After my heart attack, Zepbound did what diet and statins never could.

I had a non-fatal MI at 56. Cardiac rehab, statins, ACE inhibitor, the whole regimen. Lost 18 pounds in cardiac rehab through diet. Gained 14 back within 8 months. My cardiologist suggested Zepbound at my 18-month post-MI check based on the OSA-with-obesity indication — I have moderate sleep apnea (AHI 22) plus BMI 36. PA went through on the first try because of the established CVD + OSA combination. Started at 2.5mg for a month, titrated to 5mg, then 7.5mg. Stayed at 7.5mg for maintenance — my cardiologist wanted lower dose to minimize fatigue interfering with cardiac rehab continuation. Lost 50 pounds in 10 months. My LDL dropped from 132 to 78 even with same statin dose. Blood pressure stopped requiring the ACE inhibitor at month 6. My sleep apnea AHI dropped from 22 to 11 — borderline normal. The fatigue was real for the first 8 weeks. I had to stop cardiac rehab for two weeks at week 4 because I couldn't do the cardio intervals. My cardiologist held the titration at 5mg longer than the schedule suggests. Once I adapted, energy was better than before — likely because of the weight loss reducing cardiac workload. I'm in this for life. The combination of cardiovascular protection + weight loss + sleep apnea improvement makes the $25/month copay one of the easiest medical decisions I've ever made.