Frequently Asked Questions

Will I regain the weight when I discontinue?

Over 80% of patients (not on GLP-1s) regain their weight and then some. This is due to your body initiating compensatory mechanisms to help the body get back to the previous, higher, weight — it’s “set point.”

Compensatory Mechanism:

• Slows metabolic rate

• Thermogenesis: your muscles work more efficiently to conserve calories (a walk that used to burn 300 calories now only burns 250 calories)

• Crave calorie dense foods, high carb and sugar

• Increase ghrelin (hunger) hormone secretion to increase appetite

Now with GLP-1s, they suppress these compensatory mechanisms. It is wise to support the body through the post weight loss phase. Perhaps the body will soon recognize it’s new weight as it’s new “set point” and will stop trying to fight back. This is estimated between 3-12 months time frame.

GLP-1 FAQs and Program Consent

Are there payment plans or discounts available for compounded medications if insurance doesn’t cover it?

At this time, I don’t offer payment plans. I previously did, but unfortunately experienced too many issues with declined cards and patients discontinuing treatment. That said, I’ve negotiated excellent pricing with the compounding pharmacies I work with—when you compare cost per milligram, it’s some of the best pricing available.

How do you determine whether I should start on Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or Retatrutide? How is dosing adjusted?

It depends on your goals, comfort level, and budget. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are both FDA-approved medications and widely used in compounded form. Retatrutide is newer and still considered experimental, but it shows promise.

• Semaglutide is more affordable and effective, though about 30% of users experience nausea.

• Tirzepatide and Retatrutide are generally better tolerated with fewer GI side effects and may offer stronger metabolic benefits.

Dosing is tailored based on your response: we adjust it to find the lowest effective dose with minimal side effects.

What’s included in the personalized metabolic plan?

The plan includes a custom nutrition, supplement, and movement strategy based on your intake form, medical history, and lifestyle. If you choose to do labs or genetic testing, we use those results to personalize things even further.

• Nutrition plans focus on optimizing protein intake and reducing inflammation.

• Supplement plans may support hormone balance, gut health, or metabolism.

• Movement plans vary based on your baseline—whether you’re just starting out or already active, I’ll meet you where you are.

What labs do you test for in the baseline assessment and how do those guide treatment?

The baseline lab panel evaluates key areas of health, including:

• Metabolic health: insulin, A1C, glucose

• Lipid profile: ApoB, HDL, LDL

• Hormones: thyroid, testosterone, estrogen, etc.

• Nutrients: Vitamin D, B12

• Inflammation: hs-CRP

• General: CBC (blood counts, anemia), CMP (kidney, liver, electrolytes)

These markers help us identify any underlying contributors to weight gain, fatigue, or other symptoms, and allow for targeted, evidence-based interventions.

What does ongoing text/chat support include?

You’ll have access to my direct line via text and email for quick questions and support. Many patients say this is one of the biggest advantages of my practice—unlike other programs with bots or rotating staff, you’ll be in direct contact with me. I’m also available for urgent issues, as my background includes ER and urgent care medicine.

What happens during the bi-monthly video visits?

These 20–30 minute check-ins include:

• Reviewing side effects and adjusting medication if needed

• Discussing progress on nutrition, exercise, sleep, bowel movements, and stress

• Setting or refining goals

  These sessions are a great time to stay accountable, track momentum, and make tweaks to keep you moving forward.

What support do you offer after I reach my target weight?

Once you’ve reached your goal, you transition to the Maintenance Plan ($79/month). You’ll still have access to me, prescription refills, and the option to book video visits (up to once a month). Most patients remain on a steady dose and enter what I like to call “cruise control”—we’re no longer actively adjusting treatment unless something changes.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

There’s a 3-month minimum commitment when joining the program. If a patient experiences side effects or doesn’t tolerate the medication, I will waive that requirement. However, to discourage patients from cycling in and out of treatment, rejoining the program after quitting restarts at $299/month with a new 3-month minimum.

What if I experience side effects or don’t respond to the medication?

We’ll work together to troubleshoot. Most side effects can be managed by lowering the dose or addressing other factors (like hydration or diet). If you’re not seeing results, it may be a matter of increasing the dose—some patients require a higher dose to respond fully, and I guide you through that process.

Can you order labs through Quest or LabCorp and do they accept insurance?

Yes! I can send lab orders to Quest or LabCorp, and patients can typically use their insurance to cover the costs. These labs include the traditional panels (lipids, insulin, thyroid, etc.), though not advanced functional labs like micronutrient panels or hormone metabolites. IIf paying "cash", the full panel is $140. Insurance may bill higher (I have seen up to $2100), and coverage varies, but so far, my patients have had good experiences using their insurance.

What kind of results can I expect after 6 months?

Results depend on your starting habits and willingness to make lifestyle changes. That said, 1.5–2 pounds per week is a healthy and realistic rate of weight loss. Most patients lose 40–50 lbs in 6 months, especially when they’re also consistent with movement and nutrition. Some lose weight faster, others slower—it’s all about progress and sustainability.

Do you assist with insurance prior authorizations for Wegovy or Zepbound?

Absolutely. I submit prior authorizations through CoverMyMeds and advocate strongly for my patients. I’ve had high success rates, though approvals depend on whether your insurance plan includes the medication and if you meet the criteria.