• Home
• Lifestyle Therapies
• Semaglutide / Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide / Tirzepatide for Weight Loss

You are not alone if you are struggling to lose those extra pounds. Did you know that approximately 70 percent of adults in the US are considered overweight or obese? Approved in 2021 by the FDA for chronic weight management in obese and overweight adults, the Semaglutide injection has been described as a “game-changer.” Hence, we are excited to offer Semaglutide injections, a breakthrough treatment that delivers proven weight loss.

Several clinical studies show that weekly Semaglutide injections are highly effective at promoting weight loss. Moreover, in one study, individuals treated with Semaglutide lost an average of 9-13 percent of their body weight over the course of a year.

Please note that we are not prescribing Ozempic® or Wegovy®. Since our medicine is produced in a compounding pharmacy, it is NOT taking away from the pharmaceutical supply for diabetics.

What is this “Skinny Shot” and how does it work?

Part of a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, Semaglutide increases insulin secretion, which is good for diabetics. But in higher doses, it acts on the centers in the brain and suppresses appetite. It works by slowing down how quickly food leaves your stomach (called gastric emptying). As a result, tthese actions causes you to feel full, lowers your appetite and helps you lose weight. Finally, Semaglutide produces far fewer side effects than most other weight loss medications.

Tirzepatide

For patients who have been resistant to Semaglutide, or who have a large amount of weight to lose, we offer Tirzepatide + B6. Tirzepatide injection is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This product is the compounded generic form of Mounjaro. Tirzepatide acts on the brain and suppresses appetite. Used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, Tirzepatide helps patients adhere to a reduced-calorie diet, enhancing the weight loss process.

In comparative head-to-head trials, Tirzepatide surpassed Semaglutide weight reduction by 30-95% after 40 treatment weeks. At 5mg, up to 80% of users achieved at least a 5% (15lb) reduction in body weight; at 10mg, 45% reached a 10% (20lb) reduction; and at 15mg, up to 36% of users achieved at least a 15% (25lb) reduction in body weight compared to Semaglutide users’ 54%, 24%, and 8%, respectively. The more impressive results come at a steeper price than the cost of Semaglutide because the raw materials for this compounded medication simply cost more to produce. Its potential side effects are the same as Semaglutide.

How quickly does it work?

Like most weight loss solutions, results vary depending on lifestyle adjustments. Therefore, we highly recommend a healthy diet and eating habits paired with your Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections. This will ultimately help insure maximum results. Also, we recommend that you drink plenty of fluids, and stay on the weekly injection schedule.

Is Semaglutide right for you?

FVPS has considerable experience in weight loss programs, and can determine if this weight loss program is right for you. These conditions disqualify you from Semaglutide/Tirzepatide:

• Anyone with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer
• Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Patients with a history of severe allergic reaction to Semaglutide or its ingredients
• Patients who experience inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems (including gallstones), symptoms of pancreatitis or gallstones, low blood sugar, acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eye’s retina), or increased heart rate.
• BMI < 20

Why you should get Semaglutide/Tirzepatide from FVPS

Since Fox Valley Plastic Surgery has extensive experience in medical weight loss programs such as Ideal Protein and CMWL, it makes sense for FVPS to offer Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. The physicians at FVPS closely supervise the administration of these drugs to our patients. Indeed, we are not simply filling prescriptions. Therefore, we record the progress, condition and symptoms of our weight loss patients, and require weekly progress reports via texting. Naturally, we are providing the safest avenue in the use of this medication.

“After struggling with my weight off and on for most of my adult life, I reached my highest ever after a few very stressful years of health issues, including breast cancer in 2023. I mentioned to the nurse at one of my post-op visits that I really wanted to focus on losing weight before undergoing any further reconstruction procedures, and she offered the FVPS semaglutide program as an option. I was hesitant, but scheduled a consult and decided to give it a try. The nurses are so kind and patient, answering all my questions and concerns.

I honestly didn’t believe it could make this much of a difference in helping to control my hunger and cravings, but it really has! I won’t say there are no struggles, but the impact to my “inner voice” is very noticeable. It couldn’t be easier – I just set a reminder on my phone to weigh once a week, text in my results, and receive a response from the nurses to confirm my weekly dose for the next day. There is even an instructional video on how to do the injection. I have lost an average of 2-3 pounds a week consistently over 16 weeks for a total of 43 pounds and counting!

My other healthcare providers are delighted with my progress and very complimentary of the FVPS program. And I look forward to seeing more positive impacts on my health and life with continued weight loss using this new tool.”   Patient 44663, age 55.

What are the common side effects of Semaglutide/Tirzepatide?

The most common side effects are mild, and tend to improve with time as the body adjusts to the medication. Nevertheless, you should always check with us if side effects are bothersome, or if you have questions about them. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach (abdomen) pain 
• Headache
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Heartburn
• Bloating, burping, or gas
• Injection site pain
• Indigestion
• Burning feeling in the chest or stomach

More serious side effects may include: pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, increased heart rate, and depression.

You can prevent or lessen the side effects by paying attention to what you eat. For example, fried, fatty and sugary foods, tend to be harder for your body to digest and most likely to cause nausea. Because pairing vitamin B6 to your treatment can help mitigate some of these side effects, we offer vitamin B injections for an additional cost. Above all, keep us informed of your symptoms to help with determining the dosage for the next week.

Tips to consider while taking Semaglutide/Tirzepatide:

• Eat slowly in order to feel fuller faster.
• Take smaller meals will help avoid nausea.
• Drink a glass of water with one tablespoon Metamucil or Citrucel daily for constipation.
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sugary foods that are harder and longer to digest.
• OTC Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, helps to counteract acid reflux.
• Take Reacted Magnesium daily for constipation.

Pricing

There is a non-refundable $100 consultation fee due upon booking. We conduct the initial consultation in the office or by phone for patients who live over an hour away; however, we ideally want to have all consultations in the office.

First, we send registration paperwork to new patients, which includes a consent to prescribe Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Then patients need to return these forms prior to their actual appointment date. Next, at the consultation, the RN will determine if you are a candidate for these drugs based on your health history, medical condition, and personal goals.

Prescription Price

One 2ml vial of Semaglutide costs $925 ($900 for the prescription and $25 S/H to the home), which can up to 4 months depending on the dosage. Previous prescriptions were for 1ml vials, but the pharmacy discontinued that size. A vial of Tirzepatide costs $1125. Alternatively, patients can save $25 by having prescriptions delivered to our office, which has no delivery fee. We require payment in full at time of order. Per law, prescriptions are non-refundable and non-returnable. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for weight loss, and FVPS does not bill these drugs to insurance.

Delivery Time

Order fulfillment can take one week excluding shipping time. Because the delivery has refrigerated medication, the pharmacy requires a signature at the time of delivery. Also, beware of the shipping times when ordering subsequent refills so that you do not run out of medicine. If you need to change the day of the week for the injection, it is not a problem as long as the last dose was given at least two days prior.

Since we include injection training with the consultation, we highly recommend in person office consultations. Then patients will normally self-inject weekly in the privacy of their homes. However, we can inject for you for a $25 injection fee with the medication from your prescriptive vial of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Injectable Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can be taken with or without food.

In order to continue with the program, patients need to check in weekly via texting 888-439-2167 for progress reports. As such, we want to know your symptoms and progress so that we can advise you on the dosing of thee drugs for the next week. Dosing can vary by week depending on your results and symptoms. Most importantly, failure to comply with our weekly check in requirement will result in us not refilling your prescription. This is for your safety.

Consult Information

Are you interested in learning more? Watch our video in the middle of the page, and call 920-233-1540 or email us for your weight loss consultation. We would love to help you on your weight loss journey.