Hi everyone,
I’m a 64-year-old woman, 5'6", who started tirzepatide at the minimum dose 2.5mg weighing 157 lbs. I’m otherwise pretty healthy—I run/walk and lift weights three times a week (total ~7.5 miles), have a zero calcium score from a recent heart scan, and take no prescription medications. Like so many of us in menopause, I was carrying about 15 extra stubborn pounds that just wouldn’t budge no matter what I did. I decided to give tirzepatide a try after reading so many encouraging stories here.
I wish I could tell you my experience was typical. It wasn’t. I turned out to be one of the very sensitive outliers, and I want to share the full, unfiltered week so anyone considering this medication can go in as prepared as possible.
Day 1 – Injected at 11 a.m. into my stomach (no pain at all). Light lunch at 2 p.m., then by 4 p.m. the nausea hit hard. I tried to power through evening plans… ended up with violent, projectile vomiting in a public restroom, multiple rounds, and we had to rush home. My wonderful husband ran to Walmart for anti-nausea meds while I camped out on the bathroom floor. It was honestly one of the roughest nights of my life.
Days 2–3 – Telehealth doctor visit, prescription anti-nausea meds, still constant bile burping and vomiting anything I tried to keep down. Lost 4 lbs by Day 3 (mostly fluid—I knew that). Could barely manage a few sips or popsicle bites. By evening of Day 3 I was so dehydrated and exhausted we went to the ER for IV fluids and stronger meds. The doctors were kind but honest: “There’s no off-switch; it just has to wear off.”
Days 4–6 – Slowly turned the corner. The “stomach full up to my throat” feeling eased. I could finally sip Gatorade, consume small amounts of protein shake, banana, soup, and crackers. Managed short walks (1–1.5 miles). Still had zero appetite most of the time and crushing fatigue—multiple naps a day were necessary. Weight dropped to 151.5 lbs.
Day 7 – First day I actually woke up hungry! Ate a protein pop-tart and felt almost normal again… except for terrible constipation that finally required an enema (painful but necessary). Ended the week at 150.3 lbs.
What I learned / what I wish I’d known:
- Have a rock-solid support person. I truly don’t know how I would have managed without my husband handling pharmacy runs, ER transport, and emotional support.
- Stock the house in advance with anything bland you can possibly stomach (protein shakes, popsicles, crackers, bananas, clear broths, Gatorade).
- Get anti-nausea medication before you start—both OTC and, if possible, the prescription kind. I needed both.
- Clear your calendar for at least 4–5 days. I had zero energy and zero desire to do anything but rest.
- Stay on top of hydration and electrolytes even when nothing sounds good.
- Constipation can be just as miserable as the nausea—have Miralax or gentle stool softeners ready.
I’m an outlier—most people seem to tolerate the starting dose much better than I did. After this week I haven't decided whether to continue tirzepatide but if I do it will be a microdose to see if I can tolerate it in much smaller dosages. Everyone’s body is different, especially at 64 with menopause in the mix.
If you’re thinking about starting, please talk openly with your doctor, go in with eyes wide open, and have a plan for the “worst-case” days. I hope my story helps someone prepare better than I did and maybe spares them a few scary moments.
Wishing you all gentle side effects and real, sustainable success on your journeys. ❤️