Is Shed the right GLP-1 clinic for you? Read our deep dive into the cost, process, and results. (I earn a commission from some links on this page.)

How did we get here?

I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) in 2023, and I still haven’t gotten to my goal weight in 2026. In a VSG they remove ~70% of your stomach, creating a physical restriction, and resetting some of your metabolic hormones.(Particularly the ones produced in the stomach). Patients typically lose 50% to 70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months after a VSG.

I lost about 40% of my excess body weight. I have 30 lbs – 50 lbs left to go, depending on how much lean muscle I’m able to build/maintain at the same time.

Shed

I was already looking into the current options for GLP-1 RX when Shed (previously ShedRX) connected with me. My obesity management doctor had tried to prescribe me Zepbound twice. My insurance declined my need for Zepbound twice.
My biggest issue that I’d been encountering with telehealth providers is that they were charging a monthly subscription fee AND charging for the medication. I do not have the budget for multiple fees out of pocket right now.

When Shed reached out to me to find out if my community would like $100 off of GLP-1, I was skeptical. I was especially skeptical when they told me I only had to review them, and post about it. They also offered me my first month of GLP-1 for free. I am always interested in safe and reliable ways to get my squad a deal. (Whether in Disney or on supplements.) I agreed to schedule a pitch meeting with them to hear more.

At the meeting with Shed, I heard a lot of things that made me really excited:

Evaluation

As a telehealth clinic, they connect you, the patient, with a doctor and a pharmacy. The first step is filling out a form on their website. It only takes a few minutes to complete. That allows them to evaluate your medical history and connect you with a provider and a pharmacy.

Review

After registering for Shed, they review everything and you get to book an appointment to meet your telehealth provider. (If you’re a good fit for the program.) The provider will help decide which medication is the right one for you. Depending on what state you live in, after they review your health charts, they will speak with you about your medical history in a video call.

Current user data shows that providers typically approve prescriptions quickly (often within 12–48 hours) once the medical review is finished. I really appreciate that the doctor I spoke with was knowledgeable about Obesity; I didn’t feel like I had to fight uphill to explain how many things I’ve already tried.

Consultation

The doctor that I met with was SUPER nice. She asked me if I’d been on a GLP-1 prior (Yes, Ozempic, 2022), if I have any questions, and if I had an idea of which medication I wanted to try. I was hoping for Compounded Tirz, knowing I’d be paying out of pocket for the med and I’m on a very tight budget. She agreed that would be a great fit for me.

The cost of a Zepbound pen without Insurance

• List Price (Pens): ~$1,060 – $1,086 for 4 pens (1 month’s worth)
• LillyDirect (Vials – Cash Price):
  • 2.5 mg Dose: ~$299 – $349 (1 month’s worth)
  • 5 mg – 15 mg Doses: ~$399 – $499 (1 month’s worth)
• Pharmacy Retail Price: Often >$1,000 without discounts (1 month’s worth)

Start to finish, my appointment took about 15 minutes. The doctor ensured that I had NO questions before hanging up. She submitted my RX upon hanging up.

Delivery

One of the biggest perks of Shed (previously ShedRX) is the home delivery. Within 2 days I had an email that my medication was ready to ship. I started to keep an eye on the mail after that, but there were no shortage of notifications. I felt confident my meds would get to me ASAP.

My medication arrived about a week after my telehealth appointment, with everything I would need for the month. I received instructions, syringes, alcohol pads, and my precious vial of medication in a temperature insulated box. I truly felt set up for success, and like the process took a lot less effort than I expected.

Support

Shed typically requires a two-month minimum at sign-up to allow for proper clinical on boarding and titration (adjusting the dose). This is done by design, so that you can be fully supported on your journey.

So far the team there has been interacting with me consistently. I’ve received helpful emails with tips and encouraging me to join the shed community. I feel well cared for, but not bothered.

Pro Tip: Shed (previously ShedRX) services are generally eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement, which is a major selling point to me!

Medication availability is contingent on provider approval.

Weight loss isn’t the only reason to use GLP-1 medications. Obesity is the second most common after Type 2 Diabetes.

Shed (previously ShedRX) weight-loss medications could potentially help with the following:

• Lowers risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Treats obesity and heart or blood vessel disease
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Stabilizes hormones
• Increases resting energy expenditure
• Treats PCOS

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