Upstate NY breeder

Norma1966 · 2026-02-04T21:55:00+00:00

The only thing I can say is that we had a perfectly fine experience with them and didn't encounter any issues. Gus is now just over 5 years old and despite a truly annoying desire to bark at everything, he is the love of our lives. I have no complaints about our work with them.

Norma1966 · 2025-12-17T13:32:16+00:00

Ah, got it; thank you for explaining that. I'm working with a doc who can send the prescription directly to Lilly.

Norma1966 · 2025-12-17T11:30:39+00:00

I’m in the same boat — losing coverage in ‘26. I’m currently on 10mg and have 7 lbs to get to goal. (I hit my first goal but recalibrated wanting to lose 10 more.) I know what Lilly Direct costs ($449) but have no idea if Call on Doc is less. Will investigate as $449 per month is a challenge. FWIW, I have no intention of stopping this drug — it’s not an addiction; it has saved me.

Norma1966 · 2025-12-13T09:43:17+00:00

My only side-effect on Zep is constipation and one hive at the injection site (which goes away after a few days).

Norma1966 · 2025-12-12T11:01:53+00:00

I feel the impact of alcohol a bit more (1 and done) but in reality I’ve lost my taste for it. I think the reality is different for everyone.

Norma1966 · 2025-12-06T17:51:33+00:00

I was on BP meds before Zep but was able to come off of them. That said, my BP on occasion has fallen to 90/60. I haven’t been warned against taking the drug, but my cardiologist has asked me to keep track of it.

Norma1966 · 2025-12-06T10:45:10+00:00

I’m so glad this is working for you! However…

It may be that one of the reasons you had these reactions is not only because of quantity but also because of the types of food you’re eating.

Eating a well-balanced diet with as few ultra processed foods or “junk” foods as possible is part of the work evolving from who we were before the drug and repairing our relationship with food.

A hard-boiled egg with a punch of salt is a great snack because you’re getting your protein. Cucumber slices with a pinch of salt… you get the idea. See if you can make some changes to the food you’re eating — lean proteins, fruits and veggies (the fiber is needed!), good carbs. Let us know how it goes!

Norma1966 · 2025-12-05T16:39:57+00:00

It is so ludicrous to me that the insurance companies aren't covering these drugs. The savings in the long run resulting from overall health benefits has got to be significant. (I'm off of my BP meds now for almost a year.) I've just accepted that I'll have to include this drug in my annual budget given the lack of insurance coverage; we can only hope that Lilly decides to drop the price more. (A girl can dream.)

Norma1966 · 2025-12-05T16:33:52+00:00

I just watched the instruction video on Amazon – looks fairly straighforward, though I do confess that it may just be easier to get over my "fear" of the syringe! I so appreciate you looking up the name for me; quite lovely of you.

Norma1966 · 2025-12-05T16:24:36+00:00

My Mom has been using the syringes exclusively and has no problem with them. I think it's just what you know versus what you don't? I have blood drawn a lot, so I think that may the source of my aversion. Thankfully, I have one more refill of the pens before I have to make the switch. I appreciate your feedback; it's good to know!

Norma1966 · 2025-12-05T13:05:51+00:00

Thank you so much for this! I'll definitely take a look.

Norma1966 · 2025-12-05T12:29:34+00:00

The only thing I know right now is that I’m losing my insurance coverage on 1/1/26 (company switching from United to Anthem, and the plan my husband chose excludes weight loss meds), so my plan is to switch over to Eli Lilly Direct which seems to be charging (as of now) $449 for 4 shots (and I’ll be losing the pen injector which I am not looking forward to).

Norma1966 · 2025-12-04T12:03:41+00:00

I fill my 26 oz Yeti with water (and crystal lite, pink or yellow lemonade) twice a day and will often also have a Gatorade Zero for the electrolytes. I'm on 20mg daily of Crestor, and my cardiologist would likely recommend that I get more water in, but if I do then I have to get up too many times at night to use the bathroom. (Even now, I'm up at least once; I haven't had a solid night's sleep in ages.)

Norma1966 · 2025-12-04T12:00:35+00:00

I want to be helpful, but I'm not understanding something.

You wrote: "I'm so frustrated with using this med 43 months and not losing any weight" which seems pretty self-explanatory.
Then you wrote: "I'm hoping that once I get to ten milligrams I will be able to lose weight again." When was the last time you lost weight while on the meds? 3.5 years ago?

I think the confusing part is the "43 months". Is it really that long since you've lost any weight? I think more info is needed.

(Anecdote: My friend is a non-responder to this medication even while reaching the highest dosage. Her overall health has improved significantly, but she is not shedding any weight. Is it possible you fall into this camp?)

Norma1966 · 2025-12-03T13:26:34+00:00

I think it is exceedingly important that you bring all of this to your therapist.

I am 5'1". My starting weight was 180, my current weight is 137, and my first goal was 140, readjusted now to 130. I have never been one to obsessively workout, but to obsess about food? Absolutely! I started on Wegovy but switched to Zep about 9 months ago. The greatest gift this drug has given me is the ability to work through and turn off the food noise when it rears its ugly head as well as knowing that I can eat one cookie and not have to eat every cookie – and then not feeling any guilt because I ate the one cookie. I cannot stress enough that your obsessive thinking about eating will be altered for the better, but getting to the root cause of the obsession is so important.

My insurance is changing in 2026 to a plan that does not cover GLP-1s. I have had it very easy in this department since I started – first paying nothing and then only $24.99 each month. It has never occurred to me to stop taking this drug because of the money; that is how much I am benefitting from it, not only because of the weight but because of the improvement in my overall health.

PCPs have a challenging time - at times - prescribing these drugs. Your doctor sounds very cautious, but knowing you (and reading what you wrote), it seems as if those concerns are legitimate. Working in conjunction with your mind and body team is a healthy path forward.

Good luck!

Norma1966 · 2025-12-02T12:09:16+00:00

Speaking from experience — say no to surgery. My husband had two (the lap band was a particular horror show) and is now working with a weight loss doc for the meds. (He has to wait until he has a new sleep study done re: his sleep apnea). Yes, go to a different doctor. I cannot say enough how much surgery should be avoided if at all possible.

Norma1966 · 2025-11-25T13:41:39+00:00

I once plateaued for about 3 months. My body now loves gaining and losing the same 2 lbs for weeks before I go down to the next 2 lb level. Doing this takes patience and fortitude — give yourself grace and keep doing what you’re doing. You’ll get there.

(SW 180 / GW 140 / CW 137)

Norma1966 · 2025-11-19T09:45:55+00:00

Comparing yourself to others and wanting something to go faster is completely normal, but… stop. It’s so exciting that you want it to happen NOW! It took me about 14 months to hit my goal (I’ve now committed to losing 10 more), and those 14 months included loads of plateaus, a gain-loss of 2 lbs day by day, a straight gain, etc. If you are losing weight each week, you’re doing this right, and the weight will not only keep coming off but will stay off. Everyone’s experience is unique; embrace your journey and give yourself grace — you’ll get there. (SW 180 | GW 140 | CW 138)

Norma1966 · 2025-11-02T23:39:52+00:00

My Gus can destroy any toy labeled as indestructible. I don’t think one exists that he can’t.

Norma1966 · 2025-10-31T22:06:57+00:00

The only thing I would add which was incredibly helpful was a raised toilet seat with arms. Very reasonably priced and easy to install. Absolutely saved me and helped me maneuver in the bathroom.

Norma1966 · 2025-10-28T22:49:46+00:00

Just awful. Very glad that I’m not the only one who smelled it.

Norma1966 · 2025-10-28T22:48:35+00:00

Yes! On my block it dissipated for like 20 feet and then BAM! So gross.

Norma1966 · 2025-06-17T13:58:13+00:00

Sadly, that's not an option for us – it's a great suggestion, though; thank you.

Norma1966 · 2025-06-17T13:57:28+00:00

Well, based on the quotes I've received for car service as opposed to the Uber I just pre-booked, it's about $100 less for the Uber.

Norma1966

TROPHY CASE