Continuing Mounjaro...part 15

[ObsidianTree]

Please note: Mounjaro will only be be prescribed initially if your BMI is above 30. If you have additional health conditions you can get the medication with a BMI 27. (Prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart problems)

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 - Some people find that they don't need to go up a pen dose each month if the current pen dosage is working well for them. If you are unsure when to go up, speak to your prescriber.

8 - The move up from 2.5mg to 5mg can be quite a shock to the system. Some people chose to take 3.75mg dosage for a few weeks to ease the transition.

9 - If you are having bad side effects after titrating up or you are struggling to eat your calories each day, your dose may be too high so should consider lowering your dose. Speak to your prescriber if unsure.

10 - 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

11 - Once you take your first dose you can choose to keep your pen in the fridge or somewhere else. It's up to you.

12 - 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

13 - Protein is important as eating less protein can cause muscle wastage and hair loss.
Some natural sources of protein:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods

14 - 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.

15 - Drink lots of water. Water helps with the weight loss. Drink at least 2ltrs a day. Preferably 3ltrs.

16 - 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.

17 - 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

18 - 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.

19 - 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.

20 - Some of the places you can order from are:
MedExpress:
2.5mg and 5mg. £149.99. 7.5mg £169.99, 10mg £189.99. 12.5mg £209.99. 15mg £209.99 Coupon codes no longer working!
The Family Chemist:
2.5mg and 5mg £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £169, 12.5mg £194, 15mg £199
Zava medical:
2.5mg £139, 5mg £139, 7.5mg £169, 10mg £189. 12.5mg £204. 15mg £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, 15mg £199
Asda:
2.5mg and 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189, 12.5mg £204 15mg £204
There are others not listed.

21- You will still be prescribed Mounjaro when your BMI falls below 30. However, it may be harder to move suppliers once you BMI is below 30 if you wanted to move.

22 - Worried about your supply being cut off when you get to a healthy BMI? Below is some info on some places maintenance plans.
The Family chemist :Would consult you as approached healthy BMI to discuss maintenance under close supervision(if you started with family chemist)
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 and does offer maintenance
Zava:Once healthy BMI will stop prescribing this treatment
Med Express: BMI 25 and cut off.

23 - 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
14th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5102149-continuing-mounjaropart-14?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out in July:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5101435-mounjaro-july-2024

Video on how to inject:

@BlackFriYay I was gutted when my boobs lost all their volume and if I even leant forward slightly, the skin looked like a knackered peach. Didn't help that someone at work asked me where my tits had gone 😓. That was at 3st loss.

I've noticed over the last couple of weeks they've filled out a bit more and I'm much happier with them. I'm waiting to see if the change is due to ovulation or TOTM but keeping my fingers crossed that they've just recovered a bit. They'll never be the same, but they used to be a big part of why I looked like a beached whale so it's a good thing they've reduced.

I'm on 4st now with 2 to go and I'm worried they won't cope well with that further loss. I'm currently a 34GG and they're really bloody heavy so the only way is downwards for them isn't it 🫣.

As for the CS overhang apron - I'm surprised mine has reduced so much but it's still large and quite noticeable. I no longer have the arse-on-front effect though which I'm ecstatic about. It's so much easier to hide and 'tuck in' now.
My muscles were knackered in pregnancy so I really struggle with the midriff area above my belly button - it sticks out and looks dreadful. Doesn't help that I've got a really short torso so there's no hiding it. The skin and stretch marks are absolutely vile too.

.

Happy Saturday!

Week 4 weigh in

SW: 86.9kg
GW1: 70kg

2.5mg pen 1
Wk1: 82.4kg (-4.5kg)
Wk2: 80.5kg (-1.9kg)
Wk3: 79.9kg (-0.6kg)
Wk4: 78.6kg (-1.3kg)

8.3kg lost total or 18lbs x

I’m now down 8.4kgs after first 4 weeks on 2.5mg which is amazing! I’m just below the weight that I’ve bounced up and down from in last few years so great to break through that barrier. 😄

I’m starting to find a bit of food noise creeping back and appetite slightly less suppressed at the end of the dose so think it’s right to move up but want to ease my way up to my next 5mg pen (waiting in the fridge).

I’m planning to use the bonus dose this morning and I’d like to aim for 3.75, I have spare pen tips but not a syringe needle. I know how to hard twist to get up to 60 clicks but if I want to get the extra 1.25 do I just keep twisting and change pen tip again for second injection? My 2.5mg pen wasn’t cold when I opened the box as someone in my house helpfully put it to the side for the weekend when I was away. It’s clearly still worked but I don’t want to chance it beyond 30 days.

I’m dreading the saggy boobs but I’m very much looking forward to them being smaller. I do a lot of video calls as I work from home and all you can see on camera is my bloody boobs, I hate it. Losing the c section apron would be fabulous but I don’t have much hope there.

Whilst I’d love to lose the CS apron the one thing I most want to shift is the back fat. It spoils the line of any more fitted top and makes bras uncomfortable.

I have had a weekend in Genoa, and a few nights out with my brothers. We are/were big drinkers.

I get drunk easier, and the hangover has sometimes been worse. However, I also drink less. A lot less!

Hey! Newbie here. Took my first dose of 2.5mg this morning. I have already lost 2 stone following the 1:1 diet (and then put some back on after a very indulgent all inclusive holiday). I’ve been maintaining for ages now, I struggle with food noise a lot and I gained most of my weight from getting married/moving out of home/working from home/eating out a lot/snacks on a night. Can’t wait to see all your mounjourneys❤️

Height: 174cm / 5”9
Heaviest: 15st 7lbs (Nov ‘23)
Current: 13st 12lbs

Just checking in. Been on holiday, home today. I was eating like I was at home so hopefully a loss when I check later 🤞🏻

After stepping my doses down (3.75 down from 5) for the last 2 weeks I've stayed the same but lost another lb this week. I have 2 x 2.5mg doses left and then I'm done.
Hunger is manageable. I'm learning to just notice it and think "hmm I'm hungry but I'll be ok it's lunch in and hour" instead of reaching for the snacks.
I need to get back to the gym, end of term craziness and tiredness from MJ got me out of the routine but I'm booked into 2 classes next week. I'd love to shift another 3lb.

Thankyou, I tried in my thigh last night and everything was fine, got a good sleep.

I have this issue too and remember it bothering me even when I was slim back in the day. I've always worn a looser bra to make the flab line look less awful.

It's reduced a lot on MJ, but still noticeable. My short torso really doesn't help the issue.

Also have back fat. I'n fact, I have all types of fat 😥

Me too.

Morning all!

As expected, my under 150lbs didn't last - I really hadn't eaten properly for a few days. Went up a lb or so and that stayed for another few days. Back under again this morning though, so happy with that.

Still in a bit of a stall, so planning on upping my protein and I've slipped a bit with drinking enough water. I have 3 750ml water bottles, so the plan is to fill them in the morning, and aim to empty them by bedtime.

I was out last night seeing a local band and drinking wine - got home, and was thinking of having a last glass of wine, but caught sight of a full water bottle and realised I was thirsty. So I drank the water instead. I don't think I would have done had it not been sitting there ready and waiting, so will work with that and hope it keeps working.

I have some duck eggs from a local farmer, so brunch this morning will be scrambled duck egg and serrano ham.

Weigh in day, losing a pound a week now- week 17 total loss is 37.5lbs

SW March - 16 stone 9lb
CW - 13 stone 13.5lb
GW - 12 stone??

Very pleased to see 13 on the scales again after 11 years!

Ps. Isn’t this just the most inspiring thread on mumsnet right now? So many of us achieving our goals and changing our lives and habits. Amazing!🤩

Yes, so supportive and friendly. Haven't been on one like this since I was pregnant 11 years ago.

Scale victory today - I started BMI 45.6 three months ago and now I'm 39.9. Still obese, but now obese class 2 instead of obese class 3.

So that's another mini goal done. My next mini goal is to hit 220lbs. I have so much to lose, I need the mini goals because the ultimate goal of under 25bmi is a year away!

I ordered my 10mg pen from Asda again this morning. I've used them since the start and they approve quick, deliver quick and I can chat/email with a doctor if I need to. If anyone wants a code for 10% off (and I'll get 10% off too) here you go:

Sharing is saving. Use my Code, and you’ll get 10% off your first order at Asda Online Doctor: REFEWNH3

onlinedoctor.asda.com/uk/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=refer_a_friend

Maximum discount value: £30

Morning all and Happy weekend!!!

well done on all the losses and NSVs, and welcome to all the newbies!

I’m still in Stallvile and trying to give myself a couple of days before weighing myself again. So nothing to repot, just wanted to say Congrats to everyone on your losses!

4th weigh day just moved up to 5 and wow I feel sick. I had 1000 calories yesterday and this morning I feel like I had a feast. Major food hangover.

Week 1 -8
Week 2-3
Week 3 -2
Week 4-4

Lost 1st 3 though so pleased at that.

Fellow Asda user here. I like them they don't send the wipes but I just use hand gel and a cotton pad.

Yes, I was on citalopram for anxiety and I've been able to come off it. I feel like my mental health is much better.

That's great, so pleased for you! That's my next goal after the morphine. Just one day left. 😊

morning all.
So encouraging reading about everyone's loses.
week 3 for me and woken up to horrific sulphur burps...anybody got some sage advice on how to settle them?

I've tried water and antacids so far..but no luck😖