Continuing Mounjaro...part 17

[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! Make sure the needle is twisted on tightly. Priming will help confirm if the needle is on securely and not faulty.
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 - 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.
9 - 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
10 - Taking Mounjaro can stop birth control from being effective. If you are on birth control, consider extra protection if you aren't planning on conceiving anytime soon!
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. Try and drink at least 2ltrs a day.
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
15th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5107426-continuing-mounjaropart-15?page=1
16th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5115015-continuing-mounjaropart-16?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:

@Swiftlygoesit that's a fab loss! I know what you mean about not weighing in stones. I weigh in pounds as I find it less emotional!
Can't answer from experience on flights but lots on here have done it without issue.

I took mine on hand luggage with no issues at all. I put the pen in my liquids bag but suspect it would have been fine elsewhere.

Started my first jab yesterday and have found I’ve developed a sudden dislike to coffee which I used to love ( 3-4 cups a day ) now the smell or even thought of it makes me want to gag , anyone else had similar ?

Morning! Another hot weather weigh day victim here 😞 I’ve officially lost all of 113.5 grams this week which I’m really pissed off about, even though I know full well is weather weight. I’d better get that whoosh everyone talks about…!

SW - 14.12
CW - 13.2.1/4
mini target 12.13.3/4

Yeah I’ve done 6 flights in the last couple of months with the pen in my hand luggage, no problem. I just put it in that clear bag with other liquids. The first time I asked my prescriber (Voy) for a copy of the prescription to bring with it but they’ve never asked for it so I’ve not bothered since. Lilly advise that it shouldn’t be stored in the hold (I assume it could freeze).

I have lost a pound! My 16 day stall has ended. I am now feeling very smug that, despite the gorgeous sunshine yesterday and meeting up with friends at various points, I managed to resist alcohol and an ice lolly choosing instead to have Perrier water and watermelon. Although I am also quite envious of the whoosh @MrsBurtMacklin is going to have tomorrow!
Challenge now is to see if I can get to my goal of having a BMI below 26 by Wednesday. That only involves low on another pound (well, a quarter of a pound). Time to stay focussed!

Well done on the losses!

my first month loss was a similar pattern to some of you with a massive stall at the end, ironically I got in the scales the day after official week 4 weigh in and had lost 2 more lbs so as everyone had said it's not linear and you're doing great!

@MountKilimounjaro I gain during my period if I don't drink enough water. Started yesterday so made sure I drank loads and managed to maintain today. I get massively frustrated at and gains and stalls.

Shorts! I wish I was there with those of you bro g brave enough. My legs have always been my nemesis, hold all my weight and loads of cellulite - maybe one day I'll feel confident enough to wear them outside.

@OnInstagramAsMounjaroJourneyUK how rude! I haven't told anyone as know people will judge and chat behind my back. Tempted to tell my close friends I trust but just can't be arsed with all the questions and concerns even if they come from a good place

Can't remember where I saw the recommendation to use Chat GPT to create exercise and meal plans and shopping lists with your specific goals. If it was in here thanks for the tip it worked great, and if not passing it on 🙂

@Penguinsmum I’m planning something similar. I’m nearly at the end of pen 3 2.5mg and I think I’ll reach my goal weight on my 4th pen which is also 2.5mg (my BMI will be 24.9 having started at 32!) I plan to keep taking 2.5mg to support maintenance, likely 2-3 pens and on the last pen I think I’d like to take it every 10 days. Obviously the guidelines say discard the pen after 30 days of first use but I think I’ll take the risk but I’ll decide nearer the time, we may know more about maintenance by then.

Good morning! Checking into the new thread to update you all on my ozempic to mounjaro move...... well I've hit my goal weight.

Five stone lost. 4 stone on ozempic last year, five months of hovering around the same weight this year, switched to mounjaro in June, and that final stone is gone, just on 2.5mg.

Any rubbish ozempic side effects disappeared within a week - no more nausea or exhaustion. I've been out and enjoyed myself a number of times in recent weeks too, with no bad hangovers. I'm really very happy, and like others have said - my confidence has skyrocketed.

I'm not sure this goal weight is my end goal, or if I'd like to lose a little more, I'm going to think on it over the coming weeks.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, hopefully there's some cooler weather whooshes to come for those who need them!

Yes!! For the first 4 weeks I went off it but absolutely fine with it now, although I’m definitely drinking less than I did. I switched to peppermint tea which helped my digestion!

@Fromthesidelines ive been with MedExpress since the beginning, I order at 5pm Wednesday so it arrives Friday (but it could be Saturday if something is delayed). It never has been and I’ve had 5 orders. Now they price match its win win! It’s always arrived with still solidly frozen ice blocks x2.

Just have to post this as jumped on the scales this morning and have managed to drop that pesky 1lb, and can now say I have lost 3 stone!

It's taken 22 weeks, so 1.9lb a week. Nice and steady. 1 more stone to go though.

SW 13.12
TW 10.12

It feels unreal!

I've bought 5 pens to get to this weight, which has cost £30 a week, which is what I used to spent on a weekly takeaway, snacks, meals out.

@NextPrimeMinister congratulations!

Congratulations! You must be so pleased. Do you feel as though you've built enough new habits that you'll be able to maintain when you come off? I was maintaining okay following managing to lose a bit north of a stone before I went on so hoping I'll be okay when I am off it.

@Ineffable23 - I don't think I've built them enough, to be honest. I'm definitely a million times better but sometimes my food choices aren't great at all. It's something I definitely need to work on over the coming months.

I was a bit frustrated that I only had a small loss this week. However, yesterday I had a really busy day with loads of walking with my much taller and fitter male DC & DH and it was bloody hot.
Having to do that with an extra 7+ kg of weight would have been a nightmare. It was tough enough as it was but imagine doing that with a rucksack with five1.5l water bottles in it. That is roughly equivalent to the weight I have lost so far.

Thanks so much for the help with my question! 🙂

Well 3rd weigh day today. (Posted on previous thread after week 2!)
4th 2.5 injection administered
I've been weighing daily, so was confused a bit last week. And in fact I think that it made me feel i was doing worse than I was. (For some reason I was expecting the scales to change daily- in a downwards direction lol.)

Age 57. Post menopausal. Not on HRT- except vaginal oestrogen.
Type 2 diabetic. (on tablets) Fatty Liver disease. Hypertensive.
(GP called the trio of above plus obese as Metabolic syndrome)BMI 41.1
SW: 19st 10
W1: 19 st 2.6 -7.4
W2: 18 st 13 -5.6
W3: 18 st 9.7 -3.3

CW 18st 9.7 -16.3 Current BMI 38.9

GW: haven't fully decided, but aiming towards 13st initially. 12 would be better but I haven't been near there since I was 16.

NSV: my bras which were beginning to dig in at start weight now fit. I was having to remove as soon as I walked in the door- which is something I have never ever had to do, big fan of bra measuring and correct sizes. But since Jan , while I was in denial, I just refused to consider it- I put on 7 lbs from Jan to June,
My 24 tops are now loose, but 22 still a bit snug.
Waist size still 22 but thighs hips and bum have shrunk a bit, and its obvious in my trousers and leggings.

However That means I currently resemble Humpty Dumpty!

I've been swimming, and as this is something I haven't done since last year on holidays, (and yearly only on holidays for the last 10 yrs or so) its taken me a while to get some stamina back.
This morning I swam for 30 mins. (I'm not counting lengths, just concentrating on keeping going, as fast as I can manage (to get my heart rate up) until I'm too tired to carry on) last week I could only manage 20 mins and first week, 10 and 15 minutes killed me!

Sorry, that's an essay and a half!

Thank you @IReallyNeedThisToWork I am doing all I can. I hope it wears off soon. A friend has recommended electrolytes so I will give that a go

I’ve been thinking of all the diets I’ve tried over the last 2 decades (yes, 20 feckin years!)

Here goes:

Weightwatchers
Rosemary Conley
Slimming World (at least 3 times)
Atkins
Keto
The 3 day Military Diet (ffs!!!)
The cabbage soup diet
Slimfast
Calorie counting
Diet Chef 🤢

All that time, energy and money wasted…..

Mounjaro is my hero!

You will lose bonuses from sharing it on a public website. Their referral terms state explicity that this is not allowed. Better to ask people PM you and share it that way!

I had that, especially instant. I was usually a 2 instants and 2/3 flat whites a day! I still don’t like instant but I went back to flat whites after a couple of days and now have 1 per day

Yes me. I’m now drinking a can of coke in the morning for a caffeine hit.

I had a diet coke/Pepsi max habit. Would guzzle 1 1.25l min per day plus fizzy water/squash. I don't drink tea or coffee.
I have zero interest in anything fizzy. There are currently 4x 1.25L bottles of Pepsi max in my car boot.
Instead I have started buying bags of ice and drink 2.5 to 3 L chilled water a day.

Hello all, I have been on Mounjaro for 7 and a half weeks now, I have stayed at the 2.5mg dose and in my first month I lost about 10 lbs then I had a couple of weeks where I was losing a pound or so a week but in the past 12 days I have been losing about 0.5lbs every day, so that every day when I get in the scale I am down another half pound. While it is great to see the scale moving down it also seems like pretty rapid weight loss to me as someone who has never lost weight easily. I am still eating at least 1800 calories (this is still at least a 500 calorie deficit for me) a day sometimes a bit more sometimes a bit less (I weigh and log everything). I am being a bit more active and hitting on average 8000 steps a day and doing some strength training a couple of times a week. I don't eat meat and don't so low carb so I am getting adequate protein from my veggie diet but I am also eating plenty of carbs like pasta and baked potatoes and wholemeal bread.

Is this just the medication kicking in and making the weight loss easier? I am also doing noom (just the free trial) and the faster weight loss has coincided with my using that programme but to be honest I am not really following it to the letter just doing the lessons and the daily weigh etc. I was under the impression that mounjaro doesn't actually do that much except reduce your appetite (which is a big deal of course) and balance your blood sugar but is there any mechanisim by which it could speed up fat loss?

I ate a chinese takeaway last night, drank a cola and had a slice of birthday cake last night ( It was a family members birthday, I don't normally eat like that) and i was still down 0.5 pounds from yesterday. Not only that but I am in the week before my period and I know I am retaining water and my boobs always get bigger before my period so normally at this point my weight loss on the scale would stall and I then lose up as my period starts and finishes. Even before I started trying to lose weight it was normal for my weight to go up a few pounds prior to my period and then drop back after.

I suppose everything will probably slow down soon and then I'll wish I was back to losing weight this quickly but I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this?