Navigating the Transformative Journey: A Personal Guide to Ozempic and Mounjourno
I may not hold a title in the realms of medicine, nutrition, or the health and wellness industry, but what I can confidently claim expertise in is the journey of being overweight. Throughout my adult life, I mastered the art of carrying excess weight, experimenting with various weight-loss strategies—from pills and shakes to diets outlined in books and even undergoing weight-loss surgery two decades ago. Despite numerous attempts, success eluded me until about nine months ago when I discovered the transformative power of Ozempic and Mounjourno.
In the notes below, I share the strategies and tools that have paved the way for my success. I've witnessed individuals embrace these medications, only to abandon them weeks later due to dissatisfaction or unmet expectations. Therefore, I emphasize the importance of complementing medication with intentional lifestyle changes.
As I recount my journey, keep in mind that everybody is unique. What works for me may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. I encourage you to listen to your body, observe what resonates with you, and tailor these insights to your individual needs.
Medical Supervision and Lifestyle Adjustments:
It's paramount to stress that these medications require medical supervision, and your doctor's guidance should be prioritized over any advice shared here. Many individuals express concern about the lack of comprehensive lifestyle guidance from their healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of initiating open communication. Collaborate with your doctor to create a personalized plan aligned with your needs and goals, ensuring a well-rounded journey.
Mind Shift and Food Noise:
At this point where I am writing this blog, I have successfully lost about 70 pounds, halfway to my goal. A feat that had eluded me for years. I have found these medications can curb appetite and induce a feeling of fullness after minimal consumption. But what has been transformative for me is their unique ability to quiet the "food noise" in my head. No longer tethered to emotional eating, my relationship with food underwent a profound transformation. The incessant urge to mindlessly graze or seek solace in snacks during moments of boredom, loneliness, or sadness became a thing of the past. This newfound mental freedom liberated me from the perpetual cycle of thinking, obsessing, and worrying about my next meal.
Fueling my body is now a conscious and empowered decision. Choosing healthy, nutritious options over fast food cravings has become second nature. However, it's crucial to note that the effectiveness of these medications is not a standalone solution. Real, lasting success requires a holistic approach that involves reshaping habits.
Before Your First Injection
Before your first initial shot, there are some crucial insights to consider. Avoid the temptation of a grand, unhealthy "last meal" or excessive alcohol intake the night before your injection. Loading up on carbs and sugar and being dehydrated is a recipe for disaster and feeling pretty yucky for a day or so.
"Injection Day Prep" becomes a ritual for the 24 hours leading up to the injection. Hydration takes center stage, accompanied by electrolytes and protein. Sugars and carbs are out of the equation. Optimal timing is key—I administer my shot right before bedtime. If there are any discomforts, I can simply sleep through them, ensuring a smoother transition.
Choosing your injection day strategically is another element of preparation. I've settled on Fridays, giving me the weekend to recover if needed. The immediacy of the medication's effectiveness right after the shot is beneficial for curbing weekend indulgences. Find the day that suits you; whether it's Monday, Sunday, or any other, make it work for your lifestyle.
When it comes to injection sites, start with your stomach. If you encounter discomfort, like nasua, consider switching to your thigh or arm. If you hit a plateau in your weight loss one week, switch injection sites before asking your doctor to increase your dose. Sometimes switching sites is all the change you need. Staying on the lowest effective dose is advisable for fewer side effects and titrating up too quickly gives you no place to go once you find the medication not as effective. You don’t want to max out on the highest dose too quickly in your journey if you can avoid it.
Setting Realistic Goals
Before diving into your weight loss journey, it's crucial to establish a baseline by weighing yourself. However, recognize that success isn't solely measured by the numbers on the scale. While tracking your weight is valuable, other metrics contribute to a holistic view of progress.
Consider using tools like the Me360 app, which captures body measurements. This provides a more nuanced understanding of your body's transformation and serves as a tangible record of your journey.
Non-Scale Wins (NSWs) are equally significant. Identify and document achievements that go beyond the scale. For me, a personal triumph was no longer needing a seatbelt extender on an airplane. Perhaps your goal is fitting into a specific pair of jeans or achieving a fitness milestone. Celebrate these victories.
It's common to experience significant weight loss in the initial month, but it's crucial to avoid unrealistic expectations. Understand that subsequent months may yield smaller changes on the scale. Don't let this discourage you. Progress is progress, whether it's a substantial drop or just a couple of pounds. The key is to focus on the downward trend.
Life on this Medication
Embarking on this journey, I've found inspiration and practical advice from various content creators and doctors who specialize in this medication. Below, I'll share a list of those who have been particularly helpful, offering insights on success strategies, coping with side effects, and providing food ideas.
A piece of advice from a doctor resonated deeply: when starting this medication, allow it to work its magic without overthinking your diet and exercise. Break free from years of diet culture and body shaming guilt. Take a temporary hiatus from calorie and carb counting, savoring the freedom to eat intuitively.
However, personal experiences have taught me that certain foods can make me feel unpleasant. High-fat, fried, and sugary carb-laden foods don't align with my well-being. As a result, I've shifted my focus to lean, low-fat proteins like chicken, fish, and beans. This choice not only complements the medication but also aligns with my overall sense of health and vitality.
.Managing Side Effects:
Side effects can vary, and I dealt with constipation. Here's how I successfully addressed it:
A. Increased Water Intake: Hydration is key. I upped my water intake, and I found adding Sugar-Free Liquid IV to my water (available at Costco) to be particularly helpful.
B. Stool Softener Daily: Taking a stool softener each morning became a routine, aiding in regular bowel movements.
C. Magnesium Citrate Chews at Bedtime: Before bedtime, I take Magnesium Citrate chews, further promoting digestive regularity.
D. Movement and Walking: Integrating walking and regular exercise into your daily routine is not just a recommendation but a crucial aspect of your lifestyle change. These medications can slow down the movement of food through your digestive system, emphasizing the importance of physical activity, particularly walking, to keep things moving along smoothly.
In more challenging moments, I turned to Miralax, resolving the issue effectively on two occasions.
In Conclusion:
I hope your experience with this medication proves as positive and successful as mine. Remember, each journey is unique, and if you encounter any questions or concerns, always reach out to your doctor. I'm here to share my tips and experiences, providing encouragement and support as you navigate your path to weight loss and wellness. Feel free to connect if you have questions or simply need some motivation along the way. Cheers to your health and success!
@SerenaMarzion on IG and Facebook
Here is what my journey over the last few months has looked like.
Month 1 -9.9 lbs.
Month 2 -8.9 lbs.
Month 3 -4.3 lbs.
Month 4 -8.1 lbs.
Month 5 -10.5 lbs.
Month 6 -2.2 lbs.
Month 7 -10.6 lbs.
Month 8 -5.5 lbs.
Month 9 - 8.9 lbs.
People I follow on TikTok
Your Friend Mel
Dr. Daniel Rosen
LeeFitsIn
Sarah’s life after Mounjaro
That Nurse April
Sabrina on Mounjarno