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

Help
I took my first dose last night. At 4am diarrhoea started, followed by shivers and sweats. Is this normal? How long does this last? I feel absolutely dreadful.

@yorkypuds thirst is totally normal when first starting. Lots of us commented on it. Is the new(ish) starters thread still going? It feels like some of the side effects change over time so checking in with others in their first weeks would probably reassure you!

Just curious, has anyone on the thread not lost any weight after 4 weeks or so?

@thehousewiththesagegreensofa yes I’ve had a few NSVs… I’m now able to button up a beautiful classic trench coat that I’ve not been able to get into since 2018! Also able to re-wear a lot of items in my wardrobe. I’m starting to fit into some size 14 clothing and feel more comfortable. Weirdly I’ve noticed my feet and hands are much slimmer and my face less bloated/ more chiselled. I am not needing as much makeup as my features are popping more - before my eyes seemed to be disappearing. And I have cheekbones again!

I’ve also started experimenting with new looks/ learning how to style clothes on Instagram. I know you can do this at any size, but I really didn’t feel interested when I was obese.

I used to try to hide away in stretchy black trousers and colourful, patterned lose tops! I’m now realising my wardrobe was terribly unfashionable (not surprising as I’ve bought very few new items since Covid). I’m trying to find my style now I’m free from worrying about hiding my rolls of fat!

So I’ve spent a lot of time on Vinted getting new pieces and items showcased by mid size influencers on Instagram. It’s been quite fun and I’ve acquired some lovely new pieces. My favourite is the Dancing Leopard Dove dress - looks particularly good on curvy tall ladies! So that’s been fun.

But my goodness fashion has taken a boring turn! What’s that about? It’s all neutral colours, white crew t shirts, minimal patterns or colour. Black trousers and a flowery top are definitely out! I’m taking inspiration from what I like but definitely won’t have a beige/white/navy capsule wardrobe!

@WannabeHealthier that's amazing and so inspiring. Perfect timing to get back into the trench coat with them being so on trend this spring. It's really interesting what you were saying about muted palettes. I've always been into big, bright florals and was digging out my summery clothes last night to see if I can get into any of them and, whilst it was good to see some old favourites (even if I can't get into them!) I did realise how out of fashion they were

Those looking for recipe ideas... I have just had the Zoe pancakes for breakfast. A mix of oats, egg, cottage cheese, banana and then some cinnamon. Now I didn't get the texture of mine quite right so it was more of a scramble than a pancake but tasted good and I feel as though I've had a good start on both protein & fibre today.

Thanks @RunningAndSinging. You make a good point about the control. I think I'll do the same. Thanks, too, for the tip about the angle.

Thank you! I will! On it now. Today is drink drink drink.

Tomorrow is a training course I am absolutely dreading. If I didn’t have to do it to keep my professional reg I absolutely would swerve it.

i own the Dove dress in a couple of prints. Been madly flogging and re-buying on vinted in smaller sizes. I absolutely love it. It’s such a flattering cut isn’t it.

Haven't updated for a couple of weeks as I was feeling dreadful for around a week and then been working away. Must have had a virus or eaten something dodgy as I don't think it was MJ that caused it.

Ive hit the halfway mark for my weightloss. I had 6st to lose to get just inside a healthy bmi. I've lost 3st now and my bmi has dropped from 40 to 31.5

Starting weight 15st 11lb 8oz
Current weight 12st 10lb 6oz
I was a size 20 and am now a 16.

My mini goal is to get to 12st 7lb for my 40th/holiday in a couple of weeks.

Wow that’s amazing @PissedOffNeighbour22 you have seen a massive decrease in your BMI. Very inspiring! Congratulations I think you might be the biggest loser on this thread (not that it’s a competition, all weight loss is hard won).

@thehousewiththesagegreensofa yes you’re probably right- people are trying to be weight blind and not mention it.I’m still surprised by those close to me, who are aware of how miserable being obese made me feel. I’ve never been happy as plus size.

@AgathaMystery the Dove dress is lovely isn’t it… and so comfortable. It probably looks good on most people - Amanda Holden looked great in the orange bamboo print and she’s small and quite short. I think it’s just universally flattering. If you’re looking for size 14 on Vinted we’ll be competing against each other!

@WannabeHealthier totally agree on clothing - while I've been working away I've had chance to go shopping and I didn't find a single thing I wanted to buy/wear. Also couldn't believe how much simple pieces cost now.

Very recently I made the decision to remove everything under a size 14/16 from my wardrobe and now I'm heading back to that size or less, I'm worried I'm going to struggle to find clothing I actually want to wear. I'd bought myself a whole new wardrobe of size 20 clothing ready for this summer and all of that is now going to waste as I haven't been able to wear any of it 😓.

I've managed to replace a couple of my favourite items on eBay. They are a 14 and still fairly loose so I maybe should have got a 12 in preparation for more weight loss 😄

@WannabeHealthier thank you :)
It's strange as I'm not actually eating that differently from before MJ and still eating out and still having takeaways etc.

The snacking and having lunches that were too calorific seems to be what was causing my weight gain. I'm just so glad to have lost all the baby weight (my kids are 4 and 2 so no excuse for it).

Well done - that’s incredible. How do you feel?

I haven’t seen that print. I’ve got the greeny blue animal print. All the rest were 16 that I sold (pink and black - my fave, & a green & black). It is ridiculously flattering and I am only 5’2

Really want to start this..but on holiday in 3 weeks...so wait until after? Start now and pause.......paid too much to not enjoy the food..:)...advice please.

On the theme of clothing, I seem to own a million pairs of massive stretchy black trousers, that I'm pretty sure I bought as a form of penance for being fat. I'm now sticking them into the charity shop bag, and pledging to myself to only buy and wear clothes that I like.

What is the attraction to the Dancing Leopard brand can i ask, as I've never heard of it (but may offer on a dress that I've seen on Vinted).

@NextPrimeMinister Me!! I've been between 11st 5 and 11st 6 for around 5 weeks but I've lost a bit more than 1st overall since March. Having said this, I do feel my shape is changing and clothes fit better. I'm in between houses so most of my clothes are in storage and I honestly have no idea anymore what treasures await me when I get to move in July!!

Currently on 7th week of 5mg and have the 7.5mg ready to go. I think I need to up my exercise (well actually do some exercise) and drink more water, be more conscious of salt intake too.

I'm keeping going with it because something has to give and I'm not wasting all the money I've already invested. I figure the longer I don't gain weight, the more chance my brain has to reset.

Depends on your motivation. It’s more to loose if you wait. Most of us still enjoy food, we just enjoy 10 bites instead of 3 courses.

You’ll know if it’s the right thing for you.

It’s just this one dress the Dove maxi. It’s just super flattering!

The clothing talk is so relevant right now. I have a growing pile of Donate clothes, and I am wearing some pieces which used to be overly tight, and are now fitting very loosely. And I have had to move 4-5 holes on my belts!

I have only bought 2 (cheap) pieces of clothing since I started on this journey - a dress and trousers - but this is not sustainable, because so few items fit.

I am heading to Texas to a conference with lots of colleagues who have not seen me in up to 12 months, so it will be interesting to see how they react.

I still enjoy food. I just stop when I feel full, which is a lot sooner than previously because I never ever used to get full! But I absolutely enjoy the taste and have pleasure from the food I eat.
A group of us had dinner at a friend's last night so homemade chilli, curry, rice, naan. I tasted everything, just didn't clear my plate, and left some rice and naan as I prioritise protein. I still managed some birthday cake and half a donut later in the evening! I didn't drink as was designated driver, but had some mocktails and as a daily weigher I was only 1/2lb up this morning even after my morning cup of tea!
I've never had control around food and it's actually amazing to not have the food be the focus of an event, it's the social side that makes it good and the food is a bonus.
If I was in a hotel I'd try everything I wanted but it would be tastes of everything, not 2 lots of starters, 2 full meals and allll the desserts...which is what I would have done just 3 months ago!

Loving the clothes chat. Although I've lost over 2 stone I haven't gone down a dress size. I realised that I stopped wearing non stretchy clothes as they were too small/uncomfortable and it's harder to see the difference with stretchy. I pulled out my summer clothes and the jumpsuits I wore last summer are hanging off me. I need to go through everything and have a good sort out and replace. I'm less than a stone from target so almost ready to buy new! Hopefully all the nice dresses that have been sat in my wardrobe for the last 5 years will fit again but even those may go as styles change and my body shape will be different.
I've never used vinted before so that may be my summer adventure!

Thank you for the replies ...I will start now!

@AgathaMystery thank you :)
I feel so much more like myself now I'm back to my pre-kids weight. Obviously I'm still obese, but I don't look dreadful anymore. I don't think I'd truly realised how fat I was. It was affecting my mood more than I realised too.

I don't feel any healthier though, I have spine and hip issues and it's more painful now but could be due to the small amount of exercise I now do.
I'd like to tone up as my skin is a bit saggy and I have bingo wings. I can definitely walk faster now though 😄

I don't have any side effects and although I'm not particularly appetite suppressed, I'm not snacking anymore.

@HappyGG thanks for replying, so are you on a stall of 4 weeks or haven't lost anything over the 7 weeks you've been using MJ?

Only out of curiosity really. I've seen on these threads people saying they've come off Ozempic or Saxanda as it didn't work.

Eating is such a chore on 5mg. I just don’t have any appetite and last few days have struggled to get beyond 1000 cal. Trying to prioritise getting protein in. I’ve just had a very small salad for my lunch and can’t even finish it.