Personal Growth | Life with Essie B.

I Didn’t Believe But Now I Do: My Peptide Origin Arc

I started my journey into peptides aka “peppers” in March 2025, March 1st to be exact. It was after a conversation with my eldest sister at Christmas about her starting her journey on Ozempic aka “Ozzy”. She said her doctor had told her she needed it and how it would help her insulin resistance. I was just listening and open to change at that time. Even though I was taking my thyroid meds as directed, I was still floundering and in pain.

I was against any weight loss meds initially. When the commercials came out, it didn’t help me see the medicines as a choice. Also, all the media references and negative spins on who was on it and who wasn’t were in my mind too. Add to that I had tried losing weight naturally by diet and walking as I had done in my younger years, way before my hormones/organ betrayed me. Then, hearing of “Ozempic” face as a constant thing on blogs and in the news; it definitely molded and shaped my objective stance. But once I started talking to my big sis and heard her thoughts, it opened my mind to do more research.

My research led to me talking to my endo; who previously had recommended weight loss drugs and was happy to do a recommendation for it through insurance at that time. By this appointment though, when I was comfortable asking for the medicine, insurance wasn’t approving anyone for coverage and co-pays🙃. That led to me having to find a way to self pay and get it myself. After going to the direct source of the meds by way of big pharma/ patent holder company, I was able to find out I could pay out of my own pockets monthly if my doctor ordered it directly through them. Ordering the meds directly was a learning curve for both my doctor and myself but I managed to get on Zepbound but I’m calling it “Jetbound”.

Let me back up on what I chose and why. I researched “Ozzy” and I also researched “Jetbound”. Ozzy works on one pathway in our body while Jet works on two. “Why choose one way when I can take two” was my line of thinking and so I chose Jet.

Getting more into the science stuff and remembering my chemistry from 10th grade, it threw me into learning and expanding my medical layman’s knowledge. This helped me to advocate for myself with my primary and my endo.

Here’s where things shifted:

I was swinging the costs until I just couldn’t. Originally, I had to rob Peter to pay Paul for my monthly starting doses. I am extremely active on Reddit. It’s where I first stumbled across the name brand’s subreddit. From there and after reading a lot on that board, if I remember correctly, I then went to Tirzepatide aka “Trizzy” Compound boards.

After that, I was off to the races!

I made a bunch of silly decisions or mistakes and will detail that another day but I wouldn’t trade the journey for nothing!

When I say I took photos on first dose day as well as my weight, I was shocked and surprised by what I looked like and weighed. [Insert pics of that day & my starting weight].

It was the heaviest I have ever measured myself and I was struggling. I actually lost a few pounds right before but it just wasn’t enough. Not to mention I was inflamed, bloated and in all types of aching pain. My thyroid was fighting me and it was winning. Or, rather my body was fighting with itself and it was not a lovely feeling. After taking the first shot, it might have been a placebo effect but my joints in my hands felt so much better. I could open and close them without my hands locking up. It had gotten to the point where I couldn’t braid or twist my hair any longer. Also, my arms had on and off feelings of pins and needles, most of the time. I was only 40! Not to mention my insulin resistance and how prediabetes was affecting my whole body. From my eyesight being the worst it has ever been in my life due to sugar. Add to that mysterious bruises appearing on my body, and my cuts not healing as quick as they used to. I was just ready for change and this did it.

Has this ride been smooth sailing? Heck nope! I started March 1st and went on a girls trip in mid-April. Guess who learned the hardest way alcohol won’t mix with these meds? This girlie🙋🏾‍♀️. Had a day or so in my room enjoying the porcelain throne a lot more than I should have been in Jamaica. 🙃🤪

I have had plenty more slip ups or learning lessons but won’t give them all away in one post because then, what else would you tune back in for? 😏😉

So stay tuned, because I have so much more to say and share about my journey so far. Especially for folks who look like me🫶🏾. I am ready to share and know I’m not the only woman, momma who wants to feel better but may not know where to turn.

I’ve sustained my Temple. Are you ready to sustain yours?

Love Essie B in DC

Essie’s GLP-1 Wellness Bag | My Go‑To on Amazon for Essentials while on Tirzepatide.

Posted on June 22 by EssieB

My must-have tools for my daily health + glow on this weight loss journey so far!

*Just a heads-up. As an Amazon Associate. I earn from qualifying purchases made from my links. I don’t recommend anything I haven’t tried and hope it provides benefits for you as it has for me.

Magnesium 12 in 1 Complex Liquid Drops Magnesium Supplement w. Glycinate Citrate Malate Taurate Oxide Aspartate Orotate, Calm Magnesium for Sleep Muscle Heart Support丨Max Absorption Liquid Formula
Centrum Liquid Multivitamin for Adults, Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplement with B Vitamins and Antioxidants, Citrus Flavor – 8 Fl Oz
Geritol Liquid Vitamin and Iron Supplement, Energy Support, Contains High Potency B-Vitamins and Iron, 12 Oz bottle
Benefiber Daily Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder for Digestive Health, Unflavored – 125 Servings
Benefiber On The Go Prebiotic Fiber Supplement Powder for Digestive Health, Daily Powder, Unflavored Stick Packs –Pack of 20 count sticks
Vitamin D3/ K2 Liquid 10000 IU w/ Vegan Omega-3 & Coconut MCT Oil – Maximum Strength Vitamin D Supplement, 2 Pack
MiraLAX Gentle Constipation Relief Laxative Powder, Stool Softener Osmotic Laxative, 45 Dose
Amazon Basic Care ClearLax Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Powder for Solution, Osmotic Laxative, Relieves Occasional Constipation, Unflavored
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Sugar-Free – White Peach 14 ct sticks
HydroMATE Electrolyte Powder Sugar-Free Hydration Packets Strawberry Lemonade HydroMATE 16 count sticks or 30 Count sticks
HydroMATE Electrolyte Powder Sugar-Free Hydration Packets Tropical Punch 16 count sticks
HydroMATE Electrolyte Powder Peach Tea Hydration Packets Low Sugar 30 Count
Bare Bones Beef Bone Broth Instant Powdered Mix -Rich Savory Packets on-the-Go;10g Protein | 16 Pack
Pure Encapsulations Betaine HCl Pepsin – Digestive Enzymes Supplement for Digestion Aid & Support, Stomach Acid & Nutrient Absorption* – with Betaine HCl Pepsin – 250 Capsules

The Juggling Act: Releasing the Old, Embracing the New (and the Scale’s Rollercoaster!)

Posted on May 23 by EssieB

Whew, can we just talk about this journey for a minute? Because let me tell you, it’s been a ride. If you’ve been following along, you know I’m in a full-blown battle for the new me, working tirelessly to build her up while gently, but firmly, releasing the old. And honestly? It’s a whole lot. It feels like I’m juggling flaming torches, chainsaws, and maybe a live badger sometimes. But in the midst of the chaos, there’s so much good happening.

The Scale Saga and Shifting Mindset

Let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the numbers on the scale. Goodness, this thing has been a rollercoaster. One minute I’m celebrating a loss, the next it’s creeping back up. It’s frustrating, right? You put in the work, you make the choices, and then your body decides to hold onto those last few pounds like it’s guarding national treasure. My emotions are all over the place – there’s disappointment, for sure, because who doesn’t want instant gratification? I’m impatient, I want to see those results now.

But here’s the kicker: beneath that impatience is a deep, unwavering commitment. I’m learning to be realistic, to understand that my body’s going to do its thing, especially when it comes to significant changes. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a profound transformation, and that takes time. The bigger picture? I am making real, tangible progress on weight loss. So far, I’ve officially lost 25 pounds on this journey, and let me tell you, it’s finally starting to show! Clothes are fitting differently, I’m feeling lighter, and that’s an incredible feeling.

Building the New Me: Routines, Systems, and Small Victories

This “new me” isn’t just happening by magic. It’s a deliberate, conscious effort to implement routines and systems that support my goals. And while it’s a lot to keep track of, I’m choosing these changes for myself, knowing they’ll lead to a healthier, happier life.

So, what’s been working? My daily routine now includes drinking collagen, Miralax, and fiber – getting that digestive system happy! I’m committed to getting in a walk at least three out of five workdays a week, and hitting at least 40 ounces of water during my workday. And my Apple Watch rings? I’m aiming to close those five out of seven days a week, pushing myself to move more.

Beyond that, I’m focusing on my overall health. Hydrating my skin, taking Geritol multivitamins for iron and other needs, and adding liquid Vitamin D3/K2 (especially crucial for us melanated folks!) are non-negotiables. And speaking of moving, I invested in two new pairs of Brooks shoes to support my wide feet, and wow, what a difference they’ve made! I’m walking further and more comfortably than ever before.

Even my sleep is getting an upgrade! I recently got a new CPAP machine, and while it’s a learning curve, using it seven times in the last three weeks has already made my days feel so much better. The energy boost is real.

Tools of the Trade: My Support System

I couldn’t do this without my little army of apps and tools. My Stelo biosensor has been a game-changer, giving me real-time insights into my glucose levels and helping me understand my body’s responses to food. It’s truly amazing what you can track these days!

I’m also leaning on Shotsy (for tracking those weekly injections, which, by the way, have been smooth sailing!), Happy Scale for a more forgiving view of the numbers, and the Renpho weight scale. My Apple Health app is like the central hub, sending all that vital information to my other apps and keeping everything in one place.

But perhaps the biggest change is the shift in my eating habits. I’m more mindful, more conscious of what I’m putting into my body. Now, when I crave Chipotle, I’m ordering a kid’s meal. Instead of a full hibachi plate and sushi, I’m choosing just sushi. And that mini sub or sub-in-a-bowl from Jersey Mike’s? Those are my new go-tos. These aren’t just small swaps; they’re monumental shifts in how I approach food.

Looking Forward: Birthday Reflections and New Horizons

As my upcoming birthday approaches, it brings with it a wave of appreciation for life, but also a stark reminder: tomorrow isn’t promised. There’s so much more I want to do, so many experiences to have, and this journey is about creating the best possible version of myself to live it all.

Speaking of new horizons, I’m excited to share that I’m also working on a video update! I’m hoping to have that done by the end of May, just in time for my birthday month. It’ll be another way to share this evolving story with you all.

This fight for the new me isn’t always pretty, and it’s definitely not linear, but I am here for it. Every step, every choice, every small victory is moving me closer to the woman I’m becoming. And that, my friends, is worth all the juggling in the world.

Ready to Embrace Your Own “New You”?

What aspect of building your “new self” resonates most with you right now? Share your own journey in the comments below – I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your own transformation!