Anyone teetering on the edge of ordering fancy a chat about it?

[SummerDaysAreTheBest]

I have always felt instinctively against taking drugs. The side effects, known and unknown, freak me out.

But then, I have at least 3.5 stones to lose. I eat a healthy diet, high in protein, low in carbs. I go to the gym.
My knees are buggered.
I am almost 50 and perimenopausal, so everything aches, although the gym helps a lot with this, and IS changing my shape, but I can’t shift any weight. It’s infuriating!

I feel, from what I have read, that GLP1 could not only help with weightloss but might help some of my peri symptoms too….

However, I am very sensitive to hormones. Had to stop taking HRT because of unwelcome side effects.

I am sooo tempted to try WLIs. And just wondering if there’s anyone else teetering here, who would like to chat?

Thanks ☺️

I felt like you for about 6 months but then took the plunge in May. I’m so glad I did.

My reasons for dithering were:

1. Naturally a bit suspicious of drug companies pushing drugs (long term side effects etc!)
2. Why couldn’t I do it without drugs? Surely it can’t be THAT difficult if I just grit my teeth and stick to it??
3. Side effects - read some pretty grim stories.

I began to shift my thinking when I did some proper reading/research. Think I asked a lot of questions on here too. When I realised it mimics something your body already produces and the drugs themselves are far from new (plus serious side effects are very rare) I began to look at the options. It was clear I couldn’t just lose the weight by ‘gritting my teeth’ and getting on with it. If that was the case I’d have done it years ago. Instead I was stuck in a revolving door of lose a few lbs, gain a few lbs, not to mention constantly obsessing about what I was going to eat next. Utterly exhausting! Finally in January I met up with an old friend. I’d not seen her in ages but she looked so well - she’d lost 2.5 stone and was glowing. I asked for the ‘secret’ and it was Mounjaro. We talked it all through and a few months later I was signing up.

For me the weight losses have been 1.5lbs per week so nice and steady. By far the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve still got 2-3 stone to go (maybe a bit more) but I’m so glad I started.

Side effects have been very minimal. I struggle with constipation but I keep it on track with laxido every other day. I also get a bit of heartburn but it’s easily solved with a couple of Rennies.

Hope that helps.

Thanks @threeeggsontoastthat is really helpful.

Have been having a very similar thought process. I’d like to lose slowly too.

Also met a friend who has lost about 3 stone the other week. She seemed so happy.

I guess you’ll never know about side effects until you try.

Do you mind sharing which provider you get your MJ from? Are you happy with them?

I’ve swopped around to get the best price. As I was nervous about side effects I used Chequp the first time (bit more expensive but offer personal support) but after my first month I realised I didn’t need to pay extra for that. I’ve since used Pharmacy 2U and a few others as well, making the most of the first timers discount.

If you decide to go for it, use monj.co.uk as the best price comparison site for MJ. They update constantly and there’s also the Sept (increased) price list too.

In addition I use the Shotsy app (paid and a free version) to keep track of how much MJ is in my system. I like their weight tracker too. I also use the Weight Watchers app but in GLP-1 mode which helps me to keep track of protein etc.

I’ve had mounjaro sitting in the fridge for 4 weeks today. I am just like you with regard to drugs. I am so so tempted to start but I can’t bring myself to! Every single time I feel confident and think ok today is the day, I find something else that makes me hesitate.

If you want to know more about GLP1 meds and menopause I reallly recommend looking at posts on Instagram by susanbrianmd she’s a Dr and endocrinologist who is involved in lots of studies and gives lots of proper medical information about how helpful they can be.
As a menopausal woman who has lost weight on GLP1 my main advice would be, you may find you want to take then for longer than you first expect, so make sure you know it’s a long journey not a quick fix.
I thoroughly recommend them.

Thank you so much I will check her out.
I’m really not looking to lose fast. I just would like to lose at all.

Have been seeing a dietary therapist who has taken my bloods and told me I’m a bit insulin resistant. She’s saying to eat loads of protein and has me on various supplements to help with metabolism and insulin resistance. It’s bloody expensive and am just not losing anything.

I’ve never been a dieter as such. No yo yoing. Just steadily climbed up after my second child. He’s 12 now!

I feel as though shifting the weight and continuing with healthy eating / exercise would be my best chance of heading into my 50’s as healthily as possible. If that makes sense.

But then my dietary therapist reckons that the high levels of people taking all this WL medication from online pharmacies is bound to end in a lot of litigation sooner or later.

I’m still a bit torn, but am leaning towards just going for it to be honest!

I’m not teetering. I did it.

Last May, I weighed 17 1/2 stone. I’m 5ft tall.

I now weigh just over 8 stone. My BP is ‘perfect’ according to a nurse a couple of weeks ago. My knee pain is drastically reduced. I haven’t had an asthma crisis for nearly a year. I have fallen back in love with exercise and am more toned and fitter than I have been for 30 years.

For me, it was a last ditch attempt to stop myself dying from a stroke, heart attack or cancer before my time. I can go into my 60s healthy and happy.

Hi @SummerDaysAreTheBest
I also started in May after years of dieting, regular exercise and a fairly healthy diet. I would lose some weight and gradually put it back on.
I attended Weight Watchers, Rosemary Conley, Slimming World, Weight care, Weight wise to name but a few. Have also consumed those blooming shakes!
Peri menopause just made it worse.
I took the plunge and 3 months on I have lost 17lbs which I'm pleased with as I'm in my 60's and short. It's been approx.a pound a week loss. I've never had a gain.
I started with Med Express with a discount code and have also shopped around.
I suffered mild diarrhoea for a few weeks which has settled and am slowly progressing to a 5mg pen.
My weight loss has been without much exercise as I've had 2 operations this year although I'm fully recovered now. I intend to up my walking and start strengthening exercises with weights at home.
After some miserable years of wearing cover up clothes I'm starting to plan what I can wear . I consider it to be the best thing I've done since having my children.

Sounds great - well done Lifecircle! I don’t mind a bit of diarrhoea, it’s the gall bladder issues I’m a bit scared of. But it seems unlikely.

It all sounds so encouraging on these boards. Thank you all for sharing 💛

It’s pretty rare, but can happen. Your intent is to lose slowly, which is good and will make it rarer. Don’t go too hard core on cutting out fat, keep eating a small amount regularly. Things like salmon, avocado, nuts ect and enjoy a bit of butter on your toast. That keeps the gall bladder working and stops a build up of bile that can turn into stones. But I know several people who have had gallstones for absolutely no clear reason, all well treated and fine now 🤷‍♀️.

Are people cutting out fat to lose weight faster or is it recommended to cut down while on WLIs?

Currently eating healthy fats, fish and veg proteins. Just low carbs.

I think some people cut fat out to lose faster, it is very energy dense after all. But if you suddenly change from a very high fat junk food and fried crap diet to a very low fat one and lose weight quickly you are giving your digestive system a lot to cope with.

I don’t think there is a specific diet recommendation for WLI other than plenty of protein to maintain muscle and plenty of water to keep hydrated. The best way is to try to establish good food habits rather than anything extreme, general healthy eating with treats in moderation. Like you I’ve gone low carb, not extreme it’s just kind of happened.

Are you actually in a calorie deficit, how are you calculating your intake?

The medication allows you to cut your calorie intake without feeling so deprived or craving foods.

My view is that you have a medical condition and just like a condition that perhaps hasnt responded to lifestyle changes (if you are able to make those changes), then try medication. If it works and you dont have side effects great, if not then come off it.

Honestly I was on the fence and my only regret now is not starting earlier.