Continuing Mounjaro Thread 11

[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

10th thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5080755-continuing-mounjaro-thread-10

Thread for newbies just starting out:

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

Courtesy of Flappy, deputising for the wonderful Obsidian.

I buy 1ltr bottles of almond and apricot oil and throw them in my baths (I am too lazy to use as moisturiser) and I have a LOT of stretch marks and this had really helped.

I get them from Amazon. Almond is the carrier oil so I use more of that.

I used to mix them and put them in a pretty bottle while my adhd allowed haha

3part almond to one apricot. I made that up. No idea of it's useful that way, but it works for me.

@Flapearedknave Plesse don’t apologise and not stupid at all. My boobs have always been one part I liked as they have always been in proportion and a good shape. Now? Less so. I clave also been researching. I wouldn’t want to rush into doing anything straight away and I will give it time to settle.

I am also scared I will just regain the weight. I have never loss weight to this extent before.

I look fine in clothes. Out of clothes? I have a fair bit of sagging skin.

It will be the price I pay to be healthier.

@FlappyFish

I’m an A cup when I’m slim, they didn’t even go up much when pregnant but did when I put on weight, it’s the one thing I have liked about it!

Hey everyone, I bought these syringes https://www.antonmovelife.com/products/1ml-sterile-syringes-34g-4mm-thinner-and-painless-injection-needles-sharp-pointed-needles-disposable-needle-for-mesotherapy
But I'm wondering how safe they are, I've just noticed that this company are based in China and selling on Amazon, eBay and AliExpress. Would you trust them? Should I just throw them away to be safe?

@QueenOfHiraeth

"I don't know how true it is but someone I follow on Tiktok posted that she had a reply from her supplier saying that the UK regulator have told all online pharmacies to stop discount codes as financial incentives are not allowed on prescribed medication."

It may or may not be true but it wouldn't be surprising, same kind of reason as prescription medicines are not allowed to be advertised here, it's so weird when you go to the US and on TV every ad break has them!

@GreyFinch

Unfortunately no moisturisers or oils will really do anything to stretch marks as they are damage in the lower layers of skin and no creams get beyond the upper layers! They can improve the appearance of the surface of the skin but that's it.

Laser treatment or dermaneedling can do it as they can reach the lower levels of the skin and stimulate collagen production there. As can time as the skin heals to some degree.

Just don't want you to waste money on expensive creams that can't actually change them.

Hi all, I’ve been lurking on these threads for the last month or so. They’ve been a godsend for when I decided to start MJ and I’m about to take my 4th dose later today.

SW - 14st 7
WK1 - 13st 13
WK 2 - 13st 8
WK 3 - 13st 6
GW - 11st 6

I am honestly in shock so far at how effective MJ has been. I didn’t understand what people meant when they talked about food noise until it was gone!! Unbelievable as I didn’t realise how exhausting it was to manage every day. Even things like the fact that I get full, without being sickening physically stuffed full. I just feel full and my brain says thanks, that’s enough. I’ve never had that in my life! I said to my partner who has been really supportive - this must be how some people actually feel in life. Those who can take or leave food and aren’t constantly thinking about it. So bizarre and so brilliant!

I’m imagining that the first big loss of was mostly water weight but I’m hopeful it will continue steadily at smaller losses. I’ve had no bad side effects really except for being constipated for the first time in my life which isn’t that pleasant. Lots of appetite suppression which lasts until day 5/6 and then I have a desire to eat a bit more but still feel full very quickly. I’ve got a 5mg pen to go up to but think I’m going to do my last 2.5mg dose and then the bonus 4/5 days later and then split dose my 5mg for the first couple of weeks. Has anyone else done that or are people just titrating up to 3/3.75 etc?

The only possible negative is that I’ve had a back issue the last couple of weeks, (injury unrelated to MJ) and painkillers seem to take longer to take effect. Which I’m not sure if it’s my imagination or down to the delayed gastric emptying but it’s been tricky when I’ve been in pain!

I was disappointed to be experiencing a stall during week 4 last week. But I’ve had a whoosh over the weekend and dropped 2lb according to the scales today! What’s different? Upped my water intake and had some electrolytes. Upped my calories including fat (I’m keto). I think I’m going to hit my mini holiday goal weight! I go on holiday next Saturday. I’m feeling confident and plan to make sensible choices (self catering thankfully) and not gain. This might be the first holiday where that feels possible!

Thank you for the encouraging messages on my weight loss @Wonkypictureframe
@izzy2076 and @ncfor24
I really needed to hear your encouraging and wise words! They have boosted me onwards, so thank you 😊.
In my earlier posts I explained I was frightened of starting MJ in case I don't lose weight on it due to my extensive history of not losing weight on WW, SW, CC, low carb, etc. when they worked for everyone else around me.
2 pound weight loss in 2 weeks is better than no loss at all. But it still seems a tiny loss for 1,200 cals a day + MJ. Though I accept the point made that I'm only on the starter dose at the moment.
This is going to be a very long journey for me if I continue to lose weight at this speed.
I'd give anything to experience the speed of weight loss as @DragonflyRuby above!!
I said in my very first post that I think I have a metabolic problem with responding to reduced calories, and I still think I do, which is going to make this hard work and a loooong journey for me.
Thank goodness for this wonderful, supportive and encouraging thread!

Just a reminder that I have 3 referral codes for 50% off with Voy. You can get up to 7.5 with this I have been told.

https://joinvoy.com/r/U-wjjjXONaOY

This is the 1st one let me know if you want one.

I think something a lot of people overlook when eating in deficit is that it’s not going to be the same for everyone.
Depending on your height, current weight, age, you will have a different caloric needs than others.

for example: if you’re 170 cm and weigh 130 kg, the calories needed to maintain your weight are 2850 calories. Therefore your deficit, if you wish to lose 1 kg per week, would be 1850 cal.
However, if you’re 170 cm and weigh 90 kg, your calories needed to maintain that weight are only 2200 cal. And therefore your deficit- 1200 cal.

There’s a ton of calorie deficit calculators out there, that will tell you what that deficit is for you, specifically.
If you eat too little / lower than that deficit, it can have the opposite effect - your body starts holding on to those lbs for dear life and losing is tough work.

From what I have read and experienced so far, other than making sure you’re eating enough for your weight, the other thing that helps a lot is up your water and protein intake. And rotate the injection sites.

I also think it's not an exact science like this though. I know I need to be at even lower than those calculators say I do, or I just don't lose weight at all.

And no, it's not that I can't count calories properly. It's just that my body needs even less than those guidelines, unfortunately.

Is it not the case that the amount of muscle you have plays a part in these calorie calculations?

The body can adjust it’s metabolism to try and maintain weight at a set point - it is a very powerful homeostatic mechanism which is so hard to fight. We burn less calories at rest if our bodies think we need to gain weight. Just like we stay at 37 degrees C, don’t get dehydrated or over hydrated and our blood pH stays constant.

@candleholde I'm the same as you. If I eat what the calculators say I should eat, I don't lose. I need to eat less. Age, previous yo-yo dieting history, pcos and all kinds of other things affect this.

The other day I was at two events and couldn't control the food available to eat and it was the day of my injection but BEFORE my injection so I didn't have any appetite suppression at all. I didn't binge, I just ate the same servings as everyone else, but I gained about 2lbs overnight. I'm certain it was due to the salt and carb content! Even this morning, two days later, I'm still 1lb up on what I was before the event. Very annoying.
Took my 6th 5mg shot and the appetite suppression is back with a vengeance!

I've also just ordered my first 7.5mg pen. It's time to move up as 5mg side effects (nausea) only last a day now. I get from Asda and they've given me a 10% off voucher if someone orders from them for the first time. (I'll get 10% off my next order with them too)

Sharing is saving. Use my Code, and you’ll get 10% off your first order at Asda Online Doctor: REFEWNH3

onlinedoctor.asda.com/uk/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=refer_a_friend

Maximum discount value: £30

Wasn't sure whether to post this but feel quite down today.

Ive had good results with MJ (almost 7kg off so far), but thats only through appetite suppression. It feels like I’m either eating nothing or I’m eating something that makes me feel sick. I can’t see how this will ever be sustainable when I stop taking the medication.

Not sure what I’m getting at really, just that I wish I didn’t need to take an injection to be able to limit my calories. Wish I could just eat like a normal person and not be fat.

@MrsBurtMacklin yes I'm exactly the same. Lots of yo-yo dieting and starvation dieting, which, let's face it- is what happens on MJ.

I have to eat max 1000 calories a day, maybe 1,200 at a stretch. Otherwise I just can't lose weight. It doesn't matter how big I am either.

I have to starve myself to lose weight.

It's easier to do that on MJ.

But I'm under absolutely NO illusions that this is going to be difficult long term, unless I stay on it forever.

The weight is just going to come back, like all the other times.

However, for now I want to get down to a healthy weight. I have not been able to lose weight and get to my goal weight for 4 years or so. I did lose weight on my own, using keto after I had my son 2 years ago- however I just kept stalling and lost all motivation after I was stalling for months and still felt fat. Then I just gained weight really fast.

It's amazing how fast I can gain weight and how slowly I lose it.

What dose are you on? Do you think you could titrate down so that you could eat a bit more, not feel sick and maintain your loss?

I’m on 5mg @RunningAndSinging- I could move down I guess, although by the last jab of my 2.5 I had to appetite suppression at all.

Hi, I'm new here to both Mumsnet and Mounjaro. I just wanted to post to say how helpful these threads have been in helping me to decide to start Mounjaro, the advice has been invaluable. I took the plunge and started on Tuesday and I'm already 5lb down (SW 208). I have had no side effects as such but the 'food noise' has gone, no feelings of hunger, feeling fuller quicker etc. My biggest downfall is wine on the weekends which inevitably leads to poor food choices but I haven't even fancied a drink, it's almost like a switch has flicked in my brain, I just hope it continues!

I also wanted to share my 15% Zava code if anyone can make use of it (I used one from here - apologies, I can't remember who shared it) ZAVA: REFAWCAM.

There is no point being on a dose where it is no way to live. I remember when I had a dose of 1.7mg of Wegovy and was so sick I thought to myself it was like some sort of self harm so I went back down. I think if you can’t enjoy food at at all then it is too much.

I'm determined that the weight won't come on again after. I have changed how I eat - I avoid UPF food as much as possible, I'm more active now, I eat more protein. I will stay on a maintenance dose if I have to! (Hopefully that will be an option by the time I get to that point!)

I’m very similar. I’m just thinking that (a) I’m going to get as low as I can on MJ as I know I can ‘reset’ my set point up to an extent, and even half of the weight back on would leave me a lot better off than I was, (b) keep my portions far, far smaller as I know my stomach can adjust to eating less, (c) stay off the booze, and (d) build as much muscle as possible up to give my metabolism every chance of improving. I’m also think going to save up for a set of private hormone tests and an endocrinologist appointment as the NHS will NOT refer me, but something is just wrong with me, and I want to know what it is.

@candleholde @MrsBurtMacklin losing weight is much harder than maintaining weight (to state the obvious) although maintaining weight long term isn't always easy.

To lose 1lb a week you may need to eat say only 1,000 calories a day while burning 1,500 a day to create a 500 cal deficit. To do that for 40 weeks to lose 40lbs is a real challenge. And if you have 80lbs to lose it's a long hard slog. That's where MJ really helps as the appetite suppressant and craving reduction helps make dieting easier. But you need to find a dose that makes life liveable whether that's 3.75mg, 7.5mg etc.

When you hit goal weight your maintenance calories can increase by 4-500 a day as you don't need to be in calorie deficit anymore. You still need to make good choices but you have a little more leeway. Eat healthy Mon to Thurs so you can do the birthday dinner and drinks on Friday night. And if you want more treats you can do some activity to 'earn them' eg wash the car then have a biscuit with your cup of tea.

The reality is we have all been unbalanced on the calorie content of what goes in our bodies v our activity levels. We need to learn what our new slimmer body needs to maintain and then choose how to spend those calories in a way which makes us happy and suits our lifestyle.

The old me could eat 1,000 calories of junk in front of the tv in the evening and do that 3 or 4 times a week. That will put the weight back on so I will be trying to avoid that pattern of behaviour and logging everything that passes my lips so over a week I only eat 7 x my maintenance calories.

Hello I started mounjaro 1 April and have lost 2s 5lbs in the 2 months. Starting weight 16 st so still have at least another 3st to go.

Just managed my first holiday away with the family and managed to cope with food etc which was brilliant.

However my periods for the last 8 months have been on a cycle of 30 days, I think this is linked to perimenopause and this is the first month I've not had a period, could this be due to the rapid weight loss? Anyone else had this problem
TIA