[NatalieJastrow]

So I have been on Zepbound since middle June. I do think the drug works. I have lost 20 lbs in 3 months. Unlike other times I have lost weight... I have lost pretty consistently (without stalls).

However, simply put... I cannot deal with the risk of blindness (NAION) that may come with this drug. This blindness, if you do get it, is complete and uncurable. I have no family and 1 friend in this world. It would be game over for me. I just can't deal with the worry. At some point in the future it may be determined that this drug does not play a role. But I am deeply suspicious.

I did go to the eye doctor over the summer and I found out that I have the type of eye that is at risk of this disease. Most "caucasian" people do have this risk. I also found out that I had a slight bleed on my eye... which I have never had before. Though I suspect that is due to straining I know a few other people who had that show up on their eye exam after getting on GLP1s.

Then there is the cost. It is $500 for my next dose. So far I have been paying with my health savings account but I cannot justify that much money per month.

I also have a suspicion that this drug doesn't do that much for me. I have been on the lowest dose since I started. The doctor says for sure I should be getting used to it...but that hasn't happened. I feel basically the same since I started. So is there a placebo effect and I just think it is working because I am on it?

I have made some structural changes since getting on it that could have been a powerful change. First, I stopped going to the store and I only order on line and pick up. This helps TREMENDOUSLY. I just cannot go to the store and not buy some sweets. I also feel almost obligated to by a sweet if I go to the store. I also have doubled my hydration. This was a necessity on the drug but I noticed that it keeps me from stalling. Often when I would go to work or do any exercise I would gain like 4 lbs and assume it was due to eating. But on the drug I was able to realize it was simply water. Every time I go to work I gain 4 lbs but if I drink water in the days after... it all goes away.

I am concerned -- I have heard so many nasty stories about weight regain -- but I think I have the hang of this thing now... and without sweets in my house... I think I can lose 20 more lbs... which is all I am trying to do. I have two doses left so I am going to use them but spread them out over 10/11 days rather than 7.

[Ruftin]

@NatalieJastrow I have to say I agree that your eyesight is much more valuable than the benefits of the medication. Eyes cannot be replaced and we only get one set in this lifetime. Protect them at all costs.