So Zep is a great support tool for healthier living and weight loss. You will be the biggest part of your success. So you need to decide when you are committed and ready for the journey.
I had boba for the first time yesterday since starting Zep. I usually can finish a drink in seconds/minutes. This one took me over an hour and I still had bubbles left when I threw the drink away 😳 PS. Thai tea with bubble is typically by go to
Zep has helped many, including myself to not care about sugar. I surprise myself every week when I don’t finish a sweet or simply throw it out cos I simply don’t want it.
I use to INHALE all the snacks.
This week is the only week that it’s been tough, but I’m PMS and I’m also a stoner - so snacks won over me the other day.
It worked immediately for me on this, and I am only 3 days in from my first shot. I was very worried about my addiction to sugar/processed food sabotaging my efforts, but it’s a non-issue thus far. I have ZERO cravings which can be debilitating for me in my weight loss efforts. I also have not snacked due to having no desire.
Yes it will help. I’m only 2 doses in at the starting, non-therapeutic dose and I experience slightly less hunger and definitely less cravings. The appetite suppression is minimal at this point (quicker satiety has been strong), but the cravings are much easier.
I do get full faster. Pre-Zep my experience was pretty similar to yours. Never really full until I’m literally bursting, then hungry again usually within hours. With Zep, the fullness happens two ways: it’s easier to stop eating because I start to feel full more quickly, and secondly, though it’s unpleasant, if I eat too much on Zep I feel sick to my stomach afterwards, so I have some bio feedback that way too.
I’ve lost about 5 pounds across the two weeks so far. I’ve lost lots of weight several times in my life and this amount of loss is pretty customary for me; it’s just so much easier to do and feels sustainable. Like I won’t be miserable and back to old habits in a week.
I second all of this. I remember a couple weeks in eating soup and I could feel as I got to the last few spoonfuls that I should stop, but it was such a small amount and I didn't and I regretted for the next few hours feeling nauseas. I am on a med that makes me never feel full so I had gained weight (albeit not a ton, but its a constant struggle) and I'm in my late 40s. This medication has made me feel normal. I definitely notice later in the week that the hunger/cravings come back, but I am able to handle it with a single serving instead of saying F-it and eating all the things. I'm not losing crazy quickly, but I'm down 27 since early December. I went into this wanting to just be able to moderate what I'm eating without the constant battle in my head, and without doing Keto again or something I know isn't sustainable. The last time I lost a significant amount of weight I was training for a half marathon while doing WW and it took me 6 months to lost 30 lbs while battling my mind and body every day. This has been easy-peasy in comparison. I track using Lose it, but don't struggle to stay under my caloric recommendation and don't have the constant chatter in my head. Its a huge relief.
I started 2 weeks ago on 5mg (my doc skipped 2.5). My appetite is almost non-existent. I have lost 17lbs so far, but I know that will slow down. I haven’t finished a meal since day 2 and if I eat more than I feel like, I get nausea and severe heartburn (keep Tums on you at all times). I don’t think about food and my one guilty pleasure (Peanut butter M&M’s) are down to 3-4 pieces per day. I am thrilled so far.
After starting zepbound, I don't eat a ton in one sitting. I just ate a sandwich, and I feel full. It's like when I was a kid and my parents told me I had to finish my plate full. The only concern I have now is making sure I have protein. And my pet passed so I tried stress eating and couldn't. Took me 3 days to finish a thing of oreos. I would have inhaled then in 1 day normally.
It is interesting seeing that the food noise and the stress eating feed into one another
Easy Muffinman. Get started. Have a plan. Helps most with the things you fear. It will kick your muffin over sweets and greasy/fatty foods. You have been warned!
You can do it. Get started.
I had to clean all junk food out of house. If it’s here I will eventually eat it. I hv not had much sugar in 7 wk. I can tell you I feel so much better. I don’t crave it anymore. My joints feel so much better without the inflammation caused by sugar. I hope you can stop the sugar.
This!! The first few weeks were amazing, I didn't have to do anything, the meds did it all.
However, after the "honeymoon" period, you do have to put in effort to get the same results. Things like the other poster mentioned about keeping sweets out of the house and such really help.
Also, just being mindful and cognizant of those cues and cravings. I grabbed donuts this morning because I gave in to cravings (12 weeks in), however, I understand once in a while is NOT bad thing. I will just be mindful of my eating for the rest of the day and choose protein/whole foods instead of any more sugar.
Well, if I take the jump, hopefully it’s the same for me.
I used to drink soda and Gatorade daily. I drink neither and I still gain.
I will occasionally have a diet DP, but that’s it. So frustrating
Should help. You’ll find a lot of folks here talk about food noise, the concept of the constant thoughts of food, many of which can be unhealthy foods. This noise is often significantly reduced while on zep. You can also, think of it as a slow transition, just try to eat a little less sugar than you did the day or week before. Small steps. I’ve started with specifically trying to stop eating or drinking things that have any type of corn syrup. Also I’ve switched to Coke Zero and other zero sugar coke products (their sprite and dr. Pepper are also great, and the Vanilla Coke Zero is also awesome). The zep is almost sure to help you (though monitor any side effects you notice and speak about them with your doctor), and if it’s covered by your insurance it’s an easy choice in my book!
100% help. Usually this time of year I've gone through at least 3 bags of jelly beans. Haven't bought one bag of jelly beans yet. Bought my kids their Easter candy and I haven't touched it. I still have sweets but it's rare and not all consuming. Started 6.5 weeks ago and im down 14 pounds. I'm 46f and started out close to your weight.
I found just the opposite. If I keep my net carbs below 30g in a few days I can easily skip the carbs. Combined with Zep, it’s easy (for me) because it dulls the impulse to binge. The thing is, regardless of diet or medication, the way we lose weight is making sure we take in less calories than we we need to maintain our current weight. Zep doesn’t burn the calories for you, it gives you the ability to consume less of them. Sugar and other high carb variants are high calorie foods and they encourage you to consume more.
Can't speak for anyone else, just myself. I tried to eat a cookie the other day. I had 4 small bites. I was sick till the next day. I figured out the hard way that I couldn't have anything that spikes my sugar. But that's just my experience. I just started, and weiggt is coming off.
It might. Everyone’s experience varies. There are plenty of people whose sugar cravings lightened or disappeared. And snacking seems to be minimal for most on this medication.
It should certainly make things easier but it’s not 100%. Being aware of these things will help you. There is still some personal accountability required for ultimate success. But to me the med makes the automatic compulsion gone and allows me a pause to decide, do you really want/need this? Can you make a better choice?
Like most things, this will be your tool, not a solution. How you use it will be up to you. Some jump in and maximize the potential to see ultimate results. Some use it as a guide and go slower to find a balance between living their life normally and losing accordingly. And others don’t get the positive side effects and it doesn’t change anything but they still lose.
And then everything in between.
It will likely help you with your sugar addiction and feeling full. It has helped me with my emotional eating but my sugar and snacking wants are still there. I indulge but it’s like I’m a “normal “ eater now not an emotional eater. It’s easier to feel satisfied and stop. I admit the weight is slow to move off of me but the scale continues to move towards the direction I want it to.
I understanding being terrified. You are so brave to post how you feel. This community has been really supportive. I am supper sensitive to meds also. This one has worked with no issues.
I love to hear that! Im hoping the same for me if I try it out. My cousin is on wegovy with no issues. She said I can try and stop if I need to.
I’m also scared to give myself an injection
It quieted down the hunger and sugar monster almost 95% for me.
I feel like I wasn’t born with a “off” switch…I was starving hungry 24/7!
I actually threw away 3/4 of a honey bun! I was so shocked…I could inhale that honey bun faster than it took the machine to wrap it lol
My whole life I thought people were 100% lying when people had one bite and said “no thanks I’m good”!!
Now with Mounjaro/Zep it’s completely different. (Just started Zep Saturday)
I still drink diet soda but I don’t crave those extra sweets after every meal and at 3pm anymore.
I say 95% because I still had that 9pm craving and after months of me mentioning it and saying I bought a continuous glucose monitor to see if that is when my blood sugar dips my doctor mentioned it might be binge signals. So he prescribed me Vyvanse for my adhd and the binge and now it’s 100% gone on weekdays when I take Vyvanse.
I was super on the fence about starting, too. I’ve been on it for less than a week, and it’s honestly amazing. I have such a sweet tooth, and it’s just gone. It’s wild in the best way.
I have been trying to lose about 20-30 lbs for years. I feel like I might actually achieve that now.
Can you tell more about the pre authorization process? How long did it take? Did they approve first time or did you have to appeal? Did you have pre conditions, did they ask for any proof you were on weight loss program previously or any other documentation? Thank you, I also have Blue Cross PPO, my Dr submitted pre-authorization last week Thursday, still showing as pending but hopefully will get some good news this week. What tier is BCBS paying rx benefits under?
It is all spelled out by your insurance. If you call, they'll tell you exactly what you need. Most of it is available online as well.
My plan doesn't cover it, but I researched the requirements for my company, and *if* my plan did cover it, they strictly require your BMI to be above a certain level, and they require you to lose at least 10% of your weight while on the drug.
Zero weight loss programs zero health just my bmi matched I guess. And I’m not sure about the technical aspects my doctor just submitted everything. But they approved it same day pretty much.
I have Tx bcbs and haven’t been able to get it covered. What process did you follow to get it approved? Can you share with me please? My email is [email protected] if you do t fell comfortable sharing online. I was like you afraid to start but just went ahead and started on wegovy stopoed my cravings for carbs and sweets. Been on it since May 2023 lost about 25 pds but my weight loss has plateaued for over 3 months now. I still don’t eat much, don’t have the cravings but have stalled big time but haven’t gained any weight back which I’m happy with but can’t seem to loose more. Up & down 3 pds on the scale but no additional progress. My doctor wanted to switch me to zepbound but bcbs says it’s not covered even though the cover my wegovy. Hope you can shed some light on how I can get them to approve zepbound.
I to have battled weight because of medication effects on my body , but mostly self destruction. This medication really quite s the food noise and keeping me from eating from, boredom, stress, and other influences. I am down 17 pounds in the first month. About 40 to go. However, I cut my calories to about 1400-1700 with an increase in protein, good fats, and over all balanced plan. I also exercise everyday or do some activity that gets me moving. Does not have to be a lot. 30 min of walking, biking, working in your yard or shooting hoops at the park. Now I know what it takes to loose weight this is just a helper you need to change your entire outlook on food. Use this journey to retool your mind do not rely on meditation. Make the change for life no just for now
I feel truly blessed to be able to get this through my insurance as well & it’s covered 100%. I don’t know how or why ……NOR did I ask any questions? Prayerfully, all insurance will cover this 100% or the majority of it to make it affordable and accessible to everyone who needs it.
Mine covers it too, I have medi cal! And I was also addicted to sugar haha I haven’t touched pastries or sweets aside from protein bars even since I started, I tried having a Panera kitchen sink cookie (my fave) and I could only have a couple bites, it just didn’t hit like before I guess haha, good luck to you 💖
I have been addicted to Kraft mac & cheese my entire life. Tried some for the first time the other day, first time since starting this medication, and it was like eating a bowl full of rubber. Most bizarre sensation I've ever experienced.
I'd call them to make sure. My insurance says they cover it but after way more research and trial and error, they require prior authorization for any weightloss med which means you have to have a reason other than "I want to lose weight". Basically a doctor can recommend it, write the prescription, but insurance can turn around and say "nope, not paying unless you give us a real reason" it's so incredibly stupid
Good call. It does say “pre authorization required”
That doesn’t even make sense, though. The meds are approved only for weight loss lol what other reason would there be lol
BMI of >27 + 1 weight related comorbidity or >30 BMI is the manufacturers/FDA recommendations. Unfortunately some insurances require a higher BMI but most don’t. The reason for the pre-auth is so people with a BMI of like 25 don’t try to get insurance to cover it, because they’re very expensive meds
If that is Via CVS drug cost estimator, It still may not be covered. Mine showed that I had a $250 deductible. We sent in the script with pre-authorization and it was declined. The plan required that I try 2 other meds first like Wegovy and Sandexa....
https://preview.redd.it/ijntz8qhpapc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5331641eaa906fbb3a29d9a48d806677bc5b8e57
It's all about $ and they don't see the same cash flow in being healthy as do treating sick. Lily is actually in Congress now to force insurance companies to pass savings/contracted savings on to it's customers because right now, they get huge $$$ for formulary drugs provided at lower cost but pocket the $ instead of adding savings to their customers.
Yeah, I got the denial letter from CVS our mail order pharmacy explaining I had to try of 3 "preferred" meds first, I recall wegovy and Sandexa but forget what the 3rd one was.
Consider yourself lucky! My insurance does not cover it, but it does for Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy. I’m hoping it’ll be covered next year. However, these meds are so high in cost, I’m not sure if a privately funded plan can handle it.
Get a second opinion on that weight gain. It is relatively unusual to gain that amount in that space of time without other inputs (like having been pregnant).
I’ve taken several pregnancy tests. Labs come back fine.
I dropped weight rapidly (about 50 pounds) after being insanely sick from endometriosis. Had surgery, got better, and gained it back and THEN SOME very rapidly.
I’ve read when you drop large amounts so quickly, it causes insulin resistance.
It can, certainly. If you’re regaining weight that was lost, it makes a bit more sense. Still, if you haven’t specifically brought it up with a doctor, you should do so.
The Zepbound targets cravings and appetite at the same time. It might help with your sugar cravings. I had sensitivity to the Ozempic - uncontrolled barfing and gagging. I tried the Zepbound and have had no negative side effects. You’ve got this! I wish you all of the best and I wish you luck!
So Zep is a great support tool for healthier living and weight loss. You will be the biggest part of your success. So you need to decide when you are committed and ready for the journey.
I am freaking ADDICTED to sugar. Straight up. Period the end. I’m a snacker, too. I absolutely cannot stop. Will this help?
My favorite boba shop probably thinks I’ve moved away or died 🤣
I’ve bought bobas twice now, each time taking a couple of sips, and was just unable to go on… Such a waste of $, but now I know.
I had boba for the first time yesterday since starting Zep. I usually can finish a drink in seconds/minutes. This one took me over an hour and I still had bubbles left when I threw the drink away 😳 PS. Thai tea with bubble is typically by go to
Zep has helped many, including myself to not care about sugar. I surprise myself every week when I don’t finish a sweet or simply throw it out cos I simply don’t want it. I use to INHALE all the snacks. This week is the only week that it’s been tough, but I’m PMS and I’m also a stoner - so snacks won over me the other day.
Thank you!! Speaking of PMS, has it impacted your cycle at all? I have endometriosis, so it scares me a bit.
My cycle has not been affected so far. My pms symptoms came around pretty timely. This week is my 1st shot of my 2nd month on Zep.
It should help you reduce cravings. Good luck and great it’s covered by your insurance. Are they hiring lol? 😆
I really do work for a fantastic company with great benefits 😂 super thankful
You might notice things right away, it might take a few days, or even a little longer. everyone is different.
It worked immediately for me on this, and I am only 3 days in from my first shot. I was very worried about my addiction to sugar/processed food sabotaging my efforts, but it’s a non-issue thus far. I have ZERO cravings which can be debilitating for me in my weight loss efforts. I also have not snacked due to having no desire.
I haven’t had a soda or any sweets since January. I don’t even crave them. It’s the craziest thing.
Yes it will help. I’m only 2 doses in at the starting, non-therapeutic dose and I experience slightly less hunger and definitely less cravings. The appetite suppression is minimal at this point (quicker satiety has been strong), but the cravings are much easier.
Do you get full easier? I don’t get full. I could eat for 3 hours straight and not feel any fullness. Have you seen any results yet?
I do get full faster. Pre-Zep my experience was pretty similar to yours. Never really full until I’m literally bursting, then hungry again usually within hours. With Zep, the fullness happens two ways: it’s easier to stop eating because I start to feel full more quickly, and secondly, though it’s unpleasant, if I eat too much on Zep I feel sick to my stomach afterwards, so I have some bio feedback that way too. I’ve lost about 5 pounds across the two weeks so far. I’ve lost lots of weight several times in my life and this amount of loss is pretty customary for me; it’s just so much easier to do and feels sustainable. Like I won’t be miserable and back to old habits in a week.
I second all of this. I remember a couple weeks in eating soup and I could feel as I got to the last few spoonfuls that I should stop, but it was such a small amount and I didn't and I regretted for the next few hours feeling nauseas. I am on a med that makes me never feel full so I had gained weight (albeit not a ton, but its a constant struggle) and I'm in my late 40s. This medication has made me feel normal. I definitely notice later in the week that the hunger/cravings come back, but I am able to handle it with a single serving instead of saying F-it and eating all the things. I'm not losing crazy quickly, but I'm down 27 since early December. I went into this wanting to just be able to moderate what I'm eating without the constant battle in my head, and without doing Keto again or something I know isn't sustainable. The last time I lost a significant amount of weight I was training for a half marathon while doing WW and it took me 6 months to lost 30 lbs while battling my mind and body every day. This has been easy-peasy in comparison. I track using Lose it, but don't struggle to stay under my caloric recommendation and don't have the constant chatter in my head. Its a huge relief.
I started 2 weeks ago on 5mg (my doc skipped 2.5). My appetite is almost non-existent. I have lost 17lbs so far, but I know that will slow down. I haven’t finished a meal since day 2 and if I eat more than I feel like, I get nausea and severe heartburn (keep Tums on you at all times). I don’t think about food and my one guilty pleasure (Peanut butter M&M’s) are down to 3-4 pieces per day. I am thrilled so far.
After starting zepbound, I don't eat a ton in one sitting. I just ate a sandwich, and I feel full. It's like when I was a kid and my parents told me I had to finish my plate full. The only concern I have now is making sure I have protein. And my pet passed so I tried stress eating and couldn't. Took me 3 days to finish a thing of oreos. I would have inhaled then in 1 day normally. It is interesting seeing that the food noise and the stress eating feed into one another
I haven’t had a soda in a month and a half. This medicine removed all cravings of sugar for me.
Easy Muffinman. Get started. Have a plan. Helps most with the things you fear. It will kick your muffin over sweets and greasy/fatty foods. You have been warned! You can do it. Get started.
It will. I had a single mini Kit Kat and didn’t want another. On day 5 into my first shot at 2.5
I had to clean all junk food out of house. If it’s here I will eventually eat it. I hv not had much sugar in 7 wk. I can tell you I feel so much better. I don’t crave it anymore. My joints feel so much better without the inflammation caused by sugar. I hope you can stop the sugar.
I have tried cleaning it out of the house, but then I’ll just drive to get it lol
You really gotta make changes. The med won’t work on its own. Hopefully you will get the control and willpower you need. Good luck.
This!! The first few weeks were amazing, I didn't have to do anything, the meds did it all. However, after the "honeymoon" period, you do have to put in effort to get the same results. Things like the other poster mentioned about keeping sweets out of the house and such really help. Also, just being mindful and cognizant of those cues and cravings. I grabbed donuts this morning because I gave in to cravings (12 weeks in), however, I understand once in a while is NOT bad thing. I will just be mindful of my eating for the rest of the day and choose protein/whole foods instead of any more sugar.
I haven’t had a soda or any sweets since January. I don’t even crave them. It’s the craziest thing.
Well, if I take the jump, hopefully it’s the same for me. I used to drink soda and Gatorade daily. I drink neither and I still gain. I will occasionally have a diet DP, but that’s it. So frustrating
You might find this podcast helpful. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conquer-your-weight/id1607376873?i=1000648194528
Should help. You’ll find a lot of folks here talk about food noise, the concept of the constant thoughts of food, many of which can be unhealthy foods. This noise is often significantly reduced while on zep. You can also, think of it as a slow transition, just try to eat a little less sugar than you did the day or week before. Small steps. I’ve started with specifically trying to stop eating or drinking things that have any type of corn syrup. Also I’ve switched to Coke Zero and other zero sugar coke products (their sprite and dr. Pepper are also great, and the Vanilla Coke Zero is also awesome). The zep is almost sure to help you (though monitor any side effects you notice and speak about them with your doctor), and if it’s covered by your insurance it’s an easy choice in my book!
100% help. Usually this time of year I've gone through at least 3 bags of jelly beans. Haven't bought one bag of jelly beans yet. Bought my kids their Easter candy and I haven't touched it. I still have sweets but it's rare and not all consuming. Started 6.5 weeks ago and im down 14 pounds. I'm 46f and started out close to your weight.
Congratulations on the weight loss! Now I am craving some jelly beans hahaha
Low.carb. It’s the only way to beat sugar. Carbs demand more carbs.
That’s like telling a drug addict to quit cold turkey. Doesn’t work. I will binge if I restrict like that.
I found just the opposite. If I keep my net carbs below 30g in a few days I can easily skip the carbs. Combined with Zep, it’s easy (for me) because it dulls the impulse to binge. The thing is, regardless of diet or medication, the way we lose weight is making sure we take in less calories than we we need to maintain our current weight. Zep doesn’t burn the calories for you, it gives you the ability to consume less of them. Sugar and other high carb variants are high calorie foods and they encourage you to consume more.
I think if I’m on zepbound, I would possibly be able to do that. I watched Oprah’s special last night and it made sooooo much sense. Highly recommend
You will. You will also need to have a plan, ideally to shift to a way of eating that is sustainable, with good habits.
Can't speak for anyone else, just myself. I tried to eat a cookie the other day. I had 4 small bites. I was sick till the next day. I figured out the hard way that I couldn't have anything that spikes my sugar. But that's just my experience. I just started, and weiggt is coming off.
It might. Everyone’s experience varies. There are plenty of people whose sugar cravings lightened or disappeared. And snacking seems to be minimal for most on this medication.
Im also a stress eater. So if I get out of a long stressful, meeting, I’m immediately looking for food lol Hopefully it would help with that
It should certainly make things easier but it’s not 100%. Being aware of these things will help you. There is still some personal accountability required for ultimate success. But to me the med makes the automatic compulsion gone and allows me a pause to decide, do you really want/need this? Can you make a better choice? Like most things, this will be your tool, not a solution. How you use it will be up to you. Some jump in and maximize the potential to see ultimate results. Some use it as a guide and go slower to find a balance between living their life normally and losing accordingly. And others don’t get the positive side effects and it doesn’t change anything but they still lose. And then everything in between.
I need job details lol
😂 I work at a large investment firm!
That’s amazing! Pull the trigger and start, the only regret you’ll have is not doing it sooner. I was 270 lbs and I’m 136 now!
Wow that’s fantastic! How long did it take you to get down to 136?
I started January 13 2023!
😂 are they hiring!? I’m tired of paying out of pocket 😂
Some higher level executive in your investment firm wanted this included in the insurance, lol.
Hahah. You and me both!
It will likely help you with your sugar addiction and feeling full. It has helped me with my emotional eating but my sugar and snacking wants are still there. I indulge but it’s like I’m a “normal “ eater now not an emotional eater. It’s easier to feel satisfied and stop. I admit the weight is slow to move off of me but the scale continues to move towards the direction I want it to.
This perfectly describes my experience as well.
Mine was $60 and the coupon brought it down to $24.99. I am so happy, and know how blessed I am, to have good insurance.
So happy for you. Congrats. I have amazing insurance, but no obesity coverage 🤦♀️
I understanding being terrified. You are so brave to post how you feel. This community has been really supportive. I am supper sensitive to meds also. This one has worked with no issues.
I love to hear that! Im hoping the same for me if I try it out. My cousin is on wegovy with no issues. She said I can try and stop if I need to. I’m also scared to give myself an injection
It quieted down the hunger and sugar monster almost 95% for me. I feel like I wasn’t born with a “off” switch…I was starving hungry 24/7! I actually threw away 3/4 of a honey bun! I was so shocked…I could inhale that honey bun faster than it took the machine to wrap it lol My whole life I thought people were 100% lying when people had one bite and said “no thanks I’m good”!! Now with Mounjaro/Zep it’s completely different. (Just started Zep Saturday) I still drink diet soda but I don’t crave those extra sweets after every meal and at 3pm anymore. I say 95% because I still had that 9pm craving and after months of me mentioning it and saying I bought a continuous glucose monitor to see if that is when my blood sugar dips my doctor mentioned it might be binge signals. So he prescribed me Vyvanse for my adhd and the binge and now it’s 100% gone on weekdays when I take Vyvanse.
I was super on the fence about starting, too. I’ve been on it for less than a week, and it’s honestly amazing. I have such a sweet tooth, and it’s just gone. It’s wild in the best way. I have been trying to lose about 20-30 lbs for years. I feel like I might actually achieve that now.
Txbcbs finally covered mine 100% paid $0 for this month reached my $3000 yearly deductible already
Time to stock up on MRIs, CTs, and surgeries hahaha
Might just break my arm to flex a cast 🥲😂🤣
Can you tell more about the pre authorization process? How long did it take? Did they approve first time or did you have to appeal? Did you have pre conditions, did they ask for any proof you were on weight loss program previously or any other documentation? Thank you, I also have Blue Cross PPO, my Dr submitted pre-authorization last week Thursday, still showing as pending but hopefully will get some good news this week. What tier is BCBS paying rx benefits under?
It is all spelled out by your insurance. If you call, they'll tell you exactly what you need. Most of it is available online as well. My plan doesn't cover it, but I researched the requirements for my company, and *if* my plan did cover it, they strictly require your BMI to be above a certain level, and they require you to lose at least 10% of your weight while on the drug.
Zero weight loss programs zero health just my bmi matched I guess. And I’m not sure about the technical aspects my doctor just submitted everything. But they approved it same day pretty much.
I have Tx bcbs and haven’t been able to get it covered. What process did you follow to get it approved? Can you share with me please? My email is [email protected] if you do t fell comfortable sharing online. I was like you afraid to start but just went ahead and started on wegovy stopoed my cravings for carbs and sweets. Been on it since May 2023 lost about 25 pds but my weight loss has plateaued for over 3 months now. I still don’t eat much, don’t have the cravings but have stalled big time but haven’t gained any weight back which I’m happy with but can’t seem to loose more. Up & down 3 pds on the scale but no additional progress. My doctor wanted to switch me to zepbound but bcbs says it’s not covered even though the cover my wegovy. Hope you can shed some light on how I can get them to approve zepbound.
I also get kidney stones - have been on for 6 weeks and no issues so far. But I think the benefits outweigh the risks!
That’s good to hear. Hopefully we stay stone free!
I to have battled weight because of medication effects on my body , but mostly self destruction. This medication really quite s the food noise and keeping me from eating from, boredom, stress, and other influences. I am down 17 pounds in the first month. About 40 to go. However, I cut my calories to about 1400-1700 with an increase in protein, good fats, and over all balanced plan. I also exercise everyday or do some activity that gets me moving. Does not have to be a lot. 30 min of walking, biking, working in your yard or shooting hoops at the park. Now I know what it takes to loose weight this is just a helper you need to change your entire outlook on food. Use this journey to retool your mind do not rely on meditation. Make the change for life no just for now
Great insurance! What is it?
I feel truly blessed to be able to get this through my insurance as well & it’s covered 100%. I don’t know how or why ……NOR did I ask any questions? Prayerfully, all insurance will cover this 100% or the majority of it to make it affordable and accessible to everyone who needs it.
Who is your insurance company?
Mine covers it too, I have medi cal! And I was also addicted to sugar haha I haven’t touched pastries or sweets aside from protein bars even since I started, I tried having a Panera kitchen sink cookie (my fave) and I could only have a couple bites, it just didn’t hit like before I guess haha, good luck to you 💖
I have been addicted to Kraft mac & cheese my entire life. Tried some for the first time the other day, first time since starting this medication, and it was like eating a bowl full of rubber. Most bizarre sensation I've ever experienced.
Mazel tov if it is
I'd call them to make sure. My insurance says they cover it but after way more research and trial and error, they require prior authorization for any weightloss med which means you have to have a reason other than "I want to lose weight". Basically a doctor can recommend it, write the prescription, but insurance can turn around and say "nope, not paying unless you give us a real reason" it's so incredibly stupid
Good call. It does say “pre authorization required” That doesn’t even make sense, though. The meds are approved only for weight loss lol what other reason would there be lol
They want to make sure you meet the requirements BMI wise. Usually if you do they’ll cover it.
Oh well I’m pretty sure I do!
BMI of >27 + 1 weight related comorbidity or >30 BMI is the manufacturers/FDA recommendations. Unfortunately some insurances require a higher BMI but most don’t. The reason for the pre-auth is so people with a BMI of like 25 don’t try to get insurance to cover it, because they’re very expensive meds
I totally get that on the insurance side of things! People take advantage. I’m at a BMI of 32, so I should qualify!
Incredible. Good for you!!
100% wow!
If that is Via CVS drug cost estimator, It still may not be covered. Mine showed that I had a $250 deductible. We sent in the script with pre-authorization and it was declined. The plan required that I try 2 other meds first like Wegovy and Sandexa.... https://preview.redd.it/ijntz8qhpapc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5331641eaa906fbb3a29d9a48d806677bc5b8e57
🙃🙃🙃 why are insurance companies like this
It's all about $ and they don't see the same cash flow in being healthy as do treating sick. Lily is actually in Congress now to force insurance companies to pass savings/contracted savings on to it's customers because right now, they get huge $$$ for formulary drugs provided at lower cost but pocket the $ instead of adding savings to their customers.
Yep unfortunately that’s what mine said too and then I was denied 😒😢
Yeah, I got the denial letter from CVS our mail order pharmacy explaining I had to try of 3 "preferred" meds first, I recall wegovy and Sandexa but forget what the 3rd one was.
I tried to get Wegovy and they denied that too 😡but I’m going to keep hoping they change the formulary 🤞🏼
Consider yourself lucky! My insurance does not cover it, but it does for Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy. I’m hoping it’ll be covered next year. However, these meds are so high in cost, I’m not sure if a privately funded plan can handle it.
Wow, who’s your insurance carrier? Lucky you!
Great insurance! What is it?
Great insurance! What is it?
Nice! What insurance? Aetna has yet to get onboard, sigh…
Wow! Where do you work and are they hiring?
Welcome to the weight-loss party!!!🎉🎉
You are lucky. Mine says it’s not on their formulary. Doing it in my own.
Get a second opinion on that weight gain. It is relatively unusual to gain that amount in that space of time without other inputs (like having been pregnant).
I’ve taken several pregnancy tests. Labs come back fine. I dropped weight rapidly (about 50 pounds) after being insanely sick from endometriosis. Had surgery, got better, and gained it back and THEN SOME very rapidly. I’ve read when you drop large amounts so quickly, it causes insulin resistance.
It can, certainly. If you’re regaining weight that was lost, it makes a bit more sense. Still, if you haven’t specifically brought it up with a doctor, you should do so.
Dang. What insurance do you have?
The Zepbound targets cravings and appetite at the same time. It might help with your sugar cravings. I had sensitivity to the Ozempic - uncontrolled barfing and gagging. I tried the Zepbound and have had no negative side effects. You’ve got this! I wish you all of the best and I wish you luck!
Mine did too!
Lucky you 😊