Wear compression socks for the rest of my life?!? Your jab life unfiltered

Anna-Louise Dearden | Last update: 22nd November 2025

Why did you decide to start slimming jabs – and what was your turning point?

(We love a lightbulb moment – big or small.)

I started the weight loss jabs back in August 2024. I was only three months postpartum after having my wee boy, and honestly, I was really struggling. I’d had an emergency C-section that got infected because of my stomach overhang, and the swelling in my legs and feet just wouldn’t go away. I was in agony even just going up and down the stairs was a full-on task.

I remember going to the doctor and being told I had edema, and that I’d probably need to wear compression socks for the rest of my life. I just sat there thinking, how is this my life now? I’ve always struggled with my weight since primary school, and definitely more than a decade in my adult life.

While the nurse was measuring me, we got chatting about weight and health, and she mentioned these jabs called Mounjaro.

I’ll never forget that moment because honestly, that was the day everything started to change for me.

What surprised you most when you started?

(Be honest. We’ve heard everything from burping air to crying over chips.)

Not thinking about what to eat next. I would finish a meal and be constantly thinking about the snack next, but then one day it just hit me, my brain was silent for the first time in years. I wasn’t obsessing over my next meal or snack. I didn’t know what food noise was, then, so I started looking into it and discovered it’s a real thing.

What’s your jab routine like now – pen, time, tricks?

(Do you set an alarm, use a Post-it, or just wing it?)

I stick to a set day every week, a Friday, and I jab anytime. I feel the weekend jab works best for me because this is when I would be at ‘my weakest’ and want to eat lots. When I first started, I would jab before bed, in case I got any side effects and I would hopefully sleep through them. Now it doesn’t matter, it’s just a part of my life.

Who has been the most supportive person in your WLD journey?

(Mum, bf, total strangers?)

I haven’t got just one person, I’ve got an army, and I feel so lucky. From my partner, my mum, sister and all of my lovely followers who constantly check in with me. I wouldn’t be on this journey if it wasn’t for my partner though. When I started the weightloss injections, I was on maternity leave and money was so tight. He said to me ‘try them, see how you feel, and if they work, we will make it work’ – and honestly, if it wasn’t for him saying that, I wouldn’t be here 11 stone lighter. I would still be stuck, anxious and hating myself.

What’s your go-to comfort food now – and what’s out?

(Pasta forever? Chicken ick? We want it all.)

At the minute I am LOVING branston pickle snack packs, super easy to eat on the go. I didn’t used to like pickle, but my taste buds have totally changed. It’s so strange! Or, as boring as it is, boiled eggs! So convenient, with a little bit of salad cream, ahhhh chefs kiss! (Editor’s note: boiled eggs are the food of champions.”

Best thing you’ve gained – besides weight loss?

(Confidence? Shoes you can finally lace up? Energy to argue with your partner again?)

People ask me this, and I’ve gained so much, but I always tell people, I’ve gained my life back.

I’m the person I always wanted to be, but was always too ashamed to be.

My wardrobe is no longer all black, baggy tops and leggings. It’s colourful, skin fitted and out there! My mental health has just flourished; I was struggling with depression and anxiety, and I no longer am! And one of the other best things is, hands down, becoming the mum I always wanted to be. I didn’t want to be out of breath running around after my son, or sitting on the bench watching. Now I’m going down slides with him, running around, having fun!

Anything you wish someone had told you at the start?

(Newbies, take notes.)

There will be weeks the scales don’t move, you can be doing everything right and they just won’t move. Please don’t feel discouraged, hormones play a huge part in this!

Or even if you’ve had something salty, it holds on to water. The scales sometimes don’t move, and that’s fine. Keep at it, they will go down again! You are more than likely still losing inches!

What’s your take on the whole easy way out chat – and have you adjusted your lifestyle too – fitness/nutrition etc.?

(Be honest. It helps our readers cope.)

I don’t think it’s the easy way out at all. Don’t get me wrong, it is ‘easier’ to some extent, because it’s silencing your brain, you’re not walking about feeling miserable thinking about what to eat next. However, please learn about nutrition, calories, and macros! I have learned so much since starting, I didn’t know how important protein was – I thought it was just for people at the gym! Count calories, it helps your mind know how much calories are in certain foods. I would never go and pick up my old choices at the Tesco meal deal station, because of how many calories I was consuming in those three choices!

What’s your next goal?

(Could be to run for a bus or dance at my daughter’s wedding – or come off the drugs and carry on with a lifestyle change – whatever matters to you.)

I’m 4lbs away from my target weight. My next goal is to maintain the weight and then come off it all together.

Finally – give us your one-liner SlimrChat wisdom?

(What would you write on a Post-it for the next person starting out?)

If I can do it, anyone can. Trust the process. If I could tell you how much my life has changed, or bottle the feeling for you to give you a snippet – I would, because I’m a totally different person.

No longer hiding, no longer feeling ashamed, totally living my best life, and you will too.