GLP-1 Weight Loss After Injury, Perimenopause, and Rapid Weight Gain: My Honest Experience With Micro-Dosing Tirzepatide
In August 2023 I had knee surgery and gained about 30 lbs. It came on FAST. Despite my nutrition and commitment to movement I could not drop any weight and I became angry and depressed.
I had NEVER experienced this kind of weight gain NOR the inability to drop it. Even postpartum I was able to drop the weight and then some. I was a health coach! It was my job to help myself and others create wellness rituals to live healthier lives. What was going on?!
Was it my age? Peri-menopause? Months of limited mobility? YES.
I was happy. I loved my life. But I was not thriving. I hated the way I felt. I didn't recognize myself in photos. Pole was harder. Playing with my son was uncomfortable. Clothes didn't fit. My whole body was puffy, bloated and inflamed. UGH. THIS WAS NOT OK.
And I did not want to workout harder (I was already doing 30-45 mins 5-7 days/week) get a "tummy tuck," commit to a strict nutrition plan, count macros, cut foods, fast, cleanse, constantly check in with an app, have no joy, and be miserable.
So, after talking to several people who were on GLP-1s to my surprise - like so many people use this! No one talked openly about it as they do now (thank God) I decided to give it a try. (from VYORA, an excellent, small, women-run company with licensed practitioners, individual care, great support community and speedy responses! YOU FEEL SEEN + HEARED with them - this is important)
FAQs
Q: What IS a GLP-1?
A: GLP-1s are a supplemental form of a hormone your body already makes to regulate appetite, fullness, and blood sugar.
They help your brain receive clearer satiety signals so your habits feel aligned rather than effortful.
It helps me to explain it this way to curious minds…
It is similar to how antidepressants support neurotransmitter balance even if someone is generally optimistic, or how glasses help you see clearly even if you can squint.
You are not replacing effort. You are allowing the biology to support the work you already do.
"As we get older we lose our ability to use our insulin correctly which causes fat to accumulate in our bodies. If we use add a hormone like a GLP-1 we will increase our insulin use.
More insulin will be secreted in the body and help regulate our metabolism, our sugar metabolism, and our fat metabolism.
It will help us to move into weight loss instead of weight gain.
We tend to get more insulin resistant as we get older, especially women, as we hit menopause.
So we might be eating right, exercising, doing everything we can and what we did in our younger lives that help us to regulate our weight and all of a sudden nothing’s happening.
Using the GLP-1 as a tool to bring it all together, to help us get our weight under control is a terrific help."
- Dr. Laurie J. Mercier, Chief Clinical Lead at Vyora
Q: How can I get it? I don't have a high enough BMI.
A: I didn't either. When you go HERE and start the GLP-1 assessment, and your BMI is 21 or under, you will only be approved for a micro-dose of Tirzepatide, which is what I recommend anyway. Then it's delivered straight to your door. You don't have to keep asking/begging your doctor for it or wear a weight vest at your next check-up (true stories).
Q: What are the side effects?
A: Honestly, nothing. For me maybeee just very short waves of nausea. Another reason I recommend micro-dosing = little to no side effects.
Q: Do you have to been it forever?
A: No. Once I dropped 30 lbs I tapered my doses and then tapered frequency. I still keep some around if/when needed. And I am 100% ok with using it intermittently for life bc of all the brain, heart, weight, and inflammation benefits. I know it's good for me in the long run.
Q: Did you lose muscle?
A: No. That would've been a hard stop for me and what I do.
Q: Are they 3rd-party-tested?
A: YES. Quality is non-negotiable at Vyora. Vyora strictly works with licensed 503A compounding pharmacies in the United States. These are state-licensed, pharmacist-run facilities that operate under strict federal and state regulations, and every prescription is compounded specifically for an individual patient. They don't cut corners, ever.
Q: Is it expensive?
A: I mean, this is all relative. I MAKE ROOM for this in my budget. It's a non-negotiable now.
When you go here, use the code STANEK10 and get a micro-dose you get two months' worth for $359. That's $179/month. I know I end up saving money on a GLP-1 because I am not eating or drinking as much. Now, I also stretch that two months' worth to 3-4 months, so it's even more affordable. You don't have to do it every week. You can also cut your micro-dose in half. YOU are in control.
Q: Is it a shot?
A: Yes. a very very teeny tiny one! You won't feel a thing! I promise there are more painful things you do in a week! Here's a video of me doing it! Tablets are also available!
Q: What workouts do you do?
A: In addition to teaching 4-10 pole classes/week I have always worked out 4-5x/week. Recently low-impact programs like Barre and Pilates have been perfect for the strength, elongation, and sanity I need! I still do BODi programs at home. But any will do! Lifting weights, in any way, is important.
Q: What is the support like?
A: This is possibly my favorite part of Vyora, and the most valuable, in my opinion. You will have a patient portal with direct access to your licensed provider who you can talk to about your dosage, etc.
But there is also a private Community Support Group which I LOVE. The owners and the in-house nutritionist is ALWAYS available and they respond so quickly.
Plus you can connect with hundreds of others and learn, bond from them. We share tips, recipes, ask each other questions about pooping, breast-feeding, weening off, plateaus...everything!
They offer workshops and webinars for us on anything and everything we need for wellness - workouts, yoga, nutrition classes, Talks w/ the doctors, and more.
Other questions? Please reach out! ASK ME ANYTHING.
Email: chellestanek@gmail.com
Start now!
I recommend starting your free GLP-1 assessment and going from there! Use code: STANEK10 to save 10%!
Read more testimonials here!
It's not just me! See others who are thriving from the weight loss, anti-inflammatory benefits, brain health boost, energy improvement + more.
I share general information about Vyora Wellness and GLP-1 programs for educational and promotional purposes only. I am not a medical professional, and my content should not be taken as medical advice. Any treatment through Vyora is prescribed and managed by licensed providers after a medical consultation. Results vary and are not guaranteed. Always speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about medication or your health. Learn more at VyoraWellness.com.
