Semaglutide Injections Savannah, TX - Butterfly Hormone Center

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is an injectable medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as promote weight loss for obesity.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that is released naturally by the body. GLP-1 slows digestion and reduces appetite. It also increases insulin production to lower blood sugar.

As an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide activates receptors in the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. This leads to better glucose control. Additionally, semaglutide impacts areas of the brain that regulate appetite, making you feel fuller faster so you eat less.

Key Benefits of Semaglutide

There are several advantages to using semaglutide for diabetes or weight management:

• Significantly lowers A1c levels (average blood sugar over 3 months)
• Promotes weight loss by curbing appetite and calorie intake
• Convenient once-weekly injection improves adherence
• Requires no fingerstick blood sugar testing
• Has a lower risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) compared to some other medications

Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?

You may be a good candidate for semaglutide if:

• You have type 2 diabetes and need help controlling blood sugar
• You have obesity (BMI 30 ) and have weight-related health issues
• You have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
• You prefer an injectable medication over taking daily pills

Talk to your doctor about whether semaglutide is appropriate for your health needs.

Getting Started with Semaglutide

If you and your doctor decide semaglutide is the right treatment option, here is an overview of what you can expect when starting therapy:

Prescription and Prior Authorization

• Your doctor will write a prescription for semaglutide injections and select your dose
• For obesity treatment, many insurances require a prior authorization to confirm medical necessity
• We help you navigate insurance requirements to minimize delays in accessing semaglutide

Baseline Evaluations

Before starting, we will:

• Evaluate BMI and perform a full health assessment
• Check kidney function through bloodwork as semaglutide is processed by the kidneys
• Screen for diabetic retinopathy if you have diabetes
• Have you track eating patterns and set personalized weight loss goals
• Review injection technique and provide injection training

Ramp Up and Maintenance Dosing

• Semaglutide is started at a low dose then increased gradually to improve gastrointestinal tolerance
• Nausea is common when first starting, so we recommend taking with food and staying well hydrated
• Most patients reach the full maintenance dose within 4-8 weeks
• To sustain results, semaglutide treatment is often continued for 12-18 months

Proper dosing ramp up is key to minimizing side effects. We partner with you to make starting semaglutide as smooth as possible.

Expected Results with Semaglutide

When taken as prescribed, semaglutide offers excellent efficacy for diabetes management and/or weight loss for most patients.

Diabetes Management

For type 2 diabetes, you can expect semaglutide to provide:

• A 1.5-2.0% reduction in A1c levels
• Weight loss of 10-15 pounds on average
• Lower fasting blood sugar closer to normal ranges
• Less glucose fluctuations throughout the day

These improvements in blood sugar control may allow lowering doses of other diabetes medications.

Weight Loss

For chronic weight management, typical results with semaglutide are:

• Average weight loss of 15-18% in the first year
• Greater loss (up to 25%) for some patients if combined with diet and exercise
• Gradual, steady progress of about 1-2 pounds per week
• Reduced food cravings and hunger signaling leading to calorie deficit
• Sustained success long-term with lifestyle changes

For many patients, semaglutide is life-changing. We can help you achieve similar weight loss success!

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While generally well-tolerated, semaglutide does have some potential side effects to be aware of. We monitor closely and make dosage adjustments as needed for optimal safety.

Common Temporary Side Effects

• Nausea - About 20% of patients when first starting; lessens over time
• Diarrhea or soft stools - May persist several weeks
• Decreased appetite - Typically resolves in 4-6 weeks
• Abdominal cramping - Usually mild and temporary

Rare But Serious Risks

• Gallbladder problems - Rapid weight loss may increase gallstone risk
• Low blood sugar - Greater risk if on insulin or sulfonylureas
• Diabetic retinopathy complications - Caution is taken if you have eye damage

Special Considerations

• May not be safe in severe kidney disease - Renal function is assessed
• No data in pregnant/nursing women - We do not prescribe if breastfeeding
• Can interact with some heart, blood pressure or mental health medications

We take a very cautious approach if risks are present, and handle any side effects aggressively if they occur.

Our Exceptional Semaglutide Program

At Butterfly Hormone Center, we offer a personalized, caring approach to make semaglutide treatment successful.

Convenience is Key

• Appointments are quick and efficient to accommodate your busy life
• Hassle-free prescription renewals with our in-house pharmacy
• Automated refill reminders so you never miss a dose
• After-hours on-call services for urgent needs

First-Rate Support Services

To set you up for maximal results we provide:

• Customized meal planning guidance from nutrition experts
• Exercise recommendations tailored to your fitness level
• Group wellness classes for extra motivation and accountability
• Emotional support for the mental aspects of weight loss

Seamless Insurance Billing

• We handle the entire prior authorization process for you
• Excellent relationships with payors to facilitate approvals
• Easy self-pay options if insurance coverage is denied
• Special financial assistance programs for those with high deductibles

Don't let insurance obstacles or other barriers stop you from trying this life-changing medication - we make accessing treatment hassle-free!

The Ideal Environment for Your Wellness Goals

Savannah's mild climate, natural beauty and friendly culture make it an uplifting place to focus on improving your health.

Wonderful Walking and Relaxation Spots

• Riverside strolls along the peaceful Savannah River
• Shady trails through mossy oaks in vast Forsyth Park
• Quiet historic district lanes with antebellum architecture
• Nearby sandy Tybee Island beaches

Health-Conscious Local Establishments

To keep you motivated during treatment we recommend:

• Pure Barre Savannah - Low-impact strength and cardio studio
• CycleBar - Fun intensive indoor spin classes
• True Health Integrative Wellness - Holistic center for mind-body healing
• The Brighter Day Natural Foods Market - Nutrient-rich grocery with heart-healthy grab & go options

Ideal Seasons for Embarking Upon Semaglutide Therapy

Savannah boasts pleasant weather permitting outdoor activity most of the year:

• Spring (March - May) brings blooming flowers and trees perfect for walkers
• Fall (September - November) offers cooler days ideal for casual cycling
• Even Winter (December - February) tends to be fairly mild with some crisp sunny days

No matter when you start, Savannah's natural splendor and caring community create space for health breakthroughs.

We empower your wellness dreams. Let us make semaglutide success possible!