Seattle Plastic Surgery’s Tirzepatide weight loss program consists of three components: the Tirzepatide injections and a general diet and exercise plan. In addition to the basic protocols, Seattle Plastic Surgery’s doctors are on call 24/7, local, and responsible. We are not an online pharmacy and our practice focuses on providing the best and safest care to our patients.
Injections
The exact schedule and dosage of Tirzepatide will vary from patient to patient. Like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide consists of a weekly injection. However, the instructions given to diabetic patients will differ for weight loss patients due to different needs. In general, patients can expect to inject Tirzepatide once a week.
Additionally, Tirzepatide injections are easy to self-administer. We understand that many are hesitant or afraid of giving themselves injections. Our local doctors walk patients through it either in person or virtually. Seattle Plastic Surgery also has Seattle-area-based medical clinics where patients can come in for their injections if they prefer.
Diet
The diet plan provided is optimized for people on the medication. In general, it is best to choose foods that contain enough protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and vitamins. Try to avoid or at least limit alcohol, sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, sugary coffees, and fruit drinks, and sweets like candy, cakes, and cookies since they are high in calories but generally lack important nutrients.
You may also elect to implement strategies such as meal-prepping and intermittent fasting into your routine if that is accessible and helpful for you.
There is no single “best” weight loss diet for all people. However, any balanced diet will help you to lose weight if you are able to stick with it. Following very restrictive diets, such as those that limit a specific nutrient (fat, carbohydrates, or protein) is not recommended. While these types of diets may help you lose weight quickly, it is easy to regain the weight once you stop following that diet. Therefore, it is important to choose an eating plan that includes foods you enjoy and can be followed long term.
One commonly recommended diet is a Mediterranean diet, which includes:
- High levels of monounsaturated fats (from foods such as olive or canola oil, walnuts, pecans, and almonds) and low levels of saturated fats (from butter).
- High amounts of vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, and whole grains (7 – 10 servings of vegetables and fruits per day).
- A moderate amount of lower-fat dairy products, mostly in the form of cheese.
- A relatively low amount of red meat and meat products. It is recommended to substitute fish or poultry for red meat.
Exercise
While exercise alone is not likely to result in weight loss, regular physical activity contributes to a healthy weight loss plan and has many other health benefits, such as lowering stress and improving cardiovascular health. In combination with balanced dietary changes, movement helps sustain weight loss and contributes to the overall goal of having your caloric output (calories burned) be higher than your caloric input (calories eaten).
Exercise does not need to be vigorous, especially when you first begin, and you can start making small changes today. Small changes can look like taking the stairs instead of an elevator, taking a 15-minute walk on your lunch break and/or after dinner, or taking your dog for regular walks. The more you move your body, the more calories you use. The more you enjoy the type of movement you are doing, the more likely you are to do it regularly.
As long as you are using more calories than you eat, you will sustain or lose weight. Since muscle mass uses more calories than any other type of tissue, it is recommended that you include weight-based exercises that progressively challenge your muscles. It is typically recommended not to challenge the same muscles on back-to-back days because muscles are built during rest and repair after they have been challenged.
On your non-strength training days, you can mix it up with walks, other activities (see list below), or rest. You may also elect to work certain muscle groups on particular days so you can strength train on more days. Finding what works best for you is a journey, and it is important to remind yourself that what works for you may be completely different than what works for someone else, Try not to become discouraged if you find a particular activity too challenging or unenjoyable, because there is likely something else you will enjoy.
