Medical Weight Loss Program

Featuring Compounded GLP-1

Unlike many other medi-spas and other health care providers, we are not just prescribing GLP-1 and then leaving the patient to figure the rest out on their own. We want to set the patient up for success and support them through their weight loss journey. We carefully screen patients and are looking for those motivated to lose weight AND make the necessary lifestyle changes to deliver long-term success. We also support the patient through the weaning process so that they don’t gain all the weight right back. GLP-1 can be viewed as a “magic shot” but I like to think of it as a “head start” for those who have tried diet and exercise but have not achieved their desired weight loss goals.

At Facial Innovations we strongly feel that lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise, and attitude) are the keys to long-term success. The injection gives you a “boost or head-start” on your health journey, but it is not the only thing you should be doing. We also offer dietary tips, exercise guidelines, supportive supplements, dose adjustments, management of side effects, and much more!

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide) agonist. It binds to the same receptor as glucagon (a hormone made in our gut that helps control blood sugar and decreases appetite). Think of this as “hormone replacement therapy”. The benefits of GLP-1 analogs include: reducing the speed at which the stomach digests and empties (delayed gastric emptying), appetite reduction, weight loss, decreased cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. GLP-1 agonists work with the body’s natural way of controlling blood sugar. Managing blood sugar helps you lose weight, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan. GLP-1 prompts your pancreas to produce more insulin when blood glucose levels are high. At higher doses, it acts on centers in the brain and suppresses appetite. People report that it reduces “food noise” ~ those constant thoughts about food and eating. All of these functions can result in weight loss.

The benefits of weight loss include improved cardiovascular health, increased energy level, less wear and tear on bones and joints, lower cholesterol levels and hemoglobin A1C, better body image, happiness, longer lifespan, and more!

GLP-1 is the generic name for many prescription drugs. These drugs are quite expensive > $1000/month and are only covered by insurance when you meet certain qualifications. Due to shortages of these brand-named drugs, the FDA has allowed compounding pharmacies to produce GLP-1 for as long as the shortage lasts. GLP-1 produced by a reputable compounding pharmacy is safe, effective, and much less expensive.

It’s all over the news– “the dangers of counterfeit GLP-1”

Our patients should rest assured that we have partnered with one of the top compounding pharmacies in the nation to provide them with a safe, reliable, and effective medical weight loss product. This, coupled with our close patient monitoring protocol makes FI different from most of the GLP-1 programs out there.

Our trusted partner, Belmar pharmacy is not only FDA-registered, but it is FDA-inspected. It is one of the few pharmacies that is LegitScript-certified at multiple locations. They are also NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) accredited at multiple locations. Belmar is a leader in the industry when it comes to safety and compliance.

1. ALLERGIC REACTION: Do not take this medication of you are allergic to GLP-1 or any other GLP-1 agonist.

2. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Patients with a history of thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN type 2) and acute or chronic pancreatitis. Patients with a prior history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

3. PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING: This drug should not be used during pregnancy or patients who are breastfeeding their child. This class of drugs may be prescribed by a primary care doctor or endocrinologist for insulin resistance or diabetes.

GLP-1 may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, abdominal pain, back pain, constipation, heartburn, burping, bloating, headache, dizziness, muscle loss, depressed mood, and hypoglycemia. Rare serious side effects are also possible. Some may require immediate medical attention such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, appendicitis, kidney stones, and other kidney problems, and allergic reactions. As with ANY rapid weight loss program, one may experience fatigue, hair loss, loose skin, loss of fat in the face or breasts, or other areas of the body.

Yes. We can prescribe Zofran® or the generic equivalent, ondansetron, if needed.

It is given as a once-weekly injection in the belly fat. We will teach you how to inject yourself using a very small syringe and needle the first time in the office and then you self-administer it at home.

This is an individualized decision. Once you have reached your weight loss goal and have implemented the appropriate lifestyle changes, we can help you wean off GLP-1.

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