u/KHaasarud

I wanted to tell you my story for people out there on Sema just as a warning - not to stop using it - but just be aware of this potential side effect. While there is still more research to be done on this drug, I do attribute my having to remove this organ because of my rapid weight loss.

I started Semaglutide 15 months ago. I switched to Tirzepetide after about 5 months and the weight came off faster. My weight was 225. I’m currently 54 years old and do not have diabetes. I use a telehealth prescription. I’ve had incredible weight loss success, losing 90 pounds over the last 15 months.

About 5 weeks ago, I had an attack. At first it just feels like gas, but the pain doesn’t go away. It’s just gnawing and lasted the night. And it was more concentrated under the right rib cage, permeated to my back, and was accompanied by some light nausea. After some research, discovered it might be gallstones. I powered through it, knowing I would need to go see a doctor soon. This past weekend I was out of town, had a meal and this time it was MUCH worse. Doubled over in pain, vomiting. Went to the ER, and after some testing confirmed it was my gallbladder. I have to get it removed within the next week or two and until then, I’m on an all-liquid diet.

I do attribute the gallbladder / gallstones to my rapid weight loss for a few reasons: 1) I never experienced any gallbladder issue prior to my Sema/Tirz use. 2) I’ve always been a generally healthy eater. While I’m not a vegetarian, I prefer vegetables. I avoid processed foods (fast food), generally. I’ve heard that gallstones form after a period of time - like years - and an attack occurs when your system finally fights back. But I find it odd that this would be the case when I’m eating less and haven’t changed the kinds of food I eat, more or less. If anything, I’ve been eating healthier. (I’ve read that rapid weight loss takes the cholesterol in the fat and gets in your system and can form a sludge in your gallbladder.)

I don’t regret taking the drug, but in retrospect, I wish I had been more aware of this potential issue being about the rapid weight loss vs the actual drug. I may have slowed down the pace and increased the dosage over a longer period of time. (I guess this may be one of the downsides of doing telehealth, but the cost is so significantly less that I wouldn’t have been able to afford the name brand, and my insurance doesn’t cover it, especially because I am not diabetic.

I’m a woman in my early 50’s, married for 23 years and I’m at the point where I am seriously considering separating. (We also have two kids in high school.)

There is no dramatic event, abuse, affair. It’s more of a long, accumulation of feeling like the relationship no longer supports the woman I’m becoming. I’ve spent years trying to be compassionate, understanding, helpful, but am realizing I may have confused empathy with over-functioning. It feels like I have a third child, not a partner. He doesn’t work. (I’ve been the breadwinner for the last 16 years.) He’s not handy around the house or cleans. He is a great dad, but not a great partner. He’s “tried” to find work (albeit sending 2-3 resumes out per month), but in my opinion- not a strong enough effort.

I’m struggling with the emotional complexity of leaving a marriage that isn’t all bad, but also no longer feels healthy or sustainable. I feel like I’m losing myself. And, ironically, I also feel like he’s lost himself. Enmeshment. And he refuses to go to therapy. (He did once but quit because he said he was only going to appease me not because he thought it was really being effective.) My read- he doesn’t want to do the work.

I’d love to hear from women who reached this kind of crossroads - especially after a long marriage in midlife.