WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM AT ELITE MEDICINE AND AESTHETIC INSTITUTE
We offer a medically managed weight loss program combining medical evaluation and monitoring by Dr. Fawn Winkelman, blood work, dietary advice, and Semaglutide injections as an aide to assist with healthy eating and weight loss.
WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE?
The MOST important take home about Semaglutide is there is NO shot/pill/diet that makes you "lose weight." Weight loss is based upon healthy habits - eating balanced meals and physical activity. Semaglutide is merely an aide that is available to make it a little easier to get back into those healthy habits.
Semaglutide is an FDA approved medication for weight loss. It belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. It mimics the natural GLP-1 hormone released in the gut in response to eating. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin from the pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels. This will then in turn reduce the blood sugar. For that reason, health care providers have used Semaglutide for more than 15 years to treat Type II Diabetes. However, GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with parts of the brain that suppress your appetite and signal you to feel full. When used in conjunction with diet and exercise, it an cause significant weight loss and a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease in people who are overweight or obese.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Initially, you will have an in person or virtual consultation with Dr. Fawn Winkelman to be approved as a candidate to receive Semaglutide injections. Blood work is required before injection. If approved, the medicine will be ordered and your personal treatment plan will be discussed. This is best combined with a healthy protein/fiber rich diet, adequate hydration, and exercise.
Semaglutide comes in a glass vial. Ours should be stored at room temperative. We get our Semaglutide compound from Olympia Pharmacy in Florida, which is a 503A/503B Pharmacy with the highest standards. The compound is made under strict CGMP guidelines, every batch is tested for potency, sterility and endotosins, and it is compounded by itself with no other medicine. Our Semaglutide is a pure API (liquid) and contains no powders or salts.
If you are taking Semaglutide for the first time, you will be instructed to begin with a starting (loading) dose. This means you will start with a smaller dose and gradually increase. Titrating this medication helps to reduce side effects and helps prevent nausea. It does not matter what time of day you administer the medication and it can be taken with or without food. However, Dr. Fawn Winkelman recommends injecting at night before bedtime and after a low fat meal to minimize side effects.
WHAT ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS?
If you have a personal or family history of thyroid nodules or cancer (Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, type 2 (MEN-2) Syndrome, you will not be eligible for this treatment. Other thyroid diseases are approved to receive Semaglutide but may require regular blood work monitoring and/or imaging.
As with any medication, there are always some side effects. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal related symptoms such as abdominal pain, acid reflux (heart burn), constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects may be more common after initiation and/or during dose escalation. Dehydration may occur and hydrating with enough plain water daily is very important to prevent this. Low blood sugar can also occur and is marked by signs of dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, change in eyesight, or sweating. Discontinuing the use of Semaglutide may be necessary should these reactions occur. Always call and inform our office if any of these symptoms occur or if you have discontinued your medication. Extreme sensitivity reactions such as rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, or throat should be reported to our office immediately.
The best way to avoid side effects is to take the lowest dose tolerated with the best results. The side effects do tend to increase with higher doses. There are always other medications that may help with side effects including over-the-counter stool softeners and hydration for constipation, over-the-counter anti-reflux medication like antacids, and prescribed medications for nausea. Our Vitamin B12 shots are formulated by the same Pharmacy as our Semaglutide to assist with energy, fatigue, mental clarity, nausea, weakness, and weight loss.
Once losing weight, often patients have stubborn fat and/or lose skin. Where as sometimes surgery may be desired to remove excess skin, if minor, we have a solution!
TruSculpt® iD is a state-of-the-art body contouring treatment that tightens skin, melts away fat, and is FDA-approved to reduce cellulite. TruSculpt® iD is a breakthrough RF (Radio Frequency) treatment device that delivers deep-heat to targeted body areas for sculpting, tightening and fat-reduction. With this innovative technology and device, it allows you to personalize your ideal body with a revolutionary non-surgical, body-sculpting treatment. It is comfortable, safe, and effective technology that is clinically proven to permanently eliminate fat cells in stubborn areas around your abdomen and flanks, for example, in as little as one 15-minute treatment. With TruSculpt® iD, you can get the body definition you want, even in areas that have been resistent to diet and exercise.
No matter your shape or body type, this versatile treatment is personalized to match your individual needs. TruSculpt® iD effectively treats those patients who may not be candidates for other contouring procedures due to treatment size, location, skin type, fat thickness, and prescence of skin laxity.
