Brandi chose GLP-1s after years of failed diets and health challenges made weight loss impossible alone, and she chose IVY RX for an affordable, transparent, stress-free way to continue the medication that finally worked.
"Because of Ivy RX, I continued my journey and I’m only 5 lbs away from my 200 lbs weight loss goal.” - Brandi M
Brandi started her journey feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck after years of dieting, hormonal challenges, and insulin resistance. With the help of GLP-1 treatment and ongoing support from IVY RX, she finally found a sustainable path forward.
200 lbs lost (over 20 months)
Reduced prediabetes risk (inflammation dramatically improved)
Reduced thigh circumference by 10 inches (Lipedema pain and swelling eased)
Quieted food noise (making healthier choices feel natural)
Restored energy, confidence, and independence (no more struggling with daily tasks)
Brandi is just 5 lbs away from her goal and feels something she hadn’t in years: proud, confident, and in control. Her journey proves that with the right medical support, lasting change is possible, even when weight loss once felt impossible.
I’ve been plus sized for most of my adult life. I tried keto in my early 20s and lost 100 lbs. But I couldn’t eat like that forever. It made me so tired. I gained about 20 lbs back initially and stayed that way for 3 years but gained it all back during pregnancy. From there, my weight skyrocketed over the last 19 years. With age and perimenopause, it got harder and I unfortunately reached 320 lbs at my biggest in May 2024.
I was struggling in my daily life to just accomplish everyday tasks and general self care. My husband, the sweetest man on this planet, would have to tie my shoes. I’m short. Only 5’3. So my waist had outgrown my arm length. It was embarrassing, demoralizing and I was ashamed.
I was prediabetic. I had a high fasting glucose. I have PCOS and insulin resistance which makes it a struggle to lose, especially the amount I’d need to shed to be within a healthy range. I have lipedema, a connective tissue disorder that creates hard balls of diseased fat in the arms, legs, and apron belly that are painful, resistant to weight loss, and cause swelling and inflammation. My thighs were 30” each at my biggest so it was hard to walk long distances or exercise. Add to all that, I’m in perimenopause so that adds more issues with hormones and weight loss resistance.
Food noise is also an issue for me because of my ADHD. While ADHD medications can help to some degree, once they wore off, the food noise became so loud that I’d end up in the kitchen at 2 AM snacking on something salty. Weight loss surgery was not the route I wanted to take after witnessing friends and family with complications. I was tired and I needed help. I couldn’t lose 200 lbs alone. I needed support.
After one year on name-brand tirzepatide and losing 100 lbs, my insurance dropped coverage. My insurance offered coverage of a comparable medication, but I wanted to continue with the medication I knew I was successful on. Unfortunately, paying out of pocket for name-brand was not an option for me, even with the coupons. I did my research and compared prices of compounded GLP-1s from many of the leading companies. Ivy Rx checked all the boxes.
Once I found Ivy RX, I knew I’d found a way to continue my journey. Their prices are transparent and predictable. There wasn’t going to be a hidden fee. It’s conveniently, 100% online so it fits my busy schedule. There’s licensed providers across all 50 states and they have 24 hour customer service. Best of all it’s delivered to me!
When I had insurance-covered name brand GLP-1, I had to call every local pharmacy each month and pray someone had it in stock, then call my doctor and have my prescription sent there. It was a hassle and gave me anxiety that I’d go without my medication. There were some months I drove an hour away from home to find it in stock. Now, it comes to me.
Because of Ivy Rx, I continued my journey and I’m only 5 lbs away from my 200 lbs weight loss goal. And my 30” lipedema-filled thighs that medical professionals suggested could not be reduced without surgery? Yeah, they are 20” now and no longer ache or swell.
Week 1, I did not notice any changes. I didn’t lose weight that first week. My body actually flared and I gained water weight. So if that happens to you, do not panic. Of course, consult your primary physician. But it doesn’t mean you won’t be successful. I’m now 20 months in and 195 lbs down. If you are prone to flare ups, you may do the same. The first month, I lost the water weight that I gained plus a couple more lbs. So only 2 lbs were lost.
My second month, I moved up a dose and suddenly my inflammation was gone. You’ll be able to tell it’s happening because you will need to pee every 30 minutes. That’s fine! Shed that inflammation and drink your water! Hydration is crucial. I went up a dose only when my doctor and I decided it was best.
It took a year to get to the max dose for me. Everyone is different. My biggest side effects were head aches and leg cramps when I wasn’t hydrated enough. Constipation can also be an issue so stay on top of fiber.
With only 5 lbs to go to reach my 200 lbs weight loss goal, I feel proud and confident, two things that are very foreign to me.
I used a GLP-1 as a tool, but I had to make changes and not solely rely on it to do all the work.
I changed how I ate and focused on protein and eliminating foods that caused inflammation.
I gave up empty calories like sugary coffees and sodas. Sparkling mineral water is now my favorite drink.
I learned to keep a food journal to track which foods gave me inflammation and upset stomach. This tip is honestly my biggest because it helped me realize that red meat was causing me to have stomach issues that kept me from even leaving my house. Once I saw the pattern, I decided to limit red meat and I haven’t had issues since.
Everyone is different and has different triggers so journaling helps you find the patterns.
Lastly, give yourself grace. No one is perfect. You’ll make mistakes and that’s ok. It’s part of life. Keep going. Stay on your path. This isn’t a race; it takes as long as it takes. You will reach your goals if you don’t let the hard moments keep you stuck.
Brandi started her journey feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck after years of dieting, hormonal challenges, and insulin resistance. With the help of GLP-1 treatment and ongoing support from IVY RX, she finally found a sustainable path forward.
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