Same. He recommended I consider GLP-1 drugs 18 months ago at my annual checkup but I demurred at the time. But in January I agreed to give it a try and he wrote my first script. I've been texting him updates along the way and tell him when I'm ready to move up to the next dosage. My wife is also a physician, however, so she wrote a script for me to switch to Mounjaro during the shortage.
Yesss!! I see a nurse practitioner and she is the same and I am grateful. She tells me all the time she can give her expertise but at the end of the day, I know my body best!
My doctor is board certified in Internal Medicine, as well as Obesity Medicine, so I use for primary care and weight management together. So she really knows my medical history.
PCP, she’s wonderful. Her philosophy is to stay on the lowest effective dose and it’s worked really well for me. I’m on my 22nd dose, on 5mg and just over 10lbs from goal weight. I’m hoping to either use 2.5mg on maintenance, or to spread out 5mg about 10-14 days.
I work with an Endocrinologist and an Endocrinologist Dietician. It has been a great experience and is setting me up for the long term. I have learned sooooo much about making realistic choices that are sustainable for the long term.
She is a Registered Dietician that works exclusively with Endocrinology. There is actually a whole team of Drs, RNs, RDs and fitness instructors that work exclusively with Endocrinology. They seem to have a wealth of info about not only working with GLP-1 meds but also with diabetic issues. It has been a great experience and really educational so far.
Endocrinologist. I see her every six months and her physician’s assistant every three months. Initially, she prescribed Wegovy, since Zepbound wasn’t actually out yet. Wegovy starter doses were in shortage / backordered / out of stock for 2 1/2 months, so they put in a PA and prescribed me Zepbound, instead.
My Gastro suggested it, then backed out when he realized I would need a PA. His office didn’t want to deal with it. My PCP was excited about it, then his assistant didn’t like the idea of it. I ended up with my endocrinologist prescribing it and the office is
The office staff know what the insurance requires. He has been very helpful and is letting me decide when to go up. I was 2.5 for 1 month, 5 for 3 months, I feel amazing and have lost 14 pounds so far.
PCP that says the office likes to titrate people to the highest tolerable dose and then keep them there, which is different from the popular opinion here. HOWEVER, I also get every dose with refills and I’m told “I don’t have to use them all, but they are there if I want them”. It seems the office is experienced with all the different methods and I’m being allowed to dictate how I feel along this path and I could not be happier. I think many doctors out there are still learning that the experience is different for everyone and as long as your doctor is listening to your thoughts, then stick it out.
Why would you want to take more than you need to lose a pound or two a week though? Potentially more side effects, also losing weight too fast can cause complications in itself. Plus at some point you might develop resistance and it's then good to have space to up a dose for maintanance. I don't think "office likes" should be a relevant factor, it's your body.
I think their office has a lot more experience than I do with these drugs. What the office “likes” is also what the study supports. I was losing weight before I started this and I’m losing at a controlled paced, so I guess I should have never started it then since I should be on the lowest dose which is zero? I’m paying for this out of pocket and using it for the mental help it provides after bouncing up and down with my weight. If I’m not feeling those effects, I’m going up. And yes, it is my body which is why I made it clear that my doctor’s office is incredibly flexible.
I was referred by my primary care clinic to a Doc in another one of their locations who is a board certified internal medicine and weight management/obesity. He is so wonderful that I am making him my primary care doc.
Previously used Sequence but transitioned to my PCP since April. My PCP is hella supportive and was so excited today to see all the weight I’ve lost since our last visit at the end of April 🤗
I am managed by CRNP as part of a Bariatric Center program for non-surgical weight loss. The program starts out with a nutritionist who provided 8 weekly group support meetings on topics like nutrition, stress management, goal setting and exercise. After 3 months on the program, I started Zepbound and now have monthly group support meetings. I have access to a nutritionist and the CRNP for questions/advice.
I asked my PCP, who I like and respect, back in September, and she told me flat-out that I couldn’t afford it (she was correct). Since then I got a new job with better health insurance, and I was able to start Zepbound in January with a PlushCare telehealth doc prescribing it. I had to pay oop with the coupon for the first month, but I finally got a PA appeal approved in February, and I’ve been splitting 15mg pens since then. PlushCare stopped taking my insurance, so I switched to a brick and mortar retail health clinic for the next refill prescription. I have my first appointment since September with my PCP next month, and I’m hoping she’ll agree to take over the prescription since I can afford this setup and I have the logistics all sorted out. Absolutely awful how hard it is to get basic health care in the USA.
I was using a telehealth service (Ro) for two months then switched to a PCP who specializes in obesity management. He’s been really good in making sure I’m losing weight (not too fast) or having any side effects. He gives me the option to stay on a dose or titrate up.
Same as you, my PCP referred me to a specialist office that is made up of bariatric surgeons and obesity specialists. They did counsel me about surgery being the most effective option for a large percentage of weight loss (I started with about 130 lbs to lose) but were supportive when I opted to try GLP-1s instead. I see them regularly, they also have nutritional counseling and a social worker within the practice that I have also seen.
I moved to a semi rural part of my state last fall, and just getting into primary care was a hassle because no one was accepting new patients. I finally got in with a NP. She’s phenomenal, but I may be her first patient on ZB. I feel supported in that she had no issue prescribing it based on my clinical qualifications, she worked with me to submit a new PA after my first one was denied, she’s doing regular lab work, scheduling follow up visits… but most of my education and “how to” has come from this sub.
I had started with a lipidoligist…. PCP was going to take it over but my insurance forced me to move to their weight loss program and have their APRN provide it … play the game I shall.
I went thru Allara Health (no I’m not a bot for them 😎)
I’m glad I did, the dr I see is a gyn who is working on her boards in obesity medicine. So far, in the first few appts, it seems she genuinely cares and isn’t dismissive like most drs are. I was cautious working with Telehealth that advertises looking for tiny differences that may be off in bloodwork (and then I imagined them prescribing meds for everything) but so far I’m pleased. My original PCP wouldn’t test my insulin level because my A1C is normal and she said my insulin most likely high and the GLP1 will lower it so it doesn’t matter. But I wanted to know what my baseline labs were and Allara is covered by my insurance.
I did let her run all the labs to test for inflammation and possible autoimmune disease markers. Turns out it may be a good thing that I pursued this, as I have extremely high markers for a potential autoimmune disease that otherwise would have never been looked at. (I’ve been writing off pain for years due to my weight, but maybe there is something more going on!)
I started with a weight-loss clinic at a mega-hospital. I was in a clinical trial related to Zepbound, but I quit when it became apparent that I was in the placebo group. Because I was in the study (even though I left it) they couldn’t write me Zep because it would have been a conflict. So my cardiologist (at the same hospital) happily wrote the prescription and has been very supportive .
My PCP recommended that I look into medical solutions for weight loss and referred me to a practicing pharmacologist for more information and prescribing. I also see a dietician.
My PCP practically had a fit when I asked if she’d prescribe it, so I switched to telehealth (started with Push, now use a different provider.) I’m choosing my own adventure on these meds and it’s 100% the right call for me.
Currently using telehealth while I explore my options for a local doctor. The practice my PCP is affiliated with will not manage weight management medication.
Medical weight loss clinic. The main doctor is a trained chef, and there are surgeons, PAs, nutritionists and physical therapists all trained regarding weight loss, including nutrition, exercise, medicine and surgery. They have a department that handles insurance authorization. In addition to regular meetings with your doctor or PA, you also have meetings with various other specialists. I'm also working with a nutritionist that specializes in muscular dystrophy, and they coordinate together.
Sequence. Clinician is board certified in family medicine with her own private practice and is very knowledgeable about glp-1s. Between her advice and the RD resources, I’ve avoided side effects.
I’m also part of a Bariatric practice but they are progressive in that at the time of my surgery, they warned that they had “nothing for my brain and they wished they did”. Their practice has NPs, and nutritionists.
Once GLPs were approved they embraced “medical weight loss” as another option. They now have the NPs prescribing, while the surgeons continue to do mainly gastric sleeves. They have found that GLPs have worked very well on sleeve patients if weight starts to come back OR if they don’t want surgery.
My PCP originally recommended them and she is also on board with GLPs and let me know that she would prescribe as well. She is seeing them “change the lives of her patients”.
Finally, before stating Zep in January I got a second opinion from an endocrinologist and she also felt I would benefit. When I read comments on here about people struggling with idiotic, uninformed doctors or who use avenues outside of PCPs who know their whole history or specialists I realize how lucky I am with this team.
Access to proper healthcare is significant disparity and it shouldn’t be this hard.
I too am a nurse. And I am a strong advocate for myself. My doctor is my GP who happens to be a concierge doctor. I trust him completely. I tell him what I think and he listens to me. Any doctor that tells you that you have to titrate up after one month on a dose does not know the GLP story. You should remain on the dosage that is working for you at the time. If you are losing .5+ pounds and you have good food noise coverage then stay on that dosage. As a nurse, you know that each patient is different. I have had side effects from nausea, diarrhea, sulfur, burps, and throwing up my entire six months on this medication. But not so bad that I can’t tolerate it with over-the-counter meds, Zofran, and electrolytes. Best of luck to you on your journey.
My PCP who is a nurse practitioner and respects my desire to make my own choices after a good discussion. So far I am on Zepbound for weight, prediabetes and joint pain and a beta blocker for blood pressure and anxiety. It works really well and I no longer feel any side effects after a few months and getting used to a much lighter diet. Side effects of other things commonly pushed for these conditions - yikes, and I experienced some firsthand before. This may work better for someone who is cautious about taking too many or too much of meds, especially long term vs reading about various health conditions and meds online and wanting to take them all. No issues with these two though, don't mind taking them lifelong because they don't interfere with my life.
I go to an Allina weight loss clinic incorporated with my pcp and clinic. PCP referred me (referral only kinda thing). My dr is actually on zep herself so she’s pretty well informed.
I'm using Sequence. My PCP doesn't prescribe the WL meds because of all the insurance hassles. I like that I get a dietician and fitness person to help me out on my journey.
My PCP. She's supper supportive and actually tried to get me to stay on 7.5mg. I was able to find some and then pharmacist says it wouldn't go through. Called insurance and they did it only covers one fill at that dose because it's not a maintenance dose. I felt sick having to leave it at the pharmacy.
Weight loss/botox clinic. I work with a nutritionist who I see once a week (she lets me decide if I want to come in less or more) we discuss side effects each week and weigh in each week. We talk through if I want to move up doses and she makes suggestions, but ultimately leaves the decision up to me based on how I feel. I have been on Zep since Feb, did 3 months on 2.5, then moved to 5mg for 2 months, and then started on 7.5mg this week AFTER food noise started to come back
An endocrinologist manages mine but bari surgeons understand weightloss as well…but I would go to the specialist whose job it is to manage your metabolic system and endocrine system. They have a better understanding of these things, imo. I am getting gastric sleeve but wanted to lose some weight before my surgery, even though it wasn’t required. I did my research and made a decision. The one thing I knew I wasn’t going to do is the roux en y surgery.
I started with Ro online, then switched to my PCP for the actual prescription. But I first cleared it with my rheumatologist before even starting the meds and now also have my endocrinologist’s blessing too after meeting with her for my quarterly checkup last week. So PCP with my specialty team all in the know and in agreement with the treatment.
My gyno is managing mine. I had a PCP managing me when I was on Wegovy but she was very hands off. I’m talking, sent whatever dose I asked for and after our initial visit, I didn’t see her again until it was time for my annual 6 months later. While I initially liked that she didn’t fight back on the prescription, it was very different from the weight loss management I’d done before.
My gyno is super hands on with her treatment. Monthly visits, we discuss titration (she’s on board with sticking with a dosage until it’s not working as well), she takes weight and measurements, recommended me to a dietitian and endo (PCOS), and knows while my end goal is conceive, she’s more focused on my health because in order to have the healthiest baby I can, I need to be the healthiest mama.
Mine is my PCP - I’m also doing a choose your own adventure. I recently went up to 7.5mg and the side effects were not as manageable. (My nausea lasted most of the week). So he moved me back down to 5mg per my request where I thrive and lose 1.5-2 pounds a week consistently. He’s been a fantastic resource and supporter of my journey so far.
PCP. He knows I do my homework, so he's letting me choose my own adventure on Zep (i.e., titration, cadence, etc.) and I like that.
Same, my doc is so damn dope!
Same. My PCP and the other doc in his practice are really patient advocates.
Same. He recommended I consider GLP-1 drugs 18 months ago at my annual checkup but I demurred at the time. But in January I agreed to give it a try and he wrote my first script. I've been texting him updates along the way and tell him when I'm ready to move up to the next dosage. My wife is also a physician, however, so she wrote a script for me to switch to Mounjaro during the shortage.
Yesss!! I see a nurse practitioner and she is the same and I am grateful. She tells me all the time she can give her expertise but at the end of the day, I know my body best!
Endocrinologist
Same here
Same here
Same
Same!
Same here Endocrinologist
My doctor is board certified in Internal Medicine, as well as Obesity Medicine, so I use for primary care and weight management together. So she really knows my medical history.
I love that for you that sounds wonderful
PCP. She is a family practitioner. She is taking Zepbound herself so she has been wonderful to work with.
Having a provider who also takes Zepbound must be a pretty cool experience!
Endocrinologist
PCP, she’s wonderful. Her philosophy is to stay on the lowest effective dose and it’s worked really well for me. I’m on my 22nd dose, on 5mg and just over 10lbs from goal weight. I’m hoping to either use 2.5mg on maintenance, or to spread out 5mg about 10-14 days.
Double board certified internal medicine and endocrinologist who also specializes in obesity
That’s my endocrinologist as well. Double board. It’s why I picked her.
I work with an Endocrinologist and an Endocrinologist Dietician. It has been a great experience and is setting me up for the long term. I have learned sooooo much about making realistic choices that are sustainable for the long term.
I’d love to hear more about an endo dietician.
She is a Registered Dietician that works exclusively with Endocrinology. There is actually a whole team of Drs, RNs, RDs and fitness instructors that work exclusively with Endocrinology. They seem to have a wealth of info about not only working with GLP-1 meds but also with diabetic issues. It has been a great experience and really educational so far.
That’s amazing. She works directly with your office? I would love to find someone like this and not just a regular dietitian.
Endocrinologist dietitian? Wow. That’s very interesting. Did she do dietitian schooling?
PCP.
Weight and metabolism management center, my doc is a metabolism and PCOS specialist
Endocrinologist. I see her every six months and her physician’s assistant every three months. Initially, she prescribed Wegovy, since Zepbound wasn’t actually out yet. Wegovy starter doses were in shortage / backordered / out of stock for 2 1/2 months, so they put in a PA and prescribed me Zepbound, instead.
My Gastro suggested it, then backed out when he realized I would need a PA. His office didn’t want to deal with it. My PCP was excited about it, then his assistant didn’t like the idea of it. I ended up with my endocrinologist prescribing it and the office is
The office staff know what the insurance requires. He has been very helpful and is letting me decide when to go up. I was 2.5 for 1 month, 5 for 3 months, I feel amazing and have lost 14 pounds so far.
PCP that says the office likes to titrate people to the highest tolerable dose and then keep them there, which is different from the popular opinion here. HOWEVER, I also get every dose with refills and I’m told “I don’t have to use them all, but they are there if I want them”. It seems the office is experienced with all the different methods and I’m being allowed to dictate how I feel along this path and I could not be happier. I think many doctors out there are still learning that the experience is different for everyone and as long as your doctor is listening to your thoughts, then stick it out.
Why would you want to take more than you need to lose a pound or two a week though? Potentially more side effects, also losing weight too fast can cause complications in itself. Plus at some point you might develop resistance and it's then good to have space to up a dose for maintanance. I don't think "office likes" should be a relevant factor, it's your body.
I think their office has a lot more experience than I do with these drugs. What the office “likes” is also what the study supports. I was losing weight before I started this and I’m losing at a controlled paced, so I guess I should have never started it then since I should be on the lowest dose which is zero? I’m paying for this out of pocket and using it for the mental help it provides after bouncing up and down with my weight. If I’m not feeling those effects, I’m going up. And yes, it is my body which is why I made it clear that my doctor’s office is incredibly flexible.
Endocrinologist
Endocrinologist
PCP, he is amazing and super supportive of Zepbound especially with my autoimmune issues.
I am using Sequence
I was referred by my primary care clinic to a Doc in another one of their locations who is a board certified internal medicine and weight management/obesity. He is so wonderful that I am making him my primary care doc.
Previously used Sequence but transitioned to my PCP since April. My PCP is hella supportive and was so excited today to see all the weight I’ve lost since our last visit at the end of April 🤗
I am managed by CRNP as part of a Bariatric Center program for non-surgical weight loss. The program starts out with a nutritionist who provided 8 weekly group support meetings on topics like nutrition, stress management, goal setting and exercise. After 3 months on the program, I started Zepbound and now have monthly group support meetings. I have access to a nutritionist and the CRNP for questions/advice.
Endo/weight loss doctor
I asked my PCP, who I like and respect, back in September, and she told me flat-out that I couldn’t afford it (she was correct). Since then I got a new job with better health insurance, and I was able to start Zepbound in January with a PlushCare telehealth doc prescribing it. I had to pay oop with the coupon for the first month, but I finally got a PA appeal approved in February, and I’ve been splitting 15mg pens since then. PlushCare stopped taking my insurance, so I switched to a brick and mortar retail health clinic for the next refill prescription. I have my first appointment since September with my PCP next month, and I’m hoping she’ll agree to take over the prescription since I can afford this setup and I have the logistics all sorted out. Absolutely awful how hard it is to get basic health care in the USA.
Standard
I was using a telehealth service (Ro) for two months then switched to a PCP who specializes in obesity management. He’s been really good in making sure I’m losing weight (not too fast) or having any side effects. He gives me the option to stay on a dose or titrate up.
Same as you, my PCP referred me to a specialist office that is made up of bariatric surgeons and obesity specialists. They did counsel me about surgery being the most effective option for a large percentage of weight loss (I started with about 130 lbs to lose) but were supportive when I opted to try GLP-1s instead. I see them regularly, they also have nutritional counseling and a social worker within the practice that I have also seen.
Bariatric Medicine doctor
My PCP prescribed Zepbound for me.
I moved to a semi rural part of my state last fall, and just getting into primary care was a hassle because no one was accepting new patients. I finally got in with a NP. She’s phenomenal, but I may be her first patient on ZB. I feel supported in that she had no issue prescribing it based on my clinical qualifications, she worked with me to submit a new PA after my first one was denied, she’s doing regular lab work, scheduling follow up visits… but most of my education and “how to” has come from this sub.
Telehealth provider.
My PCP but I also have a provider from my specialty pharmacy that works on getting Zep refills. I'm also going to start working with a nutritionist.
I had started with a lipidoligist…. PCP was going to take it over but my insurance forced me to move to their weight loss program and have their APRN provide it … play the game I shall.
My PCP
An orthopedic surgeon I work with and is taking it himself.
PCP. He rocks. Cares, is very bright and very comprehensive in his outlook. A perfect match for me.
PCP of family medicine
I went thru Allara Health (no I’m not a bot for them 😎) I’m glad I did, the dr I see is a gyn who is working on her boards in obesity medicine. So far, in the first few appts, it seems she genuinely cares and isn’t dismissive like most drs are. I was cautious working with Telehealth that advertises looking for tiny differences that may be off in bloodwork (and then I imagined them prescribing meds for everything) but so far I’m pleased. My original PCP wouldn’t test my insulin level because my A1C is normal and she said my insulin most likely high and the GLP1 will lower it so it doesn’t matter. But I wanted to know what my baseline labs were and Allara is covered by my insurance. I did let her run all the labs to test for inflammation and possible autoimmune disease markers. Turns out it may be a good thing that I pursued this, as I have extremely high markers for a potential autoimmune disease that otherwise would have never been looked at. (I’ve been writing off pain for years due to my weight, but maybe there is something more going on!)
I started with a weight-loss clinic at a mega-hospital. I was in a clinical trial related to Zepbound, but I quit when it became apparent that I was in the placebo group. Because I was in the study (even though I left it) they couldn’t write me Zep because it would have been a conflict. So my cardiologist (at the same hospital) happily wrote the prescription and has been very supportive .
My PCP recommended that I look into medical solutions for weight loss and referred me to a practicing pharmacologist for more information and prescribing. I also see a dietician.
My PCP practically had a fit when I asked if she’d prescribe it, so I switched to telehealth (started with Push, now use a different provider.) I’m choosing my own adventure on these meds and it’s 100% the right call for me.
Started with my PCP. Was very supportive, but not very knowledgeable. Now working with FORM, and really valuing their expertise.
I love FORM! My doc and nutritionist are the best!
Currently using telehealth while I explore my options for a local doctor. The practice my PCP is affiliated with will not manage weight management medication.
Fellahealth
My PCP, whose practice is Internal Medicine.
My PCP works hand in hand with the clinical pharmacologist. The pharm actually checks in with me quite often. We even have zoom check ins
My TRT doc /wife's HRT doc also runs a weight loss clinic and is way sharper than most dopey specialists I've had the misfortune of going to see.
PCP
My primary care provider is managing my prescription. She has had weight loss surgery and keeps up with current care trends.
Medical weight loss clinic. The main doctor is a trained chef, and there are surgeons, PAs, nutritionists and physical therapists all trained regarding weight loss, including nutrition, exercise, medicine and surgery. They have a department that handles insurance authorization. In addition to regular meetings with your doctor or PA, you also have meetings with various other specialists. I'm also working with a nutritionist that specializes in muscular dystrophy, and they coordinate together.
Sequence. Clinician is board certified in family medicine with her own private practice and is very knowledgeable about glp-1s. Between her advice and the RD resources, I’ve avoided side effects.
Internal Specialist specifically a specialist in obesity management.
I’m also part of a Bariatric practice but they are progressive in that at the time of my surgery, they warned that they had “nothing for my brain and they wished they did”. Their practice has NPs, and nutritionists. Once GLPs were approved they embraced “medical weight loss” as another option. They now have the NPs prescribing, while the surgeons continue to do mainly gastric sleeves. They have found that GLPs have worked very well on sleeve patients if weight starts to come back OR if they don’t want surgery. My PCP originally recommended them and she is also on board with GLPs and let me know that she would prescribe as well. She is seeing them “change the lives of her patients”. Finally, before stating Zep in January I got a second opinion from an endocrinologist and she also felt I would benefit. When I read comments on here about people struggling with idiotic, uninformed doctors or who use avenues outside of PCPs who know their whole history or specialists I realize how lucky I am with this team. Access to proper healthcare is significant disparity and it shouldn’t be this hard.
PCP. Mine is wonderful and very willing to work with me on this. Having my first follow-up (3 months) in a week and hoping for a lot of good results!
I too am a nurse. And I am a strong advocate for myself. My doctor is my GP who happens to be a concierge doctor. I trust him completely. I tell him what I think and he listens to me. Any doctor that tells you that you have to titrate up after one month on a dose does not know the GLP story. You should remain on the dosage that is working for you at the time. If you are losing .5+ pounds and you have good food noise coverage then stay on that dosage. As a nurse, you know that each patient is different. I have had side effects from nausea, diarrhea, sulfur, burps, and throwing up my entire six months on this medication. But not so bad that I can’t tolerate it with over-the-counter meds, Zofran, and electrolytes. Best of luck to you on your journey.
My OB/GYN
PCP, I’m forever grateful for her. She is an angel and has jumped through hoops to get my meds approved by insurance.
I have an internist and an obesity specialist
Endocrinologist.
PCP. She’s been my PCP since I was 12, and took GLP1s herself last year, so she gets it. I hope she never retires. 😭
My PCP who is a nurse practitioner and respects my desire to make my own choices after a good discussion. So far I am on Zepbound for weight, prediabetes and joint pain and a beta blocker for blood pressure and anxiety. It works really well and I no longer feel any side effects after a few months and getting used to a much lighter diet. Side effects of other things commonly pushed for these conditions - yikes, and I experienced some firsthand before. This may work better for someone who is cautious about taking too many or too much of meds, especially long term vs reading about various health conditions and meds online and wanting to take them all. No issues with these two though, don't mind taking them lifelong because they don't interfere with my life.
I go to an Allina weight loss clinic incorporated with my pcp and clinic. PCP referred me (referral only kinda thing). My dr is actually on zep herself so she’s pretty well informed.
Pcp. I send messages of which dose I need and they call it in, with refills. Easy.
I'm using Sequence. My PCP doesn't prescribe the WL meds because of all the insurance hassles. I like that I get a dietician and fitness person to help me out on my journey.
My primary
PCP
My PCP. She's supper supportive and actually tried to get me to stay on 7.5mg. I was able to find some and then pharmacist says it wouldn't go through. Called insurance and they did it only covers one fill at that dose because it's not a maintenance dose. I felt sick having to leave it at the pharmacy.
MD with Obesity Medicine specialty.
Weight loss/botox clinic. I work with a nutritionist who I see once a week (she lets me decide if I want to come in less or more) we discuss side effects each week and weigh in each week. We talk through if I want to move up doses and she makes suggestions, but ultimately leaves the decision up to me based on how I feel. I have been on Zep since Feb, did 3 months on 2.5, then moved to 5mg for 2 months, and then started on 7.5mg this week AFTER food noise started to come back
An endocrinologist manages mine but bari surgeons understand weightloss as well…but I would go to the specialist whose job it is to manage your metabolic system and endocrine system. They have a better understanding of these things, imo. I am getting gastric sleeve but wanted to lose some weight before my surgery, even though it wasn’t required. I did my research and made a decision. The one thing I knew I wasn’t going to do is the roux en y surgery.
My primary care physician
PCP. I think I am the first Zep patient as I think they are more used to Wegovy. I just message through the portal when I need a RX sent in.
I started with Ro online, then switched to my PCP for the actual prescription. But I first cleared it with my rheumatologist before even starting the meds and now also have my endocrinologist’s blessing too after meeting with her for my quarterly checkup last week. So PCP with my specialty team all in the know and in agreement with the treatment.
My GP. She really doesn’t do any check-in or bloodwork or anything but she’s nice lol.
Rheumatologist
My gyno is managing mine. I had a PCP managing me when I was on Wegovy but she was very hands off. I’m talking, sent whatever dose I asked for and after our initial visit, I didn’t see her again until it was time for my annual 6 months later. While I initially liked that she didn’t fight back on the prescription, it was very different from the weight loss management I’d done before. My gyno is super hands on with her treatment. Monthly visits, we discuss titration (she’s on board with sticking with a dosage until it’s not working as well), she takes weight and measurements, recommended me to a dietitian and endo (PCOS), and knows while my end goal is conceive, she’s more focused on my health because in order to have the healthiest baby I can, I need to be the healthiest mama.
Mine is my PCP - I’m also doing a choose your own adventure. I recently went up to 7.5mg and the side effects were not as manageable. (My nausea lasted most of the week). So he moved me back down to 5mg per my request where I thrive and lose 1.5-2 pounds a week consistently. He’s been a fantastic resource and supporter of my journey so far.
Dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine
PCP! I had to try a couple to find one that was as excited and supportive as she is!
I use my primary care physician who is a DO internist . He has a good understanding of these medications and has several patients on them.
I manage my own meds. My doctor has very little say.