Continuing Mounjaro...part 13

[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
furthet 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, 12mg £204. 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 £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £179, 12.5mg £199

Asda:
2.5mg and 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189, 12.5mg £204

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

12th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5090788-continuing-mounjaro-thread-12?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 have on occasion had this. I seem to think it was worse on early low doses. I recall a particular day when I had had a chicken burger and fries for lunch and then had to go in my friend's car. I wondered if it was related to having had a relatively high fat meal which I only ate as I was trying to hide my Mounjaro use.

I saw this post! So bad isn't it!
I also saw another post earlier where a woman somehow managed to accidentally inject all 4 doses??? I will be honest I was a little confused as to how but. That poor ladys body!

Just checking in. Ate something last night that didn’t suit me so feel sick with bad heartburn so me and the cat are spending the day in bed

Have just been on Reddit and noticed that someone has put together a list of suppliers that support maintenance. I didn't realise this was even possible!

All the info isn't clear, but for some of the main ones we use:

MedExpress: Once at healthy BMI continue on maintenance dose for 6 months and then step down medication and monitor loss
The Family chemist :Would consult you as approached healthy BMI to discuss maintenance under close supervision
Curate: up to 2 years
Boots: BMI 23
Asda: healthy BMI and stop
Pharmacy2u: will supply for maintenance
Bolt:Individual assessment once BMI 22
Zava hasn't got info but I have messaged them asking what their maintenance plan is. Will see what they say.

Hi all
Am down 0.3kg this morning, still 0.4kg above the weight I was on 23rd May when this stall started.

Work is being utterly awful and am having some really late nights working from home. At least with MJ I'm not reaching for sugar to keep me going like I used to.

Help! My order was dispatched and delivered early this month and has arrived whilst I’m not home and my husband is. I haven’t told anyone other than 1 friend and he’s texted me asking what it is and if he should open it and put it in the fridge. I’ve told him to leave it and I’ll speak to him later on. How have you gone about having the conversations with your loved ones? I’m worried he’s going to think less of me. He’s been so supportive of my weight loss and said how proud he is that I’ve stuck with it this time round. I’ve completed 8 weeks so feel like he’s going to be upset I’ve kept it from him for so long. Can I have advice please x

I shouldn't tell you till I have stocked up myself but this choc hazelnut 18g protein pudding is delicious. I think it's available in most supermarkets.

https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/getpro-chocolate-hazelnut-high-protein-pudding-616585011?gadsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoIfige7dhgMVVZhQBh0nxA-1EAQYCSABEgJUAfDD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I chose to tell my DH straight away. In fact I dropped the idea on him one day but I was hesitant about the cost and he told me to go for it. So I know I've got his approval. I have not told anyone else. Not a single soul.

I don't know what you should say but I don't think you can lie now it's come saying refrigerate. He might be hurt. Good luck

I really fancied pasta today and cooked bucatini with artichokes and mushrooms. I’ve eaten the sauce but could not stomach the pasta (which I love!). I’ve been told it was delicious so it is me… very odd. Ate such a little bit of my portion that I have kind of supplemented with two slices of toast ham, just for the protein. How very odd!

@Choux the chocolate one is also delicious. I've had it as an evening snack when I craved something sweet and it was perfect. I've not tried hazelnut yet. But nuttella is one of my favourite things in the world so it looks promising!

@AgathaMystery thanks for the encouragement. Still no change for me. I weigh daily so let's see what tomorrow brings!

@GreyFinch I'd probably approach it by saying I wanted to see how it worked first and tell him about how you feel since using it. I'm sure if you're honest now and explain what losing the weight means to you he'll understand. It might be tough but you might find he's supportive. Good luck 🍀

Love them too!

Hi hoping to join the thread 👋

Took my very first dose today. I was previously on ozempic with a bmi of just under 30. Managed to lose 2.5 stone on that and was then moved to wegovy which my body did not like at all so I stopped. Gained a few lbs after that but managed to maintain for a good few months but lately I’ve gained again and have not been able to lose any.

Back in the lower calorie intake and it’s surprisingly been not too much of a struggle but haven’t been able to shift any weight so testing out Mounjaro to see how I respond.

I think my body just really like to hold onto any weight and although it maintains well too, when I need to lose some it’s an almost impossible task. I’m hoping to get down to a bmi of around 22-23 and build some really healthy habits and do a better job of monitoring my maintenance level again. Will look forward to the food chat calming down again!

What does everyone do to replace the food? I know that probably sounds strange but I'm realising that eating is sometimes just something to do. Or I'm so used to snacking that I go looking for it even when I don't need to eat or really want to eat. I'm alone today so it's extra hard as that's when I always binged before. I'm only on day 2 so I hope this gets easier.

Today I have eaten -
one slice of toast
Greek yogurt with strawberries and a small banana
Egg mayo pitta and salad.
One packet of crisps (One usually turns into 4)

Does this sound OKish?

I don't know if I'll bother having anything else now tbh

@GreyFinch I don’t know how to approach the conversation, I’m sorry. I admitted to my partner after about a stone and a bit loss as it was becoming noticeable. He was really hurt I hadn’t told him before.

I asked if we could have a chat after he said “are you taking something?” And I said yes I was. I’d researched it. I was happy with my choice. It wasn’t Ozempic. (So much in the news on it being bad 🙄) and I explained what it did and why I had done it.

Good luck and I hope it goes well.

@Lastchancefatty
I’m the same - turning to food when I’m bored, fed up, stressed or on my own.

These are some things I’ve found helpful:

Cleared all my kitchen cupboards and gradually used up any ‘crap’ food.
Doing weekly meal plans which really help with food shopping.
Cooking from scratch using recipes from Simply Cook (I’ve got a link for a free trial for this - I’ll post it later)
I’ve made a to-do list of things that need doing around the house.
Listened to Dr Andrew Jenkinson’s 2 books - Why we eat (too much) and How to eat (and still lose weight) Both fascinating and have really helped me switch from UPFs and sugar to a healthier diet.
Self care - home treatments for hair and nails, manicures, pedicures and facials. All done at home to keep costs down.
Walking (although I actually walk for a living!)

Yes ! But it’s fairly recent (from week 13). I feel an excess in my mouth at times and it is very noticeable (only to me- hopefully!)

That's great news, thanks Obsidian!

I wonder what the maintenance dose will be? I might have to send them a message and ask.

If that is the case then I don't need to worry about stock piling after all. I've got two 7.5mg pens sitting in the fridge and was going to buy a 10mg when my account unlocks in a few days.

@Pinkbendyman that's a great list. Thanks for sharing.

I have sort out cupboards and wardrobe on my list already. But am not sure if it is due to normal procrastination, Mounjaro related tiredness or the depressing weather but I just haven't started any of it yet.

Thanks for those responding! I’ve had the chat with him and he understands why I wasn’t open to telling him in the beginning. He too agrees he probably would’ve been a bit dubious about the money and likelihood of it working. He has said he will support me no matter what as long as I’m safe and healthy 🥹 I’ve sent him a few links to look at so he can look into it himself. I feel relieved!

Ooh my first box just arrived wasn’t expecting it until Monday. Now I’m not sure when to start if I did it Sunday is it better to do morning or evening? Or do I delay knowing I’ve got a very full on event and 5hr drive in 2 weeks time so there’s no way I could be feeling crap on that Fri-Sun. Can I take it a day later so 8days apart would be my 3rd dose after I’ve driven home?

It’s either a really hard twist - possibly with pliers- and then carry on as usual or use a 1 ml syringe and fine needle or insulin syringe and needle to draw out the dose through the end of the pen. With the syringe and needle, 1 dose is 0.6ml and you will probably get a little bit more than that which can be used as a small step up towards the next dose if you want to do that. Inject it subcutaneously which will mean using a 45 degree angle assuming the needle is longer than 4mm which is the length of the needles that we use with the pen.

Not many people have got to maintenance yet but it may be that the weight loss plateaus anyway at some point in which case I would just stay on the dose that I was on for maintenance. If it looked like I going to overshoot a target/healthy weight then I would reduce the dose until the weight stabilised. The average weight loss achieved in the research with the 15mg dose was 20% of the starting weight followed by a plateau. If the starting BMI is over thirty then a 20% loss won’t always result in a BMI under 25 anyway.

For example my starting BMI was 32.8 and if I do lose 20% it will be 26.3 so I am not stressing about maintenance doses or being cut off - I would be happy with that result.