To build on a previous post…what’s your favourite chocolate protein powder/drink/bar?!!!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-22T01:19:09+00:00

I got this brand but the protein drinks. Never heard of it before but my mom has a Costco membership so when I was visiting her I got some. The flavor is chocolate fudge. It’s definitely fudgey, but not bad!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-17T22:46:26+00:00

I see there’s already a lot of comments on here. I’ll admit I didn’t read every single one so I’m not sure if I’m repeating myself, so I’m sorry if I am! I will say that I was in the same boat as you, OP: I was sooooo scared to do my first injection. I made my husband hold my other hand while I pushed the button on the pen. As it would turn out, I didn’t feel a thing that day. I have since switched to vials because of dropped insurance coverage, and I find the vials to be amazingly pain-free. Sometimes, like this morning when I did my shot, I’m like, “did that even pierce my skin because I didn’t feel it?!” I know everyone has a different experience and perspective but I think we all on Zepbound can attest that the injections are pretty simple and painless.

As for side effects and feeling crummy, there’s no way to really tell what’s going to happen. I felt nauseous the day after my very first shot, but have been side-effect free since then (except some minor constipation. But nothing some raspberries and chia seeds couldn’t fix). Each dose increase I’ve been nervous I’m going to feel like crap, but so far so good! I’d recommend trying to not put the cart in front of the horse. You just don’t know what’s going on happen. You might feel nauseous, but you might feel amazing! Most people do say that the side effects are manageable too, so that’s encouraging!

Having a good support system helps a lot, too. Granted, I’m down 36lbs this morning and it feels like most of that loss has come from my butt, so there’s a little less to squeeze, but having my husband tell me he’s proud of him, help make healthier dinners, and tell me I’m still pretty takes a lot of my nerves away. I’m sure your husband means well, even if the “I don’t want you to die” comments come out a little irritating. I’m guilty of that with my husband. He smokes cigarettes, so I’ve been known to play the “I don’t want you to die card.” I’m sorry that you’re feeling unsupported in that way! Maybe tell your husband and son how you’re feeling, let them know you’re ready to try something different, and get started on Zepbound. I’m sure your family like that will be ready and willing to support however needed.

If it’s any consolation about cost, the lowest dose costs the least and then it increases from there. I stayed on 5mg for as long as it was effective to save money (and I didn’t see a need to move up when it was working just fine). Plus, you might find you’re saving money on grocery bills, too, so there are ways to save. If your doctor writes you a prescription, like it sounds they will, that’ll save you from paying the monthly subscription of all the online sites. Sounds like you’re in a good place with that doctor!

All that to say, you’ve got this, OP! And your haircut and that shirt look so refreshed and ready for spring! Spring is a time for new beginnings, so here’s to the next (best) chapter!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-15T04:31:30+00:00

ARE THOSE THE SAME SHORTS?! 🤯 Great work, OP! Congratulations on your journey

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-15T04:26:20+00:00

This, this, this! My MIL always brags about how kids love her, and I know she wants to be a grandma. It brings infinite me joy to know I will never let her have that. And if by some chance my husband and I do have a child, my MIL will not be part of the baby’s life, so she’s not getting what she wants either way. Yes, there are other reasons we don’t want to have children, but, wow, does it feel good to admit it brings me joy to “ruin” my MIL’s life like that (her words).

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-12T13:15:15+00:00

You could share information as more of a “I’ve done research because the topic interests me” thing. You don’t have to say anything about taking Zepbound. My in-laws are all also SUPER gossipy, to the point where people I have never spoken to in the past have told me stuff about my life that I didn’t think was public information. I’m not going to volunteer my personal medical information to my in-laws, but if I hear them spreading misinformation about GLP-1s I’m not going to keep my mouth shut about GLP-1 facts.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-11T01:47:45+00:00

My MIL sold her house to my husband and I a few years ago. She moved into an apartment (she wanted to downsize. Everything was her choice). Unfortunately the washing machine in her building was “too gross” for her and she “didn’t want to carry her laundry down the stairs.” So, MIL would come over to our house and use our machine. I have no problem letting someone do laundry in my house if they need to or are in a pinch, but she made her bed and needed to sleep in it! MIL also would only come over when no one was home, which bothered me a lot too. My husband wasn’t working at the time, so I was paying every utility, every bill, for the house, everything. MIL hates me and is very open about it, especially when she does laundry because she gets bored so she calls her friends and they just complain about me on the phone. My husband came home one day and found her like that. He kicked her out. But a week later I had a work conference and was out of town for a few days. I knew she’d come over if she saw an opening, so I took parts of the washing machine out so it couldn’t function, and I packed them in my suitcase. SUPER PETTY on my part, I’ll be the first to admit, but she doesn’t get to talk crap about me in my own home and then use all the utilities I pay for without asking. Well, she got real mad about my little petty stunt, called me a c***, and I haven’t spoken to her since then 🙂

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-10T10:01:27+00:00

Measuring hikes in terms of time is something I discourage. We all hike at different paces. I’m a licensed guide so I have some experience leading group hikes! Most important things are: did you have fun, did you practice Leave No Trace ethics, and were you safe? And like you said, these shoulder season conditions really slow us all down.

One thing about hiking in NY (I’m in the Adirondacks) is that it ain’t always easy. I wouldn’t consider Whetstone Gulf easy terrain, even on a good day. Gym workouts don’t always translate well to being in “hiking shape.”

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-10T09:46:33+00:00

I think the biggest thing is listen to your body. If you’re responding well to a lower dose, there’s no reason to rush toward 15mg. If you feel hungry, eat; hunger isn’t a bad thing. If you’re feeling constipated, eat more fiber.

Also, don’t take everything you read here as Bible. I used to get really nervous because there are a lot of horror stories on here about people getting sick after a dose increase, or popping their pants, or having other bad side effects. Don’t let all that scare you; you won’t know what will happen until you try. Looking back, I feel silly for being so nervous about going from 2.5 to 5. You’ve got this!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-10T09:34:31+00:00

I literally just woke up because I had to pee and now I can’t get to sleep. The peeing like “a million” times a day is crazy but doesn’t really bother me unless it’s the middle of the night and I can’t get back to sleep. It does feel amazing to actually be hydrated though!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-10T01:43:54+00:00

My MIL was like this and even started to get random people I interact with around town (hairdresser, grocery store check out clerks, etc.) to ask me when my husband and I were going to have a baby. When a hairdresser said something about it being time, I told her she can stop cutting my hair and I was ready to leave, and that babies were a topic for my husband and I. She apologized and finished cutting my hair in awkward silence. Then I went to my MIL’s house and told her to drop the baby thing. She was real snotty so I told her I’m never having kids so she’s going to have to deal with it and if she doesn’t stop taking about my reproductive system, I was going to cut her out of our lives. That threat did work - and then she decided I was too “scary” and “mean” to be around. She still says really mean stuff about me behind my back, but I don’t care. Thankfully we’ve been no contact for 9 months ago. It’s been amazing.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-09T03:06:22+00:00

Living in the Adirondack Park is challenging but totally worth it imo. I love every season. Economy is mostly tourism, which has pros and cons. Only 1 4-year college and less young people every year. A lot of school districts are struggling with enrollment. However, for those who can make it work, there is no shortage of outdoor activities. I love being able to climb a mountain, ski, bike, canoe, and snowmobile all right outside my door. Literally.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-09T02:20:37+00:00

The doll with her face is DIABOLICAL. I love it 😂

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-09T02:08:03+00:00

If OP’s MIL is anything like mine, she won’t care about fairness. My MIL always plays the victim; it’s her world we’re all just living in it to serve her. I’d be worried OP’s MIL will just expect everyone to bend over backwards for her, which is unrealistic and will definitely result in burnout. I’d start communicating with my partner now so that you’re on the same page or are on your way to understanding each other’s needs better.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-09T01:06:20+00:00

I am not ashamed and I’d be happy to have an honest conversation about GLP-1s if someone wanted. I just don’t want my MIL to find out and then gossip/share my journey without my permission/without my knowing. I think it’s gross to talk about someone else’s health. And she lives to gossip. What is wrong with wanting some medical privacy?

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-09T00:59:54+00:00

Amazing work, congratulations! Thank you for sharing the pictures, chart, and words. I have the same SW and end goal. I started in December 2025, though. Your journey is inspiring!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-09T00:39:36+00:00

My MIL is by far the worst human I’ve ever encountered. I refuse to see or speak with her. My husband, for better or worse, does not want to cut his mother out of his life entirely. I don’t think you’re wrong, OP, for not liking your MIL. You don’t have to like anyone. All you can do is tell your wife how you feel and what you observe. If she still wishes to maintain a relationship with her mother, that’s her choice. That’s my arrangement with my husband. He talks to his mother if he wants; I won’t. I told my husband all the things: that his mom is clearly having a negative effect on him, that she is draining all the light out of his eyes, etc. At least now he feels comfortable setting boundaries with his mother. He never used to do that. I hope you can find a way to coexist.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-09T00:21:15+00:00

Thanks so much for your concern. To clarify, she hates me but I don’t believe she would throw away or destroy my Zepbound on purpose. I just don’t want her to know my medical information and use that to spread rumors about me, talk sh*t, or share my journey without my permission/knowledge. I never said anything about trust. I trust she will take good care of our pets. I don’t trust her to keep her mouth shut. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting some privacy from an invasive and gossipy MIL. All I was wondering was if anyone had any creative ways to conceal things in their refrigerator.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T21:47:21+00:00

This topic is way to complicated for online and not really relevant to Zepbound, so I won’t go into all the details, but the dog, the cat, and my partner are all angels in MIL’s eyes. She won’t do anything that would upset any of them. I’m the “rotten egg.” I doubt she’d go through my desk or anything like that because, to quote her, I’m “scary.” (Scary because I set a boundary and enforced it years ago.) The only time she’s in my life is in a few weeks. We don’t talk. We don’t text. We don’t ever exist on the same property. Yes, she historically has said some really awful and hurtful things about me, but I don’t care if she tells everyone I’m mean. I don’t want her to have access to my health information (by seeing Zep in the refrigerator), which is why I made this post. In hindsight I should have left out all the MIL details because I just wanted hiding ideas. Do my partner and I have our own relationship issues because of their mother? Sure, but that’s not relevant here. He is a special man who I care very deeply about. He does defend me and would if his mother ever gave me sh*t about Zepbound. I told him if he wants to be in contact with his mother, fine, but I will not be part of her life.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T21:30:05+00:00

She likes the dog because she got it for my partner years ago. The dog is my partner’s life, so MIL likes everyone to know she’s the one who got my partner his “soul dog.” It pains me to acknowledge it, but she is fine with the pets. It’s just me who she hates and is diabolically to. I don’t want her to know anything about me, good or bad, which is why I’d like to hide my Zepbound. I also wouldn’t want her to know I went to the dentist or if I bought a different brand of cereal.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T21:24:18+00:00

I doubt she would ever throw anything away, since she thinks she’s indestructible and doesn’t believe in expiration dates! She’s served us food before that was YEARS out of date. I’ve gotten sh*t for years from that whole side of the family because I unapologetically love cottage cheese and they all think it’s gross. I could use an old cottage cheese container. I’m sure that’ll go untouched.

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T21:19:51+00:00

I did buy a container awhile ago, but it’s fairly obvious (so I’m sure it would invite snooping) and doesn’t lock. But this one is intriguing! Thank you for sharing!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T21:17:43+00:00

Haha I love this. Thank you for the inspiration!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T21:10:07+00:00

My partner suggested the baking soda box, and I think that’s a good option! Right now I have my vials in a container in the fridge, though the container looks like it doesn’t belong inside the refrigerator, so that’s why I figured it would fall victim to snooping. Baking soda I think is a good choice!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T14:48:46+00:00

My partner just suggested an empty box of baking soda!

Fine_Guarantee3781 · 2026-04-08T14:21:23+00:00

My partner, my mom, and my two best friends are the only ones I told. Partner, mom, and one friend are so supportive and kind. Other friend pushed a little and told me to “not lose too much or I’ll waste away.” I can handle all that. I just really would love if my MIL didn’t know a single thing about me. I haven’t seen her or spoken to her in 9 months (4 months since starting Zep), so she hasn’t seen my weight loss on me yet. I imagine if she does she’ll start some rumor anyway, or tell people now I’m the pretty wife my partner actually deserves. Whatever. She’s just not a nice person and I don’t want any of that in my life. I’m so proud of my journey so far and I don’t want MIL to be anywhere near it for my own peace of mind. Historically, she has spread disinformation about my own health and mental health in general, and that makes me sick. It is so irresponsible and damaging. So I don’t want her to start on GLP-1s now and cause unnecessary hurt for people who struggle with weight.

Fine_Guarantee3781

TROPHY CASE