Continuing Mounjaro...part 9

[ObsidianTree]

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. Also below you can plot the effect of your doses.
glp1plotter.com/

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

Also there is a 5th dose in each pen. To extract it you can either try a hard twist or use an insulin needle.
medbasic.co.uk/bd-micro-fine-30g-1ml-syringes-needles

10 - Protein is important as eating less protein can cause muscle wastage and hair loss. Try to have at least 100g a day.

11 - Some natural sources of protein:
www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein
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: 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 2.5mg and 5mg. £149.99. 7.5mg £169. Use code STARTNOW. Ask for other codes if that doesn't work.
The Family Chemist 2.5mg and 5mg -£149. 7.5mg £169.
Simple online pharmacy - £159 2.5mg £179 5mg
Bolt pharmacy 2.5mg £125, 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189
Asda 2.5mg and 5mg £184. 7.5mg £189
Boots £219 +
Chemist4U £179 +
Superdrugs

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:

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

2nd thread:

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

3rd thread:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5037623-continuing-mounjaropart-3?page=1

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

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

6th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5057916-continuing-mounjaropart-6?page=1

7th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5062935-continuing-mounjaropart-7?page=1

8th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5068850-continuing-mounjaropart-8?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out:

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

@GingerLemonTea, wonder if you can share the side effects that are troubling you most, and maybe we could hive-mind some things to try to alleviate them?

E.g. I take a Biokult probiotic daily and have found that has prevented any gastro stuff (so far!). I take magnesium and have a daily 2L water rule and those are meant to prevent constipation. I got some cheapo mouthguards off Amazon to wear at night to help with bruxism (teeth grinding) as I know from prior experience that that gives me bad headaches and teeth pain... I'm also taking electrolytes for hydration...

Maybe there's something in your control that you could try to alleviate or mitigate the worst of the side-effects?

As for weight stall, that's fairly typical for me, especially if you're due your period... I retain all the water for a good 10 days a month! But my waist measurement is going down... Perhaps starting to measure now will help power you through the longer haul.

Really wish you all the best whatever you choose

I started 7.5mg on Thursday night and for lack of better words. I cant stop pooing.

I had a bit of appetite over the weekend but today the thought of food has made me feel quite nauseous. In a way I'm kind of relieved this is happening as I've not really had major side effects up til now and not a lot of weight loss (10lbs in 11 weeks) So at least I know something is working in my system now lol

@DownWithThisKindOfThing don't feel embarrassed. We're all here to support you. x

I'm giving myself 12 weeks to see how I go. It's the end of week 3 and I'm 1.3kg down but with limited side effects. I have 20-25kg to lose to get back to a size 12 so thought it would be higher but I suppose it's still going in the right direction and I have nine more weeks before reviewing.

No real impact on appetite (ate a large lunch on Saturday no probs) but finding it easier to plan meals and make better choices. Have definitely noticed I'm tending to prefer bland food like toast and rice cakes but trying to prioritise protein and fibre.

Injecting is an absolute breeze, can't believe I was worried about pain or method!

Thanks for the new thread @ObsidianTree

I have maintained over the weekend. But I did have a lot to drink both Friday and Sat night. I am in LDR so when my DP visits we do tend to go a bit OTT!

He was saying I looked really slim , and noticing my little food portions. I haven't told him how I'm losing weight and he hasn't asked, But the pen is in the fridge , not hidden. He's a paramedic so he may well have clocked it but just not said anything.

Update on that Johann Hari book. Jay Rayner is on Twitter saying Hari's claimed in the book that Jay took ozempic and he absolutely didn't. He apparently wrote a column about why he wouldn't take it, which somehow Hari has embellished to a whole new story.

Did my first 7.5mg last week and is has put me on the floor! I have had a very upset tummy, not bad enough to stop me working but as soon as I need to go, I need to go. Also drank some wine on Saturday night and I am still paying for that today, it made me feel absolutely awful. Normally feel fine with a few glasses but my body really did not like the wine - which is a good thing as will force me to reduce it. Did a crazy week of exercise and my energy levels have struggled, when again normally I would cope. I was fine on the other doses but have really felt the difference on the 7.5.

First post and Ive found these threads really useful and reading through them encouraged me to take the plunge and start on MJ.

Ive took my 5th dose on Friday (but did use the extra dose from pen 1 a week before) so am now at 5mg. And Im finding that Im not hungry - at all.

Obviously this is a bit life changing for me so far as Ive never expereinced it before, but Im now struggling to eat much at all. Yesterday I spent ages on preparing & cooking a BBQ and was really looking forward to it. And all I could manage was the feta & mushroom salad and some tomato & mozarella slices. I had 1 bite of the burger (which I would usually devour) and just couldnt face it - luckily DH had it.

That is all I ate yesterday and so far today I haven't eaten anything as Im just not hungry. How normal is this? And what do I do? Do I force myself to eat something or just enjoy the whole not being at all hungry feeling and wait to feel like eating?

Im currently wondering if this is how naturally slim people feel? I know people who never say yes to cake, takeout etc as they say they dont fancy it and I could never understand that viewpoint as I could always manage a 'treat'. Is this how some people feel all the time? If so its blowing my mind!!

Thanks for the new thread, OP!

Congratulations for all the losses, and commiserations to those handling nasty side-effects. Eyes on the prize...

Just completed week 1 and had my 2nd 2.5 shot last night. (Slightly apprehensive as some of it ran back out and dripped down my tummy, so I've probably got a slightly reduced dose, hoping it doesn't kill my progress). Very encouragingly, I got a 2.2kg / 4.9lb loss. I do know this is unlikely to be sustained, but it's nice to see!

My plan for the week worked really well, with suppression peaking before the weekend so that I wasn't obviously eating differently for the family and friends events. Side effects were strongest on days 3-4, with coldness, loose stools and sulphur burps, and a weird zen apathy, but nothing unmanageable.

Food-wise I've just gone straight for what I hope will be maintenance, with fibre and protein breakfast and lunch (a boiled egg and carrot sticks; an apple and some ham slices type of thing) plus a half portion of the family supper. No booze during the week which i thought would be a challenge but hadn't been at all.

2 kg down, 18 to go (about 3 stone in old money) before I get to the BMI 25 target (I'm short so this feels quite a big push).

Thank you so much for these threads - I would never have got up the confidence to start without them and all of you!

Your explanation of water loss/fat loss on thread 8 is probably the best and clearest I've ever read, thank you for that! Might be worth copying it here for anyone who joins on this thread? I'm going to go back to it when I hit the inevitable stall!

Am contemplating whether I can take my second 7.5mg dose this Friday. Am spending two weeks with family and if I am so appetite suppressed I'm eating nothing and feeling anxious like I was yesterday will be noticeable.

Presumably I could take say 5 mg on Friday and then top up with 2.5mg later in the week if I feel up to it so the 7.5mg dose is spread across 2 injections during the week? And then just stay on 5 if not able to do the full 7.5mg.

I would do 7.5mg if living my normal life but I am not sure I want to risk it when staying with family.

My thoughts on stalls or small gains is it’s totally natural. I was one of the first to start MJ and I’m now three months in. Weight loss isn’t linear.

I’ve posted about my stalls and slow loss. I think it’s important. Yes, it made me down. Want to think sod it. I may as well eat something “nice.”

But that would achieve nothing. That really would lead to gain. This has to be a lifelong lifestyle change or we will go back to old habits. I’m now slowly adding things back as chicken and salad can’t be forever.

I’m now 4lbs above a healthy BMI. Food doesn’t dominate my life. For now.

@Choux I think that’s sensible. Now my family all know I have started to get the “please don’t take it too far, what are you aiming for, do you just never feel hungry?”

I would rather be open with them about it. They saw me go through bulimia and alcoholism and a large part of my recovery is honesty and the steps. But that is just me and works for me.

No one should have to share their medical records and that’s tantamount to what folks are doing who ask “are you taking something?”

Welcome @SofarIamlikingMJ

Personally I think it’s important to eat enough even if you don’t always feel like it. If you’re struggling with big meals, could you have smaller ones during the day? Or graze a bit on healthy snacks?

I think even naturally slim people would eat more than you did yesterday! 😁

Thank you for the new thread @ObsidianTree I can’t believe we are already on thread nine!

Loving reading everyone’s goals. We can do this 💪🏻

I know @Rainbowl! back on thread one there were so few of us and it’s so hard to comment and tag. Can’t believe it’s been three months. How are you doing now after your FIL loss? (I really do try to remember, it’s hard!!)

@Choux I get it. I am also feeling fully suppressed. Most of the week my appetite has been 0. I have still eaten and tried to eat as much calories as I can, but 7.5mg feels different! I am barely getting 1/2 way into a meal before I can't take another bite. When the 7.5mg is at its strongest, it's probably 3/4 forced bites. I'm going on holiday next week with a lot of family and none of them know I'm on this and want to keep it that way, so I feel I will be taking a break. I will take my last dose on Sat and not take my pen with me. Not because I want to eat and drink, but more that I want to be able to eat a small meal instead of barely touching it so it doesn't get everyone questioning why I'm not eating.

I think I will still be somewhat suppressed even if I don't take a dose on holiday. So will be happy with that I think.

Go with your plan. It sounds good

Thanks for the new thread @ObsidianTree 😀

Yesterday was an odd one - did a longish cycle ride (somewhere between 15 and 20 miles I think), and visited several bars. I ran out of steam halfway through the afternoon - not hungry, but just feeling a bit pathetic. So had some peanuts, as that was what was available. Energy levels rose again nicely :-)
Had some beers, a cider, and then really didn't fancy anything else either alcoholic or fizzy. So I was drinking water instead - this would have been unheard of a few weeks ago! Water, in a bar??

1/4 lb gain today though - possibly because the peanuts were the saltiest thing I've eaten in weeks, or the more exercise than usual.
Will see what tomorrow brings.
Well done to those that have lost, keep-on-going vibes to those who have stalled.

Here's to another week!

I can’t remember which thread we were on when I joined in. Maybe three? I’m going to read thread one again just for fun!

I’m doing okay, thank you for asking. It’s really tough but we are getting through it. The funeral isn’t until the end of next week so that’ll be a month since he died, which is hard.

Weight/diet wise, with everyone’s support here I allowed myself to relax for a week or two and I maintained a bit and now I’m back to losing. Without MJ I would almost certainly have gained weight. I have never been one of those people who lose their appetite in times of great stress. I am emotional eater through and THROUGH!

Med Express have 10mg in stock.!
I have emailed them asking for any codes to keep me with them or I will go elsewhere ( I won't but thought I might as well threaten too😁)

CONSULT-BLOOM is giving me 15% off of 10mg at Med Express.

Anybody know of any better ones?

That's the only one that works at the moment. But feel like the price was £169 last time I checked. So they have put the price up of the 10mg

Actually ignore me. It was that price. I just used that code

Is anywhere cheaper for 10mg?

Same here, huge initial loss and now it’s very slow but as long as I’m losing I’m happy!