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:

I massaged a lot! Used a pic from a few weeks back. They never queried anything.

Flab jab number 10 done earlier today, official WI tomorrow. I’m sticking to 2.5mg as it’s still working for me and all the talk of side effects when going up a dose scares me!

I am so sorry, that sounds like a lot to deal with.

I hope you can get some rest soon and chill on the sofa and watch bridgerton, that's what I am doing this evening!

I hadn't thought of it as being more zen, just flat!

I will use zen going forward, as that is a more positive description.

FLAB JAB!! Love it, I’m using that phrase going forward (to myself, I’ve told no one irl)

end of week 10 and I’ve had a big whoosh - 5lbs off! I’m meant to be taking my second 7.5 today but I’m going to wait until tomorrow as I’m off on a night out tonight!

@Time4changeagain I was just wondering exactly the same thing today.

I’m active in that I do a lot of walking but know that I’m going to be left with loose skin, particularly on my lower stomach and inner thighs.

I’m 53 and honestly not bothered about wearing swimwear or tight clothing but it would be interesting to hear from others who might be able to help.

I’m taking collagen supplements daily and using Nivea Q10 skin firming body lotion twice a day. Not sure if I’ll benefit but my skin feels a lot better!

Day 6 of wk 1 here and still having almost complete appetite suppression. Managing 900 to 1100 calories a day. Falling short on protein though despite trying hard.
I felt a little peckish before I went to sleep last night and expected to be more hungry today but its the same as day 1.
Moving my jab day to Friday, I need any side effects to take place over the weekend. I did first 1 Saturday morning so will jab Friday late afternoon and then move it to Friday morning the week after.

That’s interesting, have many people stuck with 2.5 if it’s working? I might do this. I’m in my second week with strong appetite suppression so far.

Also love the term flab jab!

I've just got my delivery and I didn't realise I needed swabs. That's annoying as I wanted to inject tonight. Why do we have to swab the seal? All the videos I watch show it

Hey! It's lovely to read your updates. Work has been crazy so I haven't been on much. I have an NSV - I have had to get rid of every single pair of trousers/jeans I own! They're all way too big and just fall down. Am on vinted a lot as I don't want to spend money when I'm hoping the next size won't fit for long too. Weigh in day tomorrow and I've already lost 2lb this week so hopefully I don't gain overnight. I'm down into the next stone bracket too, which is a real psychological boost.

I get what you mean about feeling flat. I think I used to use food as a reward/soother. And now it doesn't do either, so I just have to put up with feeling bored/pissed off/sad/stressed and nothing will provide temporary comfort. Equally, when someone brought in doughnuts to work this week, all I thought was, "Nah, it'll screw up my protein intake and give me heartburn". Food is boring now. Which is good! But yeah... Flat.

The flab jab has made me crack up each time I read it. Brilliant.

@Thebaldprimadonna
Thank you so much for your lovely message.

You are so right. I haven't gained from my binge so maybe it is working a bit

I have 'attempted' binging 3 times. Failed to make a good job of it. Lost interest halfway though, then couldn't eat for the rest of the day. it will likely not be as bad as you think. I also got back into losing mode much faster then normal which must be the MJ.

I have a weird guilt all the times as I feel full quite a lot and i associate that with overeating so have to keep reminding myself that the fullness is from the MJ not from eating off plan.

@Lastchancefatty I guess it's to thoroughly cleanse the needle port to avoid infection.
So ZAVA don't send them at all then?
I had 4 with my last pen from Medical Express.

I didn't get any swabs from Pharmacy2u. Luckily I had some left over from when I got some piercing jewellery. Med express have included some.

@Cerialkiller
That makes sense.

Guess its about breaking the wanting to break the habit too.

Nope. None with zava. I've been otherwise impressed. The speed of approval, the speed of delivery, free sharps bin several extra needles but no swabs. I mean how much are 4 swabs bought in bulk. Seems a bit stingy since it's one of the things you apparently need to actually use the pen.

@susiedaisy1912 have you tried reducing dairy? Someone suggested it to me and it’s made a massive difference. Cheese isn’t too bad (unless I eat lots) but milk or creamy food make me so ill. Might be worth trying? Avoid pat milk in tea, tastes like porridge

Thanks for advice, I rarely eat dairy if I do it's fat free or low fat.

That's odd, I received my 5mg pen from Zava today and there are swabs with it

I have booked myself a massage at the weekend. Feel I am saving money on food and I am more confident to go and treat myself. I need treats that don’t involve wine or food as I don’t want them any more !

FLAB JAB!!!!!!!
That's it now. From now on in!

Weirdly re swabs. My first pen from superdrug (who outsource to zava) provided a bin and needles but no swabs, 2nd pen medexp forgot the swabs and only gave 4 needles, 3rd pen Zava provided plenty of needles and plenty of swabs - just after I bought millions of both 😂

Yes very true. I'm trying to be very philosophical about it. We still need to be able to navigate life and I certainly don't intend to not eat cake for the rest of my life. We need to be able to indulge, without judgement but also be able to apply good sense following that to not turn it into an escalating situation.

I'm hoping mj and it's cousins that will come later, will become normalised and soon we can just pop a pill after Christmas lunch and feel content to skip the left over pigs in blankets and mince pies and lose the pounds before we properly get started on gaining them.

Ye gods. My jab yesterday kicked in earlier and all I had was a creamy coffee until dinner. Just had 3 sainsburies kebabs, yoghurt dip and salad and I'm uncomfortable full like I've eaten 3 courses. I'm about to force down a couple of strawberries and dark chocolate with peanut butter for nutrition purposes 😁.

How do we petition MN to change the board name accordingly?!
Flab jabs sounds so much better! 😍