What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a medication that mimics GLP-1, a hormone found naturally in your body. GLP-1 is released by your intestines after you eat, signaling your pancreas to release insulin to keep your blood sugar levels regulated. Blood sugar levels typically rise after you eat, so GLP-1 is essential for the proper storage and use of glucose by your body.
At the same time, GLP-1 inhibits the release of glucagon, a second hormone produced by the pancreas. Glucagon does the opposite of insulin, increasing blood sugar levels by signaling your liver to send stored glucose into the bloodstream.
As the final step in regulating your blood sugar, GLP-1 helps control how quickly your stomach empties food into the small intestine. Slowing down this process also slows down the pace of nutrient absorption (including glucose), which also helps control spikes in blood sugar following a meal.
How Does Semaglutide Work For Weight Loss?
Semaglutide works for weight loss by managing blood sugar and regulating your appetite. By controlling your insulin, it reduces the chance of a drop in blood sugar. A drop in blood sugar causes your body to crave high-calorie or sugary foods, which spikes your blood sugar. This leads to a blood sugar crash, which causes low blood sugar—and the cravings cycle starts all over again.
Besides allowing you to feel fuller longer by slowing down the rate at which your stomach empties, semaglutide helps control your appetite in another way. The medication binds to GLP-1 receptors in your brain, telling them to curb your appetite. This allows you to eat less because your brain tells you your stomach is full, even after a smaller meal.
What Are the Benefits of Semaglutide?
Besides the benefit of significant weight loss, semaglutide can have a positive effect on other areas of concern. Losing weight in a safe, consistent way with semaglutide can help you:
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Lower cholesterol lipids
- Improve blood pressure levels
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Increase your self-esteem
Semaglutide can also help create healthy eating habits that contribute to long-term weight loss maintenance. It is a non-invasive alternative to bariatric surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Semaglutide Injections?
Ideal candidates for semaglutide injections are people who:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher
- Have a BMI of 25 and at least one weight-related condition (elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes)
- Have struggled unsuccessfully to lose weight with other methods
- Are ready to try a medically supervised weight loss program
- Can commit to healthy eating and exercise habits
At Agullo Plastic Surgery, tailored care begins with a full consultation to discuss the goals and options available.
What Is Discussed During My Consultation?
When you come in for your semaglutide injection consultation with Dr. Agullo or one of his nurse practitioners, you will be able to discuss your weight loss goals. Your medical history will be reviewed to determine if semaglutide is safe for you. You will get labs taken so Southwest Plastic Surgery staff members have an idea of your overall health profile and a comparison baseline.
One treatment begins, semaglutide patients are seen once a month. Southwest Plastic Surgery staff typically starts with a “loading dose” and begins to titrate up monthly as tolerated. Patients are ONLY candidates with a BMI of 25 or above, as that is the indication for overweight. A BMI of 30 and above is classified as obese. The patient can be on medication for 3–6 months, but that is subject to change and can vary from patient to patient based on provider preference.
Once a month, at each follow-up visit, Southwest Plastic Surgery staff will discuss medication tolerance and any side effects so that medication can be adjusted accordingly. Patients usually have labs drawn at their first visit, and this can be billed to their insurance, or a patient may self-pay for $375.
Each month, the patient is sent home with four injections to self-administer. However, at the first visit, the initial injection will be administered to demonstrate the proper technique to the patient. Southwest Plastic Surgery staff will also review medication care and storage directions. The patient will be responsible for administering medication once a week at home.
How Can I Make the Most of My Semaglutide Injections?
While semaglutide does much of the work, for best results, you need to commit to a healthy lifestyle to reap the most benefit from your treatments. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet of whole foods (especially lean protein) is the first step, coupled with a sustainable exercise program.
How Much Is My Semaglutide Weight Loss Program?
Your initial consultation with Southwest Plastic Surgery staff costs $150, which is non-refundable. Your lab work is often covered by insurance, but it will be $350 if you pay for it yourself. The semaglutide injections themselves are $300 per month, which is significantly less than the typical out-of-pocket costs.
What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Semaglutide?
Results vary according to several factors; however, clinical studies have shown that patients lost an average of fifteen percent of their body weight using semaglutide, compared to less than three percent of patients using a placebo.
No, semaglutide injections are not painful. The injection pens use tiny, thin needles to administer the medication, so you will only feel a slight pinch when you administer your dose.
The semaglutide treatment plan supervised by Southwest Plastic Surgery staff is typically a three to six-month program. However, depending on their needs and results, some patients continue treatment for up to ten months.
As with any medication, there are possible side effects associated with semaglutide. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Rare but more severe side effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Increased heart rate
- Increased risk of gallbladder and kidney issues
- Increased risk of thyroid problems
It is essential that you are honest and upfront with Southwest Plastic Surgery staff about any current or past health problems, as well as what medications and supplements you take, to ensure that semaglutide is safe for you.
Interested in Semaglutide Injections in El Paso?
Dr. Frank Agullo is committed to helping each of his patients achieve the confidence and aesthetic they desire, from safe and effective weight loss to cosmetic procedures. To schedule a consultation to begin your weight loss journey with semaglutide, call our office today at (915) 590-7900 or complete the online contact form.
