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 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 (with your medical history, list of medications, allergies, etc) while scheduling an appointment.
• Bring recently done labs to your appointment (CMP, CBC, TSH, lipid panel, and hemA1C).
• If you have not done any labs within the last year please let us know. We'll be happy to provide you with new lab orders.   
• Meet our medical provider who will review your lab results, assess you, counsel you on the medication, administration process and answer all your questions.
• You will reasign a consentd and  form.
• Under supervision of a provider, you will receive your first dose of Semaglutide/Tirzepatide (in the office) and take the rest of the supplies home with you.
• Semaglutide/Tirzepatide pick ups are recommended monthly. Follow ups with the medical provider are free of charge with the purchase of the medication. 
• The length of time you will be on the medication will depend on your 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 Semaglutide/Tirzepatide include personal family history of endocrine cancers (medullary thyroid carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 etc), severe allergic reactions/hypersensitivity to Semaglutide/Tirzepatide, 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 semaglutide/tirzepatide 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 Semaglutide/Tirzepatide 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.