Compound Semaglutide Dosing Plan

Overview: What Is Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy)?

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

Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. These drugs mimic the hormone of GLP-1 and cause the body to produce more insulin. This can help lower blood sugar, suppress hunger, and eventually lead to visible weight loss. 

Due to how GLP-1 agonists help the body produce more insulin, semaglutide originally treated type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA has since approved the drug to aid in weight loss, one of the only FDA-approved medical weight loss drugs on the market. Studies have shown that patients lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight. This can change the lift of people struggling to lose weight for several reasons.

When used for weight loss, patients usually inject semaglutide themselves. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery Bellevue Kirkland provides a daily pill, an alternative to a weekly injection. This option is available for patients who prefer not to administer injections themselves.

Candidates Who Qualify for Medical Weight Loss

The best candidates for semaglutide weight loss in Bellevue tend to have a BMI of 30 or more. Though, some patients with a high BMI under 30 may still qualify depending on their medical history. Patients who are at and are easily maintaining their desired weight are usually not candidates for semaglutide treatment. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery does not have BMI requirements for this treatment and will evaluate each patient individually.

Patients with a history of or current diagnosis of certain conditions may not be candidates even if they otherwise qualify. While not always a complete disqualifier, patients who have a history of the following conditions may want to avoid semaglutide:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Thyroid cancer
• Type I diabetes

If a patient takes a GLP-1 medication, they can switch to semaglutide. Patients should not take semaglutide concurrently with similar medications.

Side Effects

Semaglutide can cause some mild side effects in the beginning. Normally, they lessen and subside for most patients within two weeks. Patients already taking a GLP-1 medication tend to experience fewer side effects and adjust easier.

Some of the possible side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Changes in frequency or consistency of bowel movements
• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain

As mentioned above, these side effects should not be severe and should subside with the continuance of the treatment. Patients can help reduce side effects by following certain diet plans. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery prescribes semaglutide with cyanocobalamin which helps reduce nausea and overall side effects.

The Semaglutide Weight Loss Regimen

Initial Consultation

Obtaining a semaglutide prescription requires a consultation with a medical professional. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, physicians and physician assistants perform semaglutide weight loss consultations. The consultation can take place in-office or Skype/FaceTime.

With their provider, the patient will discuss their weight loss goals, medical history, and medications they take. They may also discuss their lifestyle and other factors that can affect their weight. If their provider believes semaglutide is a good fit for the patient, they will provide a prescription.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers the injectable form and oral sublingual tablet for of semaglutide. Studies have shown both oral and subcutaneous injections are effective. Patients who choose the injection form of semaglutide must attend a training session at the office. During this session, they will learn how to administer the injections themselves.

Administration

Injectable semaglutide is injected into the fatty tissues below the skin. Normally, it commences on a weekly schedule with rotating injection sites in the thigh, abdomen, and upper arm. Providers recommend rotating injection sites to reduce skin irritation. Doses should be administered on the same day of the week every week.

The oral sublingual tablet form of semaglutide is a pill that dissolves under the tongue. With both types, our providers instruct patients to eat around 30 minutes after taking the medication. Thus, ideally, take it near normal mealtimes.

The doses may increase or decrease depending on symptoms and results. This is done to prevent negative side effects and assist the body in adjusting effectively. Patients will receive guidance on how and when to increase or decrease doses. Our providers will walk patients through the process and consult with patients monthly either in person or over video chat. Each patient will receive a dosing chart to fit their body. Our providers dose patients individually based on their body, goals, and effectiveness.

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

Optional Meal & Exercise Plan

Included in the cost of our Bellevue semaglutide weight loss program is a diet and exercise plan. Their provider will provide the patient with a general diet and exercise plan to complement their treatment. This part of the program is optional, but highly recommended to help patients see faster and optimal results.

Semaglutide is safe for long-term use. Patients can maintain weight loss by following a diet and exercise plan and establishing better routines. This applies whether they continue taking semaglutide or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Insurance Cover Semaglutide?

When prescribed solely for weight loss, as far as we are aware, insurance does not currently cover the cost of semaglutide. Only if prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes will insurance cover any of the cost. Additionally, The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery does not work with insurance for this particular weight loss program and only prescribes semaglutide for weight loss purposes.

How Long Should You Stay On Semaglutide For Weight Loss?

The answer to this question will vary for every patient. For example, if a patient has type 2 diabetes then they may never go fully off the medication. However, once a weight loss patient reaches their goal weight, they can often reduce or cease semaglutide treatment. In some cases, the patient continues taking small doses to help maintain weight loss. Before going off the medication, patients should establish a comfortable routine that includes a healthy diet and exercise. In the months following the cessation of treatment, the patient should continue to monitor themselves closely along with their provider.

Has Anyone Kept Weight Off After Semaglutide?

Yes, while many have heard that the weight comes back on after stopping semaglutide, it is possible to keep most, if not all, of the weight loss. This is why we encourage the curation of a healthy lifestyle while on the medication. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery’s optional meal and exercise plan helps do this. It can promote long lasting weight loss after ceasing the medication.

How Long Does It Take For Semaglutide To Begin Working?

Patients may see noticeable weight loss in as little as five weeks. However, it can take several months. Patients will meet with their provider—either virtually or in-person—to discuss their progress. At the monthly check-ins, the patient and provider will discuss:

• The patient’s weigh-in and weight loss progress
• Side effects
• Assess if the dosage is adequate and make adjustments if necessary
• Discuss their diet and review macros
• Review the exercise program

What Is The Cost Of Semaglutide Weight Loss Bellevue?

Billed monthly, the cost of semaglutide at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is as follows:

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

This pricing includes a supply of semaglutide and all necessary injection supplies for one month. It also features a meal plan, an exercise plan, and 24/7 on-call doctors. Choosing a different payment schedule, like getting a 90-day supply or multiple vials will increase the cost.