Why did you decide to start slimming jabs – and what was your turning point?
(We love a lightbulb moment – big or small.)
I noticed my reflection in a shop window – I’d been avoiding looking for a long time – and I just felt old & frumpy. I knew I had to do something about it, I had a friend who was talking about the weight loss jabs so I started looking into it and after some research decided to take the plunge.
What surprised you most when you started?
(Be honest. We’ve heard everything from burping air to crying over chips.)
I felt great. Before jabs, I was always hungry ( I have no switch between my belly and my brain).
Once I started them the food noise stopped almost instantly. I know for some people it takes a little bit of time to build up, but I felt really good and the food noise was gone. I also noticed I started to feel better; the pains I had stopped and I could move better.
What’s your jab routine like now – pen, time, tricks?
(Do you set an alarm, use a Post-it, or just wing it?)
I have come off the jabs now (money is tight) and I am trying very hard to mostly be good. And moderate, but also be kind to myself. I have recently started using protein bars/shakes for breakfast/lunch and then try and have a healthy meal of an evening. I still have a way to go and it is definitely harder without the jabs, but I have learned lessons from my year on the weight loss drugs.
Who has been the most supportive person in your WLD journey?
(Mum, bf, total strangers?)
I had a lot of support from friends and family, but I think I have been my biggest cheerleader. Every time I stepped on the scales and I’d shed more of the old me, I loved more of the new.
What’s your go-to comfort food now – and what’s out?
I love bread!! Making it and eating it.
I try to limit it to a couple of times a week but I could eat it all day, every day (with a thick spread of salted butter). Mostly though, I don’t think anything is off limits, within moderation of course.
Best thing you’ve gained – besides weight loss?
(Confidence? Shoes you can finally lace up? Energy to argue with your partner again?)
I think I have gained not only my self confidence but also a love for life. I love walking with my dog Daisy, I definitely get a buzz out of being out in the fresh air. It’s great for not only moving and getting my steps up but also my mental health.
Anything you wish someone had told you at the start?
(Newbies, take notes.)
I wish I had worried less about outside opinions and taken it earlier!
Also I believe I should have stayed on the lower doses for longer instead of moving up the doses quicker.
You soon get up to the 15mg and then plateau. So, I would recommend to anyone to not move up until the hunger returns. Also do not listen to lots of advice, make this work for you.
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 think people are very quick to judge when they have no real knowledge of what benefits the jab gives to people. I find it very flippant when people give you the ‘eat less and move more’ theory, when they have done no research into what other benefits you get from taking the jabs.
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 have been off the jabs now for 6 months and although I’ve gained a small amount of weight I do believe I am better equipped to pull it back to where I was when I had my last jab. I would also love to start weight training but have no knowledge of this so anyone with any tips or tricks please reach out.
Finally – give us your one-liner SlimrChat wisdom?
(What would you write on a Post-it for the next person starting out?)
Start small and focus on habits that you can see yourself carrying on with in a year’s time.
