Our Semaglutide FAQs

Our method at VIVA Wellness includes consideration of the key components for safety and success—side effect management, responsible dosing, and oversight by a healthcare provider.

We understand that there will be a period of adjustment as your body adjusts to the medication. Care from your Nurse Practitioner during this period is critical to ensuring quality of life. If you feel terrible, your program isn't working and needs to be changed. How you tolerate the medication can offer us insight into overall toxicity levels, metabolic health, mental/emotional health, and other pieces of your whole-body wellness.

We hope you choose to gain support through our team of Nurse Practitioners with extensive histories in weight loss, mental health, and critical care. We do everything possible to ensure that you are supported, thriving, and successful on your journey.

Your body runs the show, so there's no way to guarantee an exact weight change. Some may notice minimal change initially as the medication is slowly introduced, while others may see immediate results. If you commit fully to your customized VIVA Wellness Weight Change Protocol, which includes whole-system care, you will likely expect to see faster fat and toxin release, as well as decreased side effects. Again, no two bodies are alike, and no results are guaranteed; you'll need to determine which weight loss plans are best suited to your unique health situation.

Semaglutide injections aren’t just for extreme cases as an alternative to bariatric surgery. There are a lot of factors at play, but there are many cases where semaglutide would be appropriate for small reductions in body weight.

Your weight loss NP will look at what you've tried in the past, your story, and your overall level of health. There is a strong possibility that this could be your game-changer, as it's often successful for people who have not been able to achieve weight loss success with other protocols. There is no minimum or maximum amount of desired weight loss that "qualifies" an individual for the medication, but rather it depends on health history and goals.

We value semaglutide's ability to slow or stop the mental chatter and obsession with food that fuels your struggle with weight. That alone could decrease the stress that is signaling your body's retention of excess weight.

Because this medication is changing multiple processes throughout the body, it would be surprising if you did not experience any side effects. The side effects will vary by individual, and if experienced, these do usually decline with time as the body adjusts. Some people experience:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• constipation
• heartburn
• burping

This is why having an NP-managed program, including frequent check-ins and dose monitoring (including administration of the injections), can improve how you feel as you receive semaglutide. This will ultimately affect the results you experience.

You define what success means to you, but in most cases, yes!

While we recommend healthy eating to help you feel better and support your body adjusting to the medication, semaglutide is so effective because it doesn't require massive lifestyle changes.

We always suggest aiming to eat healthfully and move your body, as they are critical components of a healthy lifestyle, which is a pillar of weight release, with or without medical weight loss interventions. Your NP will help you understand the right foods that support your goals. Your VIVA Wellness team may also suggest physical activity because many other physiological processes are catalyzed through movement.

While many individuals benefit from these medications, there are certain conditions that make them unsafe to use. You are not a good candidate if you have:

• A BMI under 20
• A past history of bulimia or anorexia
• A personal or first-degree family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• A personal or first-degree family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome types 1 or 2 (MEN1 or MEN2)
• Current pregnancy or are breastfeeding
• An allergy to semaglutide or tirzepatide products

If any of these apply to you, our team can explore other safe and effective weight loss and wellness options that align with your health needs.

Whether you want to start taking semaglutide injections or make any changes to your weight loss or lifestyle wellness, we have many ideas to help you. Our weight loss clinic can help you come up with a plan to begin, but a few ideas include:

Anything that will facilitate detox and support your liver is helpful during your treatment. While this information is related to cellular detox in terms of a specific fat loss protocol, it helps you understand how fat cells, detox, and various body systems work together. Here are some possible recommendations:

• Colonics for constipation.
• Lymphatic Drainage. These treatments are incredibly supportive of metabolism and your body's ability to move toxins. Your lymphatic system is responsible for many processes. When it is overburdened, the good work you are doing with your protocol may be slowed. Lymphatic Drainage treatments can help your body process what it releases during fat loss.
• Castor Oil packs. This supports your liver in decongesting and moving out toxins released from other systems to the liver. Be sure to choose clean, organic Castor Oil (we carry this in the clinic, or you can purchase castor oil packs online at Queen of The Thrones®).
• Movement. There is no shortage of evidence that the body benefits from physical activity. The best type of movement for your body is the movement you enjoy and are consistent with. Movement is so much more than just about burning calories—it lowers stress, boosts lymphatic movement, improves mood, builds muscle, and more.
• Breathing. Deep belly breathing aids many processes in the body, including lowered stress. This is where healing can happen. A big part of weight gain is due to your body's reaction to stress, and breath is proven to positively influence stress response.
• Prolon. This 5-day fast mimicking protocol is an excellent idea if you are someone who traditionally struggles with a large appetite. This is also a great way for your system to focus on the healing that’s being done, rather than digesting, as the foods are specifically chosen to move your body into a healing state without deprivation.
• NAD+ IV therapy is another excellent option to consider. It supports mitochondrial health, helping your cells function at their best so your body feels more energized and efficient during your weight loss journey.

Your custom protocol may include:

• Semaglutide is injected subcutaneously into the fat of the abdomen, arm, or thigh with a small insulin syringe
• Anti-nausea Intramuscular (IM) injection
• Digestion & metabolism support oral supplements
• Digestion & metabolic support IM injection
• NP check-in, accountability, and support

Because insurance is sometimes a factor among other variables, it’s best to contact us directly to learn the cost of your program. If your insurance has coverage for obesity medications, and you meet criteria as determined by your insurance, there is a possibility we can get the medications covered by submitting a Prior Authorization to your insurance. However, you would need to speak to your insurance benefits manager for confirmation.  We’ll review your treatment plan during your initial consultation so you know exactly what is included and how it supports your weight loss goals. Schedule your consultation to get started on your weight loss goals.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Some clients opt to continue their treatment to assist with appetite control, maintain metabolic balance, and support long-term weight management, with many planning for lifelong usage. Others may consider adjusting their dosage or stopping when it feels like the right time.

At VIVA, we understand that weight-related issues are not merely about willpower; they have biological roots. It's often beneficial and empowering to receive ongoing support. Our goal is to help you explore your options and make choices that align with your body, without any pressure or shame.