How Semaglutide Transformed My Weight Loss Experience. My Personal Journey to a thinner Me.

Introduction

Hi, I am Dee and I have been the Practice Director at Patients Medical since 2004. Many of you may have met me when you stopped by the practice.
Embarking on a weight loss journey can be challenging, but sometimes, the right tools can make all the difference. As someone who has struggled with weight loss for years, I tried various diets and exercise regimens with minimal success. It was not until I discovered semaglutide (Ozempic) that I experienced a significant transformation. In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience with semaglutide, the challenges I faced, and how it ultimately changed my life.
You may find it useful as you start your own weight loss journey.

I decided to give Semaglutide a try, and I am so glad I did! I have lost over twenty pounds in the past few months, and I feel great. I have more energy, I sleep better, and my clothes fit better.

When I started the program in September 2022,  I was 5’10” tall and weighed 200 pounds.
Today  in March 2023, six months later I am still 5’10” tall but only  weigh 177 pounds.

A Desperate Search for a Solution

Like many people, I spent years attempting different diets and workout routines, hoping to shed the extra pounds that were affecting my health and self-confidence. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, I couldn’t achieve the long-lasting results I desired. Frustration and disappointment were my constant companions until my doctor at Patients Medical introduced me to semaglutide.

The Turning Point: Semaglutide

Semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, is primarily prescribed for treating type 2 diabetes. However, recent studies revealed its potential for weight loss in non-diabetic individuals as well. My doctor explained that semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. Intrigued by the science behind it, I decided to try it.

Semaglutide works by helping your body produce more insulin, which helps you to control your blood sugar levels. However, Semaglutide also has a side effect of weight loss.

My Experience with Semaglutide

In the beginning, I experienced some mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and bloating. However, these symptoms subsided as my body adjusted to the medication. Regular blood tests and check-ups with my doctor ensured that I was responding well to the treatment and helped to minimize any potential side effects.

Integrating Healthy Habits for Maximum Results

While semaglutide was an essential tool in my weight loss journey, it was not a magic bullet. I still needed to make conscious decisions about my diet and exercise routine to maximize my results. I focused on consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods, such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. I also developed an exercise routine that included a mix of cardiovascular activities and strength training.

Here are some of my tips for success with Semaglutide:

• Be patient. Semaglutide takes time to work. Do not expect to see results overnight.
• Be consistent. Take your Semaglutide injections every week, even if you do not see results right away.
• Blood testing:  Make sure you have your blood tested every four weeks to ensure you are not experiencing side effects from this medication.
• Eat a healthy diet. Semaglutide can help you to lose weight, but it is important to eat a healthy diet along with it.
• Exercise regularly. Semaglutide can help you to lose weight, but it’s important to exercise regularly along with it.
• Do not give up. There will be times when you want to give up. But if you stick with it, Semaglutide can help you to achieve your weight loss goals.

The Importance of Regular Testing When Taking Semaglutide: Why A Blood Test and Evaluation Every Four Weeks Matters

Reasons for Regular Blood Testing Every Four Weeks

• Monitoring Side Effects: Semaglutide, like any medication, may cause side effects in some individuals. Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, are common during the initial stages of treatment. Regular testing every four weeks can help your doctor identify and address these issues promptly, ensuring your treatment remains safe and effective.
• Dosage Increase every four weeks:  Increased dosage can cause increased side effects.  Your blood needs to be monitored after every four weeks to see how your body is handling the increased medication and evaluation of potential side effects,  specially Amylase levels that can increase dramatically and cause acute pancreatitis.
• Blood Sugar Control: Although semaglutide is primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes management, it can cause blood sugar fluctuations in non-diabetic individuals as well. Regular blood tests every four weeks can help your doctor monitor your blood sugar levels and make any necessary adjustments to your dosage to maintain optimal blood sugar control.
• Kidney Function Monitoring: In rare cases, semaglutide may affect kidney function. Regular blood tests can detect any changes in kidney function early on, allowing your doctor to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan and prevent potential complications.
• Thyroid Function Assessment: Semaglutide has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid tumors in animal studies. Although this risk is not yet confirmed in humans, regular blood tests every four weeks can help your doctor monitor your thyroid function and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
• Tracking Treatment Progress: Regular blood tests provide valuable data on your body’s response to semaglutide. Unfortunately, taking Semaglutide may  trigger acute Pancreatitis.  It is important to have your Amylase levels checked monthly to ensure your Pancreas are  not being damaged by the medication.  This information can help your healthcare team make informed decisions about your treatment, such as adjusting the dosage or duration, to optimize your weight loss results.
• Ensuring Compliance: Regular testing can also serve as a motivation for individuals to adhere to their treatment plan. Knowing that you have scheduled check-ups can encourage you to be consistent with your medication and make healthier lifestyle choices, ultimately enhancing your weight loss progress.

What makes our medical practice different from various tele-marketing weight loss clinics where you do not have your blood tested periodically or ever meet with the medical staff in person,  is the strong focus on ensuring that our patients are medically tested and evaluated during their weight loss process. 
This helps to ensure they are not experiencing side effects from taking the Semaglutide.

Recommended Weight Loss Protocol:

Follow this up by coming into the office every month, get your weight checked, BMI checked, get a follow up blood draw, and have our medical staff review your medical history to ensure everything is okay.

During these monthly visits many patients also like to get a Vitamin IV drip to offset any weakness caused by rapid weight loss as well as pickup support supplements to take daily  at home .

The Outcome: A Healthier, Happier Me

Conclusion

My weight loss journey with semaglutide was life changing. It taught me the importance of perseverance, self-discipline, and the value of using evidence-based methods to achieve my goals. If you’re struggling with weight loss and are considering trying semaglutide, I encourage you to consult with your healthcare professional to determine if it’s the right choice for you. With dedication, persistence, and the right tools, you too can achieve the weight loss success you’ve always desired.

The Weight Loss Program at Patients Medical:

Steps to get started with Weight Loss at Patients Medical:

First step is to purchase Membership in Patients Medical Rapid  GLP-1 based Injectable Weight Loss Program

Membership Includes:

Monthly prescription to FDA-approved medication for weight-loss. Includes diagnostic testing to help derive your treatment plan. Subject to medical eligibility. Specifically:

• Support and Messaging with Expert Board-Certified MD Doctors with over 20 years’ experience  and medical staff. This includes review of the blood test results being performed monthly.
•   Monthly GLP-1a Prescription (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Victoza, or Wegovy)
• Initial Metabolic Lab Order & Analysis.  Blood test draw  cost is $35 and is not included. Test costs are typically covered by insurance.  Blood tests are recommended every four weeks to ensure there are no side effects.
• In the event the test results indicate any abnormalities  for which medical treatment may be  necessary, you will be referred back to your own primary physician for follow up.
•   Customized Diet Weight-Loss Plan

The medication cost is not included and can vary from $20 per month if your insurance pays for it to $1,250 per month if your insurance will not pay.
A low-cost Generic version of Ozempic  (Semaglutide) is available at our clinic with prescription for $399.00 per month, it also comes as injections.
The monthly subscription fee doesn’t start until after initial blood test results are received and reviewed.