December 25 starters thread?

[cobblers00]

Is there one yet? If not, should this be it? I’m starting tonight, so officially November, but hey! Am so nervous, woke up early this morning with anxiety. Would love tips from anyone who has started before on what / how to eat on first few days..I’m really concerned about debilitating side effects- should you just listen to your body or force yourself to eat chicken?! I keep seeing all these insta posts about eating protein!!

So sorry to hear this @cobblers00 - be kind to yourself.

@cobblers00 I am so sorry for your loss - sending you hugs and strength x

Hi folks, checking in with a BMI of 22 point something for the first time in 15 years! Really enjoying my new/new to me wardrobe; I have a couple of pairs of jeans I actually feel good in! It’s been too hot to wear them, but still. And SHORTS! I had forgotten the joy of shorts in summer.

How are you all doing?

Well done! I am loving the summer clothes, just got back from Greece where I wore a bikini and not to be big headed but I felt amazing!
I’ve still got a few pounds to lose, I’m at a bmi of 23. Annoyingly I’m having an operation tomorrow and won’t be able to work out for a few weeks but it’s fine.. slow and steady.
I hadn’t planned on buying another pen but ended up ordering a 5 mg last night and I might microdose and make it last until I’m at goal.
Have you reached your goal now, what are you all planning on doing to maintain?

Nice! I just realised I’m not doing a beach trip this year, and was thinking I am not making the most of it!

Hope your procedure goals well - you’ll be training again before you know it.

I think another couple of kilos would be a good goal - I have plenty of fat on my belly and thighs still - but I have always struggled to really see what’s in the mirror. I would be thrilled to stay at this weight indefinitely for sure.

I have two more doses of WG 1.7mg but need to decide if I’m buying another pen at this dose, or moving down. Hmm.

Still going, here! I have two more months on my VOY subscription, so am doing another 1.7mg WG then will begin to taper, I think.

BMI 22.7, just dipped down below a big threshold for me (the last time I was here was 14 years ago following six months of ultra low carb, very briefly, which of course disappeared instantly when carbs reappeared in my life).

Since November, I’ve lost 11cm on my waist, 10cm on my thighs, 4cm on my arms, and 12cm from my hips. I’m still in some of the same clothes but have gone from a 12-14 to a small 10. Wearing shorts again, wohoo! And my 5km run time is below 30 mins for the first time in ages. Still can’t quite do a pull up though 🫣.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Hello! I’m still plodding long here. 5 stone down and very happy. I’ve lost 11 inches from my waist, 7 from my hips and I’m comfortably into a size 14 on my way to a 12 for the first time in years and years. My plan is to keep going until I hit a year and then I have to titrate down for financial reasons. I hope to be much fitter then - I’m introducing more running and strength training now and building up my fitness levels - and I hope that I can manage on a lower dose or stretch my doses out with an agreeable pharmacy to keep the weight off without bouncing around too much.

@Margaritawithlime - well done you! Those are incredible numbers. How are you feeling day to day, and are you enjoying the running and strength training?

I am so close to getting my first pull up at the gym! I can do a couple of reps on the pull up bars with 0kg assist, but with the knee plate for a bit of emotional support. Nearly there (it only took losing 20% of my body weight 😬)

Amazing numbers @StrongGirlsLift and @Margaritawithlime well done! I took my last jab today, I’m not at my goal, a stubborn 4lb to go but never mind. I’ve been out of action for the last month after an operation and even though I’ve literally just been sat here unable to move I haven’t gained so now I’m back to work and the gym I’m confident I can get there.
I’ve decided to stop mainly due to cost but I also just want to see if I can do this.
I’ve completely over hauled my lifestyle since December, cut out snaking and have got into a routine at the gym that I actually look forward to. Obviously if I start gaining like crazy then I’ll reevaluate but I’m hopeful!
My stats are..
190lb - 142lb
BMI 29-22.9
Ive lost 9 inches from my waist!
Size 14/16- 8/10.
Some before and afters for anyone that is interested. Good luck ladies!

Wow @Gardener82, you’re looking amazing, and well done on holding steady after your operation. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to maintain - good luck! I will keep fingers crossed for you.

@StrongGirlsLiftThsnk you, you too!

Hi all, checking in for the first time in months, and catching up on your posts. You’re all doing amazing.

So sorry to hear about your mum @cobblers00, hope you’re doing ok.

@Gardener82You do look fab, my aim is for a lovely flat tummy like that.

I’ve stayed around 58-59kg for the past few months, BMI 22 ish, so fitting comfortably into a size 10. But haven’t done as well as I wanted with the strength work, particularly as I’ve been quite run down for the past month and it’s showing round my middle now. Still taking 2.5 or 3.75 of MJ as my sweet tooth hasn’t been curbed. I do think I’d like a couple more kilos off as I get stronger and more toned so maybe I’ll check in a little bit more to keep me accountable!
On the plus side like you guys, I’m loving wearing my new clothes but it’s an expensive business trying to replace everything!

Well done @ViciousChicken! good luck and hope you feel better enough to do more strength training.

I will start my first lower dose pen tomorrow! Hoping to continue losing for a few more pounds. And you guys… today I got my first ever chin up! Still not quite at a pull up which is a bit harder.

@ViciousChicken and everyone!

so I’m steady around the 20kg lost mark, fluctuates a little, but I’m happy! Still jabbing 2.5 to 3.75 every 10 days or so.

Juniper are happy to keep prescribing- but golly they are expensive! Has anyone switched whilst maintaining? If so to who? And if you have any referral codes I’m happy to use them to get you some money off!

So here are my stats and a smug photo in an evening dress for a November wedding (taken at my lightest, and a bit too scrawny!) I’m 2kg heavier now and look better!

@Gardener82- fabulous!

You look amazing!!! And very little loose skin too !

im struggling with the mentality of not being the big girl, the fat girl… it was who I am/was for so long … I feel very self conscious in a very different way than before- and I feel like I’ve lost my armour almost- although I’m much happier

The imposter syndrome is real!

@MissBridgetJonesYou're looking fab, and happy with it!

@StrongGirlsLiftCheers, have done a little bit more at the gym but just started another course of antibiotics so not quite there yet, it was pneumonia so taking a while to shift. I have started counting calories again just to stop the extra food sneaking in and it seems to be helping.

Oh my god, the imposter syndrome is REAL! It took weeks of putting on clothes and them falling back off until I could accept that wasn’t who I was anymore.

i did ok on the loose skin situation… apart from a bit on my tummy… and saggy little norks!

@MissBridgetJones wow, incredible dress! Such a great colour on you. Glad you have found a happy weight now! I switched from VOY to Medicine Marketplace - £80 per month cheaper for WG 1mg. The follow up from Voy has been relentless, and they’ve offered many discounts, but are still more expensive than MM. My MM order had to be reviewed, but it was approved in 2 days.

People have started to say “don’t lose any more!”, which feels a bit intrusive at BMI22. I think it’s just my proportions - my waist is measuring almost two dress sizes bigger than my hips, unfortunately.

BUT: I can now do pull ups! NSV achieved, wohoo.

Ah, thank you so much @StrongGirlsLiftits a dress I wouldn’t have dreamed a year ago. Still feel like a massive imposter. Any tips on gently getting into lifting? I’m soooo puny, I was really strong, but also a right porker!

@MissBridgetJones yes! It’s so much much fun getting started with weights as you see the gains so quickly, and make good progress. There are lots of workout videos on YouTube if you’d prefer to try things out at home. You can buy weights on FB marketplace etc. Or, other fun ways include weighted jump ropes (skipping!) or resistance bands.

I joined a local weights gym, asked for a six week starter programme at my induction, and took it from there. After about six weeks, I picked a quiet day and asked for an updated programme and to be showed how to use the barbell.

I downloaded Hevy (free) and built out a few programmes. It’s easiest to start with an all-over mix of free weights and machines, and build up barbells if you’d like to as you feel more confident. I recommend starting light and giving your body chance to adjust over the first few weeks.

I’ve been going for almost three years and am so much stronger, plus I have a lot less back pain and knee pain in general life. I am a bit evangelical about it, but it has really changed my relationship with my body.

Hope you enjoy it!

@MissBridgetJones well done, you look amazing!
I am coming up to 6 weeks without using Mounjaro and am pleased to say it’s going well. I’ve lost another 2lb. The food noise has returned but I’m dealing with it the same way I dealt with cigarette cravings when I quit smoking years ago, ignore and it’ll pass. I’m currently on holiday in Spain so surrounding by tapas and icecream but I’m coping, im determined to not go backwards.

Wow @Gardener82 that’s hopeful!

Hi all, it's been a while! I've not really been on here since my mum died in the summer but it's lovely to see a few still checking in and so pleased all is going well for everyone. So my update: Im now hovering around the 60kg mark which was my target - I'm a size 10 and have lost 4 inches of my thighs and 6 off my waist!! I feel 100% better physically than I have ever since my teens. I have one dose left in a 2.5mg pen and then that's it I think ... I've not ordered a pen for over 2 months as had a stockpile and have been tapering down, so I don't think any supplier would even give me another now?? I'm a little nervous about that as my appetite is definitely back - and when I have gone up to 10 days without jabbing, I could happily go back to old, very bad, over eating habits. I'm aware I'm not eating as clean generally since mum died but I am doing a LOT of gym which is my absolute sanity, so hoping my increased muscle mass and general activity levels will help me stay steady. Has anyone else come off the jabs and held firm within this group? I'm also a bit worried coming off the jabs, because despite all the personal emotional upheaval of the past year, I really feel they helped level out my general well-being - I've just felt much brighter, and energetic from day one of taking them - and I've not had a cold since being on them either!