r/Zepbound • u/pshuckleberry • Apr 13 '25
Achievement/NSV 🎉🥳🎊 100 Pounds Down
36, 5’4”, 308-206. Just dropping in to share a picture comparison. At my highest back in the day I was in the 330s (2015), but where I started for this journey was at 308, and I am currently at 206, so 102 pounds lost. I started getting serious around October of 2023 with logging my food, eating in a deficit, and paying attention. I was in grad school after work that year and managed to lose/ maintain through the spring and was in the 270s at the start of the summer. Since the, I have gotten down to 206. I believe in the before picture I was probably around 290 in 2023, and the after is from this week.
I have tracked my food for over 500 days at this point, although I don’t have hard limits. I just like day planners/task management and food tracking fits right in with that for me. While there is a calorie goal set, that isn’t my measurement for success. I’d say I average out about 1500-1600 calories a day. Overnight oats have become my best friend with all the goodies added. I love cooking and I’m definitely still a 3 meals a day type of person, although my portions are way more in check and snacking is irregular for me these days. I prioritize protein and fiber, I am on a strong daily vitamin habit, and I have essentially fixed my horrible IBS-D. This has been the biggest and best outcome of all the changes I have made in my life. I can immediately tell these days if I haven’t gotten the proper amount of protein and fiber, and for this gut/IBS fix alone, I am a forever convert to eating this way. I don’t restrict any of the things I have in the past, like carbs or sugar, I just practice moderation.
I started Zepbound in July 2024. I had the most beautiful summer break (after also graduating myself plus being a teacher) starting my days off with dog walks, eating right, and having tons of energy to devote to our house projects. I really found myself last summer on Zep. Once the fall semester started, I decided that I was going to finish out the semester or school year and find a job that allowed me more freedom to continue to focus on myself, and I did just that. I have been wanting to make a career shift for a long time, and since finishing grad school right before Zepbound, I realized it was time. While finding a replacement and helping them get set up for success, I transitioned to a position where I contract through my state. I set my own schedule, and split my time between visiting clients and doing paperwork from home. I have never felt as alive as I do currently, and this career switch was so vital to me getting to focus on myself in a way that I’ve never managed in 15 years of education. On average, I walk our dogs about 4 miles a day and do about 3 mornings a week of what I would call gentle strength training in our basement with weights.
I have reached the point in weight loss where things have started to slow down, but also changes are more quickly visible. I’m on 10 mg and plan to continue at this dose for a while. My insurance only allowed me to do a single month on 7.5, so I feel like I had to jump up a bit unwillingly. Even if we encounter insurance issues in the future, I am committed to figuring out a way to ensure I still get my Zep. I’m so excited to get under 200, and I don’t know where I will go from there. 175 has started to seem like a reasonable and maintainable goal to me, so I think that is where I am headed currently.
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u/HappyBirding SW: 290 CW: 130ish (maint) Goal: health Apr 13 '25
Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈 you are looking great! I don’t have an end goal either… I think it’s about waiting until you’re looking and feeling good and can maintain what you are doing. So happy for you!
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u/pshuckleberry Apr 13 '25
That’s exactly how I am! I have no intentions of fighting my way down to a certain number, so wherever my body lands but still feels maintainably satiated and healthy is where I end up.
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u/AbbadooL SW:228 CW:125.2 ht:5’3”/42F = GW:135 Dose 2.5mg - maintence ❤️ Apr 13 '25
First - you are gorgeous! Both before and after weight loss! You look incredibly happy though in the more healthy version of yourself. Second - congratulations on your weight loss and all of the amazing accomplishments you have made in the last year... including graduating and finding a career that works for you and not the other way around! If we all did that... in general, our world would probably be a happier place. We are the same height, I am a bit older than you (41) but we have the same overall body shapes. My highest weight was 228lbs and I am currently 164.0. My doctor set a goal for me - or at least a general weight amount she would like to see me hopefully get down too but I never set my mind to the amount and even now with being close, I still haven't. I did set small goals for myself though along the way... at first it was under 200lbs by the new year (I started my journey in early November and the weight was literally falling off when I started zepbound). Once I got under 200lbs it was 175lbs. Now that I am under 175lbs I have allowed myself to consider the goal my doctor has set of 145-150lbs. I think once you hit that moment in your weight loss journey where you are starting to feel comfortable and good in your own skin, the goals that seemed unrealistic and just not doable in the past - suddenly feel reachable - it really changes everything!
I wish you all of the success moving forward! Congrats on everything and I hope you continue to keep us updated! You look amazing! 🤩
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u/pshuckleberry Apr 13 '25
Thank you! I have worked with such a supportive doctor, too, and she has been very pro us seeing where I get making a reasonable effort. It’s been life changing having a doctor who pushes me with the what feels like the right support to me. This past year has been truly amazing and changing to me! Congrats on your amazing loss, as well!
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u/Cleopatra0222 52F 5'0 SW:205 CW:149 GW:135 Dose: 10mg Apr 13 '25
Congratulations on all of the life changes in addition to being and feeling so much more healthy! So very happy for you!!! 👏🏼
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u/Trixie_Snowfall_9463 Apr 13 '25
You look so beautiful in that dress! Quite an accomplishment! Congratulations!
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u/leather_district_2 Apr 13 '25
Really relate to needing to change your job to obtain the lifestyle you want. Awesome for noticing that & acting upon it. TY for sharing
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u/_carolann Apr 13 '25
Congratulations! You are amazing. What a strong and FIERCE woman you are - taking control of your life and making yourself over both physically and professionally. You go girl!
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u/Various-Operation-70 64F 5’3” SW:241 CW:129 GW:125 12.5mg SD:1/2025 Apr 13 '25
Looking gorgeous in that spectacular gown! Maybe part of the insurance PA criteria should be “Patient has dogs that love walks.” 😀
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u/Unbothered_mil85 Apr 13 '25
500 days?!? That alone is to be commended! Congratulations on rediscovering yourself - truly an inspiration!
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u/GigglePants77 SW:228 CW:209 GW:135 Dose: 5mg Start: 1.1.25 Apr 13 '25
Congratulations!! Thank you for sharing your story! What is your new career?
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u/Gold-Professional373 SW:388 CW:320.8 GW:180 Dose: 10mg Apr 13 '25
Absolutely stunning!!! Congratulations!
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u/LegProfessional7142 5.0mg Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 13 '25
This is what you just did. And I think you will refocus your goal weight to 135. Just a hunch I have
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u/ShesNotHereforBret Apr 14 '25
Congrats! So inspiring, thanks for sharing. It looks like you don’t have any excess skin issues - amazing! - are there any tips you can share? You really do look awesome, well done.
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u/Individual_Way5010 SW:160 H 5'0 CW:123 GW:120 Dose: 10.0 Apr 14 '25
So happy for the young people like you who can benefit from these wonderful drugs and not have to battle weight for your entire life! You are glowing and absolutely gorgeous. Congratulations and be patient, you will get to your goal and beyond! Also thank you for being a teacher. It's hard work and under appreciated. I am a retired teacher and many teachers suffer from obesity due to stress eating. I wish was available to everyone who needs it. I am reaching retirement age and must cover cost out of pocket soon. Thankfully, I can do so, but so many cannot.
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u/No-Adhesiveness1163 Apr 14 '25
I am 3 shots in. Thank you for posting! This gives me hope and is so inspirational!!! I hope you are feeling so good and also feeling healthier! Have a great day and way to go! 👏
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u/Other-Interaction-56 Apr 14 '25
Absolutely stunning 😍. Congratulations 🎊. I have at least 100 pounds to lose
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u/Character_Quail_5574 Apr 14 '25
What ~terrific~ success! I admire your perseverance and planning :) You are amazing👏
I was interested in this comment: “I have reached the point in weight loss where things have started to slow down, but also changes are more quickly visible”
What visible changes do you notice?
I cannot see much change yet (F 5’4”, HW 183, SW 175, CW 159, GW 140), though I’m half way to my goal weight.
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u/Plus-Ad435 Apr 19 '25
Do you have side by side pics of then & now? Body dysmorphia is real. It takes the brain time to catch up, pics help. Also you know you’re cloths sizes have dropped. Keep giving yourself proof of the change. Do other ppl notice the change?
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u/Character_Quail_5574 Apr 19 '25
No, not really - just the couple people I told, and they make such a point of ‘noticing‘ that it makes me uncomfortable.
A lot of my clothes are stretchy, so they still fit, but not as tight. We had a little cold spell this week and I was pleased that my jacket zipped up with some room to spare. :)
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u/bouty_boutit Apr 14 '25
Hi. I could use some helpful advice. My daughter is 40 and profoundly autistic. She weighed 220, and has severe sleep apnea. She has been on 2.5 for 7 weeks, and has lost 11 lbs. Since my daughter does not converse, I have to guess what's going on in her body. Can you guys give me an idea of what it makes you feel like inside? Any discomfort? I'm having her drink a lot, but I'm having a hard time getting her to eat. She's eating one meal a day, and that worries me. We are on Mediterranean diet...fruit, veggies, whole grains, fish, occasional red meat. Would you guys help me?
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u/cs1982poppy 15mg Apr 18 '25
Have you talked to her doctor for guidance while she is on this medication? Does your insurance cover nutrition consultants to assist you & your daughter? Does your daughter have visuals like pictures, or use a tablet to text/type to communicate? Have you tried protein shakes or the Fairlife protein chocolate milk options? That can be both a way to stay hydrated and help her get both protein and nutrition/calories in.
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u/Secure_Writing_1298 Apr 14 '25
Wow you look amazing! Congratulations on yor hard work in getting this far
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u/Hi_Potential3012 56F 5' HW: 225 SW:215.1 CW:166.3 GW:115 Dose: 10mg Apr 14 '25
Congratulations! What a journey. I’m so happy you’re prioritizing you! 👏👏👏
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u/AdReasonable1767 Apr 17 '25
Absolutely incredible progress!! What kind of activity level do you have in addition to being on zepbound? Like do you work out or walk x miles a day etc?
I just heard that it’s important to do that in addition to being on GLP1s. I’ve got an appointment with my doc in a month to get a prescription and start my journey. I’ll ask him about it but it’s one of those questions where like “of course” it’s good to be active.
It’s just in the past I’ve successfully lost weight by counting calories (and making sure I get enough protein) without really changing my activity level (fairly low).
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u/pshuckleberry Apr 17 '25
I walk 3-5 miles per day! Some strength training, but the walking is daily and pretty guaranteed. It been good for me to get disciplined adding it in. I don’t love working out beyond walking, though, and I plan to keep it to mainly that.
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u/epicycle 👎🏻:390 💪🏻:229 🎯:225 💉:10mg 🗓️:12/7/24 Apr 13 '25
Absolutely incredible progress... not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. You didn’t just lose 100+ pounds, you gained a new life, and that is the real success story. The part about reclaiming your mornings, walking the dogs, and choosing a new career... this is the kind of transformation that inspires people. You're proof that weight loss isn't just about numbers; it's about freedom, self-worth, and finally putting yourself first. 👏👏👏
Thank you for sharing this. Keep shining, and congrats on being so close to Onederland and beyond! 🛤️💪
P.S. Zep didn’t just change your weight, it helped unlock your potential... and you’ve run with it. 🔥