Weight Loss Injection check-in 2024

[pugz]

Feb 16, 2024 15:00:21 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

pugz , any time I do my injection in my belly, I have way more nausea and acid reflux. I notice that when I do my thigh, I don't have as much nausea and it's still effective. I tried again in my belly two shots ago, and there was a marked difference in how I felt. I think I'll stick with my thighs TYVM (not to you - just me to myself).

I haven't tried the 2.4 in the stomach yet. But with my 1.7 there was no difference and I did break a plateau by switching.  

[raleighnc]

Feb 15, 2024 10:11:00 GMT -5 Bad Dingo said:

Feb 10, 2024 12:19:22 GMT -5 circa1978 said:

... it was happening well before significant weight loss. I really do think these are life-changing drugs and that goes so far beyond your weight.

It's been a long time since I started the meds (Aug of 2022) so it's a little bit fuzzy, but I also noticed a significant reduction in pain and inflammation almost immediately, before any real weight loss (besides water weight).  It truly has been life changing.  I've seen an uptick in my breast cancer/aromatase inhibitor support FB group with people taking Mounjaro and having the same experience.

I feel like this is similar to Claritin helping to reduce bone pain but no one seems to really know why.

Insulin resistance effs up so many things. The inflammation and headaches and back pain I had for years are gone and it's amazing. I'm so much more active because I feel better. Since there's no easy pre-emptive measurement for IR, it can be years of being dismissed as bad eating or getting older before you get to prediabetes and then diabetes range on blood glucose.

[EvieEthelGarland]

I've been stalled out for about a year. I still have the best A1C of my T1D life but no more weight loss and I could lose about 30 more. I currently weigh what I weighed when I started high school/graduated college/got married so this might be it, but I'd rather not be in the 190s. My doctor wanted me to move to the 2.0mg dose of Ozempic but insurance wasn't covering it last year and now they do! And Mounjaro! She's on leave until April and her colleague won't switch me to Mounjaro sight unseen but is happy to refill the 2.0 Rx she has already written once my labs are reviewed. Hopefully I can get those done tomorrow. My pharmacy has the larger dose in stock.

[idahome]

I hope it’s okay that I join here.

I’m a type 2 diabetic and tomorrow I’ll take my fourth dose of Mounjaro. My insurance covers it as preventive medication due to my 10.5 A1c.

I saw my doctor yesterday and it was a crummy visit: up 2 pounds and no change to my A1c. I’m doing another month at 5 and then I’ll move up to the 7.5. He thinks I’ll see weight loss and a lower A1c then. I hope so because the side effects are not fun for zero change.

Sigh, this stuff is just hard.

[pugz]

hugs idahome. I hope you start to feel better soon.

[followyourarrow]

idahome, I'm type 2 and just took my 4th dose of Mounjaro, but I'm at 5. I'm seeing good results at 5. I took my dose last night and I feel green today.

[vmars]

No real loss on week 2 of Wegovy, but it was also the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day so a little more eating out than normal plus I got my period and I rarely lose on my cycle. I found my next dose of 0.5 Wegovy with a little less than 2 weeks before it’s needed, so that’s good news. I am feeling more hungry lately, but still trying to stick with it.

[Saudade]

Feb 17, 2024 22:13:52 GMT -5 idahome said:

I hope it’s okay that I join here.

I’m a type 2 diabetic and tomorrow I’ll take my fourth dose of Mounjaro. My insurance covers it as preventive medication due to my 10.5 A1c.

I saw my doctor yesterday and it was a crummy visit: up 2 pounds and no change to my A1c. I’m doing another month at 5 and then I’ll move up to the 7.5. He thinks I’ll see weight loss and a lower A1c then. I hope so because the side effects are not fun for zero change.

Sigh, this stuff is just hard.

I’m sorry you’re struggling. I’d push back on your provider as to why he wants you to stay another month at 5mg if you’re not losing weight OR seeing a change in your A1C. I’d be frustrated too

[Saudade]

Feb 19, 2024 19:51:36 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Feb 19, 2024 16:44:42 GMT -5 Saudade said:

I’m sorry you’re struggling. I’d push back on your provider as to why he wants you to stay another month at 5mg if you’re not losing weight OR seeing a change in your A1C. I’d be frustrated too

If I’m reading right she’s only taking her 4th shot and is already on 5mg? Maybe just to give her more time to adjust, protocol is to start on 2.5 for a month.

Yeah it’s not clear at all

[idahome]

Feb 19, 2024 14:07:41 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

idahome, I'm type 2 and just took my 4th dose of Mounjaro, but I'm at 5. I'm seeing good results at 5. I took my dose last night and I feel green today.

Sorry about the feeling green but yay for good results.

[idahome]

Feb 19, 2024 19:55:21 GMT -5 Saudade said:

Feb 19, 2024 19:51:36 GMT -5 mofongo said:

If I’m reading right she’s only taking her 4th shot and is already on 5mg? Maybe just to give her more time to adjust, protocol is to start on 2.5 for a month.

Yeah it’s not clear at all

About 6 months ago I did a month of 2.5 and did not continue because I noticed no improvement and it was cost prohibitive.

With a new Rx formulary with the new plan year I was pleasantly surprised to find out I could get a script filled at no cost to me. We started at 5 because the 2.5 did nothing for me previously.

I’m doing another month of 5 because I’d already picked it up before my doctor said he wanted to move me to 7.5. Hopefully the negative side effects lessen this month and I’ll be ready for the 7.5 dose in 4 weeks.

The good news is that the food noise is significantly less. I didn’t think medication could do away with that and I’m pleasantly surprised that it can.

[wanderingback]

Feb 19, 2024 16:44:42 GMT -5 Saudade said:

Feb 17, 2024 22:13:52 GMT -5 idahome said:

I hope it’s okay that I join here.

I’m a type 2 diabetic and tomorrow I’ll take my fourth dose of Mounjaro. My insurance covers it as preventive medication due to my 10.5 A1c.

I saw my doctor yesterday and it was a crummy visit: up 2 pounds and no change to my A1c. I’m doing another month at 5 and then I’ll move up to the 7.5. He thinks I’ll see weight loss and a lower A1c then. I hope so because the side effects are not fun for zero change.

Sigh, this stuff is just hard.

I’m sorry you’re struggling. I’d push back on your provider as to why he wants you to stay another month at 5mg if you’re not losing weight OR seeing a change in your A1C. I’d be frustrated too

No comment about the weight loss, but A1C changes can take a minimum of 3 months since that’s how long it takes red blood cells to turn over. In general wouldn’t up meds after 1 month, so I really think OP is ok to follow their doctor’s advice as I don’t think they’re advising anything dangerous. I certainly think people should advocate for their health and needs but at the same time it has to be reasonable.

[Saudade]

Feb 20, 2024 0:32:11 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Feb 19, 2024 16:44:42 GMT -5 Saudade said:

I’m sorry you’re struggling. I’d push back on your provider as to why he wants you to stay another month at 5mg if you’re not losing weight OR seeing a change in your A1C. I’d be frustrated too

No comment about the weight loss, but A1C changes can take a minimum of 3 months since that’s how long it takes red blood cells to turn over. In general wouldn’t up meds after 1 month, so I really think OP is ok to follow their doctor’s advice as I don’t think they’re advising anything dangerous. I certainly think people should advocate for their health and needs but at the same time it has to be reasonable.

Correct. I erroneously assumed she had done 1 month at 2.5 and then a second at 5. And if she's had no weight changes I would be discouraged and pushing back on my provider as she's not likely to have any more change at another month at 5. Titration should be done to aim for 1# loss per week and if that's not happening she's wasting her money on a dose that is ineffective for her. 

[wanderingback]

Feb 20, 2024 11:57:46 GMT -5 Saudade said:

Feb 20, 2024 0:32:11 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

No comment about the weight loss, but A1C changes can take a minimum of 3 months since that’s how long it takes red blood cells to turn over. In general wouldn’t up meds after 1 month, so I really think OP is ok to follow their doctor’s advice as I don’t think they’re advising anything dangerous. I certainly think people should advocate for their health and needs but at the same time it has to be reasonable.

Correct. I erroneously assumed she had done 1 month at 2.5 and then a second at 5. And if she's had no weight changes I would be discouraged and pushing back on my provider as she's not likely to have any more change at another month at 5. Titration should be done to aim for 1# loss per week and if that's not happening she's wasting her money on a dose that is ineffective for her. 

But the person quoted has type 2 diabetes so I don’t think it’s wasting money as it’s not clear if the med isn’t working for glycemic control since it hasn’t been 3 months yet to recheck an A1C. Sure weight loss quickly is something people want but the medication is a treatment for diabetes and should be titrated appropriately for diabetes, which it seems like their doctor is doing and isn’t treating them inappropriately for their diabetes.

[Saudade]

Feb 20, 2024 12:33:17 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Feb 20, 2024 11:57:46 GMT -5 Saudade said:

Correct. I erroneously assumed she had done 1 month at 2.5 and then a second at 5. And if she's had no weight changes I would be discouraged and pushing back on my provider as she's not likely to have any more change at another month at 5. Titration should be done to aim for 1# loss per week and if that's not happening she's wasting her money on a dose that is ineffective for her. 

But the person quoted has type 2 diabetes so I don’t think it’s wasting money as it’s not clear if the med isn’t working for glycemic control since it hasn’t been 3 months yet to recheck an A1C. Sure weight loss quickly is something people want but the medication is a treatment for diabetes and should be titrated appropriately for diabetes, which it seems like their doctor is doing and isn’t treating them inappropriately for their diabetes.

Absolutely. and also, quick weight loss is not the goal, despite what people want. But how frustrating is it to be told "Yeah you'll probably have great results at the next dose, but I'm going to keep you at this dose for a month". Why the gatekeeping? There is no EBP to keep her at that dose but a ton of evidence to support her moving to the next dose.

[egishere]

I lost 4lbs my first week of Mounjaro then the 2nd week I had Covid so I delayed my shot a week. This past week I've been hungry and not had much suppression like I did the first week. I'll have to see what this third shot brings!

[TR]

I have a normal BMI and no health reasons to be eligible to take these meds, but my god the idea of getting rid of the food noise sounds so nice.

[icedcoffee]

Feb 20, 2024 13:40:07 GMT -5 TR said:

I have a normal BMI and no health reasons to be eligible to take these meds, but my god the idea of getting rid of the food noise sounds so nice.

I fe this so much. I literally think about food almost all day. Sometimes even while falling asleep. I would kill to make it go away.

[Patsy Baloney]

Feb 20, 2024 20:51:49 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Feb 20, 2024 19:51:26 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

I fe this so much. I literally think about food almost all day. Sometimes even while falling asleep. I would kill to make it go away.

I know y’all mean well, but maybe not the thread to talk about not needing to lose weight, or associated health issues that come with weight for some of us.

Thank you. I wasn’t sure how to say it, but yes.

[vmars]

Feb 20, 2024 20:51:49 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Feb 20, 2024 19:51:26 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

I fe this so much. I literally think about food almost all day. Sometimes even while falling asleep. I would kill to make it go away.

I know y’all mean well, but maybe not the thread to talk about not needing to lose weight, or associated health issues that come with weight for some of us.

Agreed. It’s hard to hear when people who are not struggling with their weight to try and relate to say they have food noise too. I know I personally struggle with food noise, but it has resulted in very high cholesterol, triglycerides, high blood pressure and being overweight. This is a thread for those who are using medical interventions to lose weight and improve their health, not to vent that they have food noise but no real health consequences.

[pugz]

OMG I felt like death today. Was sick all day. Gonna switch back to leg injection.

[klassygoosey]

Feb 16, 2024 11:44:56 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

klassygoosey, have you reported this to your provider? Those side effects may or may not be related and you might need to get checked out. Do you have abdominal pain or anything? I'd at least want some labs to make sure your organs are okay. Please contact your provider and talk to them about this.

PCP ruled it anxiety. Doubled my ozempic dose. Is thrilled at my progress.

I'm awaiting a telehealth appt via Amazon clinic to talk about acid issues because I don't think it's just anxiety.

[texasharleygirl]

I just started Munjaro yesterday. So far just dealing with nausea. I need to lose 20 lbs or so.

[pugz]

Feb 20, 2024 13:40:07 GMT -5 TR said:

I have a normal BMI and no health reasons to be eligible to take these meds, but my god the idea of getting rid of the food noise sounds so nice.

I saw a HUGE decrease in food noise after reading Intuitive Eating and working through those principles.  

[followyourarrow]

Anyone flown with these meds internationally? Looking for any advice! I'll need to fly with 2 pens to Costa Rica.

[picksthemusic]

Feb 22, 2024 9:00:34 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

Anyone flown with these meds internationally? Looking for any advice! I'll need to fly with 2 pens to Costa Rica.

It depends on the medication. I know that Mounjaro (and I assume Zepbound) can be unrefrigerated for 21 days before it loses potency. I would read the manufacturer insert that comes in the box to be sure.

ETA: For TSA purposes, you just need to have it in the box and have your prescription sticker on there, I think. You can take it with you since it's a prescription.

[megamous]

Feb 22, 2024 11:47:21 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

Feb 22, 2024 9:00:34 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

Anyone flown with these meds internationally? Looking for any advice! I'll need to fly with 2 pens to Costa Rica.

It depends on the medication. I know that Mounjaro (and I assume Zepbound) can be unrefrigerated for 21 days before it loses potency. I would read the manufacturer insert that comes in the box to be sure.

ETA: For TSA purposes, you just need to have it in the box and have your prescription sticker on there, I think. You can take it with you since it's a prescription.

I flew to Mexico with mine and my husband's in my purse (we take ozempic which is good out of the fridge for 56 days).  I did not bring the boxes.  Nobody said a word.  To be safe, maybe take the box with you?  But I don't think you will have a problem.  

[pugz]

I did my 2.4 injection in my stomach this week and have never been that sick the entire time I've been on the drug. I will switch back to thigh injections.

[weightlossae]

Joining in with an AE. Not a super frequent poster but I know people IRL that go here.

Started on Mounjaro 2.5 yesterday. Got lucky and found one in stock somewhere after calling 15 places. I am Type2 and have been on insulin for about a year and a half because I was >10 A1C when I was diagnosed. Hoping to lose around 50lbs hopefully to help with my BP and just health in general. I honestly have no idea how I would look/feel at that weight because I have always been >200 as an adult. My endo doesn’t think he’ll be able to go above 5 because I require super low doses of insulin but even if I can lose slow and steady I will be ecstatic. I have fluctuated a bit since I was diagnosed but have definitely leaned into cheese too much to fill the low carb void.

Does anyone have experience with trying to get permission to fill these earlier and/or what your doctor advised if you couldn’t get it filled. I still have insulin so I could switch back to that but am hoping to avoid going back and forth. We are leaving for a trip the day I would take the first injection from the next box (I know not great timing if he moves me up. I should have waited a week to start).

[vmars]

9.2 lbs lost as of today, woo hoo! I started 0.5 on Saturday and I definitely see more of an effect on my appetite with this dose. Non-scale win, I was able to wear a pair of jeans I haven’t fit into in probably 4 years.