Continuing Mounjaro Thread 10

[FlappyFish]

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

9th thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5074054-continuing-mounjaropart-9

Thread for newbies just starting out:

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

Courtesy of Flappy, deputising for the wonderful Obsidian.

Congratulations on reaching a healthy BMI Flappy, that is pretty bloody amazing 👏

Ditto the other losers, and Melissa for reducing so much of your morphine!

I'm a bit concerned about the MedExpress discount code situation, as mentioned there were loads of codes last month but now only one that will work for MJ. I'll be swapping to TheFamilyChemist if the discount codes stop although I'm no longer obese 'just' overweight so i don't know if they'd accept me?

Oh, whoever mentioned the clear whey protein from ProteinWorks - thank you, it's fantastic! I got the sour apple thingymabob one and it's just like drinking juice with a tangy kick (which I love). I will easily drink 2-3 of these per day.

25g protein for only 82 (ish?) calories per drink is great.

If the code situation carries on, I'll be doing the same, especially as they price match. Also in the hope as I only live about half hour drive away, I could perhaps get to know them and negotiate some kind of maintenance plan if that makes sense.

@Sye it’s not just you. It really isn’t. I’ve been on MJ since the middle of February. I’m very good at starting a diet!

The initial loss carried me for the first two weeks. Then I got period cravings. I gained water weight. I felt like sod it. If I’m gaining for no damn reason I’m giving in to carbs and chocolate. Cheese. Sweets. Everything not allowed on a diet. Each month after my period I’d start at the same weight and repeat.

Some months I didn’t care as much. I made myself feel miserable battling hunger and cravings. The compulsion to eat was so strong I would give in and then hate myself more.

Three months ago I didn’t think I’d tell anyone other than the wonderful women on this thread. Now? I don’t care. I was judged by some for being fat. Alcoholic as I was before. My friends and family love me for me, not the coating on my bones.

It takes a long time to gain weight. MJ just makes it easier to eat healthier and the support here gets you through the rest. We post about stalls. Our stools. 😂 Hormones. Everything.

welcome and never, ever feel ashamed.

Nutracheck the paid version bits not a lot of money and is brilliant at recognising virtually all food products. I use it everyday

@Youdontevengohere Second the Nutracheck recommendation.
I used MFP for years as it was sort of the only one but was loath to start again with the logging as it's such a chore on there.
Nautracheck so much easier, it's defo well worth the money. Logging keeps me on the straight and narrow calorie wise other wise I kid myself on about my food intake.

Thank you, it’s difficult not to feel guilty, but gosh, im so happy to have found this group.

Thank you, I’m starting to feel encouraged about taking it, but I am certain this will remain a secret, allowing to speak about it on here does lift a weight off my shoulders 😊

Just had my first injection this evening and it was so much easier than I expected and totally pain free - the needle is tiny. Not sure what I can expect from feelings from it but I’m excited to find out!

Can someone explain the hard twist for the last dose? What do you mean by hard? Do you have to put some welly into it?

Stop right there with the guilt!! Nothing to feel guilty for.

And you've found the right place for support. I wouldn't have carried on - or even started! - without them. I've been going through some rough times, and they've just picked me right up and put me back on my horse so to speak.

And another vote for Nutracheck here.

I’ve downloaded Nutracheck and have a 7 day free trial 👍

Good luck. Drink lots of water is my top tip.
Some use sheer brute strength or pliers.
Alternative which I do is insert a syringe in end and inject that.
If I asked husband where pliers were that would cause suspicion!
There leftover in pen after dose 4 so some use as a bonus 5th dose.

Thank you, I’m sure with this group I will get there, I’m happy to chat on the group for now, but everything is hidden away in the real world, broccoli can hide many things as most in my family don’t like it 🤣

Loved the diabetic cat cover story..genius.
My pen is in salad drawer and 2 months in hasn’t been spotted.

Am I a bit odd to want a diabetic cat?! 😂

I love the diabetic cat. I volunteer these as tributes.

So Ive just finished my 5mg pen and I dont fancy starting my new 7.5 pen so I
was wondering how many clicks is 5mg on the 7,5 pen. does anybody know please. Thanks

A whole dose is 60 clicks, so 5mg is two thirds of 7.5mg, which is 40 clicks.

@BlackFriYay

Yes, The Family Chemist will definitely accept you under BMI 30 so long as you have proof of previous prescription, I had emailed a few weeks ago and asked them the very same question.

@MelissaLouRocks

I also asked what BMI they will prescribe down to but they replied saying "I am sorry I cannot answer that question, it is based on the prescriber’s discretion and individuals clinical circumstance." but at least seems like there is some flexibility?

Wow this is moving fast - been catching up in installments all day! Well done on all the losses and wins, big or small, and congratulations to Queen Flossie for achieving the green zone! That's really something.

I'm another one who hasn't told anyone. DH would be supportive but I guess I feel its a private thing. And also I really need this to be a switch in the way I eat, so I don't want any focus on a temporary appetite suppression, not being able to face food etc - I want to build a 3x protein + veg habit and that to be what I and everyone else expects me to eat.

Really interesting re the losing the desire to shop observations. I thought I had a small NSV today, walked round a favourite shop at lunchtime, and found I was in quite a different mindset. Instead of a semi-anxious search for something I might look passable in while blanking out the price, I was content to browse around the lovely clothes, just looking forward to the day in a few months when they'd fit me well and it will be worth spending the money on them. A pleasing, calm, forward-looking interlude.

@ShiftySandDune

"Do you have to put some welly into it?"

Basically, yes! I found it quite easy to do but that may have been the luck of the draw with that pen (or the fact that my hands are as large as my husbands😂).

Well done @FlappyFish! That's amazing news.
One of my friends actually has a diabetic cat. It's a complete pain when they go on holiday. Actually, it's quite a hassle on a day to day basis as it has to have its insulin within certain windows so there's no staying out for an extra couple of hours or anything if it means you'll be late back for the cat. It is a genius idea though and did make me laugh.
I may well be making this up but, for some reason, I thought you could only have one of those MyProtein clear drinks each day. I started off on the raspberry & cranberry one which I liked but then moved to the peach one which I really like. I find it really hydrating somehow.
For those newbies asking about appetite suppression on 2.5mg. I always inject on a Monday evening and my experience has been

• week 1 - mild appetite suppression on the Wednesday during the day. No other side effects. 2lb loss
• week 2 - mild appetite suppression for about 2 hours on the Wednesdays. No other side effects. 1lb loss
• week 3 - period. No appetite suppression. No side effects. No loss
• week 4 - some appetite suppression from Thursday onwards. No other side effects. 2lb loss
• week 5 - took bonus dose which was 70ml in total. Some appetite suppression today. No other side effects.

Having been on these threads for weeks, it does affect everyone very differently.

@sye if you were giving up smoking would your friends and family tell you you were cheating if you used nicotine patches? Think of Mounjaro the same way. It's an aid to help you make the right food choices and portion sizes so that you lose the weight but it is still you doing the work.

Hope you start feeling the appetite suppression soon.

Morning. Today is week 8 weigh in day and thankfully I'm back on the losing train after the week-before-AF thing where my body holds onto weight with a vice-like grip.

SW: 263.6 lbs
CW: 243.8

Loss this week: 3.8 lbs

Total lost: 19.8 lbs

Not super fast - average loss of 2.5lbs per week. Seems sensible. But basically I've noticed that I lose 3 weeks out of 4, and plateau or gain the week or so before my period. Anyone else follow this pattern?

Anyway. I'm staying on 5mg for another month as the side effects have just calmed down and I want to try and stay on each dose while they work.

.

Morning all!

Had my first really bad side effects last night- ate some veg and rice for dinner, not even very much, and woke up at 1am with horrendous stomach cramps and ended up throwing up for an hour 😩

My other half cooked, so wonder if he used a lot of oil or something. It’s not happened before and hope it doesn’t again!!