Weight Loss Medication

Losing weight and achieving a leaner physique pose significant challenges. Managing hunger becomes a major obstacle for patients striving to shed pounds. There are now new treatments available that help patients reduce their hunger levels and control their calorie intake throughout the day.

Weight Loss Medication: A Stepping Stone to Your Ideal Self

If you're struggling to lose weight, weight loss medication may be a valuable tool in your journey. While not a magic bullet, these medications, when approved by a healthcare professional, can significantly boost your weight loss efforts when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

Medication helps you feel fuller, reduces cravings, and may even increase your metabolism. This support makes it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.

It's important to remember that weight loss medication isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. If medication alone doesn't provide the desired results, don't worry! We can seamlessly transition you to weight loss surgery 'if you are a candidate', a more intensive option often leading to greater weight reduction.

Our commitment at Las Vegas Bariatrics is to help you reach the healthy, confident self you envision. We'll work with you to find the most effective path – whether that's through medication, surgery, or a combination of both.

Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Medication?

How Much Weight are You Looking to Lose?

Patients who are looking to lose a modest amount of weight will probably benefit most from these weight-loss programs. On average, patients lose roughly 7 to 8 pounds in their first month of Semaglutide or Liraglutide treatments. While that may be a lot to some, for others, it falls far short of the goal.

Weight Loss Injection Consultation

In the private consultation, we thoroughly assess the patient's medical history and current status to determine their suitability for weight loss injections. Candidates with a history of tumors or cancer are generally not considered. Complete disclosure of current medications is essential during the consultation.

What is the Appropriate BMI for Weight Loss Injections?

Patients who have a BMI under 30 are typically not considered candidates for treatment. Weight loss injections are typically reserved for those whose BMIs are at least 30 and who have had their health impacted by their weight. That said, patients with a BMI as low as 27 may be eligible if they are struggling with certain weight-related health conditions (heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc).

Weight loss medication is considered to be a great option for obese patients who are looking to undergo surgery, such as Gastric Sleeve but need to lose a certain amount of weight before being cleared. These individuals typically have a high BMI of 60 or over. To have safe surgery, your surgeon will encourage you to lose weight. Additionally, bariatric surgery can be dangerous for patients with a higher BMI, as there is a higher likelihood of developing complications.

Does insurance cover medical weight loss treatments?

Weight loss meds like Ozempic aren't usually covered by insurance as they're considered cosmetic. Patients must prove medical necessity for approval.

For approval, both patient and practitioner must complete forms, providing extensive documentation. The insurance process is lengthy, and many practitioners find it cumbersome. Patients should be aware of the potential high costs if they choose to pay out of pocket.

Do Weight Loss injections Come with any Side Effects?

Some known side effects include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Tiredness
Dizziness

There may be other long-term effects that we are unaware of at this time. This is simply due to the fact that Ozempic and related treatments are new, and there is no data on what patients experience in the long term. Patients should be aware of this when going forward with treatment.

Do I Have to Stay on Medical Weight Loss Treatments Forever?

Discontinuing the treatments will result in a return of pre-treatment symptoms. Patients will again experience normal hunger levels and could potentially go back to their old eating habits. The only way to maintain the effects long-term is to continue treatment. However, those who make significant lifestyle changes in conjunction with their weight loss treatments will have an easier time keeping weight off in the future

Is Surgery the Best way to Achieve Long-Lasting Results?

It’s no secret that surgical procedures can achieve permanent results. The weight lost during surgery seldom returns. That said, patients who are unable to make lifestyle changes may eventually return to their original weight. Achieving long-lasting weight loss requires a comprehensive approach and a change in mindset.

Weight Loss Medication