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What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a medication that promotes weight loss by lowering your appetite. Nicknamed the skinny shot, it is used cosmetically to both cause weight loss and keep it off. Now approved by the FDA to assist weight loss, semaglutide has been sufficiently researched to assure its accuracy and range. (1) 

If you are struggling to lose weight, Dr. Mustafa Ahmed can help you take the first step in your weight loss journey. You can call Southern Nevada Bariatrics at (702) 626-0499 or fill out this form to schedule an appointment with us. 

How it Works

Available in both injectable and oral forms, semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is proven to reduce body weight in patients with and without type 2 diabetes and obesity. It promotes weight loss mainly by slowing down your digestive system and keeping you feeling fuller for longer by creating a hormone already found in the body called insulin. (1)

A patient has the potential to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, resulting in rapid weight change that can be harder to achieve with diet and exercise alone. Semaglutide is an active ingredient that can lead to a 10% to 15% weight loss over a 68-week period, maybe more if a patient adds physical activity and a well-balanced diet to the regimen. (2)

Subcutaneous vs. Oral Administration

If semaglutide is taken subcutaneously (through injection) the patient may be given the tools and knowledge necessary to administer it independently without a medical professional’s help. This gives them the freedom to keep up with their weight loss plan safely and quickly from the comfort of their home. It can cause minimal discomfort to administer semaglutide subcutaneously, but the application is fast and effective.

Can I Take Semaglutide Orally?

Patients must take semaglutide every week if they choose the oral route. It can be as simple as taking a pill each morning. Although it does not cause discomfort, oral application can lead to less impressive results because of the effect semaglutide has on the digestive process. (1)

Benefits of Semaglutide

The results vary widely between patients, but the benefits are staggering

If taken, semaglutide can:

  • Optimize weight loss and help the body produce insulin
  • Provide an alternative to bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy
  • Increase the speed at which weight is lost
  • Be part of a safe, effective, and well-managed weight-loss program

Although originally used for diabetes treatment, semaglutide may also decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular conditions. (1) 

Candidates for Semaglutide

You may be a good candidate for semaglutide if you:

  • Have found it frustrating to lose weight in the past
  • Are looking for nonsurgical weight loss assistance
  • Have significant weight gain after a life change
  • Have tried diet and exercise and found it challenging to keep weight off
  • Have no serious underlying health concerns

Consultation

To determine if semaglutide is a good fit for you, Dr. Ahmed will ask for a detailed health history, particularly focusing on the heart. You will discuss which method of application is right for you, and Dr. Ahmed will set a timeframe and plan depending on your weight loss goals to ensure a safe process. We will then write you a prescription to pick up at the pharmacy. 

Preparation

Let Dr. Ahmed know if you have the following:

  • Family or personal history of thyroid cancer
  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • History of pancreatitis
  • History of kidney problems
  • Any oral medications you are currently taking, as they might affect the medication
  • If you have an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (some medications used to treat them can cause negative reactions) (3)

If you have a history of low or high glucose levels, make sure you get checked for diabetes before starting this medication.

Personal Application and Administering

Dr. Ahmed will set you up with all the information and instructions necessary in order to self-administer semaglutide. You will likely be prescribed monthly supplies of prefilled “pens” that are easy to use and self-explanatory. You will inject them according to the directions once a week, the same day each week until you are in need of a refill. They have small needles, much like an EpiPen, that come with replaceable needle tips that you dispose of after use. 

It is commonly prescribed as a month’s worth of medication at a time, four pens, and four disposable needle heads. They will be easily refillable by Dr. Ahmed for the length of your discussed timeframe. Dr. Ahmed will slowly increase your dosage recommendations until you reach the full dosage. This will help you reach the full effect and best results when using semaglutide.

If prescribed an oral prescription, you will be required to take a pill once a day, around the same time each day. 

Recovery and Results

Even subcutaneously, the application of semaglutide is minimally invasive and not painful. You may experience nausea at first, but it should dissipate later in your treatment. Since the drug affects digestion, you may also experience constipation, but as long as you keep a healthy diet that includes fiber, you should be able to avoid excessive discomfort.

One of the hardest parts of losing weight is keeping it off. To aid your process, it is recommended that you try to expand your physical activity routine and maintain a healthy balanced diet. This will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while taking semaglutide and give you more energy to keep up with your everyday activities. Weight is stubborn and can easily come right back on after using this treatment, so this will help you keep the great results you have worked so hard for!

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

If you are looking for more dramatic weight loss results, explore the possibility of bariatric surgery. Dr. Ahmed offers gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy surgery as more effective alternatives to semaglutide. 

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery requires creating a pouch out of the stomach to connect to the small intestine in order to reduce the space for food. This allows you to feel fuller much quicker, so you eat less. Most gastric bypass surgeries are laparoscopic, meaning they are done with small incisions in the lower abdomen. More invasive than taking semaglutide, it is widely considered one of the most effective surgeries for rapid weight loss. 

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Commonly known as gastric sleeve surgery, sleeve surgery involves the stapling of the stomach to decrease the space for food. It can remove up to 80% of the stomach, (4) dramatically decreasing the space for food intake and affecting the appetite immensely. It is a very fast-acting and effective way to lose weight, especially if you have always had a hard time keeping it off. 

Loose Skin After Weight Loss

If you experience rapid weight loss, you can potentially be left with lots of loose skin. This is especially true if you start and end in extremely different weight ranges. Dr. Ahmed offers multiple Excess Skin Removal procedures at Las Vegas Body Sculpting. These cosmetic procedures are also known as body contouring and involve making incisions near the areas that have accumulated loose skin after weight loss, and tightening or contouring the abdomen, arms, thighs, and even the face. This allows patients who have undergone massive shifts in weight to feel good in their skin after such a significant change. It allows for heightened confidence in showing off the body you have worked so hard for. 

Cost of Semaglutide Treatment in Las Vegas

The cost of semaglutide is completely dependent on a patient’s circumstance and the length of treatment. Dr. Ahmed will talk you through the possible outcomes and expenses of your personalized treatment plan at your consultation. Get one step closer to the body you want with semaglutide. Call (702) 626-0499 or fill out this online form today to schedule your meeting.

FAQ

What are the side effects of using semaglutide?

Since the treatment affects the way your body digests food, common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, and sometimes kidney damage. It is incredibly important to make sure Dr. Ahmed knows your history before prescribing you to help you avoid serious interactions or problems during treatment.

Will I be able to keep the weight off after I lose it?

When you stop taking the medication, you may see some of the weight come back on, especially if your weight has fluctuated your whole life. It is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and incorporate a moderate amount of exercise in your daily routine to have a better chance at maintaining your new figure.

References

  1. Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2021;70(1):jim-2021-001952. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/jim-2021-001952
  2. Ojeniran M, Dube B, Paige A, Ton J, Lindblad AJ. Semaglutide for weight loss. Canadian Family Physician. 2021;67(11):842-842. doi:https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.67118424.
  3. Mitri Williamson J. Ozempic Interactions: Other Medications, Alcohol, and More. Healthline. Published September 14, 2022. Accessed October 9, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/ozempic-interactions4.
  4. Climaco K, Ahnfeldt E. Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2021;101(2):177-188. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2020.12.015