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:

@Summerslimm i usually feel the full effect on day 3 post injection if that helps? I personally don’t plan when I take it and don’t think about it too much as I think you can will yourself to feel something. Just put to back of your mind

@GreyFinch yeay glad you got a good reaction. I think it’s normal to feel dubious especially given the skewed news coverage. My loved ones were convinced by that Cardiff university video on YouTube- it’s a lecture by a professor in obesity. Well worth a watch (linked a couple of times in previous threads)

@ObsidianTree Thank you so much for sharing the maintenance information which is very informative- I’m glad I moved from Asda now although I suspect Zava policy will be the same! At least I can make an informed decision now

The negative press coverage is ramping up (see BBC yesterday) and it worries me- I wouldn’t be surprised to see access restricted further

Btw I ordered Zava late Friday morning and received it before 11am this morning… so less than 24hrs and I’m a new customer. I weighed myself after breakfast and early lunch…before going to the loo and was wearing a full outfit with heavy cardigan so just snuck over into 30 BMI! Usually I’m just under 29 now. I just know they wouldn’t have approved me otherwise as so many here been turned away. There’s nothing in the instructions to say you have to weigh before food!

I know it’s tough in the early days especially if you are feeling side effects but I would say that there is too little protein. You need to put protein front and centre to preserve your muscle mass. Significant weight loss will always involve some muscle loss but if you can eat more protein and do some strength training that helps to preserve more of the muscle. That will benefit you when you reach your goal weight as muscle uses energy making it a bit easier to maintain the loss.
I think many of us are trying to hit at least 1g of protein per 1kg of body weight so I am aiming for at least 107g a day. I am having a protein shake for breakfast and making sure all my meals have a good protein content.

Thank you to everyone who reassured me yesterday - my Zava order is here!

I have a couple of quick questions if anyone can help:

• The instructions mention swabs, but it doesn't come with any. What should I use, please?

• The really helpful first post on each thread talks about priming and mentions a video. Should I be watching a video somewhere?

Thank you for this lovely, supportive thread!

@BlackFriYay @WannabeHealthier

It definitely makes you consider who your long term supplier will be!

If Zava does support maintenance then I will stick with them, if not, then I'll probably move back to medExpress and just accept they are more expensive!

Hopefully tho, soon more suppliers will be open to maintenance!

June the 19th has been mentioned on Reddit a few times, so maybe some new information then about maintenance!

Weigh in day! I was sure I wasn’t gonna lose this week but after pushing hard my protein intake the last 3 days and a big visit to the toilet 😅 I’ve lost 650 grams this week.
Another 400 grams left until I finally can be a healthy bmi of 24.9

Started MJ 8th March BMI:30.2
Height: 1.56 Weight: 73.50kg / 162lbs

All doses 2.5mg
Dose 1 (-4kg / -8.8lbs) = 69.50
Dose 2 (-2kg / -4.4lbs) = 67.50

Dose 3 (-1.10kg / -2.4lbs) = 66.40
Dose 4 (-500gr / -1.10lbs) = 65.90
Dose 5 (-500gr / -1.10lbs) = 65.40
Dose 6 (+850gr / +1.8lbs) = 66.25
Dose 7 (-1.10kg / 2.4lbs) = 65.15
Dose 8 (-600gr / -1.3lbs) = 64.55
Dose 9 (-600gr / -1.3lbs) = 63.95
Dose 10 (-500gr /-1.1lbs) = 63.45
Dose 11 (stayed the same) = 63.45
Dose 12 (-900gr / 1.9lbs) = 62.55
Dose 13 (-800gr / 1.7lbs) = 61.75
Dose 14 (-650gr / 1.4lbs) = 61.10
Total loss 13.25kg / 29.2 lbs
BMI: 25.1

@Infinity234 you can’t collect with Asda. I tried on my first wegovy, ordered it to my local Asda pharmacy, well it was delivered but ended up in the staff only area main office, had to go chasing round the store looking for my parcel. Customer service wouldn’t help, pharmacy wouldn’t help, eventually a manager went and got it for me… so embarrassing.

@ObsidianTree thanks for that list. I might contact family chemist and switch to them from Asda if they're willing to do maintenance. Mind you, I have lots to lose so I have about a year before maintenance is a concern.

Weigh in today and I stayed the same. I’ve had a lot of eating out this week but I also had a day where I wasn’t able to eat anything as I spent the day in the toilet so maybe that saved me.

I have a family wedding next weekend and my first mini goal was to get to 200lbs for that but I doubt that’s going to happen. Gutted as I’m so close!

SW 223lbs
CW 202lbs

Thank you. I do realise my protein is lacking. I don't eat meat and I find it so very difficult to get enough even when I am eating more. I barely get half what I should for my body weight. I don't think I've ever got enough since I ditched meat 30 years ago. Being very obese I've got a high target to hit and I'm not managing.

@Lastchancefatty
I am pescatarian now but I used to be fully veggie and so I sympathise.
I’ve added a Huel shake to my day as it’s vegan (I don’t usually drink milk). Tofu and tempeh are good and I sometimes mix silken tofu with fruit compote for a high protein snack. If you are fine with dairy then cottage cheese is another good source of protein.
I found when I didn’t eat fish I became over reliant on carbs which didn’t suit my metabolism as I got older. I was veggie for 20 years. You may have to buy a few protein enhanced products like yogurts for now.

I just saw a tv doctor today recommending the following for protein if not eating meat.

Chickpeas
Chia seeds
Quinoa
Spirulina powder
Beans his looked like butter beans
Peanut butter

Also the myprotein clear whey drinks are good as also gets your fluid intake at the same time

Ps not checked if the clear whey is vegan/veggie

Well done, you must be chuffed. We are exactly the same height, start and goal weight. I'm tempted to stay on the 2.5 as well.

Well my pen left Curate on Thurs afternoon and isn't here. So that means it won't appear till Monday afternoon at the earliest.

I live in a remotish place ( island) but Med Express always got it here still cold.

Curate are using Royal Mail 24 so its not really their fault.
I don't even think that it's got as far as Scotland yet.

Think I will have to contact them and tell them I reject it. That's 4 days since it left the fridge.

Thank God for small mercies ! I am off the plateau..no longer in stall.

SW 181.5 kg 06/03/24
CW 174.4 kg 16/06/24
That is a 7.1kg (1st 2lb) weight loss and a reduction of my bmi by 2.75

Yes it has taken 3 months but 2 of those I was just going up and down.
I explained in a previous post that my measurements were shifting but the scales weren't. Thank God my theory of heavier muscle and lighter fat were having a bitch fight has been validated.
This is to anyone who seems to think things are slowing down. They are not . Take heart you shall be the victor eventually !
I probably have one of the highest BMI on this thread 65.6, but man do I feel a lot lighter !
So please be encouraged!
All of you on the Platform with all the ups, downs, rants and whinges...don't stop as it has been fabulous therapy. Just to know you are not alone feeling the various gripes! ❤️

PS
One thing I have noticed is that I need a sexier user name. Mine is boring as piss. I shall now be calling my self StiffLettuce (old but still fresh) :😆

Hi @Pinkbendyman
Could you share the name or link to the collagen supplements. 😊 Ty

@oaode that's fantastic news. Congratulations on the reduced measurements and finally coming out of the stall. As someone who stalls a lot I know the challenge to keep positive and just keep going.

It definitely highlights the need to focus on measurements and other NSVs.

I keep reminding myself that the time will pass regardless, I just have to keep plodding onwards.

I despair at the endless media nonsense about this drug being a quick fix.

@Everdecreasingcircumferences i feel your pain. I managed to put on 2kg overnight early June after consistent losses for a month and it’s just not coming off. I’m praying for a whoosh.

@susiedaisy1912 hope you feel better soon, that sounds terrible.

I think I might have made a mistake ordering the starter pack with one month 2.5mg and 2nd at 5mg, perhaps should have just stuck with 2.5mg especially as you seem to have done so well on it!

On the Reddit thread with the spreadsheet, they now apparently have a reply from Zava, stating:

“While we can't tell you exactly at what stage/weight we might need to stop prescribing for you, please be reassured that we can continue prescribing treatment until your BMI reaches a healthy level.

Once you reach a healthy BMI we will stop prescribing this treatment for you. At this stage we recommend that you maintain your weight using the lifestyle changes that you have made alongside your treatment.

It is not necessary to reduce your dose gradually - you can stop using the treatment immediately.

If you reach your goal weight before this time, you can choose to stay on your current dose, or reduce it to continue on a lower dose of the medication, until your BMI is in the healthy range.”

Erm, that's a no from me!

Thankyou that's so helpful. If there's one thing I really want to do, it's address my protein intake so without all the crap food calling me, hopefully I can be a pillar of health

I've heard about these clear protein drinks. I'll take a look at some. If they're chocked full of artificial sweeteners then I won't be able to have them as they don't agree with me (mainly my taste buds to be honest) but a lot of places have reduced these anyway now. Thank you

I love peanut butter but I can't be trusted to have it in the house usually. Perhaps I'll test my flab jab and get some

I didn't have swabs either. I wanted to get on with it so I used an antiseptic skin wipe I had in a first aid kit. Lots don't bother at all. My mum is diabetic and I've never seen her wipe the seal or her skin in decades.

@oaode Well done on leaving the plateau! I have to admit I think I'd have given up with a stall that long but you've hung in there and it's paid off.