SEMAGLUTIDE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

Semaglutide

Packing on extra weight is not always concerning in a long term look at a person’s health. However, being significantly overweight or obese can pose health concerns in people of all ages. Traditional chronic weight management methods do not and cannot work for everyone due to medical conditions that can hinder weight loss, genetics, and the difficulty of making lifestyle changes. Recently, the FDA approved a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medication traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes, for medical weight loss purposes. Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best semaglutide weight loss Seattle and Tacoma provides.

Packing on extra weight is not always concerning in a long term look at a person’s health. However, being significantly overweight or obese can pose health concerns in people of all ages. Traditional chronic weight management methods do not and cannot work for everyone due to medical conditions that can hinder weight loss, genetics, and the difficulty of making lifestyle changes. Recently, the FDA approved a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) medication traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes, for medical weight loss purposes. Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best semaglutide weight loss Seattle and Tacoma provides.

Understanding Semaglutide & How It Works

Semaglutide—like other GLP-1 medications—mimics the GLP-1 hormone the body naturally produces in response to eating. This induces the release of insulin which helps lower blood sugar. Thus, doctors have used semaglutide to treat type 2 diabetes for over a decade.

Alongside the increase in collagen production, semaglutide also interacts with your brain to reduce hunger cues and help patients feel full faster. Acting as an appetite suppressant, it helps patients reduce their food intake without unrealistic or unhealthy dieting. Semaglutide weight loss is most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, but it allows patients to move at their own pace and work towards their goals while still losing weight.

Semaglutide is available under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we administer a compounded version of semaglutide that also contains Vitamin B which helps reduce two of the most common side effects, fatigue, and nausea in most patients. This compounded version of semaglutide contains the identical active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic.

Initially, semaglutide was only administered via a subcutaneous injection. However, a tablet form is now available. Patients can choose the administration method they want and which is most convenient for their lifestyle.

Benefits & Risks (Ozempic & Wegovy)

Like any medication, semaglutide comes with benefits, risks, and side effects. Firstly, not everyone can safely take semaglutide. Patients with certain medical conditions affecting the gallbladder, thyroid, or pancreas may not qualify. This is best determined by a medical provider during a consultation.

Still, for many patients, the benefits vastly outweigh the risks. The benefits of semaglutide weight loss treatment can include the following:

• Significant weight reduction
• Reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers
• Increase mobility and make it easier to exercise
• Lower high blood pressure
• Help improve sleep
• Treat type II diabetes if also present
• Help patients avoid invasive weight loss procedures such as bariatric surgery
• Improve blood sugar control
• Offered in injection and tablet form
• Can be administered in daily or weekly doses
• Effective and intended for long term use

Major complications due to semaglutide are rare. Side effects may occur, but are generally mild. The more common side effects include nausea, gas, heartburn, and changes in bowel movements. The more serious—albeit rare—risks include:

• Too low blood sugar
• Pancreatitis
• Slight increase in the risk of thyroid cancer

Semaglutide Weight Loss Treatment IN SEATTLE

Since semaglutide was approved for medical weight loss, more and more people are seeking treatment to reduce their body weight. The treatment will look similar for everyone, but can slightly differ depending on the various needs and preferences of the patient.

After an initial consultation where a medical provider determines whether or not a patient is a good candidate, the patient will only come in for injection training (if using semaglutide injections). Following this, they will meet with their provider—either in-person or virtually—each month to discuss their progress, side effects, diet plan, and exercise routine.

Dosage

The standard dosage for semaglutide for weight loss is 2.4mg. However, patients normally begin on a lower dose and work their way up to the full dosage over about four to five months. This is common with GLP-1 receptor agonist medications because immediately beginning the full dosage can make side effects more severe and cause the body not to adapt as well to the new medication.

A Seattle Plastic Surgery provider doses each patient individually based on their body, goals, and effectiveness. The dosage is re-evaluated at each monthly check-in where the patient and their providers can discuss weight loss progress and side effects which have a major effect on what the right dose for an individual patient is.

Semaglutide is also known under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we administer a compounded version of semaglutide combined with Vitamin B which helps reduce the two most common side effects, fatigue and nausea. This version of semaglutide does use the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy.

Semaglutide Injections vs. Tablet

Studies have shown that both subcutaneous injections and the sublingual tablet are effective. There is a slight price difference between the two options. The consulting medical professional can help patients determine the right option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Feel Exhausted On Semaglutide?

Initially, semaglutide may cause the side effect of fatigue. This generally improves in a few weeks. Patients should focus on keeping a good sleep schedule and getting enough sleep. Not only can this aid in weight loss efforts, but it can also dull the effects of fatigue if experienced. Maintaining a good exercise and diet routine can also help. It affects less than 20% of patients on average.

What Foods Should You Avoid While Taking Semaglutide?

Included in the cost of the semaglutide weight loss program at Seattle Plastic Surgery is a diet and exercise plan. Patients can choose to follow this to help improve their results and work on changing habits long term. In general, patients should avoid sugary and overly processed foods.

How Long Can Someone Stay On Semaglutide?

Both semaglutide injections and the tablets are meant for long term usage. When prescribed for weight loss, patients can choose to discontinue the medication upon reaching their goal weight and feeling confident they can keep the weight off. Patients can discuss how long they intend to use semaglutide and discuss ceasing it with their provider at any time.

Do You Gain Weight Back After Stopping Semaglutide?

Some people do gain a significant portion of the weight they lost on semaglutide back after stopping the medication. However, it should be noted that patients should not stop taking semaglutide until they have built up healthy, maintainable diet and exercise habits. Some patients may reduce their dose and taper off the medication slowly to mitigate significant weight gain.

It is possible to keep the weight off after semaglutide. Patients should understand that semaglutide is not a magical weight loss drug. It does require making lifestyle changes as well.

How Much Do Semaglutide Shots Cost In Seattle?

The cost of the semaglutide weight loss Seattle program at Seattle Plastic Surgery differs between the injections and the pills. The monthly cost includes the semaglutide, all necessary injection supplies, monthly check-in (virtually or in-person), and a customized diet and exercise plan. See the monthly cost for the semaglutide weight loss program below.

• $575 per month for injection with supplies (includes one month’s supply of alcohol pads and syringes)
• $700 per month for oral tablet

The monthly cost of semaglutide includes the medication, monthly in-person or virtual visits, and 24/7 on-call doctors. When prescribed only for weight loss, as far as we know, insurance does not cover semaglutide. Patients can learn more about outside financing options on the financing page.

The Best Semaglutide Weight Loss Program In Seattle

Seattle Plastic Surgery is a leading plastic surgery practice and medical spa located in the heart of Seattle’s medical hub. With a fully equipped surgical suite along with the latest in non-surgical procedures, the medical professionals at Seattle Plastic Surgery aim to help patients achieve their goals using a combination of medicine and aesthetics. Seattle Plastic Surgery provides the best semaglutide weight loss in Seattle and Tacoma offers.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-324-1120. Patients can also reach out online through chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.