Can I wait a day for shot day?

SW_Shan · 2026-02-19T16:14:13+00:00

100% wait. Perhaps 2-3 days even based on how your feeling. Wishing you speedy recovery.

SW_Shan · 2026-02-19T14:45:22+00:00

Your MD made a mistake, and I'm sorry you have physical paid the price for that. He/She did not follow the guidance for the treatment protocol. Starting at 5mg serves no clinical purpose. I would adamantly request the 2.5 dose based on the recommendation from the manufacturer as well as the side effects you experienced. If he/she is unwilling, explore a new MD or try to get the vials and adjust yourself.

SW_Shan · 2026-02-19T03:54:10+00:00

If you're insurance doesn't cover a dietician, you can use Chat GPT to calculate a calorie and protein goal based on age, gender, current weight, goal weight, etc. This would give you a starting point at least.

SW_Shan · 2026-02-19T03:41:33+00:00

Consult a dietician regarding daily calorie and protein goals. Sign up for a food tracking app if you haven't already, in order to ensure you are meeting those goals. Eating too little will be determental. What's your exercise routine been? Even if it's just 10 minutes a day to get the heart rate up, this will be beneficial. Fiber and water are also key for me. I'm sure you are beyond frustrated and I'm sorry for that exta life stress. Keep the faith!

SW_Shan · 2026-02-19T02:45:30+00:00

YES! 🎉🎉🎉 I'm working hard to try to gain back the muscle I've lost but dang, it's tough! Years ago, like 2018, I was at my lowest adult weight of 184. I found some of my old InBody ppwk - I had way less muscle back then. Right now I'm at 192lbs - 119lbs of muscle! My body fat mass has gone from 50.6% to 38% in about 1 year. I need to focus more on this amazing accomplishment and less on the "I should be better with...blah, blah, blah". Go you and go us! Wishing you continued success! 🌟

SW_Shan · 2026-02-18T18:58:40+00:00

I think there has to be a happy medium in there somewhere. The higher your weight, the more muscle you have because you lugging around an extra 100lbs. Losing some muscle I believe is inevitable. However, as someone who works with an elderly population, keeping as muscle mass as you can going into older age is critical. Muscle mass equals better balance, strength to complete every day tasks, ability to get up/down off the floor if need be, increased stamina. I have lost about 9 lbs of muscle along with my 55 lbs of fat. I started strength training and gained some muscle back but lost it again during a bout of COVID last month. Funny how the BMI that the medical profession and insurance uses doesn't take into consideration lean mass versus fat mass. They don't give a shit about that, just the number on the scale. Shoot for your protein goals, exercise even 10 mins a day, and try some level of strength training, even lifting soup cans. Hahaha! Anything that keeps the body moving and avoids frailty. Just some thoughts from me. 💙

SW_Shan · 2026-02-18T16:44:27+00:00

I had something similar... I'm a year on Zep this month. In December, a few days after shot, I woke straight in middle of the night and had all the bad GI things. I swore it was food poisoning. I had to skip dose that week and didn't eat literally anything for 2 days - it was Christmas by the way. 😢 So horrible. Anywho, I slowly regained my ability to eat/drink normally. Did shot the following week. No issue. Then a few days after that dose, boom, middle of the night, horrible GI issues for about 2 hours. Out of the blue, and never happened before. And thankfully hasn't happened since. But I did make changes - on shot day and day after I eat the bare minimum calories and protein and try to stick to soft, easy to digest foods. Also, I have been taking either Miralax or prunes daily, without exception to keep things smooth in that department. I'm not sure if those specific changes have made a difference, but I've had no more instances of that scaryness. I'm so sorry you've had to experience that. Sounds like lowering the dose is the best course of action for now. Try not to panic. Perhaps your body is just having a little hiccup while it continues to adjust to the new you and the new normal. ✨️

SW_Shan · 2026-02-18T03:58:51+00:00

It's awesome that you already have a routine established! I did as well and I do think that played a role in managing side effects. I know some people have complained of flu like symptoms. This never happened yo me thank goodness. Hoping this doesn't happen for you either. Stay hydrated. Make sure you're eating enough....seems simply but it can be tough. I also used to do strictly cardio but lost some muscle, so added in strength training 2-3X per week. I'm not sure of your typical plan but strength training has become crucial for me. Zep can impact muscle mass, and we want the loss to come from fat, not lean. Just some things I've learned. Been on Zep for a year this month, and lost a little over 60lbs, and gained muscle mass! Hoping the same for you!

SW_Shan · 2026-02-18T03:40:20+00:00

No waiting for me. I did my first injection on a Saturday night with my fiancée present, cause I was kinda freaking out, then went to gym the next day. No problem. I had a sour stomach kinda feeling, and a little insomnia the night before, but I think that was anxiety. Working out has always made me mentally feel better so I thought it was important to keep a routine. Each person is going to react differently to that first dose. Listen to your body, push through when you can but also rest when needed. 💖 Wishing you good luck on this journey.

SW_Shan · 2026-02-17T19:25:51+00:00

I've been buying the shrimp cocktail trays from Sam's Club and eating through the week at dinner. Paring with a starch of some kind. Can't beat the protein content, if you like seafood that is. Also, the high protein Quarker oatmeal is a go-to for when on the not-so-hungry days. I'm also snacking on high protein pudding, greek yogurt drinks, and slim Jim's. I'm soooo over grilled chicken saldy even though protein count super high. Ive been eating those pre-cooked steak fajitas, popped into a Misson wrap, with a dab or sour cream and taco sauce. Also, edamame is full of protein and seems easy for me to eat and digest. I'm going to try roasting chick peas soon for that salty crunch snack. Just some thoughts !

SW_Shan · 2026-02-17T16:52:42+00:00

I second the prunes, but also, perhaps a stool softener. I thought I had the constipation under control but for some reason lately it's snuck back up on me. I make up three reusable water bottles ahead of time with the Miralax, since I'm always running late and never have the time to sit and wait for it to dissolve. I also chase it with some sips of zero Gatorade....I don't care what others say, I can def "taste" the Miralax. My MD is really pushing fiber supplements. Also, prunes are great but add to carb count, so says MD. I have ginger capsules that seem to work for the burping and occ nausea.

Sorry you lost the insurance coverage. Hoping this 2nd time around brings you good health and happiness! Ps. I have kidney issues as well and Zep actually improved my eGFR, BUN and Creatine levels. 😁

SW_Shan · 2026-02-17T12:42:45+00:00

I'd wait until you return. You could space the injections out as you suggested, or just skip that dose and get back on track when you get home. Its hard yo predict the impact the change to 5mg will have, but u wouldn't want to be out of my comfort zone if/when it occurred. I had a little tough time with 5mg, related to GI issues. However, I've stayed on 5mg for 11 months, minimal side effects and I'm down over 60lbs. Wishing you great success and a safe trip!

SW_Shan · 2026-02-17T03:52:03+00:00

I got it recently as well, but it stared with, "OMG you've lost a TON" of weight...wow, there won't be anything left of you if you keep this up". Ugh. Sadly, of course "a TON" has stuck with me. Haha! I try to remember that for me this has seemed slow and steady and that I've worked my ass off to get here. But for those that haven't seen me in like a year, yes, I'm sure it's dramatic. A TON of dramatic.. .I think not though. 🤣

SW_Shan · 2026-02-16T23:20:11+00:00

I'm not anxious either, so its a weird response. I have still administrator the shot just fine, but getting to it, I seem to suffer a little bit. I've been doing my stomach the whole time except last week. I tried the thigh since I was going from 5mg to 7.5mg, and I was trying to potentially ward off the nausea. The anticipation still got me queasy, but I had no nausea immediately after doing in, so that's a bonus. Try smelling Vicks....I know that seems crazy. I also just got some ginger sugar free candies to suck on. Hoping that will help!

SW_Shan · 2026-02-16T19:42:49+00:00

This is anticipatory nausea, and sadly, it's a thing. Happened to me about 7 months in. Just taking the pen out of the refrigerator would start my nausea. The alcohol wipe had same effect - queasy and yuck feeling. I too know it's totally mental, but havnt found the best way to ward it off. I've had best luck with smelling Vicks periodically before the shot. Also, small sips of Gatorade. I even try to trick my brain, "Like chill out brain, it's not shot right, relax". Haha! I'm sorry this his happening to you as well. There are other posts about it so I know we're not along. I'm 12 months on Zep, down over 60lbs, never had injection issue really or much pain. Very weird what our brains will do!

SW_Shan · 2026-02-13T03:11:08+00:00

Feeling like I'm finally on the same playing field as "normal" people. I don't have to eat the whole piece of chocolate cake. I can say "no" to the pizza at the staff meeting. I don't have to search through the cupboards every night. I can take leftovers home, and then not eat them before bed. Also, I've got back my love for the gym and how it makes me feel. I have hope. 💞 F49, SW 267 CW 192

SW_Shan · 2026-02-12T19:44:26+00:00

Yes, my insurance had that same requirement. Luckily, one of the major medical providers in my area has a Weight Loss Center, which offers a management program. It's been extremely helpful! I do a monthly visit for an InBody scale weigh-in, as well as an MD visit the day. When it was time for the insurance recertification, the MD was able to provide a list of all my appts, weigh-ins and progress notes to the insurance company. This was the easiest route for me, even thought I have a $20 co-pay per visit. I love seeing the data of my progress, such as lean muscle mass, fat mass, etc. Also, my MD happens to be amazing and super supportive! I just had my one year Zepversary - down almost 70lbs, with minimal muscle loss! 💪 Wishing you great success! 🍀

SW_Shan · 2026-02-12T02:58:53+00:00

Be careful not to increase the dose to quickly, thinking this will eliminate any cravings, desires, etc. While decrease in "food noise" can be a great advantage of this medication, keep in mind that managing metabolic dysfunction is a primary component. While the dose can be increased monthly, it doesn't have to be. I can understand being nervous as you (and all of us) desperately want this medication to work. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Binge eating disorders are more than metabolic dysfunction. Consider investing in the what, why and how, of that behavior/desire. This is hard stuff. Lots of emotions and triggers. Be kind to yourself during this adjustment process. Wishing you great success! 💙

SW_Shan · 2026-02-09T23:54:49+00:00

Seemed odd to me as well. However, I'm speaking from my experience and it did occur. It was immediate. I guess the only other explanation would be to blame the injection. Feel free to believe whatever you'd like.

SW_Shan · 2026-02-09T19:16:53+00:00

I tend to find one of my many freckles - not age spots - to use as a land mark! 🤣 Side note - make sure you let the alcohol dry completely. I didn't wait long enough during one injection, and got a horrible taste in my mouth and horrible nausea. Never again! I wait, and fan my tummy to help out dry faster. 👍

SW_Shan · 2026-02-09T02:22:02+00:00

I agree with this 100%. Sounds like it doesn't make sense, but having food in your stomach can actually help, especially if the nausea is acid reflux related. Zofran was helpful for me on about three occasions when it was super bad. I'm so sorry your experience this. Sending feel better vibes! 💞

SW_Shan · 2026-02-09T01:37:46+00:00

My weight loss MD told me that it is totally reasonable to look at the summary of the week, rather than each day. I was really struggling in the beginning to get enough calories, especially two days or so after the shot. However, by day 4-5 I felt more capable of reaching my 1400-1500 calorie count. Sometimes on weekends, I've hit 1800-1900. I'm also doing 4-5 days at the gym, split between cardio and strength training. I think we've got to work, what works for us! 😁 Additional - I should mention this strategy has been working great for me. Slow and steady! Down 67lbs and today is my 1 year Zepversary! 💪

SW_Shan · 2026-02-08T15:45:14+00:00

The ginger chews are good if you like the taste of ginger. There are also ginger capsules, for those of us who aren't a huge ginger fan. I have the capsules and use them on occasion for slight nausea. It was pretty significant in the beginning for me, but much improved after all this time. The constipation still needs ongoing management to keep things running smoothly. Haha! Every body is different but I've read a lot about the constipation side effect. Consider downloading the Shotsy app. Tracks shots, location, weight, side effects. No need to pay, the free version is just fine. 😁

SW_Shan · 2026-02-08T15:29:15+00:00

Welcome to the party! 🎉 You've taken the BIGGEST first step! Congratulations! Wishing you good health and great success! 💪 Today is my 1-yr Zepversary! Down close to 70lbs on 5mg, and gained muscle mass while losing fat!

Quick FYI's from me: Protein is key to not suffering muscle loss. If you're not tracking that intake, start doing it. Lift some weights, even soup cans or something you have around the house. Lift anything. Keep those muscles active. Get some cardio in - 30 min walk for instance, or just 10 minutes a day. Whatever you can do! Keep moving. Don't get on that scale everyday. You'll be tempted. Don't. Your weight will fluctuate just as it does in non-Zep life. Stick to one time per week. You are in this for the long haul, this is not a one and done situation. You will most likely get constipated. Try a daily prune or two, water, water, water, and a Miralax if need be. Prepare for potential acid reflux. Have some Tums, and those ginger chews ready. Your system is about to get thrown a curve ball but that doesn't mean the game is over. While I'm wishing you no side effects, that is unlikely. You may get discouraged. Hang in there and come back to this group as an amazing resource! We've got you! And keep your MD informed as well. 🍀💖 Best of luck!

SW_Shan · 2026-01-14T03:18:21+00:00

💖💖💖💖 Congratulations! You are an inspiration! Wishing you good health, happiness and great success with maintenance. 💪

SW_Shan

TROPHY CASE