A method and apparatus creating a two stage input to an integrated fuel pump of a fuel injector. The fuel pump has a reciprocating assembly for generating a fuel pulse and an actuating coil which induces linear motion of the reciprocating assembly. A nozzle is formed on the distal end of the injector for discharging fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. An energy controller coupled to the fuel pump generates an initial energy phase and a secondary energy phase in the actuating coil. The initial energy phase corresponds to an initial stage of movement of the reciprocating assembly. The initial stage of movement is associated with overcoming internal resistive forces initially present in the reciprocating assembly. The secondary energy phase corresponds to a secondary stage of movement of the reciprocating assembly wherein the initial resistive forces of the reciprocating assembly have been overcome.