Injections vs. Pill
There are two forms of semaglutide in Renton: injection and pill. The majority of people who take semaglutide for any reason typically use the injections because they usually cost less and the medication originated as an injection. However, the pill form has also been shown to be effective.
The providers at Seattle Plastic Surgery can prescribe either the injections or the pill form of semaglutide. However, the injections come at a lower cost and are administered less than the daily pill. At a consultation, your provider can discuss the pros and cons of each type of semaglutide to help you choose the right one for you.
Benefits & Risks
Semaglutide for weight loss Renton comes with benefits and risks that patients should carefully consider. For many, the risks are vastly outweighed by the benefits:
- Significant weight loss (often up to 20% or more)
- Helps patients feel less hungry
- Fewer cravings
- Feel more full after eating
- Better blood sugar
- Improvement of weight-related medical conditions
- Increased energy (especially when compounding Vitamin B12 with semaglutide)
- May make it easier to exercise as weight comes off
- Better self-esteem and self-confidence
- Gives patients time to curate and change their lifestyle without hitting weight loss setbacks or plateaus
- Safe to use for long periods of time
- Customized treatment plan based on the patient’s goals, medical history, and needs
The medication is FDA approved and considered safe to use for weight loss for most people. Patients should continue to be aware of the possible risks associated with semaglutide:
- Severe or long lasting side effects
- Low blood sugar
- Allergic reaction
- Pancreatitis
- May slightly increase the risk of certain thyroid tumors (rare)
Overall, as long as semaglutide is used correctly and properly dosed, patients are unlikely to see major complications. Some people may experience more severe side effects than others. If these do not ease or go away, the patient may be a better candidate for a similar medication called tirzepatide.
Losing Weight With Semaglutide
At Seattle Plastic Surgery, our Renton weight loss program contains two components. First, the semaglutide, and second, diet and exercise. Your provider will discuss making small changes to your diet and exercise routines instead of trying to shift your lifestyle too quickly. This is a common reason diet and exercise fail to work on their own for many people. The diet and exercise regimens will look slightly different based on a patient’s dietary needs, medical history, lifestyle, and physical abilities.
Administering Injections
Patients will administer semaglutide injections themselves once per week. The injections are given just below the skin and your provider can instruct you how to inject them at your consultation. If the consultation is in person, your provider can administer the first dose for you. Local patients who feel uncomfortable injecting themselves are welcome to come in once per week for their semaglutide injection.
The injections are given primarily in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Patients should rotate the injection sites each week. This includes injecting at least two centimeters away from the last injection site. Patients generally do not experience much pain during their injections because they are superficial and quick.
Diet & Exercise
The diet and exercise plan will start out by making small changes to your everyday lifestyle (the exact changes a patient makes will vary):
- Replace at least one floor of an elevator ride with stairs
- Take the dog out for a walk every day
- Consider getting back into a hobby you once enjoyed
- Practice stretching in the morning or nighttime
- Drink more water
- Reduce sugars and simple carbohydrates
- Consider substituting low or no-calorie options for condiments in everyday meals (coffee creamer, salad dressing, etc.)
- Make an effort to walk slightly further during the day
- Experiment and have fun with your food and activities
Your provider will discuss the medication and how your diet and exercise plans are going during your monthly check-in appointment. They can help keep you motivated and give advice. Your provider may also make changes to your medication or the dosage.