Frequently Asked Questions

There are a lot of options available to help you effectively lose weight. The decision is usually made between the patient and provider while reviewing patient's personal/family medical history, medications, allergies, compliance, cost, and amount of weight loss patient is looking to lose. 

The key in effective weight loss is consistency. Therefore, one person may choose dietary modification and increase in physical activity, while others may need an extra boost to get them over a plateau. 

Best to speak with the medical provider to individualize the treatment plan to you. Some of the available options to consider are: Lipo- C shots, phentermine, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Wellbutrin, Contrave, etc. 

Almost anyone can try GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications (like Semaglutide/Tirzepatide) who wants to lose weight, decrease their cardiovascular risk, improve their liver function, reduce insulin resistance, cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings.

However, the ideal candidate: is someone with BMI >26 and with at least one weight related comorbidity (HTN, diabetes, back pain, arthritis, high cholesterol, depression, fatigue). Which means most adults qualify. If your BMI is <26, it may be prescribed at provider's discretion. 

• Complete our New Patient Registration Intake Form – include your medical history, current medications, allergies, and other relevant information when scheduling your appointment.
   
• Bring Recent Labs – please bring any labs done within the past year, including CMP, CBC, TSH, lipid panel, and hemA1C.
   
• Need Labs? – if you haven’t had labs in the past year, let us know, and we’ll provide orders for new testing.
   
• Meet Your Medical Provider – they will review your lab results, assess your health, explain the medication and administration process, and answer all your questions.
   
• Consent – you will read and sign a consent form prior to starting treatment.
   
• Medication Delivery – receive your medication directly from your provider or have it shipped to your home.
   
• Ongoing Monitoring – your provider will monitor your progress throughout your treatment plan.
   
• Follow-Ups – monthly follow-up appointments with your provider are included at no additional charge with the purchase of the medication.
   
• Treatment Duration – the length of your medication plan depends on your individual weight loss goals.

In most cases, patients experience nausea, changes in their bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea), headache and tiredness.  However, you are not alone. We will counsel you on how to manage any side effects, when and if they occur. 

Yes. Contraindications to taking GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP dual agonists include personal family history of endocrine cancers (medullary thyroid carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 etc), severe allergic reactions/hypersensitivity to GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP dual agonists,  severe gastrointestinal diseases, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, 

Precautions are recommended for individuals with personal history of pancreatitis, gastrointestinal conditions, kidney, and thyroid issues. Please speak with the provider if you have any concerns or specific questions.

As long as side effects are minimal and tolerable, patients may stay on GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP dual agonists until they reach their goal weight. 

To minimize any adverse effects and prevent any rebound weight gain after stopping the medication, we recommend slowly titrating up the dose and eventually slowly titrating down to wean off the medication.

It is a commitment, therefore please plan ahead.  Amount of time patients are on GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP dual agonists varies however average is 6-12 months (depending on personal weight loss goals).  

• Refrigeration: Semaglutide should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Do Not Freeze: Avoid freezing Semaglutide. Freezing can damage the medication.
• Room Temperature: Once Semaglutide is in use, it can be stored at room temperature for up to  48hrs.  After this period, any unused medication should be discarded.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: Ensure Semaglutide is stored in a secure location where children cannot access it.
• Do Not Use Expired Medication: Always check the expiration date on the packaging. Do not use Semaglutide  past its expiration date.