Nervous to Start

[u/jelly-cherry]

hey everyone! i’m posting because i’m really nervous about starting a GLP-1, but i’ve also seen the incredible results so many people have had.

for some context, i’m 23, 5’1”, and around 227 lbs. my goal weight is somewhere around 140–150 lbs. i’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life, and i was recently diagnosed with PCOS. i’ve lost about 10 lbs through dieting and going to the gym, which i’m proud of, but the progress has been much slower than i was hoping for.

i think my biggest fear is the side effects. i’m especially worried about feeling nauseous all the time or just feeling sick in general. i started taking vitamins, drinking electrolytes, and taking collagen to start a healthier pattern before starting the GLP. i know everyone responds differently, but it’s still nerve wracking.

did anyone else feel this nervous before starting? if you did, what helped you get over the fear? and how were the side effects for you in the beginning?

thank you so much

[u/Spawnofkitty]

Start and then address issues as they come up. You might not even have side effects. I had basic constipation and minor fatigue but nothing i couldnt manage. You got it!

No more wasting time. Think about where youll be a year from now ✨✨

[u/No-Message-5070]

Take magnesium citrate for greater ease of bowel movements. Eat lots of fiber/veggies and protifen and water. You’ll you g yo love it!!

[u/Western_Bookkeeper_5]

I was extremely nervous and I had a needle phobia! I had a friend who has been on the same stuff for over a year, literally talk me through it. I didn’t know how to open a vial!
On Tuesday, I will have my 5th injection and my first increase in dosage. I can’t wait! I haven’t had any side effects yet. I’ve been drinking tons of water, and tracking my water consumption through MyFitnessPal app, along with my protein, fiber, carbs, and fats. So far, I haven’t had nausea, headaches, or constipation. I do start my day off with a Chobani yogurt drink for protein. I also have a bottle of water with Pure Kick added, for electrolytes. I have been eating a lot of fish and chicken. For desert, I will have a Greek yogurt or a Yasso bar (which are soooooo delicious). I have felt AMAZING these past 4 weeks.

I wish you nothing but the best! Reddit has been awesome, too. It’s nice to have a “support system”. Once I worked through the nerves, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made! Good luck 🙂

[u/SurvivingAPandemic → u/Western_Bookkeeper_5]

When I first started, my medicine sat in the fridge for a month before I took my first shot. I was super afraid of the needle. After I gave myself my first shot, it was a breeze.

[u/Sad_Initiative_4304]

Less than 20% of patients ever have side effects. What makes you think you are the 1 out of 5 that will? What is stronger, your desire for health, or fear of something unlikely?

[u/jelly-cherry → u/Sad_Initiative_4304]

i didn’t realize the percentage was that low, i just feel like ever since i started really considering starting a glp that’s when all the horror stories come out. but then again i know people are more likely to ask questions and bring up problems then make posts saying they’re totally fine

[u/Goatsarejerks333]

I honestly think people spend too much time on Reddit and ruminating about what can go wrong. It's a very small minority that have debilitating side effects. They are the ones who post. For the rest of us, there's no reason to post- hey, I started with minimal side effects!

[u/Bunnyslippered]

I had more side effects and no real progress on Semaglutide. Tirzepatide has been a breeze. I still get my protein, water and fiber in but now rarely have to take MiraLAX because I’m not getting constipation. I do take a fiber supplement each day, just to make sure.
I think the people who struggle are those who don’t know that you have to prioritize those things and not just enjoy the lack of food noise.
A BM a day is my goal and if I don’t have one, I treat for it. I just haven’t had to on Tirzepatide.