Continuing Mounjaro...part 14

[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.
https://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:

Zava medical:
2.5mg £139, 5mg £139, 7.5mg £169, 10mg £189. 12.5mg £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 £149, 5mg £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £179, 12.5mg £199

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, 12.5mg £194

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

There are others not listed.

18 - Worried about your supply being cut off when you get to a healthy BMI? Below is some info on some places maintenance plans.

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
Cloud: up to 2 years
Boots: Cut off at BMI 23
Asda: Cut off at a healthy BMI
Pharmacy2u: Will supply for maintenance
Bolt:Individual assessment once BMI 22
Zava:Once healthy BMI will stop prescribing this treatment

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:

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

13th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5096704-continuing-mounjaropart-13?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out in June:

https://www.mumsnet.co
m/talk/weightlosschat/5082791-mounjaro-june-24-starters

Video on how to inject:

Thanks, I've had my blood pressure done last week as I was donating blood. It's fine. I've got one of those over 40 health checks next week as well though, so that should do a lot of things. I will mention it then if upping my water consumption doesn't help.

@KeepingUndercover do you have electrolytes? Or magnesium? I used to get dizzy spells when I did keto, it usually meant I was low on electrolytes/salts.

I've just ordered some in my shop tomorrow actually @ObsidianTree. I wondered if they might help, good to hear it worked for you.

Clearly MJ isn't preventing my shopping addiction

Mate, it has given me a shopping addiction 😂

I have ADHD and used food as a dopamine source, chocolate mainly, but since MJ I have completely lost interest in it. I can't stomach it.

My constantly-seeking-dopamine brain has now latched on to clothes shopping instead. It's like I always need something and lots of it.

I'm constantly scouring vinted and ebay buying whatever takes my fancy. I'm ashamed to say it has become excessive and unnecessary.

I think I'm going to delete the apps and take my card details off from Google pay for a bit 😵‍💫

Could you get a buzz from selling on Vinted instead @BlackFriYay? Shift all the stuff that doesn't fit or things you bought and think "mm not quite me".

@BlackFriYay same! Currently replacing food with Etsy jewellery

What's this about MedExpress cutting people off at BMI 25? It was only a week ago they told me that they are supporting maintenance and what the maintenance schedule will look like. Wtf?

I have sold a fair bit on there recently which makes me feel slightly better about it, unfortunately I've spent every penny I made on more things 😂

*BellaCriesAndThatsAlright *Solidarity! It's like a compulsion isn't it?!

@BlackFriYay I think that's them interpreting maintenance dose differently than us. It reads to me like maintenance = once you've finished titrating up and you continue on that dose. Not what happens when you reach target. Just the way it's worded talking about week 20 makes me think they've misinterpreted the question.

@BlackFriYay

That's interesting that you need to buy a pen every month. Stops people from buying a 15 and then spacing out doses or using half strength to stretch it out.

I guess you could buy several and then stop and use them up, as some people are now.

Let's hope that the pharmacies become a bit more sensible in their guidance. I would HATE to be at the point of having regained a little which pushed me up to, eg. BMI 26-27 and want to go back on it for a kickstart and not be allowed as I'd been weaned for 6 months.

This is a real fear for me as a 20 year yo-yo veteran.

Back from a week abroad and surprisingly I have not gained any weight, despite my mum’s carer homecooking, second to none.

i have a first world problem. Big event in October, I have bought a very nice (and very expensive) jacket, which I love and know will wear for many years. Size L fits now, size M cannot be buttoned atm. Should I go for size M given how expensive it is?

Mind you, having said that about the MedExpress reply, the bit about buying a new pen every month doesn't quite fit with my theory. My new conclusion @BlackFriYay is that none of the prescribers have a clue about maintenance yet and are making their replies up!

Honestly for an event in October I wouldn't risk buying anything yet. Unless you are very close to your goal.

this is a useful resource for calculating daily protein intake by age/weight/height

https://www.nal.usda.gov/human-nutrition-and-food-safety/dri-calculator

That’s the logical approach but I just NEED that jacket

Discount for Voy if anyone needs.
I'm trying to decide where to get next pen now. Not sure if I ll stay or go. Just hate the bother 😔

joinvoy.com/r/U-rJzLHt9b4I

Just to note as well in relation to whey protein, it can cause / exacerbate acne, so approach with caution if this is an issue for you

Re the whole protein thing, this seems to come from the observation that rapid weight loss can cause hair loss. I would note that the vast majority of people on this thread are losing between 1-2 lbs a week. This is not rapid weight loss. (For perspective, I did Lighter Life 15 years ago & lost 3-1/2 lbs per week.) I think it’s anecdotal (eg, not proven) that additional protein can prevent this. But, to me, it’s trying to solve a problem that actually isn’t a problem.
I suppose if you are definitely losing hair, and think protein might stop this, fair enough. But taking in masses of excess protein (esp the expensive whey supplements), “just in case” doesn’t seem justified to me.
Protein is good for making you feel full, and I like to be sure I have more protein & fewer carbs, but I try to keep it in perspective.
I know in the PT/weight training world they are somewhat obsessed with protein, the idea being it supports muscle build up, but I don’t think anyone on this thread is trying to look like Arnie!

@Moanranger

No the protein thing is research based about preserving lean muscle mass to reduce the risk of sarcopenia.

“Regarding nutrition, professional nutrition and obesity societies recommend moderate dietary energy restriction and a protein intake of 1.0 g per kilogram of body mass per day while dieting to prevent or improve medical complications associated with obesity.12 Higher total dietary protein intakes (1.2–1.5 g/kg/d) are reported to preserve lean mass and improve body composition during weight loss in young, middle-aged, and older adults when compared with normal protein intakes (0.8 g/kg/d).”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4892287/

Weigh in day for me. 10mg is working well with another two-pound loss this week.

Apparently, I have now lost the weight of the average four-year-old boy, which explains why life feels so much easier 😁

SW: 13st 10
CW: 11st 3
GW: 9st 7

After 1 week: Feb 28th 13st 2 (- 8 pounds)
After 2 weeks: March 6th 12st 12 (- 4 pounds)
After 3 weeks: March 13th 12st 9 (-3 pounds)

Moved to 5mg
After 4 weeks: March 20th 12st 9 (-0 pounds)
After 5 weeks: March 28th 12st 8 (-1 pound)
After 6 weeks April 3rd 12st 4 (-4 pounds)
After 7 weeks April 10th 12st 3 (-1 pound)
After 8.5 weeks April 22nd 12st 2 (-1 pound)
After 9 weeks April 23rd 12st 0 (-2 pounds)

Moved to 7.5
After 10 weeks May 1st 11st 12 (-2 pounds)
After 11 weeks May 8th 12 St (+2)
After 12 weeks May 15th 11st 12(-2)

Moved to 10mg
After 13 weeks May 23nd 11st 10 (-2)
After 14 weeks May 29th 11st 9 (-1)
After 15 weeks June 5th 11st 8 (-1)
After 16 weeks June 12th 11st 7 (-1)
After 17 weeks June 19th 11st 5 (-2)
After 18 weeks June 26th 11st 3 (-2)

35 pounds total loss (2st 7Ib or 15.87kg)
BMI down from 35.7 to 29.3
HbA1c down from top of prediabetic to normal
No longer needing citalopram
Waist down from 40 inches to 34

Wow! Those are great losses @Thebaldprimadonna. 1st weigh in for me this morning!

I hope MJ goes really well for you. It has changed my life!

Ugh…I’m having one of those frustrating days again. I weighed myself yesterday morning (as I do) and was 98.1 kg. I ate very clean and within my calorie deficit, as usual, and also went for a 7 km walk AND a Zumba class! At the end of the day my calories eaten and calories burned was the same (~1300). I also make it a point to drink 3 l + of water per day. Yet this morning, the scales pissed me off with 98.5 kg!
My logical brain knows this is hormonal or something, as I am also ovulating…and a little constipated. BUT. But my emotional brain finds this soooo annoying!
I hope for a whoosh in a day or so. I was just really hoping to see 97 this morning! Even if it was 97.9 😄🙈 Why am I like this??

Good point. There are plenty of plant based protein powders available. I use one from Protein works and just add water.

A bit annoyed with myself.

Currently on 5mg. Have been away on holiday (still here) for 2 weeks. Before I came, decided to stay on 5mg another pen and then step up.

Have had 2 doses since holiday and feel like all SEs are settled etc and now feel like I should step up to 7.5mg.

However ... started the order process a week ago with Voy when I decided on 5mg. Things got complicated due to a discount code and long story short they have now sent me a 5mg pen for free - I think by mistake.

Neighbour will receive it today and just hoping she keeps it in her garage as usual - bit cooler in there.

2 questions - firstly pen won't be in a. Fridge until Sat night. Would you still use it? Hoping it's kept below 30degrees for its journey and then storage, but would you risk is / use it? Can there be any harm in a warm pen except it may not work?

Second question - I have one final 5mg dose in a pen at home and then this whole new pen. Would you start stepping up - 6.25 for a couple of weeks then 7.5mg just by using more clicks of the 5mg pen? Or would you just use it as a 5mg for another 4-5 weeks and then change?

I feel like I'm ready for a step up, don't feel like appetite suppression is huge at the mo, eating less but still fairly good amounts.