Continuing Mounjaro... Thread 12

[ObsidianTree]

Please note: Mounjaro will only be be prescribed initially if your BMI is above 30 until you get to a healthy BMI of 23 to BMI 25

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 that 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, vomiting, headaches, aches, are side effects. There may 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

Also there is a 5th dose in each pen. To extract it you can either try a hard twist or use an insulin needle.
https://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.

Some natural sources of protein:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods

11 - 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), psylum husks(fibre for constipation), electrolytes.

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

13 - 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.

14 - 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
further reading about injection sites and the effects: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618

15 - 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.

16 - 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.

17 - Some of the places you can order from are:

MedExpress:
2.5mg and 5mg. £149.99. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £189. Coupon codes no longer working!

The Family Chemist:
2.5mg and 5mg £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £169

Zava medical:
2.5mg £139, 5mg £139, 7.5mg £169, 10mg £189. Zava offer refer a friend discount of 15% off. Ask for a code on here.

Simple online pharmacy:
£149 2.5mg, £149 5mg, £169 7.5mg £189 10mg

Bolt pharmacy:
2.5mg £125, 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189

Asda:
2.5mg and 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189

There are others not listed.

18 - 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

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

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

8th thread:
https://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?page=1

10th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5080755-continuing-mounjaro-thread-10?page=1

11th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5085436-continuing-mounjaro-thread-11?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out in June:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5082791-mounjaro-june-24-starters

Video on how to inject:

@Lastchancefatty .
I didn't intend to frighten you but I do think it's important people understand that this is a drug, it's powerful and it impacts all sorts of physical and emotional systems. I've a history of depression and problematic alcohol use and, on balance, the positives far outweigh the negatives. But I'm also conscious of an impact on mood, as I've described above, and I need to be mindful of that. Fiddling around with doses and dosing schedules, without medical oversight, for example, is in my mind, risky. And yes, losing weight does make me very happy!

Has anyone moved up to 7.5 and found it less effective? I had reasonable suppression on 5 and bad side effects. Did two months as I didn’t want to risk them getting worse! Moved up to 7.5 on Friday and I’m already feeling munchie and wanting to snack (usually I’d get this the day before injecting on 5). I’ve also had no side effects this week at all? No change in when or where I inject so not sure if it’s just the 7.5 not being effective for me somehow?

Thank you. I am leaning towards the notion that it's probably going to make me happy because at the moment I'm so blooming miserable. I know some of my depression and mood is directly related to food. I'm always upbeat and happy when I start a diet and when I am winning at it. When I eat badly I am immediately very low, ridiculously so. When the scales say I'm gaining it's the same. This jab is my hope at the moment as my Dr surgery told me to just keep going hard at the dieting. This was after I told them my most recent attempt at losing weight with a slimming group was just me losing and gaining the same weight every few weeks for a bloody year! I'm only a few pounds down from my heaviest..... Anyway I shall give it my best shot. I didn't want to go on the pill because I thought it would spike my moods and if anything it's improved them so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

If the capsules are two big consider the power...I have a bag of powder from Bulk (you can get direct from them or on Amazon) ...and just add to my morning yoghurt! Or you can add to water / protein shake

I hear you @Lastchancefatty, you sound very like me! Good luck but be sure you look after yourself too - get support on here or elsewhere if you need to and enjoy every moment of losing weight x

I’ve had my first pen sitting in the fridge for a couple of days now and I can’t bring myself to use it! I’ve gone from being really excited to bricking it. I’m worried I’m going to have a horrible gastric reaction and totally loose my dignity around my husband 🤦‍♀️

Please tell me I’m being daft and that I’m ok to go ahead and take it!

I'm very similar, also have unmedicated depression and anxiety (its mild and intermittent thankfully) and I agree that the positives far outweigh the negatives.

I'm just shy of 20lb lost and its done wonders to my general well being, mostly because a, i'm not obsessing about food and b, i'm not constantly worried about how I look, do I have clothes that fit for that party, will my new client think i'm fat, what will my dad say about my weight when he visits etc etc etc. It's not that I feel great about myself now but all the shit that dominated my mental capacity has reduced.

I did have one quite anxious day early on in week 1 or 2, I couldn't sit still, couldn't concentrate at all and had to take myself out for a walk to calm down, something that rarely happens to me. Also remember that this effects blood sugar. Low blood sugar can make you more anxious which can make you more depressed.

I would be very mindful and self aware about your feelings. If you start to feel off, I would try to up your sugar intake a little. Knowing that fact about the blood sugar helped really as i could rationalise that this would pass. My body has seemed to get used to it now and i would say my depression and anxiety has improved from pre-MJ. I feel quite calm and level now.

Sharing is saving. Use my Code, and you’ll get 10% off your first order at Asda Online Doctor: REF63VMS

A code for Asda. I am so hungry today. It has been amazing until now just end if week 2.

So tempted to binge.

This is why I take my dose on a Wednesday. The worst symptoms (if you have them) are generally in the first 3 days. I work from home so in theory i can deal with anything before the weekend. Is there a convenient time to take it? Does your husband know you are starting? I always have imodium on hand but i'm yet to use it in 8 week.

It would be interesting to know how bad people's symptoms were at each stage. I think most people's experience of the first dose were pretty mild. I had none at all really other then wind! You wont know until you try.

I've just been shortlisted for a design award! Very glad I've done MJ now, I can actually fit into some of my lovely dresses. Its in a month so hopefully I will have a decent choice by then.

Just coming to say a quick Hello!

I'm off on holiday from tomorrow, and am a little nervous that I won't have any losses the week we're there as will for sure will be somewhat tempted by the good food and weather. I plan to take my 4th dose a day early (how has it been nearly 4 weeks already???) tomorrow morning, hopefully, it does its thing, and I get to enjoy but not overindulge while away!

My stats so far:

• started: 107.2 kg (BMI 37.1) on May 25
• end of week 1: 103.2 kg
• end of week 2: 101.5 kg
• currently (mid-week 3): 100.6 kg (BMI 34.8)

I am hoping this time next week to be in the 90s! But realistically, I think I'll be just happy if I haven't gained.

@Cerialkiller well done! Is it too outing to ask what the design was? I take it that involves a glamorous event?

I have no glamour in my life whatsoever. I think that is part of why I have let myself go since kids. My youngest has severe ASD and GDD and is very much a handful, so my life is mainly casual clothes as they are practical. I'd love to dress up again.

I have did get another pen. I am at first goal weight, but not quite the weight I was most hoping for, but belly is not shifting much. Given I am over 40, I don't have much hope, but still havea bit to go yet and didn't just want to stop the meds dead without reducing first. I will keep an extra pen incase I'm gaining in the winter and need a reset. It's more for a psychological reset than anything.

Thank you, I honestly can't wait to (hopefully) lose the food noise. I've been acutely aware of food and it's powers over me since I was a child of just 5 or 6. I'd regret when my mum made nice mash potato or something I loved and I didn't eat all of it because the next day could be something grim or I'd be hungry and there wasn't food just available to eat. She was always dieting and talking about it, so was my nan. And all the other girls were dainty while I was chunky - but not fat.

I've been a healthy weight while thinking I wasn't and I've never been able to fully stick to an eating plan for long. The only one that worked for a length of time was slimming world because I stuffed pasta and potato to silence my food noise and fill me up. But that was unhealthily restrictive in other ways and involved way way too much sugar and sweetener.

I'm vegetarian. I've done shakes, cabbage soup, keto, fasting, very low calorie, ww, a mixture of these, clean eating, cutting sugar etc but nothing works and now I'm losing nothing at all so fingers crossed for my injection tomorrow if it arrives on time !! Eek!!

That's good advice thank you. Seems counter intuitive to up the sugar but we do still need to keep our blood sugar levels even so makes sense. Congrats on the award! I hope to start feeling like buying nice clothes... At the moment it's a horrible chore!

I tend to look on the negative. Perhaps my Outlook will improve when I'm happier with who I am on the outside :) We can but hope

Yes. By up the sugar I mean, fruit, complex carbs, dairy. I keto myself so manage to avoid it but it's a tool you can use if needed. I've been surprisingly carb tolerant on mj when I have indulged.

@Soukmyfalafel

I work in landscape design but primarily as a freelance artist for other people so the company 'technically' is the one that go shortlisted and they invited me as I designed and drew it up.

In my mind it'll be like the Oscars but more likely to be a fair few wellies and flat caps in attendance based on what I know. We are being charged £200 a head so just a way for the event company to make money I think. Should be fun to go though....once!

I don’t know if anyone is interested in flattering jeans but here goes… I know skinnies are out & I have to admit, I’ve held out as long as I can and yea, they now look dated.

I read a lot of reviews & have ordered Oliver Bonas Cropped scallop pocket jeans. I read (on Midlife Chic which is like the bible to me) that patch front pockets are flattering.

These jeans are meant to be cropped but are normal length on me, 5’2 (157cm). Anyway, they are lovely. I’ve ordered them in a 14, bit roomy, so a pair of 12 arrive tomorrow. At £70 they are spendy. But I cannot stress how flattering they are.

Also, they look ridiculous on the website. All the clothes styling on their site is bloody awful.

https://www.oliverbonas.com/fashion/blue-denim-scalloped-pocket-wide-leg-cropped-jeans-364908#selection.color=27296

My mums diabetic so I guess it's like she has to do. If she gets really bad she has to eat actual sugar but I'm not diabetic so won't be that drastic luckily.

@KrankyKumquat thank you for unpacking the dopamine and serotonin effects so clearly. That makes perfect sense to me. I thought I was only having mild side effects, because the gastric effects are mild and the suppression is sufficient but not extreme. But I suspect the hypothalamus effects for me are stronger than the gastric ones. I recognise a lot of the consequences you have pulled out, and the way they're affecting my behaviour and mood.

I drove all the way to the gym in my kit on Sunday and just couldn't bring myself to work out. Too apathetic / flat; couldn't envisage the feelgood high I normally get; couldn't muster the energy. I sat in the car for 20 mins, made myself get out and go into the gym, but then just sat in the lobby for 30 mins before giving up and coming home. Unheard of for me!

In no way do these effects make taking MJ not worth it, but really good to understand what's going on in my brain and be ready to make allowances to manage.

Edited to say that I've realised that I'm back to 'overweight' and out of 'obese' - now that's a dopamine hit!

@spamm
The person that flew over from the US and got 3 months worth, it was from Bolt pharmacy. One of the posters here also got them to prescribe 3 months' worth as she was going to be working abroad.

Congratulations! Both on the award nomination and on feeling like you can really enjoy the event wearing something you like without feeling like your size is taking the shine off your achievement - so many of us know what that's like!

@Cerialkiller

Wow! That's fantastic anyway, and yes it will be nice to have choice as to what to wear!

I just wanted to say how lightning fast zavamed were with my approval today. Now I've not got the pen yet so can't comment on delivery speed but I literally signed up, sent my photos over and in just over an hour I was approved. They're also the cheapest if using a code I believe

And here's a code if anyone needs it
15% off your first order at ZAVA: REF662DZ