Weighing in at 233lbs at only 5’3, I felt terrible. I had no energy, narrowed mobility, my body hurt, and my 2X clothing was getting a bit snug for my liking. During Christmas 2022, a family member began talking about GLP-1 medications – the rest is pretty much history. Three weeks later, I received my first shipment of Mounjaro.
What? That easy?
I know how fortunate I am to have a wonderful physician that listens to me and understands the struggle of obesity. For me – yes, it was that easy. My best advice for anyone who has a physican that doesn’t emphasize with these struggles is to find another doctor. Don’t go to one of those over-priced medical spas either. It’s important that you have labs drawn and are monitored appropriately. GLP-1 medications aren’t to be taken lightly. Yes, they can be amazing – but there are always exceptions.
The First Poke
When you start Mounjaro, you will start at the beginning dose of 2.5mg. I was so nervous about my first injection that I had my partner do it for me! However, I have some trust issues, so that arrangment didn’t last very long. It was easy! So, if your main hesitation about trying a GLP-1 medication is the jab – don’t be a whimp. It doesn’t hurt – if you feel anything, it’s just a tiny poke. I did my first two injections into the top of my thigh (sitting down on the edge of my bathtub). Since then, I’ve found that the medications feels like it works better if I inject into my belly.
The First Week
Jan 16, 2023 was my first injection – which I did right before going to bed (to avoid feeling any weird side-effects). I woke up the next morning feeling a little nauseated, but a warm shower made the feeling vanish. I still remember how odd that day was. The food noise was gone. My co-workers munched on chocolate candies, I wasn’t the least bit tempted. I smelled whiffs of hearty breakfast foods as I sipped on my protein shake – nothing. My lunch was merely grilled chicken with green veggies and I was completely fine with it! Who was this person? I lost eight pounds that first week. I remember stepping off the scale and back onto it – I couldn’t believe my eyes!
It’s Not Just About the Weightloss
Mounjaro has had so many other benefits other than weightloss for me. Within the first week I noticed a dramatic improvement in my energy levels! And the focus! I work full-time as an office manger (if you know, you know), am a full-time college student, have two very socially active middle-schoolers, a man to love, three pets…do I need to keep going? Before taking Mounjaro, I spent my days over-stimulated and overwhelmed. For whatever reason, I am totally slaying now! Is it because the medication is treating my insulin resistance? Probably. Is it because I have a new zest for life? Maybe that too. Either way, these unexpected benefits have literally changed my life. Instead of going into a coma any time I have a chance, I now do fun things with my family and friends and my house is cleaner (somewhat). Oh, and I decided to start a blog – a goal I’ve been talking about for years!
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
The weightloss didn’t keep up that rate for long – in fact, the next week, I only lost three pounds. That’s still terrific, and to be honest, I was relieved. Losing more than two pounds a week (for an extended amount of time) seems absurd to me! It’s really not healthy – and while it’s nice to feel better in your clothes, the main goal should always be improving our health and quality of living. I stayed on the 2.5mg dosage for 16 weeks! In my opinion (which is not a professional one), it’s best to remain on your current dose until you completely stall…however, you’ll soon see how I’m a hypocrite and I contradict myself. In the meantime, here’s a look at my weightloss rate over the past 16 weeks:
5mg Here I Come. . .
Tomorrow night I will take my 17th injection of Mounjaro – moving up to 5mg! Am I nervous? Well, yeah! These past 16 weeks have been very easy on me. A lot of people suffer from negative side effects like persistent nausea, diarrhea, chronic constipation…just to name the top complaints. The professionals still haven’t figured out why some patients have these bad experiences and some don’t. I count my lucky stars that I am one of those who haven’t had any issues! However, just because 2.5mg didn’t do me dirty, doesn’t mean 5mg will be a breeze. I’ve read of many people reacting differently to dosage levels. I guess I’m about to find out.
Jumping the Gun
Now to confess my hyprocrisy. These past couple of weeks, I have noticed a drastic return to my appetite. I’ve also been craving junk foods that I wasn’t craving before. So naturally, I figured it was time to move up. Last week I was certain that I would either not see a change in the scales today, or worse, I would gain. When it was time to call in my refill, I went ahead and asked for 5mg, but this morning I had lost another pound! I’m kicking myself now – but what’s done is done. Sixteen weeks on 2.5mg is a pretty damn good run though. I don’t see many people sticking to it that long – I’m trying to be kind to myself and will take this as a lesson learned.
I’ll be checking back in next week for an update on my first week on 5mg! In the meantime, I’ll leave you with these side-by-side images of my lovely before picture and where I’m currently at. Thanks for coming on this journey with me!
You look absolutely gorgeous and I am so excited for you. I love reading your journal keep it up. You are such a good inspiration and writer. So proud for you.
Thank you for believing in me, my friend!!