Continuing Mounjaro...part 4

[ObsidianTree]

Welcome to thread 4!

Pointers for newbies:
1 - For taking your first dose you need to twist the pen a lot to get to 1!

2 - Your first dose may not have an immediate effect. For some people the effects build slowly. It could take 3 or 4 days to notice anything, it could take a few weeks. Some people don't feel the meds working until they get to 5mg. See titration chart which shows how the medication builds up in your system.

3 - 2.5mg isn't a therapeutic dose, meaning you aren’t meant to lose on 2.5mg. You need to start on 2.5mg to get your body used to the drug and gradually introduce it into your system and get used to any side effects.

4 - Not everyone loses a lot in the first few weeks. Don't feel discouraged if you don't lose a lot initially. Again, you might need a higher dose to start losing. Also, inches can be lost without anything showing on the scales. Start your journey by taking measurements and check them as you go along.

5 - If you do lose a lot in the first few weeks, please don't assume you will continue losing at this rate. The first few weeks it is usually water weight that is lost, after than a good weight loss is about 2lbs a week. Some weeks you might not lose anything, but this is ok too…again, taking measurements might show inches lost instead.

6 - Constipation, coldness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, aches, are side effects. There may be be other side effects also. Read info here :
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.14201.pdf

7 - Once you take your first dose you can choose to keep your pen in the fridge or somewhere else. It's up to you.

8 - Don't reuse any needles as this could risk infection. If you damage a needle or one isn't working, you can buy a pack of about 100 spares. Ask for suggestions of sites /types to buy.

9 - Protein is important as eating less protein can cause muscle wastage and hair loss. Try to have at least 100g a day. There are protein supplements you can take. Myprotein have a good range. Ask for a referral code if you want to buy some.

10 - Some natural sources of protein:
www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods

11 - You can use supplements, some that people use are magnesium(for sleep and constipation), protein(to reduce muscle wastage), collagen (skin elasticity), aloe vera(for constipation), electrolytes.

12 - Drink lota of water. Water helps with the weight loss. Drink at least 2ltrs a day. Preferably 3ltrs.

13 - Don't be afraid to feel hungry. It is entirely normal and healthy to feel hungry. Just eat something. Treat it as an opportunity to start good habits around hunger. Eat a nice balanced snack or a meal if it's a meal time. It's ok.

14 - Some of the places you can order from are:
MedExpress £149.99 - Sometimes there are codes that can be used for a discount. Ask for a code on here or do a Google search to try and find one.
Voy - £114.99 for first month then £229 after. Need a referral code (ask on here for one if needed)
The Family Chemist -£149
Simple online pharmacy - £159 2.5mg £179 for 5mg
Asda £184
Boots £219

15 - Does it makes any difference where you inject? yes it does! Drugs get absorbed at different rates depending on injection site

In order of fastest absorption, it goes:
• Tummy
• Arms
• Thighs
further reading about injection sites and the effects: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618

16 - You can track your calories / protein on apps such as My fitnessPal, Carb Manager or Nutracheck. Nutracheck is quite useful and easy to find foods /build recipes.

17 - If you want to switch suppliers, make sure you have pics of your Mounjaro box with your name and dose. This will come in useful when other suppliers ask for evidence.

1st thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5007744-mourjano-starting-soon?page=1

2nd thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5028495-continuing-murnjaropart-2?page=1

3rd thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5037623-continuing-mounjarop
art-3?page=1

Good luck all :)

@DameDaffodil I think a few of us are on HRT - I certainly haven't had any issues. I also take more vitamins / supplements than I can list (!!) and it all seems to be working well.

My worse symptom has been constipation and dry mouth (but I also take a tablet for incontinence - the joys of menopause eh!) which already gives me a dry mouth anyway so I think it's just added to it.

I'm on HRT but continuous tablets rather than patches or gels. It's fine to take both but I do notice occasional spotting which I think is because my tablet isn't being absorbed as fast as normal due to my slowed digestion.

This is similar to how it affects oral contraception which is why there are warnings that Mounjaro affects the efficacy of the pill and it should NOT be used as the only contraceptive while doing injections.

@Choux that makes complete sense re the slow absorption! I take progesterone tablets and oestrogen gel - and have started spotting today. Maybe that's the reason so thank you :)
Hoping it doesn't turn into a full blown period while I'm on holiday ....

Glad i‘M not the only one.

I do look like I’ve lost weight so maybe I should have taken measurements beforehand.

Naturally I have always been good at drinking water. I drink around 2-3 litres a day

My apologies - I realised after I pressed post that you probably meant calories and not cl’s of fluid but I couldn’t edit 😳

I started last Wednesday. The suppression was almost instant. I have to force myself to eat otherwise I could go all day with out eating.
I got some meal replacement shake from My Protein just to drink as some days it’s easier then eating as I just don’t fancy anything.
I also drink lots of water.
I have completely lost the craving for sugar which is huge for me. I usually fancy something sweet after a meal and don’t anymore. That’s a plus in itself.
I do feel like I’ve lost weight though. Maybe I should have taken measurements before I started.

Definitely makes exercising trickier!

I live in the Lickey Hills so the best form of exercise for me is walking/hiking up and down hill but even with that I have to stop for breathers because I get pain and weakness down my left leg from the SI issue (there's a name for the weakness it causes, can't remember).

As far as resistance exercise I can only do goblin squats and even they will make my knee go sometimes and lifting weights is fraught with danger, pressups have to be very gently amped up.

Can't run due to pelvic issues, even cross trainer can cause issues, only things good are swimming, can cause me shoulder issues but usually ok, but don't like swimming in pools only in sea so don't do much of it except abroad! I have been told Pilates would be a good idea and less likely to cause injury so planning on getting into that.

For those (definitely including me!) concerned about keeping off the weight once you stop taking Mounjaro (or Ozempic/Wegovy/Saxenda):

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/exercise-helps-keep-the-weight-off-after-stopping-glp-1-drug-treatment

I started with Voy end of last week. My "dedicated coach" has no availability until May 3rd when I have scheduled a call. Is that your experience?

@VoyOySaveloy that's the experience I had.

Pilates is great, but I find it boring. Now I do some weights when I can, but daughter has a mini gym in the spare room so I make sure she's with me. We have a spin bike and I love it as more proactive and can work a sweat up, and as long as I'm not standing it's easy on my knees. I can happily do that for an hour, but with hips and back I struggle walking far anymore. 😕

Hi all, I have NC as I have not told a single soul that I am doing this, not even my partner!
Have been wanting to do 'something' for such a long time, but was waiting for god knows what!
Sick of the merry go round of losing and gaining any pathetic amount of weight that I lose....
Started this morning on 2.5 via Voy - was easier than I thought it would be.

Was thinking about why I haven't told anyone....?
Probably shame, fear of all the negativity, people not understanding... would rather emerge in a few months looking & feeling MUCH better.
Want to lose about 3 stone - current BMI is 29.3

Do people find there is a 'better' day of the week to have your jab?
My downfall is, and always has been the weekend - I am a saint during the week, and then ruin it all at the weekend!

How is everyone doing on this?

I think I just need to go live somewhere warm by the sea as I always get the most exercise on holiday! Lots of walking, swimming, snorkelling, some kayaking and paddleboarding. It's the only reason I don't usually put weight on on holiday!
Would love to learn to surf, although think I've left it too late!

@Nooneknowsbutme
I've only told my adult daughter. She's been overweight on and off since her teens and we'd already had a conversation about GLP1 treatments a year or two ago so I knew she wouldn't be "judgy".

I have a friend I would tell as she wouldn't have an issue with it but she's not very good at keeping things to herself!

@Nooneknowsbutme I've only told my husband. My sisters and I have a group WhatsApp where we started dieting in January but we've all given up by now and I don't share anything there! I will tell if asked, so if they suddenly notice dramatic losses, I'll own up, but I'm expecting it to be gradual enough they'll assume I'm following the "eating less, moving more" guidance.

@lurkylurk I think it's definitely the 'judgy' aspect I wouldn't want.
I think most people I know wouldn't dare inject themselves... I've been having Botox forever, so that doesn't bother me.
My family would NOT understand.
Some friends would support, others would probably be envious...

Such a strange feeling.....

Wonder if my partner will pick up on anything... hopefully I don't get any nasty side effect!

I view MJ as an aid, not a solution. It helps me stick to 1200 cal a day, which I have found impossible in the past. In 10 days on 2.5 I am down 5lbs.
To those not losing, or losing little, try tracking your food intake. I know, I hate it too! But food tracking is recognised as one of the most successful aids to weight loss. If you track accurately, and are in significant calorie deficit (TDEE - 500cal or more) and you are still not losing, then there is a problem.
I do see posts (esp on FB) with some really disordered eating.

Morning all,

Asda just emailed this. Thought it might be of interest for some.

We are writing to inform you that the 7.5mg dose of Mounjaro is expected to be available to request from late-April 2024. This is slightly later than expected due to a national stock issue affecting healthcare providers nationwide.

If you are due to move up to 7.5mg

Our doctors advise continuing with the 5mg dose until the 7.5mg dose is available. The 5mg dose of Mounjaro is considered a maintenance dose and can be used long-term. If you maintain a healthy diet and exercise, you should keep losing weight steadily on this dose.

Remember: You must follow the usage instructions in the patient information leaflet and your doctor's advice for any dosage you are currently using.

I think people that haven't had much struggles with their weight just don't understand. I am the only one in my whole extended family that has an underactive thyroid problem. I gain weight easily and diets don't work unless I go on VLCD diets or stop eating carbs. Others just don't get it as they diet and they lose weight! So don't get why I can't do it.

So this is why I'm not telling people yet! As this time I am diets /calorie counting and actually losing weight! I'm still putting in the same effort... Just this time it's actually working! With the added benefit of lack of hunger and feeling full quickly! Lol

Also, I got an email from MedExpress saying sorry for delays with a 15% off coupon code! Did anyone else get this?

This is good advice and a great attitude - don’t get caught up in the quest for rapid weight loss. This is a long term game! 7lbs in a month is fantastic progress

Yes to this, I'm using a calorie tracking app as I'm under the impression you still need to be in a calorie deficit whilst using a GLP-1 med. The advice is to have a low fat, high protein intake with lots of fluids and electrolytes. Be more active and be in a calorie deficit. The way Mounjaro works I believe is that it suppresses your appetite so you can stick to a calorie deficit easier and also keeps the food in your stomach for longer so you don't get hungry as quickly as you usually do. Obviously it way more complex than that but that's the simple explanation.

Did exactly the same and now I daren't tell them as one will want to do it and the other won't able to afford it, though I don't think either have a BMI over 30 anyway. So I'll probably tell them eventually, but none of us are really posting on the group chat any more as all fell off the wagon!

Have told some colleagues, one of whom it turns out is on wegovy. I work in healthcare though so probably a bit more understanding of it.

It's jab day for me (I brought it forward to Monday from Wednesday last week as I was going out for anniversary over the weekend) and despite having an appetite again yesterday, because I had a big dinner it's totally suppressed again today which is interesting. So I'm wondering if those who feel it wear off too soon would find that one bigger meal would kick it back in again.

I have hypermobile eds and generally I've felt much better since MJ. I'm into week 5 now