Over the past year and a half, I’ve been on a personal weight loss journey. While I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, I know there’s still room for improvement. My journey began in 2023 and has been filled with its fair share of highs and lows. Along the way, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, especially considering how little I knew at the start. One of the most valuable steps I took was educating myself about these medications.
The beginning: My Clueless and Naïve Start to the world of Semaglutide
The word “semaglutide” has become one of the buzzwords of 2024, yet there’s so much more to it than most people realize. When I first started my weight loss journey, I knew nothing about semaglutide or similar terms. Like many others, I simply trusted the advice of a stranger, hoping it would help me lose weight. The alarming part? This “stranger” wasn’t even a medical professional. I paid hundreds of dollars to sit in a small, gray-walled room while someone told me I qualified for this so-called miracle drug.
To be fair, I did have a brief video consultation with an actual doctor—though I have no idea where they were located. The doctor reviewed my bloodwork and body composition scan and confirmed that I was eligible. After handing over my credit card information, I waited several weeks before a package arrived. Inside the box were three items: a bag of empty syringes, a pack of alcohol wipes, and a vial of clear liquid. There were no labels and absolutely no instructions. I was left completely clueless about what to do next.
When I needed guidance on administering my medication, I reached out to the “patient care coordinator” via text. His instructions were straightforward yet vague: draw the liquid to the #5 on the syringe. No mention of the actual dosage or concentration—just a number to aim for.
Despite my confusion, I followed the advice. Surprisingly, I noticed the promised hunger suppression and even experienced a slight drop in weight. While that was encouraging, I still had no idea what I was injecting into my body or the exact dosage. All I knew was that this clear, unlabeled liquid was supposed to work, and it did—for a while.
After several weeks, as the hunger returned, I sent another text—not to a doctor, but to the same coordinator. I mentioned that I felt the need to increase my dose. His response? “Okay.” No consultation, no follow-up appointment—just a quick text. He then advised, “If you’re at #5, try 7 ½ for a week or two. If that doesn’t help, go up to #10.”
So, I adjusted my dose based on his casual instructions, again without any professional monitoring. As a former teacher with no medical background, I found myself drawing medication from a vial, filling a syringe, and injecting it into my stomach. The whole process felt surreal—and, honestly, a little unsettling.
While the weight loss was a welcome result, the lack of transparency and medical oversight left me questioning what I was truly putting into my body. It’s a reminder of how important it is to advocate for clearer communication and safer practices in our health journeys.
Premier Weight Loss Steps In: A Game Changer for My Journey!
In August 2023, my life took an exciting turn. I left my teaching career to join a new weight loss practice in Indianapolis, Indiana: Premier Weight Loss. I had faith in the CEO and believed in his vision, so I stepped into the world of obesity medicine, surrounded by experts in the weight management field. This marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in my weight loss story.
Premier Weight Loss (PWL) is a locally owned medical clinic specializing in weight management solutions. The clinic boasts a full team, including a Board-Certified Physician and Nurse Practitioners who focus solely on weight management. What sets PWL apart is its commitment to using only FDA-approved, brand-name weight loss injections.
From day one, I experienced the professionalism that defines PWL. During my one-on-one consultation with a Nurse Practitioner, we reviewed my medical history, body composition results, and the specifics of the medication and dosages. Monthly follow-ups ensure my progress is safely and sustainably managed. Although I administer my injections, I never feel uncertain about what I’m putting into my body. In fact, everything is clearly labeled, and I know my exact dosage: 2.5 mg of Mounjaro. (For full disclosure, I live with an RN, so I usually make him do the injection for me—lol!)
Within my first month at PWL, I learned a great deal about GLP-1 medications and the significant differences between name-brand and compounded versions. After hearing several horror stories about compounded alternatives, I realized that my initial weight-loss journey had been far from ideal. With Premier Weight Loss, I’m confident I’m in the right place for lasting, healthy results.
Achieving My Weight Loss Goals!
Each month on Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro brought me closer to my weight loss goals. I’m now over 40 pounds lighter and have maintained this progress for several months. My current focus is on sustaining the weight loss while toning my body. This success comes from following a low-dose medication plan, trusting the guidance of the professionals at Premier Weight Loss, and making a few lifestyle changes.
After years of struggling with my weight (thanks in part to having two kids), I finally feel great about myself again. Not only do my clothes fit better, but I also feel healthier overall. I have more energy, my mood has improved (most days), and I’m sleeping better. I owe this transformation to my incredible coworkers at Premier Weight Loss, the effectiveness of Mounjaro, and a dose of self-discipline.
While I still have some toning to do, I’m thrilled with my current health and progress. It’s exciting to see how far I’ve come and even more exciting to look ahead to what’s next!
Final Thoughts: Transitioning Off Medication While Maintaining My Results
Having reached my weight loss goals, I’m now working on weaning my body and mind off the medication. I’m still taking a 2.5 mg dose of Mounjaro, but I’ve been able to maintain my results while spacing out the injections. I no longer feel the need to take one every week.
Thanks to the knowledge I’ve gained from Premier Weight Loss and the lifestyle changes I’ve adopted, I’m no longer dependent on the medication. That said, I feel reassured knowing that Premier Weight Loss continues to monitor my progress and support me in maintaining my results. One of my favorite parts of the process is stepping on the InBody 970 scale each month to see how far I’ve come!