WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS

FAQs - Weight Loss

• Who are the Ideal Candidates for Medication assisted weightloss?

  Good candidates for semaglutide and tirzepatide use are overweight or obese or are looking to shed weight with the help of a medical weight-loss plan. This treatment is suitable for patients in good overall health with a BMI greater than 27, or a BMI over 25 with related comorbidities.  Semaglutide and tirzepatide can assist those who have stubborn, exercise-resistant fat around the abdomen to improve their overall body contour. They encourage better eating and exercise habits by supporting an active lifestyle. Candidates should have reasonable expectations before starting these medications. They should also be free of any serious underlying medical conditions.

  An important requirement for medical weight loss is being willing to incorporate new and healthier habits into daily life to achieve optimal results. Semaglutide and tirzepatide work best when paired with behavioral and lifestyle changes like:

  • Regular Exercise
  • Nutritious Eating
  • Sufficient Sleep
  • Proper Hydration
  • Stress Reduction
  • Medical Guidance

• What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medication?

  Both semaglutide and tirzepatide treatments are injectable. A weekly injection into either the upper arm, thigh, or stomach.  Typically patients are started at the lowest dosage, then increased when necessary. After every meal, the medication supports insulin release automatically. It works through the patient’s bloodstream and continues to support slower digestion and healthy blood sugar levels throughout the week. Patients return for or self-administer continuous treatments as Dr. Tijerino sees fit.

  This treatment may cause mild digestive issues like diarrhea, upset stomach, and nausea. Most patients acclimate quickly to their new medication and these negative effects dissipate quickly. If they continue or worsen, contact Dr. Tijerino’s office promptly to discuss dosage and treatment plan options.

  Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Change in vision
  • Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
  • Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
  • Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
  • Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness

  Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

  This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• What type of results are expected?

  After just one month of continuous treatment with semaglutide or tirzepatide, most patients lose between 10 and 20 pounds. It can take anywhere from 14 to 17 weeks for patients to reach their weight loss goal. ⁽¹⁾ Individual results vary widely depending on a patient’s starting point and goal weight. Candidates should follow Dr. Tijerino’s treatment instructions carefully to achieve optimal results. After weight loss, patients should continue to incorporate their new lifestyle habits to maintain their new weight and continue to live a healthy life.

  1. Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight Loss Efficiency and Safety of tirzepatide: a Systematic Review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197

• When will I be able to notice weight loss results while using semaglutide or tirzepatide?

  Some patients do not notice a difference in their weight during the first 4 to 8 weeks. It is important to be patient and remember that everyone’s body is different.

• Is semaglutide a type of insulin?

  No. Semaglutide is a type of medication that mimics the gut hormone GLP-1, therefore its mechanisms rely on the body’s natural amount of insulin and regulate it.

• Is tirzepatide covered by my insurance?

  No. Tirzepatide is not covered by insurance for patients without type-2 diabetes.

• How old do I have to be before using semaglutide or tirzepatide?

  Patients must be between the ages of 18 and 74 to participate in treatments safely. Anyone out of that range will need permission from their primary care doctor before starting semaglutide or tirzepatide injections.

• What is the Cost of Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Treatments?

  Dr. Tijerino and her medical staff offer weight loss patients Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatments that begin at monthly rate of $156 and $208 respectively and can range *typically up to ~$392 and ~$480 respectively . She spends time during each private consultation to talk more about these medications and outlines a customized weight loss plan according to your specific needs.  *Each patient is unique, but as each patient acclimates to the medication, dosages and associated cost typically increase beyond the normal initial 4-week period.  Patients should expect a program/plan up to 24 weeks or more.

• Which Works Better: Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?

  According to some blind studies performed to test the efficacy of these medications, tirzepatide has the potential to encourage better results than semaglutide. ⁽¹⁾ That being said, both support the same internal mechanisms to assist in weight loss. By releasing insulin after each meal, they work to keep blood sugar levels healthy. They keep patients satiated, even after consuming smaller portions, by communicating with the brain to suppress hunger sensations. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are both optimal treatment options for patients who seek to reach their weight loss goals under medical supervision.

  1. Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight Loss Efficiency and Safety of tirzepatide: a Systematic Review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197

• What Happens during my consultation with Dr. Tijerino?

  During a private consultation with Dr. Tijerino, she will determine and explain the correct treatment plan for each individual patient. She will first perform a medical review of patient’s health. She will inquire about their current medications/allergies and health conditions/history. She may order necessary blood/lab tests during this appointment. Finally, where appropriate, Dr. Tijerino will create a customized treatment plan, perform initial injection in-office, and prescribe and issue medication in-office for weekly treatments of either semaglutide or tirzepatide to be self-administered by the patient.

  Patients will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions during their consultation to make sure they understand and are prepared for their weight loss treatments.   During the initial consult/treatment, a secondary followup visit will be scheduled 3-4 weeks out from initial treatment.

• What Preparations should I take for Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Treatment?

  Before semaglutide and tirzepatide treatments, patients should avoid alcohol consumption. Drinking while using these medications can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Make sure to inform Dr. Tijerino of all current medications before treatment to avoid negative combinations or reactions. To prevent digestive side effects, we recommend avoiding certain foods that are deep fried, high in sugar, or overly processed. This will also aid in weight loss.

• Where Should I Keep My Medication?

  Store in the Freezer.  Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

  It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired.

• What Should I Tell My Care Team Before I Take This Medication?

  They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Endocrine tumors (MEN 2) or if someone in your family had these tumors
  • Eye disease, vision problems
  • Gallbladder disease
  • History of depression or mental health disease
  • History of pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
  • Thyroid cancer or if someone in your family had thyroid cancer
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to semaglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

• What May Interact With This Medication?

  • Insulin and other medications for diabetes

  This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

• What if I Miss a Dose?

  If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your dose for 2 weeks or more, take the next dose at your regular time or call your care team to talk about how to restart this medication.

• What Should I Watch for While Using This Medication?

  Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may be some time before you see the benefit from this medication.

  Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

  This medication may affect blood sugar levels.

  Ask your care team if changes in diet or medications are needed if you have diabetes.

  If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, such as new or worsening depression, thoughts of harming yourself, anxiety, other unusual or disturbing thoughts, or memory loss, call your care team right away.

  Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Losing weight while pregnant is not advised and may cause harm to the unborn child. Talk to your care team for more information.