Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Okay, so picture this: me, the queen of sass and self-deprecating humor, staring down the barrel of a diagnosis. Not just any diagnosis, mind you, but type 2 diabetes. Thanks, perimenopause, for the lovely parting gift. As if it weren’t enough to rob me of my fertility, now, you want to slap me in the proverbial face and call me ugly too? That’s when I found Mounjaro.
Let’s face it, sugar dragons are pesky. One minute you’re happily cruising along reversing the heck out of your diabetes, then bam! Blood sugar spikes, energy dips, and your inner sass monster starts grumbling. That’s what happened to me, thanks to the lovely combo of perimenopause, stress and type 2 diabetes. My A1C was doing a bad imitation of a roller coaster, and my glucose numbers danced the flamenco with a sugarplum fairy. It was glucose level insanity.
Enter Mounjaro, the knight in shining (injectable) armor.
Now, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, especially if it involves witty banter and slightly questionable life choices. But let’s be real, diabetes is no joke. My A1C just kept creeping up on me like some weird guy at the club who couldn’t take the hint.
Now, hold on just one minute, fitness unicorns, I’m one of you. Don’t come for me. I’m not advocating for quick fixes or magic weight-loss potions. You know I don’t. If I did, I’d still be rocking that thigh gap instead of my current status of chub rub expert level. I battled anorexia for a decade, and trust me, there’s no sugarcoating the fact that sustainable health requires hard work and self-love. But when it comes to managing my diabetes and reclaiming my energy, sometimes a little help from modern-day glucose reducing magic (okay, medication) is a good thing.
Mounjaro is steadily lowering my glucose numbers and reversing my type 2 diabetes.
Now, before you get all “Ozempic is the new black” on me, hear me out. I’m not advocating for quick fixes. In fact, I’m firmly against them, and rejected the idea of a glp-1 for over a year. But when it comes to managing my diabetes and getting my health back on track, I’ll do whatever needs to be done. Numbers don’t lie and sometimes, you have to try a different route to get to your destination.
So, I finally said yes and embarked on this Mounjaro adventure, armed with my trusty dose of skepticism, crossed arms and a notes app full of witty observations.
Here’s the lowdown, sugar dragons:
In just 4 weeks, I’ve bid farewell to 12 pounds of unwanted baggage, paving the way to a healthier, happier version of myself. Sayonara, extra weight! With a starting point of 235.5 pounds, I’ve already crossed the 5% milestone, now eyeing that glorious 10% mark hovering tantalizingly at 211.5 pounds. And you know what? I’m not just shedding pounds; I’m reclaiming control over my A1C levels, determined to smash through that pesky 7.6 and bring it back under 5. Talk about goals, right?
From the moment I first injected Mounjaro, I felt things changing. Energy levels soaring, glucose numbers steadying, inflammation dwindling – the perks just kept on coming! And let’s not forget the shrinking waistline, bidding farewell to inches like it’s nobody’s business. Who knew losing weight could be such a wild ride?
But it isn’t all sunshine and unicorns. Mounjaro isn’t without its side effects. A little too heavy on the snacks? Cue the stomach rebellion, complete with a symphony of gas, burps, and constipation. Talk about a party pooper or party not pooper, as it were in my unfortunate case! Lesson learned: steer clear of high-fat foods and keep the fiber flowing.
The Good, the Bad, and the Gassy:
The Good:
- Blood Sugar Tango? More Like a Waltz: My glucose levels have become a model citizen, rarely venturing above 150, and that post-meal spike? Gone like yesterday’s news. Hallelujah!
- Energy Unleashed (with a Cautionary Label): Say goodbye to the afternoon slump! Mounjaro has me bouncing like a Tigger on espresso, but beware, fellow bipolar warriors, this energy boost can flirt with the manic side. Tread carefully, my friends.
- Bye-Bye, Bulge: Let’s not sugarcoat it (pun intended), I’ve shed some pounds. Not a magic disappearing act, mind you, but a steady, healthy 12 lbs in 4 weeks. My clothes are thanking me, and so is my self-confidence. But it isn’t all the Mounjaro, I’m doing my part too; controlling portions, making healthier choices and moving at least 30 minutes 5 days a week.
- Inflammation? Who’s That?: My dodgy knee, a souvenir from the “Great Break of 2015,” feels less like a rusty hinge and more like a well-oiled machine. Stairs, who dis?
The Bad:
- Tummy Troubles: Turns out, high-fat foods and Mounjaro don’t mix well, at least in my experience. Bacon and I are currently on a temporary break (thanks, belching and constipation!). My body is clearly sending a message: “Lay off the grease, Deborah!”
- The Great Vomiting Debacle: Now, about that dosage bump to 5 – let’s just say, it was a night to remember. A little too indulgent on the snacking front led to a gut rebellion of epic proportions. Picture this: stomach distended, burping, indigestion and praying for divine intervention. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse – bam! Oh, the horror! Cue the projectile vomiting extravaganza. A cautionary tale, indeed. After upping my dosage and snacking a little too heavily, I experienced a night of projectile vomiting that would make Linda Blair blush. Lesson learned: stick to the lower dose and befriend fiber and water.
The Gassy: Well, let’s just say I’ve become intimately acquainted with the power of Simethicone. I’ve never been one to be gassy or burpy and I don’t want to be now so I’m doing whatever I need to keep that side effect at bay.
Mounjaro is not perfect (not even close), but for me, it’s been a slow and steady game-changer. My diabetes is under control, my energy is up, and I’m feeling like my old, sassy self again. But remember, I’m not a doctor, and this is just my experience. Talk to your healthcare professional before embarking on any new medication, diabetes warrior.
Listen up, sugar dragons! Take control of your health. Get informed, talk to your doctor, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. And hey, if you’re on Mounjaro too, let’s commiserate over the gas and share some low-fat recipe tips!
Bonus Tip: Start small! Instead of reaching for that extra cookie, take a walk around the block. It’s all about progress, not perfection. Now, excuse me while I go hug my pancreas and thank it for cooperating (mostly).