Restarting GLP-1 after surgery?

FidgetQueen

FidgetQueen

Active member
Hi all! 64F, diagnosed with T2D in late 2023, currently on 10 mg. A1C last check was 5.1. Highest weight was around 270, started meds at 215, and now I'm hovering around 165.

I just had a tummy tuck, lipo, and muscle repair last week on Feb 23rd.

My doc told me to stop my meds a week before surgery, so I've missed two doses. I noticed my cravings were creeping back a bit before the surgery. But honestly, I haven't had much appetite at all since the surgery.

The surgeon said I could start taking everything again today, but I'm wondering if I should wait a bit before restarting my GLP-1? Maybe give myself a natural boost first?
 
Listen to me... if you're taking any opioid painkillers right now, DO NOT restart your GLP-1! I ended up in the ER with a bowel obstruction because of that combination! It slows down your digestion way too much! My surgeon actually said, "I didn't even think about it" when I told him what happened.
 
Congrats on your A1C and weight loss! Hopefully, since your diabetes was weight-related, you can maintain that A1C if you don't gain weight. You might want to drop down a dose for a month and then go back up, unless you're comfortable staying at a lower dose. Type 2s like us really need this medication. I had a panniculectomy last year and had to stop for a week. My surgery was on a Friday, and I inject on Tuesdays. I extended my injection time by one week to Thursday and skipped the following week. Then, I restarted on Tuesday, my regular day, four days after surgery. Good luck with your continued success!
 
Okay, thanks for the input! @meal-prep-pro, good point about the painkillers. I waited three weeks when I had my gallbladder removed and was on strong painkillers, so appetite wasn't an issue. I restarted at the lowest dose and it took a couple of months to get back to my usual. I did gain a few pounds, but I wasn't too worried and just took it slow.
 
I disagree with waiting unless you have side effects. I've had several major surgeries while taking these meds. Every time I was cleared, I restarted. I wasn’t always hungry while healing, but that's okay. As long as you're eating enough, I wouldn't delay restarting. It's a lifestyle change, not something to pick and choose when to take. The only reason you stopped was because of your doctor's protocol for surgery.
 
I had to stop my GLP-1 due to some unbearable stomach pains. After three ER visits, they found a ton of gallstones in my gallbladder. Apparently, gallstones are a common side effect with long-term use. Just something to be aware of!
 
FidgetQueen said:
I had lipo on my thighs, so maybe my inner thighs?
Click to expand...
Some people find that injecting into the outer thigh is okay, but the inner thigh can sometimes cause discomfort because there are more nerve endings there. Might be worth trying both and seeing what works best for you! Good luck!
 
Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I think I'll wait a few more days, see how my appetite is, and maybe start back on a lower dose like some of you suggested. I appreciate the heads-up about the gallbladder issues too, @Sema_Sister. I'll definitely keep an eye out for any symptoms.
 
Post-surgery restart usually means retitrating from intro dose regardless of where you were before - the surgical window resets GI tolerance. At A1c 5.1, the goal is maintaining those labs more than matching the earlier loss rate.
 
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