I so badly would like to reply to everyone individually but don't have the time to write up replies for all of you! I'll just try on respond to the general broad strokes and maybe some specifics.
To all those who pointed out I am indeed going fast (or that if I'm asking, I likely already know), thank you for affirming that notion. Obviously, I already recognized that it was quite rapid but was mostly concerned about my health, I suppose, and also how it compared to others' rate of loss to see the difference from the norm. I am approaching my goal weight (160 lbs) soon, though the healthiness of that weight is up for debate as well (which I am open to discussing). I do feel a bit reassured hearing that if I am feeling alright and not experiencing any negative effects, that I am likely physically okay. The only real effect I dislike is a tiredness that permeates my time outside of work, but it is not a debilitating fatigue, at least. Lack of motivation is also not great, but that is just a temporary ailment that I am okay with until I get where I would like.
I saw a lot of suggestions toward starting a multivitamin, beginning to exercise, getting protein in, and generally trying to ensure I am preparing myself to eat properly for when I go into maintenance. I will definitely be getting a multivitamin and perhaps some meal replacement shakes for when I am unable to use the kitchen on a given day. I recall there being a specific question about what my exercise is like, which is really just walking. I love walking. However, the amount I walk has definitely dwindled since beginning retatrutide. I usually walk at least 15-30 minutes a day, and generally take a couple days out of the week to walk for a few hours or so depending on how I feel. One reason I was initially worried about this rapid loss was the fact that my hours-long walks leave me a bit more sore than they used to. I still tend to do the longer walks, but find myself doing the shorter ones less. It's also winter where I am, so that also usually means less walking. Other than the walking, I do not really do anything but at least try to move around as much as I can. Hence, much of my weight loss is most definitely from appetite suppression and the slowing of digestion, if I had to guess.
In regards to getting used to cooking and eating healthy, nutritious food, it is definitely something I would like to start but is made extra difficult with the lowered motivation combined with my living situation. I will try my best to start eating better as soon as possible, and always planned to do this before jumping off or going into maintenance. I think my immediate nutritional priorities will be getting a good multivitamin, starting to get some kind of protein in my diet, and grabbing some meal replacement shakes for times where I am less motivated to figure out when and how I can cook a meal.
The aforementioned lack of motivation and ever-permeating tiredness makes it difficult to imagine exercising more than my walks. I know it must be done, though, and I am sure that a lot of the fat I still see would look considerably better as muscle. The main reason I put it off was the fact that I knew I probably haven't been taking in nearly enough protein, or nutrients in general, to be able to gain muscle. Once I get my nutrition in a bit better shape, I will look into more exercises than just obsessive walking.
To those who spoke on rebound weight gain, stopping reta completely, or choosing to go on maintenance, this is obviously a very individual decision. I certainly agree that, for some, retatrutide can be akin to a corrective medication in terms of appetite, and, honestly, feel that I may be a lifer on this stuff. This is not the plan, of course, but it would not surprise me if I found myself on this forever in very low doses. My hunger is insatiable and, frankly, I am almost disgusted with how much food I was once able to eat. To now be able to make sensible choices as to what I can eat instead of impulsively choosing something, to be able to stick to portions, and to be able to just generally not think about food every god damn 5-10 minutes has been a godsend. Personally, I do intend on very slowly tapering down when I reach my goal weight. Since I do intend on a more formal recomposition phase then, I intend to get off the retatrutide for that period to see how I fare without it. I will then assess and make my decision as to whether I would like to continue on a long-term maintenance dose. I appreciate that I have that choice, and I think going either way is perfectly acceptable and should be decided on by the individual and what they feel like benfits them most.
To end this very long reply, thank you to all those who took the time to write out these responses. They felt very thoughtful and I appreciate all of the advice and suggestions that have been given to me. While I obviously generally know all of these things, to hear it from real people who are also going through this same, wild journey is very helpful. Feel free to ask me any more questions, and, if you have any suggestions on simple, equipment-free exercises that I could do outside the gym, please throw them at me! I could at least start doing little stuff in the home until I get my nutrition in order.
Seth
