FAQs

 

What to Expect on Semaglutide:

 

Decreased hunger and cravings, Early satiety (feeling fuller faster), thus eating less!

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Comon side effects of nausea, constipation. 

 

If worsening abdominal pain, vomiting, or any other worrisome symptoms, please call me directly or be evaluated in the Emergency department.

 

Weight loss is slow with the low doses the first few weeks – expect 1-2 lbs/week.
But, the studies (done on the brand name Wegovy) have been found to produce a weight loss of about 15% of your mass body mass index over approximately a one year period. 

 

Important points – drink at least 6-8 glasses of water daily and eat plenty of protein. 

 

The medicine works in conjunction with diet and exercise….
Try to walk at least 30 minutes daily
Adding weights will prevent muscle loss. 
Start an exercise program!

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If you feel heartburn, add Pepcid (Famotidine) 10mg twice daily IF NEEDED.
If you have nausea and fatigue, add Vit B12. This is a strong digestive enzyme and helps red blood cell production. 
If you feel constipated, add a stool softener, Docusate daily IF NEEDED.
If you feel constipated, add Miralax a few times a week.  This is a fiber supplement. 
I recommend a Probiotic, such as Culturelle daily.  Probiotics have been shown to increase the effects of Semaglutide (GLP-1) agonist.  

 

Plan:

Start Semaglutide at 0.25mg weekly for 4 weeks.

If tolerating dose, increase to 0.5mg weekly for 4 weeks.
If tolerating dose, increase to 1mg weekly for 4 weeks. 

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After the initial 3 month period, the nurse practitioner will evaluate your weight loss, discuss goals, new healthy eating / exercise habits, tolerance of medication, and update your blood work and discuss possible uptitrating the Semaglutide dosing.