Your questions about the new semaglutide weight loss shot, answered
The semaglutide weight loss shot—a.k.a. Ozempic or Wegovy—has been making waves in the world of medical weight management. As trusted providers of cosmetic and wellness treatments, Andrea Huddleston RN, BSN and the team at Maningas Cosmetic Surgery are excited to offer semaglutide to patients in Joplin and the four-state area!
As with any procedure, we are committed to educating our patients about semaglutide’s benefits, risks, and what you can expect in treatment. In this blog post, we delve into what it’s like to lose weight with semaglutide and answer some common questions that our patients ask.
- What is it like to lose weight with semaglutide?
- What happens if I miss a dose of semaglutide?
- How can I maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide?
- Can you combine semaglutide with other treatments?
- How long will I need to stay on semaglutide?
What is it like to lose weight with semaglutide?
Nurse Andrea administers weekly injections during our 12-week semaglutide program (which can be repeated, as needed). Here’s everything you can expect:
1. You will have weekly injections
You will come to our office once weekly for a quick weight loss injection from Andrea. Our patients report that the injections are relatively painless and easily tolerated: a thin needle is inserted just below the skin, and we alternate injection sites each week to minimize potential irritation in one area.
We’ll also take body assessment data each week and answer any questions you have. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately after each injection, making it convenient to fit into a busy schedule.
2. You will feel more “full,” with fewer food cravings
Semaglutide works for weight loss because it helps you to feel full—here’s how:
- It reduces secretion of glucagon, a blood sugar-regulating hormone
- Thus, it delays gastric emptying, or how quickly food leaves your stomach
- This delay, in turn, reduces your appetite and curbs food cravings
With a reduced appetite, you are able to better control your eating habits.
3. You will re-train yourself to eat a healthy, yet sustainable, diet
The long-term benefit of a 12-week semaglutide regimen is that, during this time, semaglutide allows you to re-train yourself to regularly choose healthier, less calorie-dense foods.
Nurse Andrea works closely with each patient on semaglutide to guide you in establishing a sustainable, flexible approach to nutrition. Here are some of the guidelines we will encourage you to follow when eating:
- Minimize fast-digesting carbs, like white bread, sweets, chips, Gatorade and other sugar-packed drinks, and certain sweet fruits
- Front-load every meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Avoid restricting—or counting!—calories
4. You may experience nausea and other gastrointestinal side effects
Semaglutide’s main reported side effect is nausea, and while side effects vary from person to person, they are usually manageable and temporary. Other gastrointestinal issues are also common, including vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Although these side effects can be unpleasant, they often diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication, and side effects rarely lead patients to discontinue semaglutide.
If you experience persistent or severe side effects, please give us a call for guidance on how to manage them and/or a discussion about pausing treatment.
5. We will be with you every step of the way
We understand that weight loss is certainly a journey, not a one-and-done treatment. That’s why Andrea will be your point person every step of the way, happy to answer all of your “Is this normal?” questions, encourage you, and celebrate your victories!
What happens if I miss a dose of semaglutide?
If you miss your semaglutide appointment, you will want to make up the missed dose as soon as possible if no more than 5 days have passed. If you are more than 5 days behind schedule, skip the missed dose and resume your normal routine with the next appointment/dose.
Since Andrea works with each patient to administer doses of semaglutide, you can rest assured you’re in good hands—just let us know ASAP if you need to reschedule your injection appointment!
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How can I maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide?
To enhance the effectiveness of semaglutide, complement your treatment with a balanced, nutritious diet and sustainable increases in physical activity. Semaglutide helps control your appetite and blood sugar levels, but lifestyle changes are key to maintaining your weight loss goals after you finish the injections. In addition to diet, these changes might include simple adjustments like walking more, which is proven to have numerous benefits for your overall well-being in addition to helping you to keep fit.
Regular follow-ups with your healthcare team will also support your journey, allowing you to monitor your progress, celebrate your wins, and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
Can you combine semaglutide with other treatments?
We do not recommend taking other weight loss medications or other treatments simultaneously with semaglutide. However, you may choose to fine-tune your weight loss results or address loose skin with non-surgical body contouring or post-weight loss plastic surgery after you have completed semaglutide treatment.
Non-surgical body contouring
Patients in need of a small amount of body contouring may be satisfied with the results of non-surgical options. One such approach is combining semaglutide with Evolve Transform, a popular non-surgical body contouring treatment that uses radiofrequency energy and EMS muscle stimulation. This combination can help your weight loss transformation look and feel more complete by tightening lax skin, boosting fat removal, and toning underlying muscles.
Post-weight loss plastic surgery
After achieving substantial weight loss with semaglutide or other weight management treatments, you may find that you have excess, loose skin. This is normal after significant weight loss, and loose skin cannot be addressed with exercise or diet. Post-weight loss body contouring plastic surgery can be an effective solution to fine-tune your results and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing body contour.
At Maningas Cosmetic Surgery, we offer a range of procedures to create customized results and help you enjoy your post-weight loss body shape.
- A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) tightens loose skin and the underlying muscles, as needed, for a firmer abdomen.
- A body lift (belt lipectomy) removes excess skin and fat around the midsection, typically focusing on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
- A thigh lift (thighplasty) addresses sagging skin and fat on the inner and/or outer thighs.
- An arm lift (brachioplasty) is a surgical procedure that reshapes the lower portion of the upper arm, extending from the armpit area to the elbow.
Every post weight loss plastic surgery is tailored to your needs, and often multiple procedures are performed in combination.
How long will I need to stay on semaglutide?
Some patients may reach their goals after a single 12-week program, while others may opt for multiple treatment programs. The length of your treatment will depend on factors including your initial weight, your weight loss goals, and how your body responds to the medication.
During your consultation with Nurse Andrea, we’ll assess your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you safely achieve your weight loss goals. The goal of semaglutide treatment is not just to help you lose weight, but to help you maintain that weight loss in the long term.
Schedule your consultation with our weight loss RN today
We’re committed to helping you achieve your health and aesthetic goals in a safe, comfortable environment. If you’re considering semaglutide for weight management, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Andrea Huddleston, RN, BSN at Maningas Cosmetic Surgery. Call 417-437-0303 or fill out our online form to get started today.