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

Arg. So last 2 check ins have shown slight increases, so 3 very similar check ins, but they've still emailed me saying that because my average over 7months is 2kg a month that's good and they'd like me to stay on 7.5

I still don't get how they all respond so differently. I've replied saying the same thigns I've said again - I am eating more/don't have the full feeling after eating, I am putting on weight not losing and finally I'd rather go up now than term time... Well see. I don't want another month of weight gain.

They've approved it. They didn't reply to me just issued the prescription.

Its really strange as I weigh most days it dependa what day you compare as to what the weight looks like. (I guess which points on a graph when it's very up and down). On my one it looked like I was staying the same. On shemed it looked like I was gaining 200g each week for 2 weeks but then 200g can be a glass of water.

@Reginaphalangeeeee its really helped me reading your experience as I think I've followed you a bit. As in last month it slowed down and the last few weeks it then stopped. And similarly with a good deal to lose I was wanting regular losses.

I hope 10s been okay for you. Mines been approved but next week is my last 7.5 so it's a little while before I go up.

Those of you on 10 did you just go full on with a 10 dose (I know we're supposed to with Shemed).

I hope I've done the right thing asking to go up. 😬. I also didn't want the side effects to hit while teaching so wanted a week or two while life is less busy to adjust.

I've had an amazing day out at a NT place walking. I went there in December and the difference in my mobility and fitness is incredible. In December I was still looking for benches and navigating any inclines and used the mobility bus at the end. Today I just walked. Incredible to see how most people just... Walk. And how disabling it was. I am so grateful.

I feel a bit that having lost so much I should look normal shaped. But I'm still v obese. My stomach has become wobbly and sort of foreign. I am amazed at the whole process.

Hope everyone's going okay. We've all done so well ❤️.

Oh that's excellent ! I couldn't wait to go to 10. 7.5 was making me feel strange, almost dizzy, off balance vertigo feelings or being on a boat with no sea legs. I've felt much better since taking the 10. The suppression is a lot though. I think my best dose was 5mg. For feeling most like myself.

X

Hi guys - I've been lurking but haven't posted for ages. I got my blood test package last week which I'm aiming to do and send back on Monday. My first blood results were 50/50 with Cholesterol being my big problem I am hoping for an improvement there. I also have stayed on 7.5mg - I have asked for this as I've been getting good results. So far I have lost 29kg or 4 1/2 stone in weight. I'm now just obese not morbidly obese anymore which is a big win. I'm desperate to lose another 10kg by Christmas at which point I'll be a teenager in weight again - which I haven't seen for over 15 years!

Hello all!
So, it is jab 30 for me today.
A total loss since Jan 28.9kg which is 21% of my starting weight (136kg).

@OneAzureMaker so pleased 10mg not brought side effects for you and a great loss this week!!!

@FatsiaJaponicaInTheGarden so glad they are giving you 10mg, it sounds like time & interesting we all had this stall. You have lost more than me & I seem to be a super staller. We now weigh the same! I am 107.1kg.

So yes, another week within the 107 bracket 🙄. I have basically been between 108-107 for 7 weeks!!! I have lost 0.1kg this week.

I actually did taper from 7.5mg to 9ml last week. I was worried about side effects as was away 3 night after my jab. I’m glad I did that as have struggled with constipation this week and a bit of acid indigestion. This managed by lots of water, gaviscon and some magnesium supplements.

As I have been away I haven't been at the gym, I have eaten take aways/meals out while away and desserts so my calorie intake must be up. I am actually pleased no gain this week. I am jabbing 10mg tonight and feeling hopeful for a loss this week. I can't keep stalling right??? The scales have to move surely?

I will report back. I am a bit concerned by my mindset, I have started to feel accepting yet unhappy with my size again. I really want to continue to loose but feels such a battle that I am not sure what sacrifices are needed. I really hope I can loose a little of the next 2 weeks before I head on holiday to get my head back in the game. I worry I am entering give up territory and would be so sad.
Like you @FatsiaJaponicaInTheGardeni feel daunted by how much to loose and that I still very much looking forward to it obese despite 4.5stone. So few people have commented, not even my mum or brother that it confirms I still just look like a fat woman that people can't see the loss.

Trying to stay positive & so grateful for your support you wonderful loosers!!!

Hi I hope everyone is enjoying the sun? I’m home after 2.5 weeks in Florida. It’s a monster journey I live in Yorkshire but we flew from Gatwick!! Crazy I know. I checked in without calling for 2 jabs because they say you can’t call from USA. Next check in is Tuesday but I had a sneaky weigh when I was showering and I’ve lost 3lbs! I’m putting it down to the heat and the amount of walking we did! I’m on my second 10mg pen and it’s definitely working for me at the moment. I can eat reasonably ok and generally favoured salads (although massive in USA!). I didn’t find myself bothered with the ice creams or popcorn and I had an amazing time!

Now sat up with jet lag and I’m back at work at 7am tomorrow 🫣.

MJ is really life changing and I felt I would have really struggled with the heat and walking prior to loosing the weight. I even wore a bikini which I would never have done before!

I have enjoyed reading everyone’s journeys and am happy that my blood results are now all in the green zones which is a real relief!

I am now going to focus on my mindset - keeping an eye on my macros and going for my runs again which haven’t happened for 3 weeks! I want to try and see if I can change how I am around food for the long term

I just wanted to say that I share many of the feelings that you've described re losing motivation etc. I'm sure a stall doesn't help and when I look back I've been around 103kg for a similar amount of time.

I am also worried that my mindset around food hasn't really changed. I've even found myself buying food as a 'treat' because we've moved house, and things are stressful etc. though on 10mg I'm not eating it! But that need to buy it, to treat myself because I'm tired, or stressed, or happy, or just because is still there. I wonder if that can ever change really?

But we have all gone so far, my hope is that 10mg will kick start weight loss again, and without some motivation.

Happy Monday. I’m back from a much needed holiday and catching up with all your posts.

A lot of us are now on 10mg, this dose has been going fine for me with no side effects. Blood test results are in for some of you, lots of greens which is great. I did the blood test prior to going away and a few results are worse for me. After sharing them with my GP I’m booked in for further testing that will hopefully get to the bottom of it all.

Weigh in today has me at 14.7kg total loss, which I’m pleased with as it means my daily ice cream treat on holiday hasn’t completely derailed my progress. (Whilst I type this there is a ‘creamy crunchy cornetto’ ad running at the top of the screen trying to entice me 🫣)

Have a great sunshine filled week everyone ☀️

Jab day today, I only jabbed 2.5 as I jabbed 3.75 when I got back from my holiday on Wednesday evening. Scales finally feel under control. They were going up before holiday but down post holiday. I'd quite like to lose 1.2lbs but then that be the bottom of my range, before I went on holiday I was veering towards the upper end of my target range. I do think 3.75 is a bit strong though (losing weight without trying) so next Monday I will jab maybe 35/40 clicks of my 5mg pen (rather than 45), thankfully I can see my estimated dose on dosediary or I'd not have a clue!
Have a great week everyone!

Oh my word! For those who've been struggling with a static weight, 10mg seems to be a game changer! I have had a sneaky weigh in today, no doubt it will be up again before the official Friday weigh in, but last Friday I was 101.1kg, today 98.8kg.

I cannot remember the last time I was below 100 kg, I am now 0.8kg off losing 25% of my body weight and 10kg to go until overweight.

All of this seems beyond anything I could have imagined.

And just as an aside, I think there is something really positive about the shemed method of committing to a year and going through the doses more steadily. I was shocked to see a post about someone on Mounjaro recently on FB, he had been on Mounjaro for 9 weeks and was just starting 10mg!!

Well this gives me hope @OneAzureMaker

As you know my 7 week streak sitting between 107-108kg has been emotionally difficult!
On second dose of 10mg (but actually only injected 9mg initial and 9.2mg Sunday). A bit of constipation but been ok so I will do full 10mg next week.

So Sunday night injected and this morning…. 106.9kg!!!!
I know it's a pitiful 100g but I am delighted to be out of 107kg and hopeful for a good outcome by weekend. I am due my period this week so in any normal circumstances would not loose until after my period so I have mentally prepared for this this week. That said… I saw 106.9! Whoopee!

How many weeks have you been on 10mg @OneAzureMaker?

@FatsiaJaponicaInTheGarden when do you do your first dose?

Ps… @OneAzureMakeri am
So so pleased for you.
I know that the sub 100kg club is such an achievement and an ultimate target! I’m still hoping to join you in the other side of 100kg. It's been nearly 15years since I have been there!
Such a celebration!!! Well done sub-100 lady!!!! Nothing but heard work and determination has got you there but I also know I wouldn't want to shout out about it to others as actually feel shame and guilt to admit over 100kg.
Landmark day for you! Well done!!!

This is my second full dose of 10mg, I always seem to find that it's the second week of a dose change that it really seems to take effect.

I think I was last this weight around 24 years ago, just before I conceived my first baby!!

@HappySonHappyMum Yay for not morbid!! I was so so pleased when I reached that point. Its a real landmark isn't it - well done. Hope the blood test comes back soon!

@Reginaphalangeeeee Yay for under 107! And I'm hopeful 10mg will do it for you . Im hoping you get a woosh after your period. It is strange mixed feelings of being pleased at losing so much and aware of how far to go isn't it when its a long journey.

@bluesmartie83 Wow LOSING weight in America - that is some skill! I hope you've had an amazing time. Bikins and running - this is exciting stuff :)

@DearRaven Now I'm thinking of ice cream! Especially in this heat. Hope you had a fab holiday. And good that 10mg hasn't had bad side effects for you.

@OneAzureMaker Wow under 100!! That's amazing !!! And great to hear 10 has been good. I agree I do think Shemed have it right (mostly) when I read about others losing extreme amounts very fast or just ordering any dose regardless of weight loss or side effects. I hope to be under 100 before xmas..!

I weight regularly and seem to have had a proper woosh which makes me slightly doubt my insistence of going up but here we are. I was still slowing down generally before I plateauxed and actually to be going onto 10mg 7 months in isn't that bad. Its a balancing act isn't it as I have nearly 6 stone left to lose (!!! MOre than many people start with !) I don't want to go up too fast but I do need it to work.

Also in my consideration is work is very full on in term time and people facing so it would help if I can get side effects out the way.

I officially start 10mg Friday week... But might "accidently" do more this Friday so I can deal with side effects while working a lot less. I'm getting deja vu from last time I went up a dose of really wanting it then doubting it! I think I am just going to go with it as it will be v difficult to deal with side effects in term time.

I am so tired but it is also so very hot!

NSV - a friend noticed and messaged me later that evening to say she had noticed!

So - have people seen the news about price increases? I'm really worried.

I'm thinking we might be bizarrely lucky in that we should be able to stay £99 to the end of the year /shemed would take the hit as the trial is in their interest. But longer term it doesn't look good. I think it will particulalry hit those of us on higher doses/hoping to be on it long term.

I've just seen it, I agree, really worrying. The shemed offer is the only way I could have realistically afforded this as a single parent on a relatively low income. There is no way I could pay double.

It’s such short notice too, only a few weeks. I plan to stay with SheMed until the end of the trial if they do not raise prices & then will have to stop. The new cost will be even higher than the pharmacy price list & that’s just too much for my family’s budget considering I would need the more expensive higher doses. I’m devastated.

I won't be at a healthy weight and I will need it long term to maibtain/deal with inflammation. I have no idea how I will afford this but my life has changed beyond belief being able to walk...

I think we could well be lucky til December.

That's decided then I'll be coming off it in Feb when the study ends. Thats like another mortgage payment isn't it ..£122 to £330. F So sick of greedy capitalists. When will people see that if they reduce prices more people can afford it and they will sell more. !

We're lucky to have had a good head start on £99 but it's no means been easy to pay for and I've used my credit card every month. It's good to see an end for me though, it's helped me plan my exit route realising that it will be unaffordable next year so I won't be able to maintain using the drug.

X

I think my year ends mid Jan and I will still be obese then. I really hope by December people will have looked at whether wegovy is an alternative for those of us on high doses etc.

I have no idea how to manage this. But I couldn't walk on Jan more than 6mins and now I walk. This feels just like that Black Mirror episode 😳. I'm so worried.

I have been relatively slow and lost almost 3 stone over 7 months so I am back to the weight I was about 3 years ago which is brilliant but still 4 stone overweight or obese even. For me my weight gain was largely hormonal, insulin resistance and very low metabolism, I know I can’t lose weight by simply exercising and eating low calorie! I am worried re January in terms of affording another few months at £330+ to get to a healthy bmi and then more lower doses to maintain. I may have to stop occasional cheat days and lazy days to try and get there quicker!

One article I read said that those of us who have required the higher doses to lose weight that our bodies become reliant on the drug and have stopped producing GLP-1 one ourselves which is why a low dose to maintain is required to prevent regaining the weight. I do wonder if that was the purpose all along in offering it cheaper and getting people reliant on it then raising the price. I knew reliance on the drug was a real danger but like most people who take it, not doing anything was worse so I took a risk. It has definitely helped me with inflammation and pain which my doc thought might be endometriosis.

I worry too about the implications for other drugs that are life saving, will drugs companies raise the prices on other things people need to live normal lives? Will Wegovy go up too?

Has anyone heard from SheMed or contacted them since the price increases? I have 4 doses in hand currently but definitely concerned about them honouring the agreement between now and January. I'm also kicking myself that I didn't push to go up to 10mg last month as I do need to (only lost 1kg per month the last 2 months) and I can't see them putting me up now.

Are they going to force us to stay on low doses for the next 5 months? Or push us onto Wegovy?! Hmmmm

Not heard anything as yet. I would hope they’d honour the pricing, as some (myself included) would not be able to stay on the program at a higher price. Participants leaving mid way through could be detrimental to their research, as would keeping everyone on a lower dose than they need.

I guess it will depend on what dosages they estimate we will need, how much they are actually going to be charged by Eli Lilly and how much research funding is left in the pot to cover any shortfall.

I don't think it will affect whether they put you up or not. That's a clincally made decision.

But I think their business model may well change. I'm kind of. Hoping they have enough already ordered etc to see us through to the study end/they take the hit as they will want to emerge as a provider and this study is part of their evidence. Ive suspected they'd like an NHS contract long term too hence all the adherence side of it. So it may well buy us a few months. But we really don't know do we.

I've just moved up to 10 and did think I won't push to move up anymore as I wotn eb able to afford it as it is in January so would rather come done and hope a lower dose works from 10 than from higher!

In other news I checked I today and the woosh I'd even having during the week has settled so I'm hoping is here to stay. I've never had a whoosh like this before (yes some loss after it not moving during a period)

I'm about 2.5kg down and keep wondering if soemthing was up with my scales. I never got big losses early on with MJ so I think this is first time in my life I've lost this much!!

I had been slowing down compared to how I was doing, and then fussing around the same number for 3 weeks so maybe my body was holding onto water I have no idea.

And it may go back on if my period comes next week (it's irregular) but 2.5kg??????

I've just passed 5stone loss which is insane. I still have 5.5 stone to go to be at bmi 25 and aware that's more than many start with... But I think I'm pretty much halfway!

I have been second guessing asking to go up. But I think I'm okay with it and pleased I've done it before term starts.
Its all been in my head a bit with the pricing news.

Hope everyone's okay and is checking in okay x