I’ve totally dated myself with that title. For those of you who are younger than my Boomer self, there was a radio broadcaster named Paul Harvey who would tell part of a story, pause, say that famous tagline, and then reveal the rest. I posted on Facebook about two months ago that I have lost over 100# in the past year. I had many people like, comment, and congratulate me – all of which I greatly appreciate. But now, here is the rest of the story. . .
Food has always been my best friend, enemy, comfort, punishment, and the one thing I could always count on. From an early age, I knew food would not let me down and helped me cope with the chaos around me. Food was also my worst enemy, calling me when I was sad, lonely or depressed, leading to weight gain, loss, rebound, self-hatred, and self-sabotage.
I’d blogged about it seven years ago, convinced I was finally going to win the battle. I did for a while, but the war has never been over. Until now.
I’ve been on a GLP-1, Zepbound, since May 2025. And I’ve never felt the freedom, calm, lack of worry and chaos in my brain before. I never realized what food noise meant. That constant obsessive thought about food – when I would eat, how much, what would others think, fear of lack, fear of excess, self-hatred for indulgence – is gone. It’s not there.
It’s as if a part of my brain is blank.
This past year has been filled with some real highs – a job I loved, a new relationship with a man I really cared about, two new job possibilities that were awesome. And some real lows – lost my job, heartbreak, and neither of the dream jobs panned out. But never once, seriously never, did I turn to food. Never. And that is no exaggeration. And I don’t miss my BFF at all.
Is this how the rest of the world feels? I enjoy what I eat, but many times a bite or two is all I need. My sister Kath still talks about when we were eating dinner, and I said a chocolate chip cookie would taste good with my coffee. I got one, had a bite or two, and threw the rest away. That action is also known as a mortal sin in the Grady family. You never throw away a cookie!!
GLP-1s can cause a lot of reactions from people, and I’ve been told that I’m taking the easy way out, it’s not really losing weight and cheating. Nope, it’s none of that. Obesity is considered a chronic disease by the AMA and the World Health Organization. That changed how I viewed myself. Finally. My primary told me when I started that I would be on a GLP-1 for the rest of my life. I’m in. I’ve never felt this free, focused, and fit in my entire life. So frankly, I don’t really care what anyone else thinks. I want to make the discussion of GLP-1s open and not have anyone feel shame for taking them. It is a miracle for me.
At this point, I’m down 117# and looking to lose another 35. Life feels lighter. I’ve officially retired, although I am busier than ever and am ramping up my candle biz even more. I have a new relationship with a good man who thinks I’m so cool (his fav expression) and am having so much fun. And a true sense of freedom in my head, in my time, and in my soul (I know that sounds so dramatic!).
If you’ve thought about trying a GLP-1, check with your doc, research and feel free to ask me any questions. Think about yourself and how you feel. Don’t let crazies on socials influence you (although some will say I’m crazy and that’s ok, I don’t give a shit). Do what works for you. I love the expression you hear before every flight – put your own oxygen mask on before you help others. Put yourself first to take care of your mental and physical health.
I’m 66, and I’m finally learning that lesson.
The Nine Lives of Jan 