Shemed January Starters - Thread 3

[FatsiaJaponicaInTheGarden]

Wow thread 3! I just went to post on the other thread and realised we'd got to the end. I hope everyone finds us - I wasn't able to post a link!

This thread is a support thread aimed at those who started with the Shemed 1 year plan in January (or there abouts).

How is everyone?

I am not nauseous today and seeing light at the end of the tunnel- but so glad I have stuck on 5mg for the next one. I am definitely eating less too - I'm hoping that lasts!
@OneAzureMaker - ah we can be second 5mg pens together! I really want to do some exercise but similarly will have to wait until I have some energy. @tinyemmy Yay hope you are still going okay too - will be a few of us on our second 5 pens!

@Reginaphalangeeeee

Wow - fantastic results! And great the side effects have remained calm. I've had side effects each weekend of the 3 5mg jabs I've taken but they've decreased. This weekend was much more manageable for me. I think the suppression is more constant now too. I will stay on this dose if it carries on like this for a while.

@JBJ Yay for more loss - and good luck with 5mg

@BruhWhy Is the nausea easing?

@Needtomust96 I think some people in the facebook group have - you can use the section at the end of the form to request it and do say why. From reading randomly online it does seem some people need the higher doses to respond although a 1kg a week is what I'm aiming for. You might find that 5mg does it for you in a way 2.5 doesn't.

@Monmonss I did my questionnaire early Friday morning and the pen is supposed to be arriving Tuesday (tomorrow) . I think they issued it Sunday. Hope it settles for you - have you tried taking anything and all that?

@YouWillFindMeUnderCats I was the same - 13lbs and not quite the stone! I am now though - slow and steady does keep adding up. Hope the 5mg goes okay for you.

@Mazd323 How has today been? I think I'm eating less on 5mg but it still wears off towards the end of the week

@Lostatsea10 and @MrsMidgeMaisel and @Follydear I am sorry you are both still struggling. :( It's a hard thing to weigh up isn't it. It does seem Shemed do let people out of the contract if they're struggling or give them the option of Wegovy, and definitely seem to let them stay at 2.5 for longer if needed. Good luck whatever you both decide.

@Humptyandhambel Yay for a steady weight loss and hope 5mg is treating you okay.

Tagging people as I couldn't put a link onto the other page - hope that's okay and please do tag anyone I've missed out (probably quite a few!)
@afromom @kittykarate @floweryjones @Earthgirl3971 @Bananaramram @ForPeachSake @SnowieBear @bluesmartie83 @bertieallsort @Brighton2019 @TLMoo @Newshoesnewname @Bigknickers56

Reeeeeally struggling with this hair loss now. It's coming out thick and fast, and is now noticeably thinner. I didn't have the thickest hair to begin with 😔

What I've read about telogen effluvium is that is it can last a while and I shouldn't expect regrowth for many months.

I'm gonna have to get a bob cut in...

Are you taking a vitamin B12 supplement? It really helps with reducing hair loss and encouraging growth, but it takes 2-3 months to see an effect.

I haven’t experienced any hair loss with mountjaro but had it awfully years ago with a glandular virus so know how scary it is.

My full vitamins at the moment are B12, D, folate, collagen, calcium and magnesium. It could be collagen and B12 might be helpful? Maybe get a vitamin/mineral blood test to see what your body needs, it might be something easy to fix?

I am taking a full handful of all sorts of vitamins now but didn't at the very beginning when I lost the most weight all at once, which I think is what has triggered the TE. It's a waiting game now, I just have to ride it out.

I've had TE before, triggered by my mum dying unexpectedly, the GP told me the only cure is time...

Nobody to blame but myself! Having had it before I knew the triggers but kept forgetting to buy the vitamins 😳

Oh @BruhWhy sorry to hear about the hair loss. I don't really know anything about it other than it can happen with weight loss. I hope it calms down soon.

I've not had diahrea today (oh the things we post about) and the nausea was only this morning. So definitely improving. Lots of burps though. I hadn't realised you're only, supposed to take pepto bismol for a couple of days so I did fri/sat and didn't today. There were less and as far as I'm aware they weren't as er stinky. I've taken a peppermint oil tablet and wil tomorrow. I see students tomorrow so really don't want to be fragrant! 😬.

Hope everyone else going up doses has been okay. Well everyone really! I think it's just over or around 4months in for a lot of us. So 1/4 of the way through already!!! Amazing how it keeps working.

I've realised I'll still be obese at the end of the study... But hopefully only just and actually to lose the last 2-3stone shouldn't be so bad compared to the whole year!

Popping my head in to update and apologise for my moan last week. Weight loss is so emotive and the non-linear progress is so frustrating. I am still very much focussed on the scales. I didn’t take any measurements before I started…I obviously should have.
I weighed in this morning and I have lost 2.5lbs, bringing my total loss to 29.5lbs. Finally hit the 2 stone! My BMI is also under 40.
I discovered something new about my scales. Under 20 stone they measure half pounds…did not know that!
Moved up to 7.5 today. I have spent this afternoon asleep on the sofa. The two may be related!
I hope everyone has a positive and successful week.

Hi @FatsiaJaponicaInTheGarden
Iam 5ft 7 and started at 136kG (BMI 46).
I am so grateful to not be that any more and overall I have had really excellent results since January on MJ. Despite the dips, frustration and side effects the results are better than I could have expected really. It’s an intense process and I don’t think I ride the peaks and troughs well but think that’s likely more to do with other things in my life such as the big overshadow of grief of my dad.

Now 112.8KG (BMI 38.1) Total loss 3st 9lbs (51lbs)! Next big target is hitting 4 stone mark. I am taking 6mg (using my 5mg pen & just finished second dose) And this ‘up’ dose has helped a lot this last 2 weeks to be on track again and so I think getting to 110kg may be possible in the next 3 weeks ish. If I can carry on at that rate I can get to my ‘pre baby’ weight from 13 years ago by July!

I am so pleased to be under the 40! You will get there too. It’s a KG at a time like turning a page at a time and before you know it your story has moved on. For me I had to hit 118 to sneak under 40.
The 7.5mg sounds like it is upping everyone losses and side effects. Even the sneaky 6mg has hit me, but only the second week with side effects (tired, I mean fatigue, headache, upset tummy).

Is everyone doing 2 months on 7.5?

Thanks @OneAzureMakerI will make it so clear on questionnaire I WANT 7.5 THIS TIME! There is no chance they will miss it 😆. I might have to start the pen early if I can’t get a 4th dose out of my 5mg pen 🤷‍♀️

I am truely grateful for other on here sharing their stories, especially those of you with more to loos like me. I am trying to enjoy the process of getting my body back but in reality, I want this to be done already!

I'm rubbish at taking them too and often only start again when there seems to be loads of hair loss, you're not the only one!! I've also noticed that when I'm consistent my nails are much better too.

I take a 12,000mg dose of biotin daily (when I remember) I bought it on Amazon, for around £7 for 400 one-a-day tablets.

@Reginaphalangeeeee I find the second week is always much worse with side effects when I change dose. I spend the first week thinking 'oh that's not too bad' and then it hits!

@FatsiaJaponicaInTheGarden I'm 5f7.5, so a little taller than you.

This is so tough @BruhWhy
I have no experience but please don’t blame yourself for doing something positive for your health and forgetting to get vitamins. Weight loss is a big consumption of time and energy and motivational space to get other things done.

You have experience, so I guess look back at how things panned out last time. Journal this time too to help incase future episodes. Thinking of you.

Last dose of 5mg done this morning and 1.9lb weight loss. Another 2.9lb and I’ll be at 3st total loss, which is more than I’ve ever managed to lose any other way!

Thanks @OneAzureMaker yep… I only took it last night and effects felt quickly this morning.
I did get a small bleed at the injection site last night. Not had that before, though small bruises appear sometime.
I’m wondering if that led to quicker absorption if I hit more than just my fat?
Anyone else had that?

Welldone @JBJ! onto 7.5mg next.
It is nice to write down your actual success, especially if exceeds expectations.
I haven’t told others my weight loss total so really am grateful for a safe space here to share and celebrate.

So finally got my ‘clinician response’ from SheMed as to why they didn’t put me up to 7.5mg as they do most people after 16 weeks, especially if weight loss over that time slowed to below 0.5kg a week. I wanted to know the clinical decision base & on what evidence from me that decision was made.

The first email was copied blurb from the website and I replied stating they hadn’t answered my specific question and the guidelines they quoted was exactly the reason I asked the question why I wasn’t put up a dose as per their normal guidelines. It said the majority of people increase dose to 7.5mg at 17 weeks- well I know that but why not me?

The clinician reply today… equally disappointing!
It appears no good reason & they are not willing to admit this was an oversight on their part or share the specific reason. 🙄
Am I being unreasonably annoyed?

I know I have done well over all and may be described as a ‘super responded’ by my total loss. But it has not been without serious work on my part & yes weight loss picked up again in last 2 weeks- but only since increasing dose manual from 5mg pen.

Here’s the Email:
Thank you for your email.

Our clinician has confirmed that your dose will be increased on the next refill.

At SheMed, our clinical approach is based on scientific evidence and the latest guidance to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss.
As outlined in our GLP-1 dosing guidance, it is common practice for some patients to remain on the 5mg dose for longer if they are responding well and not experiencing side effects. This gradual progression helps to:
Allow the body to adjust comfortablyto the medication.
Minimise potential side effects.
Build a stable foundation for future dosage increases, supporting long-term success.

We understand that this approach might feel slower than expected, but it is designed to maximise results and support your health and safety throughout your journey.

Due my second jab of 7.5mg tomorrow - today I have really felt the suppression. Although I haven’t really over eaten except the last few weeks of my final 5mg pen, it has been off the scale today! I have been lucky with no adverse symptoms so far (touch wood) 🤞. Starting week 5 of the couch to 5k which to me is a massive achievement! Never got this far before! I am genuinely finding this journey fantastic and am celebrating every win. Bring on the summer holidays

Jab 18 taken & check in complete. Total weight loss now stands at 12.6kg, which is 100g shy of 2st in old money.

7.5mg has made things a little loose shall we say & I’ve been even thirstier than the 5mg made me. Other than that nothing to report & fingers crossed things go as well this week too.

@BruhWhy sorry to hear about your hair loss. There is another thread for November MJ starters on here that has a member who posts about how to reduce hair loss. I believe they have some kind of training & expertise in this area. Think the details are in thread 10 & may be worth a read.

Hope everyone is having a great week 😊

Jab 18 // 7.5mg // 12.6kg loss so far

Yesterday was Jab 20 for me - the last of my 5mg. 0.7kg loss this week, taking me to 14.3kg lost. I'd had a bit of a random weekend food/booze wise as was away for the weekend in Spain, so will see how things settle next weigh in.

@BruhWhy sorry to hear about your hair loss. I've been shedding more, so I've started taking some Biotin supplements to see what happens. They're a bit controversial, there isn't a huge evidence base for them.

Checking in today! Jab 20 done, 2.6lbs this week.

I've been a bit cheeky in that I took two doses of my 2.5mg pen last week and took the golden dose which work led out at 3.16mg this week. I've got a 5mg pen in the fridge for next week. I'm on holiday and depending on how the holiday goes I will take 2.5 or 5.

I'm keen to start to maintain now and when I moved to 2.5 I feel like the inflammation came back, I might be wrong, but I feel like mj does so much more and my body is riddled with inflammation because of hashimotos. I don't eat gluten which makes a huge difference, but to drop anything else out of my diet would be way too restrictive and mj seems to have the same effect on the inflammation. We will see what mg I need to maintain on, 5mg might be too high but I think 2.5 is too low. I think it will be a learning curve and one that I'm going to need to keep a bit quiet from SheMed as it's not quite in the rules... I feel like ordering 5mg pens will tick their boxes and mean I won't get kicked off the program for not being on an official maintenance dose...

I hope everyone is doing well with their journey? I’ve completed the longest run I have ever done 8 mins in one go! I am definitely finding this journey is helping me in all aspects of my life. I am much healthier with my food choices. Being able to leave food on my plate rather than finishing my meal. I am half way through my second week of 7.5mg and I feel as though I have hit my stride and this is really helping me. I am a daily weigher and use the app happy scales to track my average weight which is going steadily down and where I would normally have given up after a blip I’ve kept going and am now reaping the benefits. I’m so close to 3 stone lost. I have 60 days before I go one holiday. It’s a shame I have to take 2 pens with me. I’m going to Florida so I’m assuming I can’t check in due to my location and just have to let SheMed know and I can check in myself for the two dates I would be missing! I will need to order my pen a week earlier otherwise it won’t be with me in time before I have to leave. I am so excited. I’ve managed to squeeze into a size 12 swimming costume which I’m chuffed about - hoping it will be looser by the time i go! The NSV are stacking up and I’m trying to document my journey in my diary.

So… I would love to know what you ladies think of this.

My friends are super supportive of my weight loss, really encouraging, BUT twice in the last few months, they’ve made casual comments like “soon you might be smaller than me, not sure how I feel about that” or “God it makes me think I need to lose weight so I don’t end up being fatter than you”. Every time, it gives me a bit of a sickly feeling.

On one hand, I get it - my dad lost a lot of weight on MJ and it spurred me on because I could always rely on him to be bigger than me and suddenly he wasn’t. But on the other hand, I feel like they just want me to stay the fat friend.

I started as a size 22 and now I’m a 16, hoping to be a 14 by the end of June.

That's really hard, and an example of internalised misogyny, so deeply entrenched in our society making it hard for people to be truly happy for another woman.

If you feel you can, I would challenge them as to why they think it would be a problem. It's so sad that women can't support each others.

Yes! Internalised misogyny is so right - I was trying to put a name to it and couldn’t find the right one but you are so correct in naming it that.

I do need to challenge. I’m a bit of a people pleaser and always scared of offending, so it’s hard for me but they’re meant to be my best friends so surely I can open up that conversation with them.

@Bananaramram rather than feeling of challenging it or of any conflict… how about approaching it from a complete perspective of curiosity, does that make it feel more do-able.
”Really intrigued, why do you feel like that”? Type of a response.
They will likely fumble
But you could probe by saying, loosing weight stirs up all sorts of reflections and so I don’t want to assume or become sensitive, I am trying to ask about the things I don’t understand, about how others see me so I am really interested as to why you said that.”

Well, took my first 7.5ml dose on Friday morning. Was fine on Friday and Saturday, but was sick within and hour of eating some egg today. What I can’t decide is if it is my first lot of side effects or a dodgy egg! Will have to see over the next few days I guess!

Did anyone else have a change when they started on 7.5mg?

16 injections taken
1st week on 7.5
29.5kg/4 stone 9lbs lost

Oh my gosh @Kaggi9 that’s an insane amount to loose in just 16 weeks!
I wasn’t allowed 7.5mg at 16 weeks as weight loss ‘too successful’ but they have now prescribed formula 20’weeks.

No advise on 7.5 sorry but the Shotsy app
will help you see strength of dose in your system by day. It’s usually strongest 24-48hours post jab.

Jab 19 taken & check in completed, total loss is now 13.2kg. Averaging 0.7kg or 1.5lb a week & I’m very happy with this, could never do that without mj.

@Kaggi9 not experienced any food intolerance like that on 7.5mg (touch wood) & not had any side effects this week other than a few extra naps. Have you been ok since then?

Hope everyone is having a great week.

Jab 19 // 7.5mg dose // 13.2kg loss so far