Corrine StokoeImportant Medical Disclaimer: This medication requires medical supervision. EllieMD provides prescriptions through licensed doctors and ongoing medical supervision throughout your treatment. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting tirzepatide or any weight loss medication.
TLDR: I lost 40 pounds on tirzepatide last year, and I'm keeping it off, easily. I now microdose with EllieMD and they're offering a special through the end of July where tirzepatide microdosing is $279/month (normally $299/month) – much more affordable than most med spas that charge $1k or more per month. This post includes before photos I've never shared before, plus the full rundown of my experience.
Weight loss is one of those subjects that you know is going to attract judgement like a magnet. But you throw in the transparency of using GLP-1 medication and you know it's coming. That's really why I've held back on blogging about this, but I wanted to share my complete experience because it's been truly life-changing.
I'm going to share my personal experience with what I went through, how I felt, what it looked like, and be open about my journey for fear that someone might judge me or pick apart what I'm saying. So I hope that if you're reading this you just know this is what I'd say if you and I were sitting down together for lunch and you asked me about my weight loss experience.
Table of Contents
- My Weight Loss Struggle: Why Nothing Worked
- Discovering GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss
- My Questions About Tirzepatide and Semaglutide
- Semaglutide Side Effects: Why I Had to Switch
- Tirzepatide Results: 40 Pounds and 4 Dress Sizes
- Real Talk: Cost, Dosing, and Maintenance
- Unexpected Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
- Common Questions About GLP-1 Weight Loss
- Why I Chose EllieMD for Microdosing
My Weight Loss Struggle: Why Nothing Worked
It's been a year and a half since I was counting down the days until January 1, finally feeling hopeful about something working to lose the weight. The weight that my body was relentlessly hanging onto since I had our 5th baby, after 6 months of bed rest in that last pregnancy, and after having had our last 3 babies in 4 years.
Macros had worked for me after Millie and Harry, at least to a point where I felt somewhat like I was myself again. Although I was never back down to the clothing size I'd been after babies 1 and 2. I tried convincing myself it was okay, and I could accept my body as it was. And it felt good to know that counting, weighing and doing the math of macros actually got me results. I'd drop a size or two and feel good.
But when I started macro counting and meticulously weighing every meal after I stopped breastfeeding our 5th baby Bobby, and nothing was changing, the scale did not budge, I didn't lose a pound, I was extremely discouraged. Discouraged isn't even an adequate word. But I felt trapped and at a dead-end. I knew I couldn't sustainably just eat a radical fad diet like keto or atkins. I also knew I didn't have hours a day to kill myself at the gym.
Discovering GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss
I was complaining to a close friend on marco-polo about how frustrated I felt, and she said, “Corrine, I'm just going to come out and tell you what everyone is doing, but nobody is talking about.” She proceeded to tell me about medical weight loss – GLP-1 medications were becoming more widely available – and how you could use a small amount to just jump-start your weight loss. She told me about how she'd been going running every day and eating pretty healthy but her body wasn't losing the 10 pounds she wanted to lose, until she tried this.
She even said to me “hey actually, today's my day to take it, so I'll show you how easy it is!” She popped the medication out of her fridge, gave herself the injection with the tiniest needle I'd ever seen, said “it didn't even hurt, and I don't need a bandaid.” My jaw was on the floor. THAT EASY?!
I actually did the same this week on a facebook live (I'll share it here for facebook users) and then on IG live (see it below) because I really think it's that helpful to just see someone use it and how not scary, not painful, and actually easy it is.
Semaglutide Side Effects: Why I Had to Switch
I started out with Semaglutide, only because it was cheaper. I kept trying for a couple weeks, waiting until the new year because I wanted to start January 1. And I did. And I got SO. SICK.
So sick that I was lying on the couch feeling exactly like a first trimester pregnant woman – extremely nauseated and extremely exhausted.
After a couple of weeks of this I was ready to give up. No amount of weight loss was worth feeling like that constantly.
But then I learned about other options. I HAD OPTIONS!
Instead of the semaglutide, I learned about tirzepatide. More expensive, but far fewer side effects in most people and more efficacious too.
I switched to tirzepatide a few days later. The tirzepatide I started with was a compounded medication, prepared by licensed pharmacists and tailored to individual dosing needs. This is a compounded GLP-1 medication designed to specifically help with weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
I WAS ASTOUNDED.
Not only did I feel great, I somehow had added energy? Zero nausea. And it started working FAST.
In fact, I never went above the microdose amount.
Tirzepatide Results: 40 Pounds and 4 Dress Sizes
So let's get to some real talk on the stuff you're probably wondering.
What exactly were my results? I dropped 4 dress sizes and went from a 12 to a 4. I lost 40 pounds total – going from 175 pounds down to 135 pounds over about 3 months when combining tirzepatide with mindful eating and regular exercise. Individual results may vary, and my experience may not be typical. But I could tell a difference within 24 to 48 hours after taking the medication.
The best most unexpected part? Quieting the food noise. I got to LET GO of the obsession over what to eat every day. Tirzepatide may help curb appetite and reduce food cravings when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine. My body would just give me signals, about halfway through a large portion of food I was used to eating, that I'd had enough. On semaglutide, all food sounded gross to me. On tirzepatide, I wanted to eat all the things I loved, everything from a salad to a burger to a protein shake to ice cream, just in smaller portions. The portions that are actually recommended to adults. Not the #supersizeme gigantic portions that you see at restaurants.
And here's something really important – I never felt like I didn't have an appetite. I still wanted to eat my favorite things, I just felt satisfied with a healthy portion instead of feeling like I needed to eat a ton.
Real Talk: Cost, Dosing, and Maintenance
What is it costing me, and will I be on it forever? I'm more amazed by this than anything – it's actually really affordable for me at this point. I took the lowest dose of Tirzepatide weekly from the second half of January through March, and then tried tapering down to stretch doses further apart. However, I found that consistent weekly microdosing works best for me – not just for weight maintenance, but for all the additional health benefits like reduced inflammation, hormone support, and overall wellbeing.
I'm now microdosing with EllieMD at $279/month with their current July special (normally $299/month). Most med spas charge $1k or more per month, so this is extremely affordable in comparison.
SUPER important to note that not everyone will have this exact dosing or response! Microdosing is highly individualized based on your body's needs and response.
Also there's a cheaper option! Semaglutide is significantly less expensive. But the side effects weren't worth it for me. HOWEVER, everyone reacts differently to this so some people tolerate it just fine and have great results!
Am I worried about being on it forever? No, not at all. It has improved my overall health picture so much that I have no plans to stop. The additional health benefits I've experienced have been just as life-changing as the weight loss itself, and I cover those in detail in the next section.
Unexpected Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
While the weight loss was amazing, what really surprised me were all the additional health benefits I experienced. These benefits have honestly been just as life-changing as fitting back into my old clothes.
Complete elimination of my back pain. I used to have horrible back pain, and now I have zero back pain, because Tirzepatide is anti-inflammatory. I wasn't even expecting this added bonus but it's SO NICE. This isn't a promise, but it was my experience.
No more arthritis pain. I used to get arthritis in my left thumb, and I don't get that anymore because tirzepatide reduces inflammation throughout your body. Again not a promise, but my experience has been I can't feel the arthritis pain in my hand anymore as long as I'm microdosing tizepatide.
Hot flashes completely gone. I was getting hot flashes as I approached 40 because I was perimenopausal, and I have no hot flashes at all as long as I'm taking it consistently. This hormonal support has been incredible. Same thing – no promises, but this has ben the case for me while microdosing tirzepatide.
Increased energy levels. I've never felt tired on tirzepatide – in fact, I feel like I have more energy than before. Now that I'm with EllieMD, their formulation includes B12 which they say “may help convert food into energy and support overall vitality, though individual experiences vary.” I can only speak from my own experience, but I feel REALLY good after I take it.
Reduced disease risk. Studies show it may help lower your chances of heart disease, kidney disease, heart failure and stroke. It's also been shown to potentially improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
I had bloodwork done about 6 months after starting the medication, and my doctor was so happy with all of my results. My OB also said at my annual checkup she was so pleased with how healthy I was, and that she was fine with me staying on the medication to maintain a healthy weight, along with the other health benefits.
Dementia prevention. You can look this up on PubMed – there are studies showing that GLP-1 medications may help reduce the risk of dementia, which runs in my family on both sides.
All of these benefits stay consistent as long as I take the medication regularly. When I tried spacing doses further apart, I could feel some of these benefits (like the hot flashes) starting to return, and I'd start gaining a few pounds back, which is why I stick with consistent weekly microdosing now.
Common Questions About GLP-1 Weight Loss
What Should I Eat While Taking Tirzepatide?
I was SO worried about this at first, like what would make me the most sick or possibly the most constipated etc … but then I just ate what my family was eating. I ate what sounded good. I didn't have to obsessively restrict myself. I didn't have to make two meals at dinnertime – one for my kids and one that would help me not go over on fats or carbs in my macro counting.
How Often Did I Weigh Myself?
While I was taking it weekly, I weighed daily. I know that's controversial. I know some people will say only weigh once a week. For me, it was so exciting to see CHANGE!! It motivated me to keep eating better, work out, stay on track. It felt so empowering to see that yes, my body was capable of going back to its healthiest state. This is the scale I have used and love because it tracks your muscle mass and body fat percentage.
Did I Experience Hair Loss?
Yes, some. About the same as when I had each of my babies and had postpartum hair loss. The tirzepatide doesn't directly cause this, it's the speed in which you lose weight that causes the hair loss. When you have rapid weight loss like I did – 40 pounds in 3 months – your body will sometimes respond with hair loss. For me it was very similar to postpartum hair loss, and it grew back just fine. I talk all about my solution to that here.
How Much Does Microdosing Cost?
I'm currently microdosing tirzepatide with EllieMD at $279/month with their July special (normally $299/month). For those with a BMI over 28 who qualify for their weight loss program, it's $379/month with the July special (normally $449/month). Most med spas charge $1k or more per month, so this is extremely affordable in comparison.
You can also microdose semaglutide, which is less expensive, if you want to start with that.
How EllieMD Pricing Works (Important!)
Don't panic when you see the checkout total!
When you go to checkout for microdosing tirzepatide, you'll see $837 as the total cost. This is NOT a monthly payment – this covers your entire 3-month supply.
Here's the math:
- $279/month × 3 months = $837 total
- That's it! No hidden fees.
Payment Options – You Don't Have to Pay It All at Once
Option 1: Pay in Full Pay the full $837 upfront and you're set for 3 months.
Option 2: Split It Up (No Extra Cost!) At checkout, log into PayPal and choose “Pay in 4.” This breaks your payment into 4 smaller payments with:
- ✅ NO extra interest
- ✅ NO credit check required
For Weight Loss Program: If you choose the higher-dose weight loss track, additional financing options are available, along with PayPal's Pay in 4.
Understanding Microdosing with EllieMD
One of the things I love about EllieMD is that they specialize in microdosing GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide. You do not need a specific BMI to qualify for microdosing – this is different from their traditional weight loss program that require a BMI of 28 or higher.
Here's how it works: Your medical records are evaluated by one of their licensed doctors, and if approved, your compounded tirzepatide + B12 medication is filled by a 503A pharmacy, which is the highest grade compounding pharmacy possible. This ensures you're getting pharmaceutical-grade medication tailored to your specific dosing needs under proper medical supervision.
For microdosing, EllieMD focuses on finding the smallest effective dose that may give you the benefits you're looking for – whether that's weight maintenance, reduced food noise, inflammation support, or other health benefits. If you have a BMI over 28 and want to lose more significant weight, you would qualify for their traditional weight loss program where you scale up to higher doses to lose more weight.
Will I Stay on Tirzepatide Forever?
Short answer: yes. Am I worried about being on it forever? No, not at all. It has improved my overall health picture so much that I have no plans to stop.
Did People Judge Me?
Yes. So what? I'll tell you what — MOST people who have reached out to me have told me how GRATEFUL they are that I opened up about this. And the people who silently judge – well, they'll find more reasons to keep judging me and they already were anyway. One of my most freeing new mantras from 2024 is “let people be wrong about me.” It's fine. And also, it's none of ANYONE'S business if you end up going this route. Don't tell anyone if you don't want to. Have your boundaries. That's why this post was behind a $5 paywall. Because boundaries.
Do I Feel Better Health-Wise?
YES! I finally fit into all of my old clothes. I'm not HIDING in pictures with my family, behind my husband or my kids. I have so many pictures like that from the past few years, where I always wanted to stand with half my body behind someone else. Now I can just be myself in photos and not feel like I have to hide.
Also, it feels so good to not over-eat. It really does. And the energy boost has been incredible – I don't feel tired at all on tirzepatide.
Why I Chose EllieMD for Microdosing
EllieMD specializes in microdosing GLP-1 medications, which sets them apart from many other providers. They understand that not everyone needs high doses to get results, and their approach focuses on finding the smallest effective dose for each individual under proper medical supervision.
What I appreciate most is their comprehensive medical approach – your records are reviewed by licensed doctors, you receive ongoing medical supervision throughout treatment, and medication is compounded at 503A pharmacies (the highest grade available). It's all telehealth, they provide services in almost every state, and you get personalized medical care without having to leave your home.
Current July Special (through end of July):
- Microdosing: $279/month (normally $299/month)
- Weight Loss Program: $379/month (normally $449/month)
Is Tirzepatide Safe? Addressing the Concerns
Is it too good to be true? Will there be horrible adverse side effects that come out later? Everyone can do their own research but my conclusion was NO, it's not too good to be true. SO many medical advances have changed the way the world is, and this is one that I believe has the ability to help so many people with not just weight but their overall health picture that I don't think it's too good to be true. My dishwasher isn't, my electric car that I'm sitting in while typing this and NOT letting emissions into the air isn't, texting instead of writing hand-written letters, airplanes instead of boats like the Titanic to go cross-Atlantic, and here's where we really get unfiltered — don't come after me: smallpox vaccine? 300 million deaths worldwide before it came about. Now nearly eradicated. Anesthesia? Too good to be true? Tell that to all the women who have enjoyed a pain-free birth including me and all 5 of my c-sections. How about heart transplant? We could keep going but you get the picture. Just because it's newer doesn't mean it's going to blow up in our faces. Also, people have been using GLP-1 medications for decades and living longer, healthier lives because of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much weight can I expect to lose on tirzepatide? A: Results vary significantly by individual, but I lost 40 pounds over several months just microdosing tirzepatide. Weight loss depends on starting weight, dosage, individual response, and adherence to diet and exercise recommendations. My results may not be typical.
Q: What's the difference between semaglutide vs tirzepatide? A: Both are GLP-1 medications, but tirzepatide tends to have fewer side effects (for me it had zero negative side effects) and may be more effective for weight loss in some people. EllieMD's tirzepatide formulation also includes B12 for additional energy support. Semaglutide is typically less expensive. Individual responses vary.
Q: Is microdosing tirzepatide safe? A: Microdosing allows for lower doses while potentially maintaining effectiveness. Always work with a qualified healthcare provider like those at EllieMD to determine the right approach for you and ensure proper medical supervision.
Q: Does the tirzepatide include other ingredients? A: Yes, EllieMD's compounded tirzepatide formulation includes B12, which they say “may help convert food into energy and support overall vitality, particularly for those with a B12 deficiency. This is a compounded medication tailored to individual needs. Individual experiences may vary.” I have absolutely LOVED having B12 in my compound now. I had only gotten B12 shots a couple other times before and remembered feeling amazing right after, and this is so nice that now I get both with every microdose.
Q: Do I need to diet and exercise while taking tirzepatide? A: Yes, tirzepatide works best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. It may help curb appetite and reduce cravings, making it easier to maintain healthy eating habits.
Q: Can I use tirzepatide for weight loss after pregnancy? A: I successfully used compounded tirzepatide + B12 after having 5 babies. I lost all 40 pounds on a microdose, which just means the smallest effective dose possible. With tirzepatide, that's 2.5 milligrams, and I've continued to microdose since I started. Always consult with your healthcare provider about timing, especially if breastfeeding.
Q: Do I need a certain BMI to qualify for microdosing? A: No! If you have a BMI under 28 like I did, you can qualify for microdosing through EllieMD without any particular BMI requirement. If you have a BMI of 28 or higher and want to lose more weight, you would qualify for their traditional weight loss program with higher doses.
Video version of my story & FAQs
I did film a video just sharing my experience and talking through my most frequently asked questions, that you can watch below if you're more of a video person!
I hope that helps answer some of your questions! I really tried to think of EVERYTHING I would've told a close friend if we'd gone out to lunch and chatted all about this. Feel free to email me or leave a comment if you have any follow ups though.
Cheering you on,
Corrine
