My Mounjaro FAQs

I'm quite amazed by how many people have reached out to me after posting this. Friends, family, old colleagues... so many people who are either on their own journeys or are thinking about starting their own. 

This is exactly why I wrote this, and why I told people about it.  

What made me decide to get the jab?

I have had weight issues for years. I was chubby in my teens and bulimic in my 20s. When I hit my 30s, I thought I had a grasp on things, but thanks to physical and mental health issues, my weight and size started to creep up. I think losing my dad and COVID were also major factors. What I found really annoying is that it's not like I was eating a shit ton. My choices weren't great, but I wasn't gorging. I have a terrible sweet tooth, which did not help. 

I had some bloodwork done at the doctor's, and we established that a lot of my weight gain was caused by my SSRIs, asthma steroid medication, and a bad reaction to a birth control injection. 

So, I tried dieting, calorie counting, I even tried starving myself, but nothing was working. Unfortunately, because of my asthma, I find certain exercises really tricky. I can't run for shit, my lungs literally stop working. So cardio is out of the question. 

I know many people consider having the injection a cheat, but right now, I don't care. It's helping me with what I need, so I'm happy.

How did I get it? Was it expensive?

I spoke to my doctor at length about it, but ultimately it wasn't available on the NHS (it is now), so it was something I would need to invest in. Thankfully, I was able to talk to my doc and get some advice on certain things before I started researching. I then spent around a month in deep research mode. I read about a variety of side effects that are possible, looked into the possibility of any of my meds reacting negatively to it, and the risk factors that could happen... I read it all. 

Once I felt I was thoroughly informed, I went online to see where the injections were available. I decided to stick to a company I know (Asda) because I have seen horror stories about dodgy pens. 

The application process was easy, but traumatic. I had to take a picture of myself from different angles and upload. I have actively been avoiding cameras for ages, so doing that hurt my soul. They were not flattering photos. 

I then filled in my doctor's details. Apparently, the Asda Pharmacy Team reaches out to your GP to ensure the info you give is correct. I liked this because it meant that my doctor is aware that I've started taking the pens. He knew that was my plan anyway. 

Once that was all filled in, I paid £135, and the pen arrived within the week in a cold delivery box. You gotta keep it refrigerated. 

What is my end goal?

Weight loss isn't a big thing for me as I am quite heavy regardless (even when I was at my skinniest and sickest, I was a size 6 but still over 10 stone). I just want to be comfortable. I take medication for my high blood pressure (hereditary), high cholesterol (also hereditary), and mental health. 

If things go as I am hoping, I may be able to stop taking so many pills. 

I would also like to reduce my antidepressants. Since being on Mounjaro, I have felt happier and have had more energy. I'm unsure if that is just my brain tricking me, but I like it regardless.

Any random tips or trivia?

1. Get some supplements. During my research, I saw that the reduction of food also means a reduction of certain vitamins and minerals. 

So, I am currently taking 3 supplements. Vitamin C, multi vitamins with added iron, and one that has magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3. I also make sure I add electrolytes to my water, as they help replenish the body. 

2. Be careful with the amount of water you consume. I didn't know that, apparently, you can drink TOO much water. I have a water bottle that holds 750ml, and I drink 3 a day. I now pee like a racehorse, which is new. 

3. Never trust a fart. This is just basic knowledge, but it's even more important now that I'm putting a new chemical in my body. 

4. When your appetite decreases, eat little but often. You won't be able to take on a whole meal, so split it into two. 

5. Constipation is apparently a major side effect. So, try and eat foods that help with movement. I have granola every morning, and I have had NO issue. 

6. Greasy food will give you the shits. 

The whole reason I posted this is so that I can help anyone looking to start their own journey, so if you have ANY questions, feel free to ask. Even if you think they're inappropriate. I have no issue when it comes to talking about, well, anything. Farts, poop, vomit, boobs, fupa.... I have no shame. 

You can message me on IG if you wanna talk privately too. 

My Mounjaro Diary - Weeks One, Two, and Three

When I started my journey, I had all the intention of making weekly posts to track my symptoms and experiences.... and then I completely forgot. In my defence, I have a brain like a fish. So instead, I decided to do a recap, just to get it all written down. So I don't forget. 

Week One - 1st 2.5mg jab. 

The plan was to take the jab on the Saturday (so I had the weekend to deal with any bad side effects), but because I read the instructions wrong (and because I'm daft), I messed up and gave myself an "empty" shot. Note for later, always remember to read the instructions FULLY, none of this skip to the end shit. I know I was excited to get started, but in doing so, I had messed up. It wasn't the worst mistake in the world, but I did feel foolish.

That meant I had to do the jab Sunday evening instead. Thankfully, it was smooth sailing from there. 

The needle is frigging TINY, just FYI. I think the idea of stabbing myself got me nervous, so I had to mentally prepare myself. Dunno why I bothered thou because I didn't feel a thing. I wonder if the higher doses have bigger needles...

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was that the 'food noise' had gone. It worked that quick (for me). Unsure if it was a placebo effect or anything, but it was pretty immediate. 

I used to joke that all I did was think about food, but it's kinda true. If I'm not thinking about my next meal, I'm reminiscing about meals I've eaten in the past. I love food. I'm always hungry, always looking for a little snicky-snack to tide me over. That was all gone. 

Which is nice, but also concerning because I now have to remind myself to eat. And because I have a terrible habit of losing myself in hyperfocus, I can go hours without eating or drinking and not notice. 

I wouldn't say my appetite has shrunk just yet. When I do eat, it is still a full plate. But I have noticed that if I eat unhealthy food, I fill up faster, and I am usually hit with cramps the next day.

Speaking of cramps, that is the main side effect I am dealing with at the moment. They're not agonising, my period pains are much worse, but they are noticeable. I have had mild cramps daily. And of course, cramps lead to other intestinal issues. I read that the jab can cause constipation for some, but that has most definitely not been my experience. I'm not exactly shitting my shorts or anything, but there is a hell of a lot more movement going on. Which I assume is my metabolism working a little faster.  

Week Two - 2nd jab. 

This was the first time I noticed a bad side effect. I had sulphur burps. They literally tasted like I was farting out of my mouth. I was horrified. That Tuesday was a bad day because besides ass breath, I also had nausea (probably because of the stank) and cramps. It has been the only bad day so far, which I'm quite happy about. 

The second week is also when the thirst kicked in. I'm thirsty all the time. Which is absolutely fine because it means I'm drinking a hell of a lot more water, and I used to be a proper dehydrated bitch. 

I'm making sure I don't drink too much water thou, because apparently that is bad for you too. 

Another side effect that showed up in the second week..... gas. I am burping and fating like a good'un. I've always been a burpy gal (I sound like a demon at times), but it has gotten worse. Or better. Depends on how you wanna look at it. My other half would probably say worse, but that's only because he is usually downwind of me. 

Week Three - 3rd jab. 

This week was extremely uneventful. No cramps, no nausea, no fart breath. Just easy breezy. Still thirsty. Still gassy. Still visiting the toilet more than usual. Nothing too exciting. And the food noise is still practically non-existent. I did randomly get hit with a massive craving for fried chicken on Friday, but it was only for about 15 minutes. 

Week Four - Last 2.5mg jab.

Last night was my last 2.5mg injection. I will be ordering the 5mg this week and increasing on Sunday. I am hoping that the side effects are the same as before. 

I stood on the scales this morning and noticed that it has gone down to 15st 12lb. I started at 17st (ish). So, there is progress. Slow and steady wins the race. I have also noticed that my boobs seem a little smaller, which is fabulous, and I feel less 'swollen' and heavy, which was the main reason for starting. 

I'm not exactly stressed about the weight loss; I just want to be more comfortable, and hopefully, this will help lower my blood pressure and ease my asthma.

If things continue the way they have been, then I will be happy. :)