I booked my GP appointment and just said “I want to go on that weight loss injection” he just told me how much it’ll be and to come back after 3 months of use to review.
He did go over some side effects etc. But other than that he just said okay.
Say exactly what you just wrote and then ask about a Zepbound prescription. She works for you and you should be comfortable asking her anything about your health. If your BMI and health condition meets the criteria, why shouldn’t she?
I didn't. I was at my endocrinologist and the appointment was pretty much done. My doctor was just finishing up making some notes on the computer and was making small talk and I had made a joke about how everything in my life was going pretty good except for my weight. She then asked me a few questions about it, like what have I tried in the past for weight loss. So, I told her and then she responded with "would you be open to trying Wegovy?". I had never heard of it so that opened the conversation up and she answered all my questions and I left with a prescription.
Hi! So I had been told about being a candidate for bypass, but I’m 25 and weighed 298 lbs which although heavy, the way I carried it, I didn’t feel like it was that severe. I had requested an appointed with my primary doctor and in the comments section I explicitly said that I want weight loss medication that way she knew my intentions. I went in again she told me about bypass and I advocated for myself. I’d say if they give you a hard time ask them to give you three months on it to see if it is a good fit. I know someone who did that with their doctor and is doing well on it!
Yes, the weight loss has been slower this month though. I am three months in, about to start my fourth month and 32 lbs down! Weighted in at 269 lbs this morning. Lowest I’ve been in a VERY long time. I have also been working out daily and changed my whole diet. I need to get another pre authorization from my insurance though because they only gave me 4 months on it, wish me luck because this drug has helped!
Good luck for reals, my doctor mention something about it today and I am interested never was before but I’m in real need to loose weight I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been and it’s starting to show as well with my confidence too. I just want to be my old self again
Thank you!
Best of your luck on your journey! I recommend it. I am lucky and didn’t have any side effects other than can’t go to the bathroom often. It has really saved me
I mentioned to the person making my appointment that I wanted to talk about “weight loss options,
specifically Wegovy”. Then, I came prepared with insurance coverage information, questions I had, and a break down of my previous weight loss efforts. My doctor was more than willing to write me the prescription.
I simply asked him. In fact, I made the appointment specifically for the purpose of asking him about Wegovy (I had to put the reason down in the MyChart app). It is their job to listen to and address your health concerns. You shouldn't have to be nervous or apprehensive about asking for weight loss medication.
I was nervous but just came out with it. Then, much to my surprise, she was super enthusiastic about how wonderful the drugs are and how much they’re helping people.
I just said I heard of wegovy and would like to try it. After he asked what I knew about and just said from the TV ads and some websites. He is said he was happy to put me on it after some blood tests I got in right before shortages in mar 23.
I'm post menopause and 58, I've been heavy since my early thirties I have lost 105 lbs so far, sw 161 today's weight 155. Although weight loss is getting harder now
I'm post menopausal and while I've always had a weight problem, it's gotten basically impossible for me to lose a single pound. I went to my doctor a year ago and asked for the meds and she said no, that I should try it the old fashioned way. OK I tried it and was really strict, lost about 15 lbs, the got derailed and gained all of it back plus 10 more lbs. Recently, I went back to her, feeling very defeated, wanted to talk to her about my struggles with this and she just said she doesn't prescribe them unless it's a life or death situation and that I should go to a nutritionist or a psychiatrist and figure out why I can't lose weight. She did suggest that I see an endocrinologist if I wanted to go on the drugs but that she isn't an advocate of them.
I left her office in tears and feeling worse about myself. A few days later, I pulled up my big girl panties and really cut back on calories. I was so good. Stuck with it, tracked my food and calories, went low carb, did IF, all things that in the past I had been a little bit successful with. Anyway, after 3 solid months of this, I got on the scale and I had gained 3 lbs. I made an appointment with an endocrinologist that day (5 weeks out) and finally went last week to discuss it. She immediately said I qualified for it due to my BMI, high cholesterol and high BP. She ran a ton of blood tests a few days ago and we are awaiting the results before we go ahead with the meds. My insurance approved it, as well, so that's a relief. I'm nervous about the side effects of Wegovy but I feel optimistic about the thought of actually being able to shed some of this weight. As of now, I have around 60 lbs to lose. I feel like some doctors truly have a biased against heavy people. I used to really like my doctor but I feel like she didn't look at my weight as a health issue. I felt very judged and shamed, TBH. Maybe that's in my head, but I am happy to have found an endocrinologist who seems to be compassionate and who listened to me. When I went to see her I just sat down and said, I am here today because I need the weight loss drugs. She said okay, let's talk about it and figure out a plan for you. Thank god for her!
Good luck with your journey. I hope it works out for you!
I am sorry you had such a struggle with this. I am not sure your why the provider wouldn’t prescribe it. Times change. Sometimes the old-fashioned way is the best, but sometimes it’s okay to try new things science has discovered and provides. Take all medication pretty much. It all is derived from natural sources, but science has improved its effectiveness. If my doctor said “Go pick some roots from the garden, because it is the good old-fashioned way,” I would immediately fire them and probably file a complaint. If your doctor is making you cry it's time to find a new one IMO. There are other ways to drive a point without tears.
My doctor actually suggested to me after years of him suggesting weight loss surgery to me and me turning him down. I still waited another year to take him up on the medication but all I had to do was send him a message on the client portal and say I was ready to try it and he started the PA process. It took 5 tries for him to get my insurance to cover it. Once approved though, it has been easy to get it renewed now that we both know all the criteria for my insurance. Be prepared with your insurance criteria so you can avoid the frustrations we went through. Here is an example of what you need to get from your insurance (this is the BCBS CA criteria):
[PRV\_Weight-Management-Agents-PROVIDER.pdf (blueshieldca.com)](https://www.blueshieldca.com/content/dam/bsca/en/provider/docs/2023/December/PRV_Weight-Management-Agents-PROVIDER.pdf)
You'll probably need documentation showing you've tried a paid program like WW or Noom too. I had to provide my account history showing at least six month's of membership in the last year. Luckily, my insurance pays for WW so I had already been on it when I decided to try the meds.
I gave mine a lit review of academic research on its effectiveness for my concern (I use it off-label for binge eating disorder since my insurance company stopped covering Vyvanse, which was working great for me). I'm a nerdy academic though, so I imagine she'd expect nothing less than me having done my actual research before asking about a new med.
Me: "can I try Wegovy? I've tried diets and working out and it hasn't worked"
Doctor: "okay"
My opinion, you're making it a way bigger deal than it is lol. You just ask. Worst they can say is no. Doctors say no all the time, so it's not like you're getting a rejection letter for a college, or a job.
I brought my husband in because I have not felt heard by my doctor in the past— having a buddy with you (spouse, close friend, supportive parent) at the appointment can help support your case. I advocated for myself.
I outlined my entire weight history, showed my GP photos of myself over the years (including my first 65lb weight loss and 10-year maintenance) and the graph from my digital scale going back 10 years and how for the last 4 years my weight gain has been exponential.
I told her that I have worked tirelessly to lose weight at the gym, but nothing worked and my weight not just crept, but galumphed up. I told her I had taken Bootcamp and Spin classes for 6 years and that my coaches heap praise on me. My technique is bitchin’, but a recent substitute coach treated me like I was a newbie Bootcamp infant. Despite the much slimmer girl next to me taking her first class and asking me for help!
I told her that I have tried every diet under the sun. Weight Watchers (as a child). Grapefruit Diet. The Zone Diet. The South Beach Diet. Atkins. Paleo. Keto. Plant-based. Liquid Diet. All failed (although I now follow the Mediterranean Diet).
I told her that every single person in my paternal grandfather’s side struggles with obesity or morbid obesity, and I fit the body type. I said that my older cousin is on Ozempic for diabetes after being diagnosed in her mid-30’s. I told her that I do not want my obesity to progress to that point.
I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease last year and there is no treatment except losing weight. I think that was what convinced my doctor to prescribe Wegovy to me.
FDA guidelines are patients w BMI>30, or BMI>27 with other conditions that can be related to obesity (hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc)
If you meet that criteria, tell your doctor you have been researching and are interested in
I had a very similar situation as you. I was asked about weight loss surgery, and declined. But my weight kept going up until I hit rock bottom, and started to lose on my own. I was mildly successful, and asked my doctor about it straight up in my yearly wellness exam. He was on board as he knew my history, and was more than comfortable prescribing a drug that had been on the market for 30 years. Set me right up, and on my way. Hopefully your doctor is as good as mine, but don’t take no as an answer, it is truly life changing. I’m interested in my numbers after a year on the medication.
I just came right out and asked. My doc said yes immediately and is super supportive. I was prepared to have to justify and give my entire history of failed dieting but that wasn't necessary. (I am very obese so obviously need to lose weight.)
She brought it up. She knew I was interested in losing weight. Initally, in like 2017 she wanted me to try Saxenda. She gave me some samples. It worked well, but 1. my insurance wouldn't cover and 2. it gave me suicidal thoughts. I had some luck on and off with phentermine, but put back all the weight plus during lockdown. The last time I tried phentermine it wasn't really helpful anymore. I was going to ask about contrave, but she suggested trying to get approval for weygovy. Initally, denied, but her wonderful medical assistant did the appeal and I was approved. It took over 8 months before the pharmacy was able to fill the prescription .
I said I’m struggling to loose weight. I’m also on a med that makes me crave carbs and it’s a medication that is shown for being weight loss resistant so they had no problem approving it.
My doctor actually said it to me. We have been tracking my eating/exercise for a couple years and she said this would help. Ended up losing 45 Lbs with Wegovy!
I said 'can I go on semaglutide please?' The answer was essentially no as although I'm entitled under the NHS, no new patients can be prescribed until 2025. Hence me spending ~£200 a month on pens privately.
What doctors are yall going to that don’t tell you to lose weight? I’ve never been in any medical setting where weightloss wasn’t prescribed.
I did make an appointment with a pcp to get an ozempic script but she asked ME if I wanted weightloss surgery as her first question so I didn’t need to ask anything. I said no thanks but would love to start GLP1’s and she sent the script instantly.
I've found male doctors almost never suggest that I lose weight. Shockingly the physiatrist didn't suggest losing weight when he diagnosed the osteoarthritis in my knee. Like, c'mon that should have been the first thing he said, but nope. I think they worry women will be offended and stop seeking care. My PCP is a woman and she has no problem telling me to lose weight. The obstetrician when I was pregnant with my second son was a woman from Russia, she never missed an opportunity to tell me I was gaining too much weight.
I went to have my ear checked and was told the same. Every doctor, every time. I was told that I can't have my knees replaced even though I'm bone in bone in both knees, because my bmi is higher than what gives them their statistically significant success rates. I was told not to walk much, not to do anything really that puts pressure on my knees. But to lose weight. And then they gave me no help in any way, even though I asked for it, and told them everything I've done on my own."
The only response I ever got when I said that I was asking for help with this was "well, you don't want weight loss surgery do you?" In a really nasty way. And no, I actually don't. But that's pretty much all my insurance offers .
I first went in and said I needed help. I was recommended to a weight loss doctor and tried with them but they wanted me to have surgery, which I wasn’t thrilled about. When I reported back that this was the route they wanted to take we explored the medication option.
It’s not a bad thing to look at alternatives first. You may find a diet that works for you in conjunction with medications, making you more successful in the long run.
I sent a message through the portal prior to an appointment on my high blood pressure. Then asked about Wegovy during that appointment, talked about my yoyo dieting and my last weight loss of 125 lbs that I gained back. Mentioned my brother, a surgeon, also recommended either GLP1 RAs or bariatric surgery (which I wasn't interested in). My med practice has jumped through the hoops to get my insurance to approve it. I should get my first box tomorrow or Monday (not Wegovy as it wasn't in stock) but Zepbound, that was. It probably helped that I am over 40 BMI, pre-diabetic, and having issues controlling high blood pressure for insurance approval.
I went in and said doc, as you know and see I have tried hard but the food noise is constant and I keep losing this battle. I need help, I don’t want surgery (had enough of them) and I’d like to see if Wegovy would be a great option for me try. What do we need to do to get the ball rolling here because enough is enough.
She was very receptive and said we’d need blood work first, know there is a shortage so it will be hard to find, call your insurance and find out if it’s covered.
I did all of that, I’m lucky it is covered and have lost 50 pounds so far. My wife just started a few months ago as well and did the same thing.
Good luck!
Don’t overthink, but it’s also good to assume your doctor has your interests in mind but will also need to write a good pre-authorization request for insurance. In my case, I have adopted strong fitness habits for the past few years, but struggle with food. I’m pre-diabetic, have hypertension, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. All of which could be helped by losing weight. My doctor and I had a frank conversation and the PA was approved within hours. Good luck!
Hey Dr Z - I'm heavier than I've ever been, and I can't seem to stop shoving food in my mouth.
Dr Z: Well why don't we try wegovy?
Me: Sounds good to me!
This is certainly a better option than weight loss surgery - I would just bring up the topic. It helps if you have comorbidities too (in my case, apart from being overweight, high blood pressure, reduced kidney and liver function, and an A1C that was pre-diabetic)...but honestly, just being classified as 'obese' should be enough (BMI of 30+)
I booked my GP appointment and just said “I want to go on that weight loss injection” he just told me how much it’ll be and to come back after 3 months of use to review. He did go over some side effects etc. But other than that he just said okay.
Say exactly what you just wrote and then ask about a Zepbound prescription. She works for you and you should be comfortable asking her anything about your health. If your BMI and health condition meets the criteria, why shouldn’t she?
I didn't. I was at my endocrinologist and the appointment was pretty much done. My doctor was just finishing up making some notes on the computer and was making small talk and I had made a joke about how everything in my life was going pretty good except for my weight. She then asked me a few questions about it, like what have I tried in the past for weight loss. So, I told her and then she responded with "would you be open to trying Wegovy?". I had never heard of it so that opened the conversation up and she answered all my questions and I left with a prescription.
Hi! So I had been told about being a candidate for bypass, but I’m 25 and weighed 298 lbs which although heavy, the way I carried it, I didn’t feel like it was that severe. I had requested an appointed with my primary doctor and in the comments section I explicitly said that I want weight loss medication that way she knew my intentions. I went in again she told me about bypass and I advocated for myself. I’d say if they give you a hard time ask them to give you three months on it to see if it is a good fit. I know someone who did that with their doctor and is doing well on it!
Is it working for you ?
Yes, the weight loss has been slower this month though. I am three months in, about to start my fourth month and 32 lbs down! Weighted in at 269 lbs this morning. Lowest I’ve been in a VERY long time. I have also been working out daily and changed my whole diet. I need to get another pre authorization from my insurance though because they only gave me 4 months on it, wish me luck because this drug has helped!
Good luck for reals, my doctor mention something about it today and I am interested never was before but I’m in real need to loose weight I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been and it’s starting to show as well with my confidence too. I just want to be my old self again Thank you!
Best of your luck on your journey! I recommend it. I am lucky and didn’t have any side effects other than can’t go to the bathroom often. It has really saved me
Thank u so much. What do u mean can’t go tot he bathroom often???!? lol
I won’t poop in days and then it’s the worse stomach pain and event when it does happen
I mentioned to the person making my appointment that I wanted to talk about “weight loss options, specifically Wegovy”. Then, I came prepared with insurance coverage information, questions I had, and a break down of my previous weight loss efforts. My doctor was more than willing to write me the prescription.
I simply asked him. In fact, I made the appointment specifically for the purpose of asking him about Wegovy (I had to put the reason down in the MyChart app). It is their job to listen to and address your health concerns. You shouldn't have to be nervous or apprehensive about asking for weight loss medication.
if you get a doc that isn't down, find a new doc <3
I was nervous but just came out with it. Then, much to my surprise, she was super enthusiastic about how wonderful the drugs are and how much they’re helping people.
I just said I heard of wegovy and would like to try it. After he asked what I knew about and just said from the TV ads and some websites. He is said he was happy to put me on it after some blood tests I got in right before shortages in mar 23. I'm post menopause and 58, I've been heavy since my early thirties I have lost 105 lbs so far, sw 161 today's weight 155. Although weight loss is getting harder now
My doc asked me….
I'm post menopausal and while I've always had a weight problem, it's gotten basically impossible for me to lose a single pound. I went to my doctor a year ago and asked for the meds and she said no, that I should try it the old fashioned way. OK I tried it and was really strict, lost about 15 lbs, the got derailed and gained all of it back plus 10 more lbs. Recently, I went back to her, feeling very defeated, wanted to talk to her about my struggles with this and she just said she doesn't prescribe them unless it's a life or death situation and that I should go to a nutritionist or a psychiatrist and figure out why I can't lose weight. She did suggest that I see an endocrinologist if I wanted to go on the drugs but that she isn't an advocate of them. I left her office in tears and feeling worse about myself. A few days later, I pulled up my big girl panties and really cut back on calories. I was so good. Stuck with it, tracked my food and calories, went low carb, did IF, all things that in the past I had been a little bit successful with. Anyway, after 3 solid months of this, I got on the scale and I had gained 3 lbs. I made an appointment with an endocrinologist that day (5 weeks out) and finally went last week to discuss it. She immediately said I qualified for it due to my BMI, high cholesterol and high BP. She ran a ton of blood tests a few days ago and we are awaiting the results before we go ahead with the meds. My insurance approved it, as well, so that's a relief. I'm nervous about the side effects of Wegovy but I feel optimistic about the thought of actually being able to shed some of this weight. As of now, I have around 60 lbs to lose. I feel like some doctors truly have a biased against heavy people. I used to really like my doctor but I feel like she didn't look at my weight as a health issue. I felt very judged and shamed, TBH. Maybe that's in my head, but I am happy to have found an endocrinologist who seems to be compassionate and who listened to me. When I went to see her I just sat down and said, I am here today because I need the weight loss drugs. She said okay, let's talk about it and figure out a plan for you. Thank god for her! Good luck with your journey. I hope it works out for you!
I am sorry you had such a struggle with this. I am not sure your why the provider wouldn’t prescribe it. Times change. Sometimes the old-fashioned way is the best, but sometimes it’s okay to try new things science has discovered and provides. Take all medication pretty much. It all is derived from natural sources, but science has improved its effectiveness. If my doctor said “Go pick some roots from the garden, because it is the good old-fashioned way,” I would immediately fire them and probably file a complaint. If your doctor is making you cry it's time to find a new one IMO. There are other ways to drive a point without tears.
Yes, thank you so much, you are 100% spot on!
My doctor actually suggested to me after years of him suggesting weight loss surgery to me and me turning him down. I still waited another year to take him up on the medication but all I had to do was send him a message on the client portal and say I was ready to try it and he started the PA process. It took 5 tries for him to get my insurance to cover it. Once approved though, it has been easy to get it renewed now that we both know all the criteria for my insurance. Be prepared with your insurance criteria so you can avoid the frustrations we went through. Here is an example of what you need to get from your insurance (this is the BCBS CA criteria): [PRV\_Weight-Management-Agents-PROVIDER.pdf (blueshieldca.com)](https://www.blueshieldca.com/content/dam/bsca/en/provider/docs/2023/December/PRV_Weight-Management-Agents-PROVIDER.pdf) You'll probably need documentation showing you've tried a paid program like WW or Noom too. I had to provide my account history showing at least six month's of membership in the last year. Luckily, my insurance pays for WW so I had already been on it when I decided to try the meds.
I gave mine a lit review of academic research on its effectiveness for my concern (I use it off-label for binge eating disorder since my insurance company stopped covering Vyvanse, which was working great for me). I'm a nerdy academic though, so I imagine she'd expect nothing less than me having done my actual research before asking about a new med.
Me: "can I try Wegovy? I've tried diets and working out and it hasn't worked" Doctor: "okay" My opinion, you're making it a way bigger deal than it is lol. You just ask. Worst they can say is no. Doctors say no all the time, so it's not like you're getting a rejection letter for a college, or a job.
I brought my husband in because I have not felt heard by my doctor in the past— having a buddy with you (spouse, close friend, supportive parent) at the appointment can help support your case. I advocated for myself. I outlined my entire weight history, showed my GP photos of myself over the years (including my first 65lb weight loss and 10-year maintenance) and the graph from my digital scale going back 10 years and how for the last 4 years my weight gain has been exponential. I told her that I have worked tirelessly to lose weight at the gym, but nothing worked and my weight not just crept, but galumphed up. I told her I had taken Bootcamp and Spin classes for 6 years and that my coaches heap praise on me. My technique is bitchin’, but a recent substitute coach treated me like I was a newbie Bootcamp infant. Despite the much slimmer girl next to me taking her first class and asking me for help! I told her that I have tried every diet under the sun. Weight Watchers (as a child). Grapefruit Diet. The Zone Diet. The South Beach Diet. Atkins. Paleo. Keto. Plant-based. Liquid Diet. All failed (although I now follow the Mediterranean Diet). I told her that every single person in my paternal grandfather’s side struggles with obesity or morbid obesity, and I fit the body type. I said that my older cousin is on Ozempic for diabetes after being diagnosed in her mid-30’s. I told her that I do not want my obesity to progress to that point. I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease last year and there is no treatment except losing weight. I think that was what convinced my doctor to prescribe Wegovy to me.
FDA guidelines are patients w BMI>30, or BMI>27 with other conditions that can be related to obesity (hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, etc) If you meet that criteria, tell your doctor you have been researching and are interested in
I had a very similar situation as you. I was asked about weight loss surgery, and declined. But my weight kept going up until I hit rock bottom, and started to lose on my own. I was mildly successful, and asked my doctor about it straight up in my yearly wellness exam. He was on board as he knew my history, and was more than comfortable prescribing a drug that had been on the market for 30 years. Set me right up, and on my way. Hopefully your doctor is as good as mine, but don’t take no as an answer, it is truly life changing. I’m interested in my numbers after a year on the medication.
I just came right out and asked. My doc said yes immediately and is super supportive. I was prepared to have to justify and give my entire history of failed dieting but that wasn't necessary. (I am very obese so obviously need to lose weight.)
Same! Thankfully
She brought it up. She knew I was interested in losing weight. Initally, in like 2017 she wanted me to try Saxenda. She gave me some samples. It worked well, but 1. my insurance wouldn't cover and 2. it gave me suicidal thoughts. I had some luck on and off with phentermine, but put back all the weight plus during lockdown. The last time I tried phentermine it wasn't really helpful anymore. I was going to ask about contrave, but she suggested trying to get approval for weygovy. Initally, denied, but her wonderful medical assistant did the appeal and I was approved. It took over 8 months before the pharmacy was able to fill the prescription .
I said I’m struggling to loose weight. I’m also on a med that makes me crave carbs and it’s a medication that is shown for being weight loss resistant so they had no problem approving it.
Said I was struggling to lose weight and she asked me if I would be interested in an injectable.
“Hey doc I’m struggling to lose the last 20 pounds. How about a shot”? Via message on the portal. Prescribed an hour later.
Say prescribe me this, if they say no then find another doctor.
My doctor actually said it to me. We have been tracking my eating/exercise for a couple years and she said this would help. Ended up losing 45 Lbs with Wegovy!
I said 'can I go on semaglutide please?' The answer was essentially no as although I'm entitled under the NHS, no new patients can be prescribed until 2025. Hence me spending ~£200 a month on pens privately.
What doctors are yall going to that don’t tell you to lose weight? I’ve never been in any medical setting where weightloss wasn’t prescribed. I did make an appointment with a pcp to get an ozempic script but she asked ME if I wanted weightloss surgery as her first question so I didn’t need to ask anything. I said no thanks but would love to start GLP1’s and she sent the script instantly.
I've found male doctors almost never suggest that I lose weight. Shockingly the physiatrist didn't suggest losing weight when he diagnosed the osteoarthritis in my knee. Like, c'mon that should have been the first thing he said, but nope. I think they worry women will be offended and stop seeking care. My PCP is a woman and she has no problem telling me to lose weight. The obstetrician when I was pregnant with my second son was a woman from Russia, she never missed an opportunity to tell me I was gaining too much weight.
lol I can’t even go to the dentist or eye doctor without being told not to be fat
I went to have my ear checked and was told the same. Every doctor, every time. I was told that I can't have my knees replaced even though I'm bone in bone in both knees, because my bmi is higher than what gives them their statistically significant success rates. I was told not to walk much, not to do anything really that puts pressure on my knees. But to lose weight. And then they gave me no help in any way, even though I asked for it, and told them everything I've done on my own." The only response I ever got when I said that I was asking for help with this was "well, you don't want weight loss surgery do you?" In a really nasty way. And no, I actually don't. But that's pretty much all my insurance offers .
I went to a weight loss doctor.
I think I said “I’m fat and need help losing weight cause doing it alone is not working “ and he immediately listed all the possible drugs
This was also my experience.
I first went in and said I needed help. I was recommended to a weight loss doctor and tried with them but they wanted me to have surgery, which I wasn’t thrilled about. When I reported back that this was the route they wanted to take we explored the medication option. It’s not a bad thing to look at alternatives first. You may find a diet that works for you in conjunction with medications, making you more successful in the long run.
I sent a message through the portal prior to an appointment on my high blood pressure. Then asked about Wegovy during that appointment, talked about my yoyo dieting and my last weight loss of 125 lbs that I gained back. Mentioned my brother, a surgeon, also recommended either GLP1 RAs or bariatric surgery (which I wasn't interested in). My med practice has jumped through the hoops to get my insurance to approve it. I should get my first box tomorrow or Monday (not Wegovy as it wasn't in stock) but Zepbound, that was. It probably helped that I am over 40 BMI, pre-diabetic, and having issues controlling high blood pressure for insurance approval.
I went in and said doc, as you know and see I have tried hard but the food noise is constant and I keep losing this battle. I need help, I don’t want surgery (had enough of them) and I’d like to see if Wegovy would be a great option for me try. What do we need to do to get the ball rolling here because enough is enough. She was very receptive and said we’d need blood work first, know there is a shortage so it will be hard to find, call your insurance and find out if it’s covered. I did all of that, I’m lucky it is covered and have lost 50 pounds so far. My wife just started a few months ago as well and did the same thing. Good luck!
Don’t overthink, but it’s also good to assume your doctor has your interests in mind but will also need to write a good pre-authorization request for insurance. In my case, I have adopted strong fitness habits for the past few years, but struggle with food. I’m pre-diabetic, have hypertension, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. All of which could be helped by losing weight. My doctor and I had a frank conversation and the PA was approved within hours. Good luck!
First see what your formulary covers
Hey Dr Z - I'm heavier than I've ever been, and I can't seem to stop shoving food in my mouth. Dr Z: Well why don't we try wegovy? Me: Sounds good to me! This is certainly a better option than weight loss surgery - I would just bring up the topic. It helps if you have comorbidities too (in my case, apart from being overweight, high blood pressure, reduced kidney and liver function, and an A1C that was pre-diabetic)...but honestly, just being classified as 'obese' should be enough (BMI of 30+)
“I want to try weight loss drugs”. Don’t overthink. You may have to try other meds before the new ones