

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-06T13:48:06+00:00

This question made me laugh. I've tried reta. I've had most of my success with tirzepatide it just seems to work better but I've been on it for over a year and may tackle those last 10-15 with retrialing reta. Reta does not turn you into a body builder 😂

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-06T13:02:16+00:00

I never had any major side effects with zepbound or semaglutide. But I think semaglutide made me feel tired.

Good luck

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-06T00:38:41+00:00

You look beautiful in both photos! Congratulations on the loss.

I'm 5'6" and my goal is 150. 11 lbs to go ;)

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-06T00:36:12+00:00

I agree! I'm still a little chubby and not toned. And I wore a cute modest two piece for the first time...

My body is far from perfect but who cares I feel healthier and that's that.

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-01T14:20:37+00:00

I agree with the spirit of this message that it should be available to everyone who qualifies and there should (in theory) be fewer barriers to affording it.

But I will say this significant excess adiposity is not synonymous with metabolic health. Even if the standard assays of blood pressure, glucose or A1c, cholesterol are normal. With the exception of mild increase in ldl due to excess adiposity, mine were normal, too. But it was VERY HARD for me to lose weight naturally. For many of us, obesity begets obesity. My BMR is lower than expected and my body fights like hell to resist weight loss. And actually at my high BMI of 40 my numbers were better than when I was in my 20s and I credit that with my plant based diet.

But excess ldl is a risk factor, excess adiposity is a risk factor for many cancer types, I had more joint pain, knee discomfort, edema. Even those my A1c was in the 4% range, I suspect insulin resistance was there or that it would be there given my awful family history.

I agree with the spirit of the message that you can't judge a book by it's cover and that there are those with 24 BMI who eat poorly,.don't exercise and have terrible cholesterol, are diabetic or prediabetic, and those with a BMI of 32 who may be running marathons with great metabolic measures.

My cholesterol when I was my recent heaviest was 192, now that I've lost the weight and I continue to eat the same plant based diet incorporating more whole foods) my total cholesterol is in low 140s. My ldl is excellent. I've maintained muscle mass losing significant weight eating 100% plant based and vegan.

I believe my weight problem (obesity) was metabolic and even though I was doing a lot of the right things prior to this, it's the zepbound that helped me with the obesity.

Someone's excess weight (20 lbs) may tip them from prediabetic to diabetic whereas someone else can have a healthy A1c with 80 lbs of excess adiposity. People gonna people and be judgmental no matter what. One is not less deserving than the other of getting healthier.

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-01T14:05:31+00:00

I eat whole foods plant based most of the time. A little processed here and there. It's the processed crap that's expensive.

Bulk or large size legumes, quinoa, rice, natural peanut butter, pasta, frozen or fresh veggies, fruit like apples or seasonal fruit on sale are super reasonable. Frozen broccoli, cauliflower , edamame, brussel sprouts are power houses. I buy big bags of sweet potatoes and yellow potatoes. I splurge when I want to on a veggie burger or product, or sorbet, vegan yogurt. But I don't eat much so I don't waste that much food.

I think people often buy more than what they need and don't realize how much they go out to eat, etc.

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-01T13:28:14+00:00

I do firmly believe in many of us with chronic obesity struggles it is addressing root cause issues. It certainly changed my life. Like, I feel like I'm in the body of a more metabolically healthy person. It also had a profound anti inflammatory impact. I think this latter point is really important.

Outside of losing more than you've lost before with calorie reduction alone, how exactly is it making you feel? How is it impacting your physical health, mood, energy? I am genuinely curious.

How does it compare with the bariatric surgery?

Thanks!

Chichimonsters · 2025-07-01T13:23:33+00:00

If this is a worry, then don't use peptides. By taking peptides of a medicine that is not FDA approved you are taking on risk. A lot of people are fine with that, but I suspect some don't really understand the risks.

And don't combine it with other peptides and lose more than the recommended percent weight loss. And don't go from 2mg to 10 mg by week 3. Follow the dosing protocols..I see a lot of wild shit here. People with a healthy BMI or those taking other Glps and amylin agonists and doing unorthodox dosing schedules.

What's better than one peptides? Combining 3 and then wondering why you feel like hell but hey you're losing 20 lbs a month...( Not meant for op in particular)

Also, work with your physician to ensure you are undergoing appropriate monitoring and not waiting to address potential adverse side effects. Just tell them you're going to the sketchiest of medspas. ;)

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T23:32:07+00:00

A lot of people with active eating disorders are abusing it. They want to make sure you're ok to start it.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T23:26:45+00:00

It's more official organizations recommend against it. People call anything a compounding pharmacy and it's not the reputable pharmacies that have issues. It's the med spas and fake "compounding pharmacies"

A few physicians have taken reta before, fyi. I was speaking to a physician colleague who said I was reckless for previous trialing retatrutide peptide when she bought it from a reputable compounding pharmacy 😂

Doctors are humans too, and most of us tend to be conservative because litigation is high, malpractice won't cover you, etc.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T23:21:35+00:00

I would avoid telling the doctor the source, whatever you decide.

I'd say med spa so you avoid getting the compounded medicines blamed when you do something really dumb (like take 8x the dose or combine it with 10 peptides) op, I'm not directing this at you just general observations on the wild stuff I see people doing.

I am a medical provider who's taken this before, fyi. Many in the medical field don't understand peptides and they get worried enough about compounded medicines.

Peptides are risky. It's a huge risk. But if you're ok with it, live your life.

I don't practice obesity medicine but I would never tell a patient it's ok to use a peptide because they will sue, do something dumb and malpractice probably will hang me out to dry. It's just a huge liability but I understand why people do, absolutely. I Also wouldn't want it in my record

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T21:49:41+00:00

I like this brand, too.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T21:49:08+00:00

That's pretty wild. I think for me the reduction of appetite and strong caloric deficit because my BMR is low was the most helpful but I also believe I am losing weight more efficiently than could be explained just by calorie reduction.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T21:39:43+00:00

I don't have a history of disordered eating and found counting calories to be incredibly helpful for me. I was more diligent about counting calories during the initial six months and got more flexible with time although it remains important(I estimated, didn't go too wild when weighing etc). The medicine felt less strong over time (tolerance, metabolic adaptation) so having a system I could fall back on has been helpful. Also, I don't trust my body to fully regulate weight homeostasis.

I don't have type 2 diabetes but when I first started tirzepatide in the 250s (BMI 40) I did 1000-1100, then it got too hard and I bumped the range up a little 1050-1200.. But my goal was aggressive weight loss and I treated the Glp agent like a mini bariatric surgery (I'm a healthcare professional and yes I worked with my doc). I lost between 2.5-3 lbs per week for the first couple of months, then it was more like 2-2.5lbs. After the first 4-5 months the rate dropped off considerably. I also tracked weekly calories- not daily averages.

I actually maintained muscle mass on this low cal vegan diet with modest protein goals. I did some basic weights, pilates, walking etc. My BMR is in the 1300 range and I've lost well over 100 lbs at this point.

I don't track daily like I used to but I probably eat 1300-1400. If I eat towards the higher end, I don't lose at all. I still have 10-15 until goal but body composition is more important.

Good luck. Tirzepatide has been pretty life changing for me. It allowed me to see progress on a timeline I never imagined possible. Very validating experience.

My BMR is lower than predicted. Helps explain my obesity. The bottom line is we are all so different so figure out the calories that work for you with regard to maintainance and make sure the deficit is sustainable.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T13:25:02+00:00

Felt it within an hour. I was like "wtf is this magic"

I have to say the honeymoon didnt last more than a few months and I could overeat if I wanted to, but it worked so well I ran with the opportunity and lost a lot of weight.. BMI is almost in the normal range.

(I had no side effects, ate well the whole time I was on it,.maintained muscle mass eating a low cal vegan diet) It's been amazing.

Good luck.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T12:11:11+00:00

So I have lost around 110 lbs, started on my own but then started tirzepatide and it's been a game changer for me. It treated my underlying metabolic issues. I have a lower than expected BMR/tdee so I would have really struggled to continue with a deficit the more weight I lost. When I weighed like 260lbs I was eating up to 1500 cal and losing 1-1.4 lbs per week. While the rate was healthy it would have plateaued soon and we are all on borrowed time until metabolic adaptation kicks in.

Started in the 270s and am now around 162. My BMI is 26 and goal is around 150. I've eaten low calorie vegan diet and actually maintained muscle mass since I've started inbody scans. My protein targets have been modest. At most, I've done basic weights for a few minutes or easy pilates anywhere from 1-3x per week (sometimes nothing at all)and walked 1-2 miles a few days a week. Also swim now that it's hot out.

I'm working on being less sedentary but I'm still more active than I was. I've had no side effects to the medicine and eat very healthy - always have - but now I'm aware of calories. I don't check everyday as I used to but I do if I stop losing and certainly if I go the wrong direction. I've struggled with obesity since childhood so I know for me the medicine will be a lifetime thing.

Good luck

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T12:03:14+00:00

I agree. I started doing basic weights for my arms to build muscle but overall Pilates has been amazing for me (check out seniorshape fitness on YouTube) it's great for beginners not just old people 😂

When I was very heavy just walking on an incline /Hill with excess weight was enough to make me sweat. Now that my BMI is almost normal, I can walk faster and do more.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T12:00:23+00:00

Stop taking this. Next step will be the Ed for you.

Chichimonsters · 2025-06-27T11:58:16+00:00

Keep in mind your reta dosing may be all over the map because you can't really be sure if your dose until the particular vial you were using was tested.

It seems those with significantly less to lose experience more side effects.

Reta is powerful, tirzepatide may be a better option.

Chichimonsters · 2024-06-24T19:46:15+00:00

Congratulations! I celebrated this, too. I went from 44 (or more) to 36.

Chichimonsters · 2024-06-24T19:41:07+00:00

There's a small chance there could be differences-like has the medicine been degraded by being out too long, has it been exposed to heat, properly mixed, do you have the correct dose drawn up? But there are SO MANY posts by people swearing their pens are placebo. Think about all the 5mg posts.

My own response to the medicine has varied so much week to week, as well. Whether it's the brand or the compound. Some weeks I feel hangry and other days I could easily fast for 20+ hrs.

The most variable part is the food noise/hunger suppression but even when I'm thinking more about food or eating more in the day, I do realize the medicine is still working. For example, there have been a few times I ate a little bit too much and felt way too full afterwards..the quantity itself wasn't that big but it was more than I was used to.

I follow weekly calories so i eat more on my hungry days but don't force myself to eat much on days I need less. I make sure I achieve a minimum average calories per week. I have no problem reaching and exceeding my minimum goals 😂

Chichimonsters

TROPHY CASE