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:

I have finally seen the whoosh. I've only lost 1.2lb this week but midweek I spiked up to the weight I was nearly three weeks ago and have then lost 4.2lbs since Monday.

Hopefully back on track now - it seems a sandwich and a piece of cake plus salty halloumi last weekend had a temporary effect on my weight despite walking 13 miles. I think my body likes to be low carb.

Congrats @spamm for looking amazing and well done to everyone seeing losses. For those of you hanging on for a whoosh try to stay positive - if you are doing the right things it will happen. Our bodies are strange sometimes.

Could I please have a ZAVA code if available?

Try this one ZAVA8BPECX3

Hopefully it works!

Thanks all for your kindness. It is motivating to see such a change in my appearance, because my brain is still trying to take this all on board. I still see myself the same as I have been for years. I am 54 and I have been overweight most of my life. I think my highest has been 228lbs - although I have hovered between 214 and 202 for the last 15 years or so. Definitely not below 196 in 19 years, since my son was born. I am so sad that I thought I was fat when I was 69kgs as a teen!

I have also had Type 2 diabetes for at least 10 years, and it kicked off with gestational diabetes when I was pregnant, which is said to be a strong indicator you could develop Type 2. I don't think I will ever be cured - but I do think I can get it under control with MJ - next blood test in mid July! I am excited to see what my doctors says, as I have lost another 15+lbs since I last saw her.

@ObsidianTree - thank you for keeping us on track with this thread - it really does help!

@Fromthesidelines - keep going, do not give up! It works if you stick to the plan. I lost 5.2lbs on 2.5 (4 jabs), and 6.2lbs on 5.0 (5 jabs), and then on 7.5 (14 jabs), I lost over 20lbs - but all along, I have done the same thing and remained consistent. MJ has brought me the ability to be consistent - i just could not find the willpower to do that on previous diets, because I would get so hungry and could not keep going. I just moved up to 10mgs, as it has been a challenge to get it here in the US. I am averaging 1.75lbs a week, which feels healthy and sustainable - and damn amazing! but some weeks I lost nothing, and some weeks (at least 3 times) I went up a bit. I walk more than I have in the past, and more consistently and I am adding in weights slowly, with help from my son - as my arms and legs are flabby. I definitely calorie count, as I know that part of my issue is overeating - I always underestimate calories and then am surprised. Maybe I will have to do this forever - I don't know, but it makes a big difference.

Thank you @spamm for the encouragement, that's really helpful. And congrats on your fabulous success so far! Good luck with the weights.

NSV, I fit into a size 10 jeans 🙂 (and they're not elasticated!)

I know sizes vary but I'm satisfied it's not a fluke as I'm also fitting size 10 dungarees now.

It's a shame about the c section pouch but hopefully that'll be gone this time next year. If I can maintain for 6 months once I stop the medication I'm going to reward myself with a tummy tuck and breast lift, finances permitting.

Zava 15% off code - REFGE8EX 😁

Well done for all the losses today.

I am off to Devon for the weekend. Decided to move my jab to Sunday night or Monday. Hate being too suppressed on the weekend to eat much so moving it so I'm more dieting in the week than the weekend! Will see if this is a good idea or not!

I'll look out for page 40 to make a new thread!

Have a great weekend all ☺️

Hope you have a fab time @ObsidianTree

I usually get my order through Voy, which is probably among the most expensive. How easy will it be to change supplier and go with someone cheaper?

any recommendations on who would be the easiest?

I think Zava is one of the cheaper ones at the moment - 2.5mg and 5mg work out at £122 after a 15% discount is applied. I switched to them from med express and it was very straight forward.
If you’re in need of a code, mine for Zava is REFHWYH8 (max discount £30)

Approaching the end of my first pen and I just had a window shop in Next (I’ve challenged myself to not buy any new clothes this year, so far I’m 6 months strong..!) - such a wonderful feeling to be able to try things on and not be worried my ‘normal’ size will be too small!

I tried something on yesterday and had to take three different sizes into the changing room as I wasn't sure what size I would need. The middle size was a good fit but I could get in the smallest.

I didn't buy it. Decided to wait a bit longer and see if the smallest size I tried on would then be the size I needed. I've always been the queen of delayed gratification when shopping. Unfortunately it was never the same for food but I'm learning!

That’s amazing. Definitely worth holding out and trying it again in a month or so! I wish I had delayed gratification with shopping - part of the reason why I’m trying to not spend any ££ this year lol

I'm waiting to go shopping shopping. Bought a few things but trying not to shop too much. Still have a few stone to lose before I get a new wardrobe!

I'm with you on the not shopping for clothes - I only bought trousers the other day (£9.50 on sale) because apart from my inspiration skinny fit pair all my other trousers are way too big. Really hoping I'll get down to a size 12 eventually, so intending on skipping 16 and 14 (other than knickers, I don't want baggy pants falling down!).

I’ve sold all my clothes on vinted and re-purchased them all (on vinted) 2 sizes smaller. I just couldn’t keep wearing 16-18 stuff when I am now a 12-14. I reckon I’ve spent a hundred or so total once I account for having also sold stuff.

edit to add I am still in the most amazing longest stall of all time… and went up to 7.5mg today.

Massive NSV for me today! I got a new job and I can honestly say the weightloss has helped with my confidence! So I'm claiming a NSV!

More senior role and a decent pay rise!

I'm very happy today! And I'm celebrating with nosecco and half a pizza! In the past it would be several bottles of wine and a whole pizza and a charcuterie 🤣

I have a few different sizes of clothes at home and I've tried on some size 16 trousers and they are still snug. I was a bit surprised as I thought I would have been able to fit into smaller clothes by now. Guess I have too much junk in the trunk still!

But suppose even when I got down to 11st 7lbs ish in my 20s, I still couldn't fit into size 14s well. I guess it's my frame.

Those that are 5 ft 6 to 5 ft 9 ish, (I know there is a few of us!) what clothes size have you got to when you've hit healthy BMI? Or over weight BMI?

Well done @Flapearedknave ☺️

I thought this study was interesting- it’s Wegovy and the focus of this piece was on tapering off to reduce weight gain but it also found people were less likely to put the weight back on if their dose was less high on average. But obv the dosage still has to be high enough to work but overall in this trial on average they were on 1/3 the normal dose of Wegovy. For that reason I’ve stayed on 7.5mg of Mounjaro for a couple of months and MIGHT stick with that - got about 10 pounds to fi to target and loss is a bit less than a pound a week but wondering if slow and steady could get me there. Also intending to increase exercise levels a bit for the last stretch and to keep that up!

@ObsidianTree I used to be a size 14 in my 20's before I had my DCs. I was around 11st-11st 7ish back then. There was one time in my mid 20s when I got down to 10st and could fit into a 12 but that didn't last long.

Now I'm down to 14st 2 but still have to sausage myself into my size 18s.

Sounds like you have a similar frame to me @BellaCriesAndThatsAlright . I don't think id ever be able to fit a size 10! A 12 is also something I've never been in as an adult! Maybe when I was age 14-16!

I've never fit a 10 either. I have huge boobs so my top half has never gone below 14 now I think about it.