Will I be eligible with these health conditions.

[Fooledaroundandfellinlove]

I have recently been diagnosed with reflux and fatty liver and also have diverticulitis. All conditions that are exacerbated by being overweight. I have a BMI of 33 and have been to slimming world for a year now losing and regaining the same stone. I have to eat a fair amount normally as I suffer from constipation otherwise which then affects the diverticulitis.

I want to try the weight loss injections but am I likely to be accepted? I’m late 50’s and would prefer a service that does the injection for me and closely monitors. I wouldn’t mind paying extra for that.

I don't know about doing the injection for you, as I've never wanted that, but I went with a local independent pharmacy which means face to face meetings every month, weighing etc. I did it because of issues with deliveries safely reaching my house but I found the extra contact/support helpful in the early days. I'm mid 50s.

It is slightly more expensive because you lose the ability to jump around between suppliers and get discounts, the way people do online. The base price isn't much different, especially since the cost increase last year.

Honestly, doing the injection is so quick and easy. You might want to go for doing it yourself the first time but supervised by the pharmacist and that should give you confidence going forward. They would also be able to make a decision on whether there's any contradindication with your conditions. MJ is supposed to be actively good for obesity/insulin resistant related conditions like fatty liver etc so that one certainly shouldn't be an issue. And loads of us on here have/had reflux as well. The one I know nothing about is diverticulitis.

I lost 6 stone in a year: it's transformed my life really.

You'd be looking at a local pharmacy that offers a weight loss service, or I think Boots have started a new service where you can have an in person appointment at least to begin with. Don't know if they'd actually do the injection for you, though, each time. They might show you how to do it and then watch you do it. The injection pens are designed as self-injections and it's a subcutaneous injection which is very straightforward to do.

Another option might be a private GP, or a private weight loss clinic, although that would be the most expensive option I would have thought.

Constipation can be an issue, as your digestive system is slowed, and you may find you can't eat the volume that you would previously have needed to eat.

Thank you for the information @GiveMeWordGamesand @SilenceInside, I’m not too concerned at the moment about costs and would prefer to be as closely monitored as possible initially so will look into consulting with a private hospital or Gp. I’m sure, if I got used to it, then I could inject myself. I feel that losing 5 stone would be life changing and would really help with these conditions. Even losing two stones would really help. I’m just scared to start as the diverticulitis has been stable and the reflux has just started and I’ve had to start meds for that.

You don’t need any conditions with a bmi over 30. So yes you’d be accepted. Do you really need someone to inject for you. Mayne the first time, but it’s very easy and not painful.

With BMI > 30 you should be eligible.

It absolutely makes sense to talk to some people about your diverticulitis, GLP1s can cause constipation, diarrhoea, gut slow down. At least to find out what you should look out for and how to manage in relation to your diverticulitis.

I would discuss with whoever knows your diverticulitis history best for their advice.

Then I would try a Dr led pharmacy such as Swift Doctor with experts on Mounjaro/Wegovy and book an online consultation to discuss, focussing on how they would support and monitor you. I think Swift Doctor charge around £30 for a consultation. I think a Dr led pharmacy who specialise in weight loss are likely to be more informed than a local pharmacy who is simply selling.

Scan the internet for information on diverticulitis and GLP1s.

Use forums/chatgpt - mumsnet, facebook, reddit for any information/anecdotal stories. More for confidence if others have done it without significant issues than actual evidence.

Then consider your options.

Also, the pens are designed for self injection, it is a bit scary the first few times, but the needle is tiny (4-6mm) and mostly painless. Once you manage the first one it is fairly easy.

Thanks @Velvetandleatherand @NoTouch. The diverticulitis is not monitored at all which does worry me. I was diagnosed after an out of the blue flare up and rapid weight loss (sadly, put on again). I’ve had a few twinges since diagnosis 5 years ago and have to be careful what I eat so I don’t get constipated. Had a scan recently to rule out gallstones and pancreatitis (at which the fatty liver was diagnosed) so I know my gallbladder is ok.

I can’t find a lot of information re; GLP’s and diverticulitis. It’s a fairly common condition so there are probably people on the injections that have it but they don’t realise it.

I am really desperate to lose this weight for my health so will contact Swift doctor.