Advice for newbie please

[Ihateslugs]

Apologies for the long post, I talk a lot as well!

This is a copy of a post I wrote on an existing post as someone suggested it might be better to start a new thread.

I have finally decided to use WLI after trying to lose weight by dieting/fasting methods in order to have knee replacement surgery later this year. I have lost some weight and am no longer eating rubbish, have cut out alcohol and not snacking between meals. I was reluctant before to use the injections but having seen my sister and daughter use them successfully, I began to consider them.

Obviously the expected price increases for Mounjaro ( the one I was considering) are concerning but I am fortunate to be able to afford them from my retirement savings. I still have lots of questions and worries though I wondered if anyone here could help me.

I think I’d prefer to use a supplier linked to a “real” company such as Morrisons as, rightly or wrongly, I think I trust them more. How can I find out which pharmacies offer a personal service, I like the idea of going into a pharmacist for a consultation and to collect new pens, my local pharmacy does not offer this.

I am very overweight, 5 ft 6 tall, weigh around 18st so I don’t anticipate having any problems getting them.

I have a number of medical conditions requiring me to take daily medication which concerns me - high blood pressure so on bp med plus a diuretic, slightly raised cholesterol so on statins prescribed after a TIA and strong pain relief for osteoarthritis - tramadol and paracetamol up to 8 each a day. I assume that all these will be declared when I sign up?

I am worried about possible side effects both minor short term ones like nausea, constipation but also paranoid about more serious ones like pancreatitis etc that I’ve read about.

Im not sure how I’ll go about injecting myself, I’m such a wuss! Are the pens like EpiPens that you just push against the skin or are they like the ones used by nurses to give injections or take blood?

I cannot exercise, even walking is very painful, so I’m concerned about having excess flabby skin!

Having written these thought down, I’m now going off the idea which I know is silly, please help reassure me that I should go ahead. I’m wondering about trying to get an appointment to speak to my gp.

Many thanks

Hi OP,
Well done on beginning to lose weight without medical support - it's tough.

You have started to talk yourself out of using weight loss injections because you have listed the things that you are worried about but to make your decision balanced you should also list the upsides. E.g. you are likely to be able to lose weight and get your knee operation using weight loss injections. You are likely to have improved mobility.

As well as some possible negative side effects commonly gastric and more serious risks such as pancreatitis weight loss injections are beginning to gather evidence that they have positive side effects too on sleep apnoea, reduction in cardiac events and stroke, reduction of risk of some cancers, reduced chance of dementia/psychosis, reduction in some addictive behaviours and more.

Basically there is an upside and downside and you need to read about the medication and decide what is right for you.

In deciding where to buy your medication remember that your local pharmacist could offer a good or a bad experience. They are not necessarily well trained in the medication. Linking this thread to show this person's pharmacist was not aware of even the basic prescribing criteria
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5397735-humiliated-at-pharmacy

You might find some services that specialise in weight loss medication have more specialist knowledge. These boards are also a great source of support for questions that you have, as well as your family members with experience.

In regards to loose skin (as well as maintaining a healthy body, muscle mass and maintaining your hair) aim to lose weight slowly at only 1-2lbs each week. Eat plenty of protein and vitamin rich food and consider a multi vitamin and collagen supplement. Do weight bearing exercise within your limitations even if this is chair exercises at the moment as this will help to maintain your muscle mass.

Good luck!

This is a video showing the injection process by a pharmacist.

One more piece of advice - stay on your lowest effective dose. That means if you are able to lose 1-2lbs each week don't increase your dose. This helps to minimise your side effects and will also help with the cost as higher strengths are more expensive.

OK, I’ve had a quick look online and found three local pharmacies which offer face to face consultations for weight loss meds - not the one where I pick up my prescriptions though. I’m going to contact the one which has the best accessibility for me, preferably with disabled parking outside and book a consultation as soon as possible. I feel so much more confident if I can talk to someone about my various medical conditions and the medication I take and also like the idea of a monthly catch up and weigh in. I know it will probably be more expensive but initially I can cover that.

Ive read the thread linked above and hopefully I will talk to someone with more person skills. I won’t be embarrassed to talk about my weight, I know I am obese and why so any feedback will be fine.

I like the idea of not focusing on the side effects but think of the benefits of losing weight. I have the goal of wanting both knees replaced before my son’s wedding next April, luckily I have private medical insurance so don’t need to join the NHS waiting lists. But the thought of having someone to talk to about any issues is very reassuring.

I will report back after my first visit.

Good idea to see your local pharmacy. It's must easier, and far more personal though can be a bit more expensive.

It all depends. My local pharmacy is very competitive even with the price increases. It's only the two top strengths that he's not as competitive against some of the online providers.

Even if you start off with your local pharmacy you can always switch to online when you feel more confident.

Yes, I was thinking that I could swap to online providers in the future if I feel confident enough.

I'm a newbie, too. Would you mind posting about your experience with the local pharmacy, as I'm currently in the stage of research how/where best to do this? Would much appreciate it!

I’ll let you know how I get on.

I’m just popping out to check which of the three local chemists have the closest parking, in case one is inside another shop like at a big Tesco near me. I cannot walk far at all at the moment. Then I’ll see if I can book a consultation on line.