GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections

If you have struggled to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight you are happy with, you’re not alone! We’ve designed our Lafayette medical weight loss program with GLP-1 injections to help you safely lose excess weight and keep it off! Our personalized treatment plans work with you and your body to significantly reduce your body weight and improve other important health markers so you can enjoy enhanced vitality and a better quality of life!

Our weight management program is led by Lafayette cosmetic surgeons Dr. Kevin J. Duplechain and Dr. William Ishee. Our entire dedicated team is here to guide you through your weight loss journey to redefine what’s possible in weight management.

How our Weight Loss Program works

The program begins with an assessment at our office for an in-depth review of your medical history with a nurse to determine if GLP-1 injections are right for you. Please ensure your patient portal is filled out before your appointment; we will provide more information on the patient portal when you schedule your assessment. 

Part of our screening process includes a blood draw and we’ll record your starting body measurements along with your height and weight. We will update these measurements every 3 months throughout your treatment to track your progress.

If you meet the criteria to enter our program, your 2nd visit will be with Dr. Duplechain or Dr. Ishee to receive your initial injection—this is typically about a week after your blood draw. During this appointment, the nurse will show you how to administer the injections at home for the rest of your treatment. Self-injections should be administered on a weekly basis, alternating the injection site to limit tenderness in one area. 

“I go to Dr. Duplechain and his team for GLP-1 treatment and could not be happier with the quality of care they provide. My results have been amazing and I’m so happy I made the decision to take on this journey with Dr. Duplechin’s team. Minimal cost for initial consult, and they only charge for the medication itself no extra costs for follow up visits. Extremely friendly and professional staff.”
– Real patient review

Program cost

The cost of your initial assessment is $125. This price includes your assessment and blood draw at our Lafayette clinic. Pricing for the treatment will depend on dosing and market pricing.

Things to keep in mind when you are on weight loss medications

For the most comfortable treatment experience and optimal weight loss, here are some tips to make the most of our weight loss program:

• Limit how much alcohol you’re drinking. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels, and there is a risk that it may drop too low when combined with weight loss injections, especially if you’re a diabetic and or drinking on an empty stomach. Alcohol may also irritate your stomach and worsen GI side effects.
• Discuss any and all medications and supplements you take during your assessment. This is crucial before starting our weight loss program. Weight loss injections slow down gastric emptying which could potentially impact how much of the oral medication your body absorbs. Although clinical trials haven’t shown this to be significant with GLP-1s in particular, it’s best to use caution when taking any oral medication.
• Stay hydrated! Increasing your regular fluid intake can help alleviate side effects and help all your body’s processes function better. 
• Eat a nutritious diet. You will feel better and experience greater fat reduction if you fuel your body with a healthy diet. Because you will naturally eat less because you do not feel as hungry, increasing your protein intake helps your body burn fat stores and preserve lean muscle mass. 
• Take a daily magnesium supplement if needed. Constipation can occur when on weight loss medication, especially when eating more protein than what you’re used to (this may also be a sign to drink more water to help you eliminate comfortably). 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hormone GLP-1?

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and your appetite and is released by the intestines when you eat. GLP-1 lowers blood sugar by enhancing the secretion of insulin from the pancreas to slow down gastric emptying (which makes you feel full longer) and reducing the secretion of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar levels). 

How the injections work for weight loss?

GLP-1 injections promote weight loss in 3 primary ways:

• Appetite suppression: By mimicking GLP-1, these medications increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger so you are satisfied with a lower caloric intake.
• Slowed gastric emptying: They slow down the rate at which the stomach empties its contents into the small intestine, so you feel fuller for longer after eating.
• Blood sugar regulation: Improved insulin secretion and reduced glucagon levels help manage blood sugar levels to reduce hunger cues and promote less erratic eating patterns.

Do the injections curb your appetite?

Yes, they help curb your appetite. By activating GLP-1 receptors, they simulate the GLP-1 hormone, which signals fullness to the brain and reduces hunger. This means you’ll feel fuller for longer with fewer calories, allowing your body to achieve a calorie deficit—you are burning more calories than you are taking in which is how you lose weight! 

How long does it take to lose weight on GLP-1 injections? 

Many patients notice weight loss a few weeks into their treatment, with more dramatic weight loss apparent between 3-6 months. You lose more weight as your dose increases. To help your body adjust to the medication and limit side effects, you will gradually increase your dose and work your way up to the target dose (typically 2.5 mg per injection) at which time, you will see the most amount of weight loss. For most patients, this is at the 20-week mark. From here, you’ll continue to see maximum weight loss effects for the remainder of your treatment. 

It is important to keep in mind that healthy weight loss takes time, and you’ll see the best results when you are using your medication in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. Sometimes, the medication may not work for you, or you may not be able to tolerate the full dose due to side effects, in which case, your practitioner will provide additional options or change the protocol to better suit your individual needs. 

Are they a type of insulin? 

No, they are not a type of insulin or a substitute for insulin. Both brands of weight loss injections only stimulate the GLP-1 hormone to signal the pancreas to release insulin when glucose (sugar) is present. 

Are weight loss injections stimulants? 

No, unlike OTC diet pills and weight loss medications like phentermine that use stimulants to curb your appetite, these injections do not contain stimulants and work with your body to help you lose weight and learn healthier eating habits. 

Are GLP-1 injections covered by my insurance? 

No, they are not covered by insurance for people who do not have type-2 diabetes. However, we can prescribe these medications for you as part of our weight loss program. 

Are GLP-1-type injections approved by the FDA? 

Yes. They are FDA-approved for weight loss. 

Are GLP-1-type medications safe? 

Yes. GLP-1s are considered to be safe and effective when used as indicated. However, like with any prescription medication, you must work with a knowledgeable physician to ensure you can safely benefit from the medicine. Here’s some general safety information about these medications:

• GLP-1s carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors occurring in rodents (with unknown risk in humans). 
• Do not take them if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers. 
• Do not take them if you have type-1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis.
• GLP-1-type medications should be used cautiously for people on other blood sugar-lowering medications. 

What are the common side effects? 

The most common side effects are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation 

Effects like nausea and diarrhea are the most common and dissipate as your body adjusts to the medication. 

Are there any significant health risks associated with using GLP-1s for significant weight loss? 

Yes. GLP-1s may cause serious, but rare side effects, including: 

• Prolonged vomiting. Patients can develop gastroparesis—where the stomach stops moving—and patients vomit frequently. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Stop using them and call your healthcare provider right away if you have vomiting that persists for more than a day. 
• Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using them and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away—with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back. 
• Changes in vision. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk of getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use GLP-1s with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery. 
• Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause dehydration, which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is crucial that you stay hydrated to limit adverse effects. 
• Serious allergic reactions. Stop using them and get medical help immediately if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, or have a very rapid heartbeat.

We’re here to help you reach your weight loss goals!

We understand that each patient’s path to wellness is unique, and we’re committed to providing the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. To schedule a screening for our Weight Loss Program, call us at (337) 456-3282 or contact us online using the form at the bottom of this page. 

Areas Served

• Lafayette
• Baton Rouge
• Alexandria
• Lake Charles

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References »

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