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Weight loss injections/treatments

Discuss weight-loss injections and treatments, including personal experiences. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any treatments.

Continuing Mounjaro...part 6

1000 replies

ObsidianTree · 19/04/2024 11:50

Please note: Mounjaro can only be taken if your BMI is above 30.

Pointers for newbies:

1 - For taking your first dose you need to twist the pen a lot to get to 1! The instructions say prime each time you take a dose, but actually Eli Lilly have confirmed you only need to prime for the first ever use of a pen. (The video posted says every use, but this isn't true!)

2 - When injecting, hold down the button until the number goes back to 0. Once at 0, keep holding down the button and count to 5 with the needle still in so no medication is lost!

3 - 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.

4 - 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.

5 - 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.

6 - 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.

7 - 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/product/15481/pil#about-medicine

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

9 - 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. https://www.chemist-4-u.com/carepoint-pen-needles-31g-4mm-pack-of-100?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH51rLZBVFQxuvS7mDJooegtK8BMiyT0PwREMRHhH_1atfQIo8TEbsmkaAkA0EALw_wcB

10 - 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.

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

12 - 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.

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

14 - 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.

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
furthet reading about injection sites and the effects: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618

16 - Abdominal side-effects are much easier to control with smaller meals. For example, having 4 small meals in the day vs 2 big meals can have an improvement in nausea and burps.

17 - 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.

18 - 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
  • Bolt pharmacy 2.5mg £125, 5mg £179. Or starter pack with 2.5mg and 5mg pen £319
  • Asda £184
  • Boots £219
  • Chemist4U £179

19 - 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-mounjaropart-3?page=1

4th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5044316-continuing-mounjaropart-4?page=1

5th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5048290-continuing-mounjaropart-5?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out:

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat/5057475-mounjaro-and-wegovy-newbies-april-2024

Continuing Mounjaro...part 6
Continuing Mounjaro...part 6
OP posts:
Thread gallery
41
JanetSnakeholeMacklin · 26/04/2024 07:25

I'm wondering if my doc is interested because I'm still in remission from Hodgkin's lymphoma and during that time I had DVT, bad reactions to the chemotherapy, sepsis X3, lung and heart issues etc. I'm all good now and there was nothing that should stop me taking MJ, well it wasn't listed on the questionnaires or on the patient leaflet, so I'm hoping they're just being cautious.

GlueNoGlue · 26/04/2024 07:43

Weekly weigh in- lost 3lb this week so total is 27lb so far! Got distracted while injecting and now have a lump on my leg. Hoping that goes down and I haven’t completely messed it up somehow :(

NCfor24 · 26/04/2024 07:44

Just checking for first time in a while...I can't keep up anymore!

@Rainbowl sorry to hear about your FIL. I hope you are all doing ok x

Seems like everyone is still trending downwards with the odd stall here and there...which I guess is real life. I've weighed this morning and discovered my scales are mad. Yesterday I was 13st 0lb. Today I am 12st 14lb. Which is the same I think?! If I was 13st and lost 1lb I'd be 12st 13, right?! Anyway will do it again tomorrow and hopefully be more definitively in the 12st bracket.

I don't think anyone has mentioned periods for a while...well my last one was 2 weeks ago and that was a week late. I woke up with cramping about 4am and I've got my period again. I had some super light spotting a few days ago too. My first 5mg dose was last week so not sure whether that's messed it up a bit or whether it's just peri symptoms getting more noticeable... My mood has been much more balanced since starting MJ though so at least that's something.

NextPrimeMinister · 26/04/2024 07:45

Weekly weigh in, after last weeks stall (TOTM) I have lost 2lb this week, so 24lb overall. Deeeeeeelighted!

SW 13.12
TW 12.02

NSV is fitting into more of my clothes (have an entire range of size 14s that had got too small) which is great, also very interesting to read the pp about impact on shopping addiction, as I was one who would be getting weekly amazon and new clothes. That's all stopped, I'd just not realised!

It makes MJ more affordable for me as I was spending double or triple the cost of MJ on clothes and tat. Quite remarkable.

PissedOffNeighbour22 · 26/04/2024 07:46

Weekly weigh in and I think this is my lowest loss yet.

Starting weight 15st 11lb 8oz
Last week's weight 13st 7lb 4oz
Current weight 13st 5lb 5oz

I'm really struggling with the continuation of 5mg (due to the delay in availability of 7.5mg pens) and am hungry constantly. I've never had the appetite suppression that most seem to have on here, but it's definitely getting even harder to stick to it. I have been staying within my calorie allowance and have upped my exercise but it hasn't helped much.

My first proper goal of 12st 7lb by spring bank is looking harder to meet now.

There's been no change in my measurements for weeks so hopefully that will change soon. I'm still obese although my bmi has come down from 40 to 33.

MountKilimounjaro · 26/04/2024 07:49

@JanetSnakeholeMacklin oh gosh, that sounds like a lot to go through. Hope you're doing ok now. They may well just want to check in. It's good that they're being so diligent.

I think in general they don't get in touch unless there's something in your history they want to reassure themselves about. Often it's just making sure you know what you're doing and that you're taking a sensible approach.

Usernameisnotavailable0 · 26/04/2024 07:53

@PissedOffNeighbour22

You have done brilliantly though! That BMI reduction is amazing 👏

I will stand in solidarity though, as I've started my second 5gm pen today as I'm waiting for my 7.5 and don't feel it's going to last. My plan is to increase the does and use the pen up quicker.

I'm in the middle of swapping to medexpress and it's taking an age.

ObsidianTree · 26/04/2024 08:03

Morning all,

Well done for the losses today @PissedOffNeighbour22 @NextPrimeMinister @GlueNoGlue and others from previous page I have missed!

OP posts:
ObsidianTree · 26/04/2024 08:05

I also am not feeling 5mg is doing much. This week I have grazed too much. Next jab I'm going up to 7.5mg. Will do a full twist and a half of the pen.

OP posts:
DownWithThisKindOfThing · 26/04/2024 08:06

JanetSnakeholeMacklin · 26/04/2024 05:06

Well done! 💪
I hope you had a good sleep (I was so anxious my first night, I barely slept). Remember, keep your protein up, drink LOADS of water - 2L a day at least, and try and avoid fatty/spicy food until you know how it affects you and you get a feel for what your side effects may be.

Thank you. No I didn’t sleep well. Been trying to up my water and protein in readiness

Stickthatupyourdojo · 26/04/2024 08:11

Well done everyone for the losses this week 🎉

My 7.5mg pen is coming this afternoon apparently, very impressed by that!

I am smiling like a Cheshire Cat this morning as I am 10 stone 13. I've not been 10 stone something since at a minimum 7 years. My eldest has never encountered me at this weight or less. It's starting to feel possible that I may finally hit a "healthy" weight again after years of being obese.

Flapearedknave · 26/04/2024 08:11

Weigh in and I've lost 4lb this week!

Very very happy with that!

5mg is working much better than 2.5.

Congrats everyone on your losses!

missionchub · 26/04/2024 08:17

Congrats on the losses!

Took my bonus dose with my last 2.5mg last night so on to 5mg. Since I started 3.3kg lost and last night was 3 full weeks, pleased with that. So looking forward to cracking the 80kg mark, I haven't been under 80 since pre pandemic which really was my undoing with the total 180 in lifestyle (and 24/7 fridge access).

I've been extremely fortunate with little obvious side effects bar the cold - appetite is down but not absent and I am tracking calories and protein.

Could not be more grateful for these threads - the advice and encouragement has really helped me. I was terrified of starting and the pen sat in my fridge for nearly 2 weeks before I got brave enough - so thanks all

NCfor24 · 26/04/2024 08:19

@PissedOffNeighbour22 I'm another who doesn't get much appetite suppression. For me the main MJ effect is magic willpower. But I am still feeling hunger definitely. I generally don't eat breakfast and have a protein+salad for lunch and then whatever the family have in the evening (DH cooks) unless it is super carb heavy...so pasta bake night I have a high protein ready meal. I've never been able to stick to calorie counting before though, so it's working although my losses aren't huge they're fairly steady now.

NCfor24 · 26/04/2024 08:21

@Stickthatupyourdojo well done!! I can't imagine the feeling!!!

LifeisHard73 · 26/04/2024 08:22

Morning,

on a train trying to catch up on all your news!

Sorry to hear of illnesses, side effects and everything in between- I hope things improve along the way. I guess we’re all in this for the long haul and so there will be ups and downs.

I took my 2nd 2.5ml dose yesterday. Apart from some nausea I feel fine.

Weigh in: (I’m 5 ft 3)

SW 11.1
CW 10.8

So I’ve lost half a stone which is fantastic! I know won’t carry on like this and really the work starts from here.

My goal one is to lost a stone by end of May and I’d love to be at least 9.7 by end of June and then my goal is 9 stone, maybe 8.13.

Have a lovely day! (It’s bloody 🥶)

guestusername · 26/04/2024 08:24

Some great losses this week, well done 👏

Official weigh for me is 1lb off. Little bit disappointed but bigger picture and all that. I feel like 2.5 isn’t quite effective enough now. I don’t want to go up to 5 yet because of side effects so I might do another 1.25 after the weekend from the bonus dose and see how I get on.

SW 14.12
CW 14.4.5
GW - TBC

NaturalBlondeYeahRight · 26/04/2024 08:25

Finally got back under 200 pound (just!)
It's going really slowly for me, some of your loses are amazing. It's only been 14's pound roughly in 8 weeks but it's going in the right direction. I'm another who has tried saxenda on the past very successfully in 2019 (then I got ill and stopped) so I wonder if your first time is the most effective?

lurkylurk · 26/04/2024 08:28

NCfor24 · 26/04/2024 07:44

Just checking for first time in a while...I can't keep up anymore!

@Rainbowl sorry to hear about your FIL. I hope you are all doing ok x

Seems like everyone is still trending downwards with the odd stall here and there...which I guess is real life. I've weighed this morning and discovered my scales are mad. Yesterday I was 13st 0lb. Today I am 12st 14lb. Which is the same I think?! If I was 13st and lost 1lb I'd be 12st 13, right?! Anyway will do it again tomorrow and hopefully be more definitively in the 12st bracket.

I don't think anyone has mentioned periods for a while...well my last one was 2 weeks ago and that was a week late. I woke up with cramping about 4am and I've got my period again. I had some super light spotting a few days ago too. My first 5mg dose was last week so not sure whether that's messed it up a bit or whether it's just peri symptoms getting more noticeable... My mood has been much more balanced since starting MJ though so at least that's something.

@NCfor24

I've been peri for some time and I get those very short cycles sometimes, what seems to happen is that I don't actually ovulate (I get bad ovulation pain so can tell), it's like the process starts, doesn't carry through but then I get a period anyway on time but then ovulate on the second day and then have another one 2 days after that. Just what you want, even more periods!

MJ does seem to mess about with peoples cycles a little though so it could be that or a combination.

NoMoreCoffeePlease · 26/04/2024 08:31

That's my first four weeks complete for me, and I've lost 4.9 kg / 10.8 lbs. Before Mounjaro, I was in a six-month stall of gaining/losing the same kg. After much deliberation, I've decided to start using the 5mg (and not stay on 2.5mg or try and get a '5th dose'). Also my birthday tomorrow, so this might be a mistake 😂Watch this space!

Side effects so far:

  • slightly slower/more irregular digestion, have started adding a few dried prunes to my yoghurt
  • have had to increase my dosage of another med, as the delayed digestion (I think) has made it less effective
  • the collagen powder I'm having seems to have positive effects on my skin and hair
  • needing to pee (even) more at night because of all the water I'm drinking

Absolutely life-changing. Mounjaro has the potential to save the NHS millions of pounds a month. If I need to be on this for life, I wouldn't even mind. Though hopefully it would come down in cost somewhat.

lurkylurk · 26/04/2024 08:39

@JanetSnakeholeMacklin

You've had an awful time of it! It's probably a good thing they're just being diligent.

I don't think my doctors will be in touch, it takes 3 weeks to get a non-emergency appointment and they can see from my record that I've given up on going to them and usually just get anything I need prescribed by an online doctor now anyway. Taking into account prescription charges it usually works out not much more expensive and a whole lot more convenient.

Not so great if actually need something diagnosed though!

lurkylurk · 26/04/2024 08:40

@NCfor24

That was supposed to read 2 weeks after, not 2 days after!

PissedOffNeighbour22 · 26/04/2024 08:53

Thanks @Usernameisnotavailable0. My aim with the 5mg pen is a second dose of 5 and then two 7.5mg doses to finish off the second pen.

I had an issue priming the new pen yesterday though. Took 4 attempts for it to properly prime which I've not experienced before. Lots of the fluid shot out when it finally worked though.

@NCfor24 sounds like we're eating in a similar way. I don't usually have breakfast, if I'm in the office I'll have a protein shake and if I'm at home something fairly light and low cal, then I have a good sized evening meal but just a smaller portion of what my DP cooks.

Scalessayeek · 26/04/2024 08:56

Hello! Checking in for the first time in a while, I'm on the app and this moves so fast 🫣

Highest weight this year 301.6 lbs.

Starting weight: 298lbs
Current weight: 263.8lbs
2 months tomorrow. Another 65lbs minimum to go.

So happy with my choice to start this journey and hoping to be on full doses until at least Feb 2025 when I'll start to wean off (or have maintenance dose). May extend until September 2025 if I think I've got more weight I'd like to shift but hoping to be in the high 100's at least.

livingwithpmdd · 26/04/2024 09:25

I'm going on holiday and want to take my mj with me, has anyone done this?

I have a checked bag and wondering about packing it in a cool bag in there? Can put it in a fridge when I get there but thinking about it going through security and staying cool. Any advice please.

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