Tirzepatide Times
Weeks 11 & 12 - Let the Mind Games Begin
I’m not going to sugarcoat it—weeks 9 and 10 were a beast. Usually, I take my shot and have 36 hours of normalcy, and then BAM—hour 37 hits like a truck. Cue nausea, exhaustion, body aches, and occasional mood swings that could rival a dramatic movie monologue. Normally, it’s manageable, but those two weeks? I felt stuck in a permanent state of BLEK.
Enter week 11, and hallelujah, I returned to my normally scheduled program. 🎉
Body vs. Brain: The Ultimate Showdown
I still have my 36-hour BLEK window, but at least now it’s predictable. I know it will pass, and I’ll feel like a functioning human again. What’s fascinating, though, is how my hunger shifts throughout the week:
During the BLEK phase? No cravings. No thoughts of food. Just me, a couch, and my Kindle.
Post-BLEK? My appetite is back, and suddenly, I’m fantasizing about burgers, fries, and cookies.
Actual eating habits? Much more mindful. I don’t act on every craving, but I do acknowledge them and make conscious choices.
But here’s the real surprise: I’ve started noticing mental shifts in other areas of my life, too.
The War on Old Habits
I’ve already mentioned how alcohol lost its appeal. That’s still true. I might order a glass of wine out of habit, but half the time, I don’t even want it. My body and brain seem to be on different pages, and it’s weird.
But the biggest shocker? Shopping.
I used to love a good retail therapy session. Stress? Buy a cute top. Bored? Browse online for shoes I don’t need. But lately, that urge has disappeared. I still shop when I need something, but that “I must buy all the things” energy? Gone.
As I write, I am thinking that this blog post makes it sound like I don’t work or have a life. In fact, I do work, and I have two (grown) children, two dogs, and a lovely partner, all of whom (including the work) have been incredibly supportive and patient with my trip down Tirzepatide lane. Just a side note to say that my life is pretty typical; I try not to doom-scroll on social media, I shop in moderation (mostly due to budgetary restrictions), vacation (also in moderation, unfortunately), try to eat healthy food but still crave the occasional treat, and exercise like a typical Gen X / Boomer (I straddle those two generations in many ways). Anyway, I thought it was important to point out that I am just a typical post-menopausal woman searching for health and longevity and sometimes a really good face cream to help me look more like I am achieving that dream! On with the blog post….
Even grocery shopping has changed. I buy what I need, I get in, I get out. No more throwing in extra snacks or impulse buys. Part of me feels bad for my girlfriend—I never bring home anything fun anymore! 🙈 But hey, at least we’re saving money, right?
The Workout Hesitation (and a Pep Talk to Myself)
Since I’m finally feeling more like myself, I know it’s time to ramp up my workouts. But, confession: I feel nervous.
I know that when I start exercising more, my weight loss slows down. That happened pre-Tirzepatide, too, so I shouldn’t be surprised, but it still messes with my head.
Plus, I’ll be honest—I feel out of shape. My body feels slightly weak, and stepping back into a real workout routine feels intimidating. But here’s what I do know:
Strength training will help me keep my muscle while I lose fat.
I will feel better once I start.
The longer I wait, the more I’ll psych myself out.
So, no more waiting. Time to get moving before my brain turns this into a bigger hurdle than it actually is.
Wardrobe Realities (AKA: The Eternal “I’ll Fit Into This Someday” Closet)
I’ve lost 23 pounds now, and I’m tempted to run out and buy cute new clothes to celebrate. But I won’t. Not yet.
Why? Because, like many women, I already own a whole mini department store of “someday” clothes. 🙃 You know what I mean—those items we swore we’d fit into again, the ones with the tags still on them because they were a little too snug when we bought them.
So for now, I’m shopping my own closet and celebrating the fact that my “too tight” section is slowly becoming my “fits just right” section.
My Current Survival Tactics
Hydrate beyond all reason. 💦 If I ever needed proof that drinking enough water matters, Tirzepatide delivered it. I know I have said this over and over but it gets more true every week!
Eat small bites often. This keeps the nausea at bay. I live by the “protein every couple of hours” rule. Again, nothing new here, but I remind myself every week to stick to this routine.
Veggies are still hit or miss. I usually love veggies, but lately, I have to be strategic. Solution? Vegetable soup. On days when I feel 100%, I load up on salads and broccoli to make up for lost time.
Final Thoughts: Mindset is Everything
These past two weeks reminded me that weight loss is just as much a mental game as a physical one. My brain is still catching up to my new reality—whether it’s food habits, exercise intimidation, or even shopping behavior.
But here’s what I know for sure: I’m on the right track.
I may not be perfect, but I’m making progress. And honestly? That’s all that matters.
See you in Week 13! 👏
Your Turn!
Anyone else notice weird mental shifts when losing weight? Shopping less? Drinking less? Thinking differently about food? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear if I’m alone in this or if it’s a thing!