Gained all the weight back. Anyone else?

ShrinkDonut

ShrinkDonut

Active member
I used a GLP-1 agonist for a little over a year and a half and dropped nearly 80 pounds. I wasn't quite done, but my insurance changed and I couldn't keep paying for it. It's been a little over a year since I stopped and I've regained all of it. I feel awful and don't understand how I allowed this to happen. I'm looking into restarting, even if I have to pay out of pocket. Has this happened to anyone else? Were you able to lose weight again the second time?
 
You didn't 'allow' anything. Obesity is a condition. If someone has hypertension and discontinues their meds, their blood pressure will increase. Individuals with diabetes who quit using insulin will also experience detrimental consequences. GLP-1s address the illness, but they don't eliminate it. Explore compounding pharmacies. Best of luck.
 
Don't feel bad. Research indicates that the vast majority of people will gain the weight back after they stop using it. It's not your fault.

This just reinforces the idea that obesity is a complex issue and science is still trying to figure it out.
 
Please try not to be discouraged. Those of us who deal with cravings and constant weight changes understand. These agonists are amazing at quieting the 'food noise'. I went off and gained most of it back, then went back on. This time, I really focused on how the drug affected me. I then tried going 10 days between injections and paid attention to my body. I'm now at 14 days between injections, which really helps with the cost. I've managed this for almost two years. Don't give up, and don't be ashamed. Pay attention to your body and be persistent. Restart if you can and, once you've lost weight again, try lengthening the time between injections. We can control a lot.
 
Please don't be ashamed. If you discontinue blood pressure medication, your blood pressure will increase. If you stop statins, your cholesterol will rise. If you stop insulin, you may face a life-threatening crisis. These meds need to be considered as a long-term treatment for a chronic illness, not a temporary fix. You have a chronic condition. Try https://get.gimme.care/start-online-visit/fkq7. It is the most affordable option I've come across. I've been in maintenance since April with only minor fluctuations and the cost averages less than $150 monthly. If you skip eating out (or coffee, or something similar) at $40 weekly, it pays for itself. Please don't beat yourself up. Insurance companies are terrible, and everyone profits from our sickness.
 
Don't blame yourself; it's all about chemical balances, and imbalance can occur with lack of medication. The British Medical Journal says people gain the weight back four times faster after stopping Oz. So, there's that. If you restart, you'll likely need to stay on it permanently.
 
I don’t think you “let” it happen; it will almost always happen because the food noise comes back. I had the same thing happen and continued with diet and exercise. Fought it for a year, but slowly the weight started back. I’ve gained back about 30 pounds, and I’m tired of the fight.
 
Unfortunately, that is very common. This is generally intended as a lifelong treatment. Hopefully, you can find a way to cover it out of pocket or consult your doctor about other treatments covered by your insurance that might be beneficial.
 
My hypertension is well-managed with medication. If I discontinue it, it will no longer be under control. Check out compounding pharmacies; could be a good option for some. Prices can be as low as $150 per dose.
 
I achieved my goal weight, stopped the meds, and maintained it for a few months before starting to gain again. After gaining about 20 pounds, I restarted and lost the weight again. So, it looks like I'll be on it for life. I'm also a type 2 diabetic, and it really helps with my glucose levels.
 
Nothing to be ashamed of. For most, these are long-term medications. A small percentage can stop and maintain, but it's uncommon.
 
In the same boat and trying to lose again. I won't sugarcoat it; it's hard and depressing. Sorry for not being more helpful. I'm dealing with a depressive episode because of this (mentally exhausted from losing the weight again) and just trying to share the reality.
 
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It really helps to know I'm not alone. Has anyone tried to maintain on a lower dose? I'm thinking maybe that's the key...
SunnyGrind212 said:
I then tried going 10 days between injections and paid attention to my body. I'm now at 14 days between injections, which really helps with the cost. I've managed this for almost two years.
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SunnyGrind212 That's an interesting approach, did you work with your doctor on that?
 
tirzepatide-convert said:
Please do not feel ashamed; it is related to biological processes, not a lack of self-control. ❤️
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I appreciate this, I've been feeling so down on myself. It's hard to remember that it's not just about willpower.
 
ShrinkDonut said:
That's an interesting approach, did you work with your doctor on that?
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I told my doctor what I was trying, and he was okay with it as long as I monitored my blood sugar (since I'm also diabetic) and didn't have any bad side effects. Definitely talk to your doctor before changing your dose or schedule!
 
Some patients find success with lifestyle adjustments, such as increased physical activity and dietary changes, to help sustain weight loss after stopping medication. It's still a tough road though.
 
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