Continuing Mounjaro... Part 24

[Jimmyneutronsforehead]

Pointers for newbies:
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)
Mumsnet does not allow promo codes. Please do not post any. If you want one, ask and someone will PM you a code or there are now threads on the promo page that have codes for Mounjaro link below:
Promo codes :
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/promo-codes-bargains
For all threads so far, pointers for newbies, weightloss tracker, links to discount codes, tips and tricks and high protein recipes.
Site with all the info :
https://wattnext.notion.site/e880d9342b7a4bab94c244b34e0e5841?v=cc1edc3f1c2b41dab3011c8d9063df0a
Miss Mounjaro UK has the most up to date price comparison charts: https://www.missmounjarouk.com/

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THEIR GOALS WHETHER THEY WERE SMALL GOALS OR BIG GOALS!

Health and safety information regarding the medication:

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide), outlines several potential side effects associated with its use. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Constipation
Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Stomach (abdominal) pain
These gastrointestinal symptoms are typically mild to moderate and often diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
However, Mounjaro may also cause serious side effects, such as:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting. - I want to personally add that not all pancreatic pain radiates to the back and can present a-typically in that it can just be present on the front or be hard to locate the source of pain.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): The risk increases when Mounjaro is used in combination with other medications that can cause hypoglycemia, such as sulfonylureas or insulin. Symptoms may include dizziness, sweating, confusion, headache, blurred vision, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, hunger, weakness, and feeling jittery.
- Serious allergic reactions: Discontinue use and seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting; or rapid heartbeat.
- Kidney problems (kidney failure): Dehydration resulting from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can worsen kidney issues. It's important to maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce this risk.
- Severe stomach problems: Inform your healthcare provider if you experience severe or persistent stomach issues.
- Changes in vision: Report any vision changes during treatment to your healthcare provider.
- Gallbladder problems: Symptoms may include pain in the upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), and clay-colored stools.
Eli Lilly emphasizes the importance of discussing any side effects with your healthcare provider, especially if they are bothersome or persistent. They also advise reporting side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or via the FDA MedWatch website.
For comprehensive information, refer to the Mounjaro prescribing information provided by Eli Lilly.

Please all remember that we aren't medical professionals and so if you do have questions about side effects it is important that you contact your supplier, as well as 111 or your GP as soon as possible.

Another side effect is hair loss, this is normal for anybody new to this discussion. I hope I can put your mind at ease. Our hair goes through 2 phases, the anagen stage, where it is active growth, and the telogen stage where the growth stops. Whenever your body is in a deficit, and is finding it's new equillibrium, your hair is likely to go into a telogen stage, and so an increased amount of hair shedding is to be expected.

Things that can help are making sure that your hair is nourished, and that you're using the right type of hairbrush for your hair so you aren't causing more breakage which then gives the appearance of more significant hair loss, as well as really making sure you're hitting your protein goals for the day.

Protein isn't the only important thing you need to focus on. You need fibre. Natural sources of fibre are going to be best as in vegetables and fruits, but if you have to supplement that's also fine. Fibre intake is important for bowel movement regulation, as Mounjaro does slow down the digestive system.

Lastly, make sure you're getting in enough liquid. It's very easy to dismiss thirst if your appetite is suppressed. It will stave off a lot of the headaches that are common with Mounjaro, keep you feeling your best, and will also help with any constipation you may be having.

Happy thread 24 everybody, and the first thread of 2025 in this series. It's wonderful having you all, and I can't wait to see what this month brings us all.

You look fantastic @3wDavid !

Amazing @3wDavid !

Wow. Love seeing before /after. Well done @3wDavid. You look fab !

You look 🔥 3wDavid!!

Amazing 👏

Thank you all! I appreciate all the kind words!
Taking photos is actually so important because if your brain is anything like mine, it won’t be able to tell much of a difference just by looking in the mirror. But then you look at your progress photos side by side and it’s like BAM!

@3wDavid I just wanted to say that you look amazing! Well done.

0.5kg down this week. Was hoping for more but happy with what I've got.

Did treat ourselves to a greggs pizza share box on Monday which was a mistake because I don't jab until Tuesdays so ate like a pig 😬

Everytime I think I have self control, I prove myself wrong.

well done @Jimmyneutronsforehead !
not at all bad for a week! Life is all about balance, we can’t be perfect all the time. As long as you’re back at it the next day, that’s all that matters.

It’s my birthday this week and Valentine’s so had more chocolate, wine and rich meals than usual, but continuing with my exercise routine and already planning a lighter and healthier week next week meal-wise. Whatever gain this week will surely balance itself out over the next one

No loss on the scales this week but I feel like I’m thinner if that makes sense? My butt shelf has completely gone, my seatbelt fits differently and rides up rather than sitting under my stomach fat. I can feel my ribs and when I lie down, my stomach goes in rather than standing up.

I think I’m going to take a reduced dose this week. The side effects seem to be getting worse, and I’m having a hard time at home and work so honestly just need a break. I was thinking about leaving it longer between jabs, but I still want the suppression, I just need less of the side effects to wipe me out. So I’m counting clicks for the first time. Just need to find the chart now!

I've got a christening tomorrow followed by a party.

Sadly not very good in crowds or churches so will probably be having a drink or two. Then on Monday I've been summoned to a family meal with my family from both Birmingham and Fife as it's one of the only times we can get together.

So it's very possible I will be stalling this week. But I'll do my Monday or Tuesday weigh in and it might surprise me you never know.

Thankfully DP got the message and it's been a perfume Valentine's this year rather than food and chocolate.

That's very sensible.

Totally get you on the feeling thinner but not weighing thinner front though.

You'll probably have one of those days soon where all you seem to be doing is weeing every 5 minutes and suddenly it'll drop off.

@Jimmyneutronsforehead One of my big things about this weight loss journey for me has been the realisation that life is short and it would be a tragedy to achieve my goal weight only at the expense of missing time and events with family and friends because those moments are irreplaceable and far more important than being thinner.
Unlike when I did SW or WW, I now focus on learning how to go out, socialise and have fun within reasonable limits. Sometimes it doesn't work and my weight loss for the week slows or even reverses but it's worth it for filling up my emotional reserves.
I hope you enjoy your time with your family!

Stalling this week here too. Both DH and I have had a day off together today and have been to a lovely pizza place for lunch. I couldn't finish mine but it was delicious. Old me would have eaten the lot and then had sides and dessert. I hit a hard stop at about 2/3 through. It is important to have a treat.

NSV today. I bought some jeans a couple of months ago in a size 14 and they were too tight. Tried them on again this morning and they are too big now. I missed the window to wear them 😆I have now got them in a 12 too. They look absolutely tiny to me, I can't believe this is my size now.

Ooh I'm irritated. I've just got a text from my GP saying they've been notified I'm taking Mounjaro and this is against their medical advice as it's only for people with a BMI over 30/27 with co-morbidities. They have been filing letters from the providers ever since I started at a BMI of 32! I'm hoping they don't write back and tell them I'm abusing it!

I agree completely. I've actually eaten out every week since starting MJ and still lost every week. DH and I tend to go out on a Friday and have a meal and tonight's no exception (he's booked my favourite and hard to get into Greek place). Il be having two or three drinks too, probably cocktails. But I've done this since I started and still managed to lose 12lbs in four weeks which I'm happy with.

If I don't have any treats il be miserable and de-motivated so if I can lose whilst having a bit of a cheat meal and a few drinks I'm happy to lose a bit more slowly.

I think it's unsustainable to think you will only eat healthy food/never drink for the rest of your life - when we come off this we need to be in good habits and I think having a bit of a cheat day is part of that. So long as you don't use it as an excuse to binge it shouldn't impact you're weight loss. I just make sure I stick to my weekly calorie allowance (ish!). And I certainly wouldn't turn down family gatherings or opportunities to go out with friends etc. Enjoy yourself but be sensible, that's all.

I would get in contact with your gp and tell them that then! If you started with a bmi of 32 you are well within the guidelines.

I'd be livid if they started interfering considering you can't even get an appointment at my own doctors surgery!

I've just emailed them. They never usually acknowledge anything so I'm surprised they even read the letter to send this. I was diagnosed with ADHD last November and they haven't bothered adding that to my records.

Omg wow you look phenomenal lady! Well done, amazing! 👏

I've not posted in a while just popping in and out but had to mention your pics @3wDavid xx

Thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing my extended family. It's not often we have an opportunity to come together so I'm definitely going to just enjoy the food and drink.

Not so jazzed about the christening tomorrow though. I don't think I can reasonably expect autistic DS to remain quiet or seated while, in his eyes, we all watch a baby get a little bit wet. 😬 Still, he might enjoy the after party or at least the buffet.

The dinner on Monday is going to be the highlight for me.

My size down dress fits, though it is elasticated so I'll not get excited about dropping a dress size yet. And I'm wearing kitten heels. I really hope they're up the the job. Keep thinking of that Yo mama so fat she went out in high heels and came back in flip flops joke, except it's me. I'm the mama.

I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself!

I am a mother to a 2.5yo son. I suffered with gestational diabetes during my pregnancy and actually lost weight during due to my struggles to control my sugar levels. Since I had my boy (c section - hello to the apron!) I have just put on so much weight! I went to the doctor in floods of tears and they just told me to cut out carbs - not particularly helpful! I work 12hr shifts which is a serious challenge for most diets as my roster is all over the place. I also end up snacking a lot as I’m so tired. My HbA1C came back as pre diabetic which was a massive kick up the bum so I decided to do something about it myself. I have done a full month on 2.5mg and just this evening injected my first dose of 5mg. I have lost 3kg in a month which I am happy with - but I have so, so far to go! It’s definitely been an absolute miracle for me - I no longer start shaking when I’m hungry leading to me eating the first thing I see, I have time to make healthier food choices! And I can have my breakfast at 4:30am and last until lunchtime instead of having second breakfast, snack, elevenses… on a night shift I can even have my supper at around 8 and then not eat until I wake up the following day! I haven’t had many side effects which was a real surprise to me. I am hoping that continues with the increased dose!

My stats as follows:

SW= 100kg
GW= 60kg
CW= 97kg

Welcome!

Our current weight and goal weight are the same! Look forward to losing with you.

I also had a c section. I wasn't skinny before but I had HG and actually lost weight over my pregnancy.

I've told this story across many different threads but it's a core memory of noticing just how much my body had changed.

2 days after being discharged from my csection, I had to go upstairs to grab something. Breast pump or bottles or some other baby malarkey.

I never realised how much I bounced going up and down the stairs.

I started jogging up the stairs and all I could hear was "clap clap clap". I got about half way up and stopped and thought well it's not my boobs cos I'm bra'd up to my chin. I carried on, few more steps and a few more claps and I stopped again and thought am I hearing things. Got all the way to the top and there were more claps and then it hit me.

My brand new apron belly was giving me a round of applause for all of the effort of running up the stairs!

Was a shock to the system but at least everytime I had to go up or down a floor in our house I was also cheering myself on.

I was also told if I breastfed I would lose weight as it burns so many calories, and I was a massive overproducer, we had to buy a brand new chest freezer just to store what wasn't being used, I was making gallons of milk and directly feeding at the breast so I thought reasonable to assume I'd burn more calories than your average person and this was my big ticket out of obesity, but I actually gained a tonne of weight breastfeeding but I'm partially blaming this on the fact they were extremely keen to get me back on some sort of hormonal birth control and antidepressants.

Anyway, I'm not mad with my apron belly and unless it just becomes unbearable loose skin I don't plan on having any remedial surgery for it either. I'm a tummy sleeper though so if it starts causing issues then I might reconsider.

But welcome to our little community. We love hearing about all the highs and the lows and there's a lot of helpful tips and tricks lurking in all of the threads.

@Jimmyneutronsforeheadthats a lb so a good loss and you had pizza /enjoyed food

to me that’s a win

@GlueNoGluea great NSV but sorry feel poorl on dose

@QueenOfHiraethemotional reserves. I like that

@BellaCriesAndThatsAlrightanaxing NSV. I still can’t get my arse into 16 and driving me nuts. As 18 baggy and falling down

what is your bmi now? Assume doing maintenance so suppliers will give it to you

good luck @CelestialSkies. I also work night shifts and find it easier to eat at 7pm and nothing again till 7:8am or have an apple /cereal bar and water all shift

I've had a sneaky weigh this morning and I'm actually down another half a kilo. Woohoo, small wins.

I'm not expecting it to stay off, mind. But it is a week of celebrations so I shan't worry if I gain it back.

Was looking in the mirror and my belly seems to go through stages of weight loss. It goes very typically D shaped, then B shaped, then U shaped and then repeats the cycle, only each time a little smaller so I can see the fat coming away in like a top down formation.

Had bought some waist controlling underwear for today, but I'm not actually going to wear it. I don't think I need to. And I certainly don't want to be uncomfortable all day anyway.

Happy Saturday everybody.

Morning all, I've lost another 5lbs in the last three weeks, I'm back at 70lbs lost.

Still got another few pounds to go before I'm losing new weight again, and 9lbs total to my target - if I keep it there. My initial target was 60lbs, then 70. I might lower it again to what will be a total of six stone lost.

I still carry a lot of weight around my hips/thighs that I'd like to get rid of ideally.

Well done! 5lbs in 3 weeks is quite a respectable amount.

I think everybody has a stubborn area where fat just won't shift from, mines my ankles 😭

I expect it will be the last and hardest bit to go.