Call/Text: 407-777-2673
Call/Text: 407-777-2673
Welcome to our Medically Supervised Wieght Loss Program!!
10/6/2024 COMPOUNDED TIRZEPATIDE UPDATE: STILL AVAILABLE
(will update here IF that changes)
Our compounding pharmacies are confident that their formulations will continue to be made.
I'm sure you have heard that weight loss is easy! Just exercise more and eat less! Well, if you are like the majority of us, that piece of advice is not necessarily helpful; or accurate.
We understand there is just as much an emotional component to weight loss as there is a physical component. We also understand there is more to metabolism than just exercise and eating salads. Did you know that you could be eating and exercising appropriately but if you have an imbalance in your body, this can prevent you from losing weight, gaining muscle, and changing your metabolism? We look at all aspects.
We offer several different programs that are sure to fit your budget, lifestyle and goals. From insurance -covered medications to non insurance needed- compounded medications to even completely natural! Our programs are flexible, there are no contracts and we do not charge membership fees!
Our medically supervised weight loss program allows you an opportunity to take control of your health. We combine healthy diet, exercise, prescription medications, injections, and supplements to make your journey successful. We want you to develop the knowledge and tools needed to maintain your weight loss and lifestyle changes throughout your life on a long-term basis.
If you have tried other programs or do not know where to start, this is for you.
Remember, all medications are meant to be combined with lifestyle changes! The medications are life-changing, but they are not "magic." If anyone tells you otherwise, then run!
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS FOR THE WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM ONLY. IF YOU WANT TO BE WORKED UP FOR ANY OTHER CONDITIONS OR HAVE ANY OTHER LAB WORK DRAWN, YOU MUST SCHEDULE A SEPARATE PRIMARY CARE/FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPOINTMENT. THEY ARE NOT COMBINED.
Yes! You can also use your HSA/FSA card! We also accept Care Credit!
We know there are SO MANY different places for you to obtain weight loss medications. Here's why you should work with us:
This is your initial visit for the weight loss program; either a new patient or established. We will discuss the medications available to you, review your medical history and talk about your goals. We will also order lab work to check your baseline levels. If you have labs dated within 90 days, we can use those. If you will be prescribed a stimulant medication, you will have an EKG ordered.
If you are ready to get started, you can do so at this visit. If not, no worries-you can start anytime!
ALL-INCLUSIVE•NO INSURANCE NEEDED•NO PHARMACY BACK-ORDERS •NO CONTRACTS•MONTH-TO-MONTH•PAY AS YOU GO•NO MEMBERSHIP FEES
RAMP UP IS WEEKLY; NOT MONTHLY
RAMP UP IS WEEKLY; NOT MONTHLY
ALL-INCLUSIVE•NO INSURANCE NEEDED•NO PHARMACY BACK-ORDERS •NO CONTRACTS•MONTH-TO-MONTH•PAY AS YOU GO•NO MEMBERSHIP FEES
RAMP UP IS MONTHLY
RAMP UP IS MONTHLY
RAMP UP IS MONTHLY
RAMP UP IS MONTHLY
RAMP UP IS MONTHLY
ALL-INCLUSIVE•NO INSURANCE NEEDED•NO PHARMACY BACK-ORDERS •NO CONTRACTS•MONTH-TO-MONTH•PAY AS YOU GO•NO MEMBERSHIP FEES
ALL-INCLUSIVE•NO INSURANCE NEEDED•NO PHARMACY BACK-ORDERS •NO CONTRACTS•MONTH-TO-MONTH•PAY AS YOU GO•NO MEMBERSHIP FEES
Even if you have insurance, it isn't always the best choice. Here's why:
If you are unable to obtain an approval from your insurance company, do not have insurance, do not meet the criteria, the pharmacy is out of stock or refusing to dispense, please select the compounding program. There is no criteria from insurance and the medication is never out of stock.
INSURANCE APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR MEDICATIONS • NO CONTRACTS OR MEMBERSHIP FEES • MONTH-TO-MONTH • PAY AS YOU GO PER MONTH • You must have an approvable & verifiable medical diagnosis to be considered: Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-diabetes, PCOS, Insulin Resistance/Metabolic Syndrome, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver or other Cardiovascular Disease. *Medicare does not cover.
Included:
INSURANCE APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR MEDICATIONS • NO CONTRACTS OR MEMBERSHIP FEES • MONTH-TO-MONTH • PAY AS YOU PER MONTH
Included in Monthly Fee:
ALL INCLUSIVE • NO INSURANCE NEEDED • NO CONTRACTS OR MEMBERSHIP FEES • MONTH-TO-MONTH • PAY AS YOU GO
Included:
Do you need to be seen for a weight loss appointment but do not need medication refills or want to renew a monthly, all-inclusive package? We've got you covered! You can see us for a regular weight loss office visit for $125. *Please note that the all-inclusive pricing is more affordable but we understand patients have unique needs so we like to provide options!
Originally used for managing diabetes under the name Ozempic, a higher dose of the same medication was evaluated for weight loss and the results were dramatic with the average person losing 15+% of their body weight with a BMI of 30 or greater. This is an injection that is typically administered once a week on a titration dose. Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake; it is a powerful appetite suppressant. It also works by increasing the production of insulin and appears to enhance growth of β cells in the pancreas, which are the sites of insulin production. Additionally, it inhibits glucagon, which is a hormone that increases blood sugar. It has been known to aid not only in weight loss, but helps to lower glucose levels in those who are pre-diabetic or who have type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it will:
We start our patients off at a low dose and gradually increase the dose weekly.
Expected weight loss is 1-2 pounds (average) per week with a targeted total weight loss of 15% of body fat (based upon a BMI over greater than 30%).
You may not be a good candidate for this medication if you have diabetic retinopathy, uncontrolled blood sugar, decreased kidney function, pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
Tirzepatide is a novel drug used to treat diabetes, which has also been found to result in significant weight loss. According to clinical trials, it was shown to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes and expected to likely become the most effective weight loss medication available. This is very similar to semaglutide (GLP-1); however, tirzepatide is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or gastric inhibitory peptide) and a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, and it is the first drug of its kind. Known as a "game changer" by many medical professionals in the field of endocrinology and metabolic health, this medication has 2 hormones that produce satiety. This is a once a week injection, which is titrated over a period of time. Clinical trials have shown an impressive weight loss of 5-22.5% of body weight! It works by:
We start our patients off at a low dose and gradually increase the dose weekly.
Expected weight loss is 1-4 pounds (average) per week with a targeted total weight loss of 22.5% of body fat (based upon a BMI over greater than 30%).
You may not be a good candidate for this medication if you have diabetic retinopathy, uncontrolled blood sugar, decreased kidney function, pancreatitis, medullary thyroid cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
This is a unique combination that works synergistically to help decrease appetite, increase energy level, and increase the feeling of being full. Phentermine is a stimulant appetite suppressant, increases energy levels, and helps reduce cravings and binge eating. Topiramate is classically used for seizure disorders and migraines, but because of the way it works on the neurotransmitters of the brain, it can aid in weight loss by making foods (sugars and sodas) taste less appealing, and by increasing the feeling of being full.
Expected weight loss is 0.5-2 pounds (average) per week with a targeted total weight loss of 6.6% of body fat (based upon a BMI over greater than 30%).
Typically you are not a good candidate for this medication if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, history of heart attack or stroke, irregular heart beat, breastfeeding or are pregnant, or if you are taking a MAOI medication.
This is a combination of two medications that have been used on their own for years to treat other conditions such as smoking cessation, anti-depressant, alcohol and opioid addiction. Combined together, they address two centers in the brain from the hypothalamus to control hunger urges all while restricting the reward mechanism that makes eating satisfying. These actions reduce feelings of hunger and food cravings that often undermine your best efforts to keep your diet on track.
Expected weight loss is 0.5-1 pound (average) per week with a targeted total weight loss of 5-6% of body fat (based upon a BMI over greater than 30%).
You might not be a good candidate for this medication if you are already on an anti-depressant.
Our Lipo Ultimate Fat Burning & Energy Injection is a customized formula containing vitamins, minerals, supplements, and amino acids that burn fat, block carbohydrate metabolism, boost energy, and help with mental clarity and focus.
The following ingredients are present:
This is a fantastic adjunct for an energy boost, metabolism boost, overall wellness boost and feel-good boost, during your weight loss journey.
It is whatever you would like! Most patients love the virtual & telemedicine option; however, we always do offer in-office visits if you prefer.
First, please know that every one is different and therefore, the needs of medication are different. For example, emotional eating, metabolic syndrome, etc.
Here is a breakdown of medication uses and average results:
All appointments are self-scheduled online.
For your first visit, you will schedule under Initial Weight Loss appointment if you are a new patient.
For your monthly visits (aka renewal visit), you will schedule under "Weight Loss Med Refill"
For monthly Lipo Fat Burning & Energy B12 injection, you will schedule online under "Injection Only."
All appointments online are self-scheduled for telemedicine. If you prefer an in-office visit, please let us know (we have to schedule you).
We recommend not doing this; although it is possible. We really want you to focus on making lifestyle changes and the more medications you take, the harder it may be to maintain weight loss after coming off the medications.
This is an individualized answer; everyone is different and is based on medication.
The injections are approved for long-term use. We recommend continuing until you have hit goal weight and then weaning down to ensure you can maintain. Remember, it takes these injections about 4-6 weeks to even hit a therapeutic level for effectiveness. Consistent and long-term weight loss typically does not occur until max dose is reached.
For the capsules, tolerance is built up over time so effectiveness starts to decrease after several months.
The GLP and GLP/GIP medications are NOT immediate; unlike what social media has made it seem like. The first several weeks of low dose administration are what is preparing your body for the therapeutic level. Once you hit the therapeutic level, you will notice the biggest changes. This level is when you have hit max dosing (2mg) which is on or around week 8. That is not to say you will not lose weight or have appetite suppression in the first 8 weeks, but the results are typically slow going while we titrate your dose. Many patients ask if they can titrate sooner and increase the dose themselves. This is NOT allowed as the consequences are too great. Rome was not built in a day-be patient-it will happen!
A compounding pharmacy is a special type of pharmacy that is able to "make" or compound medications specifically for a person and their individual needs. The ingredients they use are the same active ingredient found in brand name medications. They are able to add ingredients to make medications more effective (like adding B12, etc) or by removing ingredients that are harmful (like dyes, gluten, etc).
We have been using compounding pharmacies for over 2 decades (they are not new) and are highly regulated and sterile. Each pharmacy and each medication that is compounded will have extensive sterility and quality control checks.
The reason we use compounding pharmacies for weight loss medications is because #1 they are able to compound the active ingredient in the brand name medications at a much cheaper price (because generics are not yet available for Ozempic/Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide); #2 there is no issues with insurance denying medications because it is self pay at an affordable cost; #3 while slight delays can happen (average of 2 weeks based on volume), these medications are available and never on back order; #4 we can customize dosing to fit our patients individual needs.
Compounding pharmacies are sterile and highly regulated. They are completely safe.
The active ingredients in these medications are the "generic" forms for the brand name. They are effective and produce the same results as the brand names. Most brand name medications have a generic. When they do not, it means that the patent is not yet available. HOWEVER, the patient is for the ingredient itself. Compounding pharmacies are NOT permitted by law to compound a medication that is commercially available unless there is a manufacturer back order OR if the main i/active ingredient is being compounding with another ingredient. In the case of these weight loss medications, compounding pharmacies typically will compound the active ingredient with B12, L-carnitine or another similar co-ingredient.
There are close to 10,000 compounding pharmacies licensed in the US; however, we only use a handful that have the highest sterility, quality control and efficacy. Currently our preferred pharmacies are (in no particular order): Olympia, Magnum, South Lake, CPA, Shields, Empower, MetroMeds.
As you can imagine, the weight loss craze is hot right now. Just like everyone else, compounding pharmacies are being inundated with orders from doctors nationwide and they process them in the order in which they receive. They have to compound medications as they receive orders (they are not stockpiled) and then they go through sterility checks before they can be shipped out. The normal turn time to receive medications has always been about 3-5 business days. Currently with the high volume, intermittent delays may occur for up to 14 business days. We do recommend planning ahead for refills. No, there is nothing we can do to expedite their process.
First, you will want to order insulin syringes; we recommend through Amazon. I would search for a 100 unit insulin syringe with 31g x 5/16" needle. Also grab some alcohol pads.
When you get your vial of medication, please be sure to read instructions on storage. Some are to be stored in the freezer and others in the frig (read YOUR vial each time and do not rely on what your friends are doing; everyone has different meds).
If you have never injected yourself before, please contact our office for guidance for your first administration.
If you have injected yourself before, you will follow the instructions on how to dose yourself and then inject either into the fat on your abdomen, fat of your thigh or fat on your arm. This must go into the fat and not muscle.
I also recommend drawing up your dose over the carpet or counter/sink to avoid dropping and shattering the vial. YIKES!
Capsules: should be stored at room temperature.
Injections: each medication and pharmacy is different. Please READ your labels on your package to learn if it is to be stored in the FREEZER or REFRIGERATOR. It will never be left out. Most of the pharmacies now are using refrigerator stored vials.
Great question! We do not recommend any diets that have a name to it, like Keto, Paleo, etc. In order to achieve REAL long-term results, you have to eat REAL food! We believe in eating whole foods and meals that are balanced and portioned for you.
We will guide you through appropriate daily intake and even give you tips, tricks and sample lists. Every patient is different so daily intake will vary from patient to patient.
You do not have to deprive yourself either! However, there is a time for when you are able to occasionally treat yourself.
However, we do not recommend drinking alcoholic beverages. We don't recommend drinking ordinarily if you are trying to lose weight and get healthy but weight loss medications and wine, beer, or other alcohol do not go well together.
SOME insurance plans will cover Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro IF you meet their criteria. All plans are different so please check with your plan. In order for us to consider you as a candidate for insurance use, you must have : Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-diabetes, PCOS, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or other Cardiovascular Disease WITH proven failure to other treatments (this is not our criteria, but insurance criteria).
We do not process prior authorizations!
Please note, there are no guarantees of insurance authorizations OR that the pharmacy will even have the medication in stock. The fee is non-refundable. We recommend you take advantage of our affordable compounded options if that happens.
Medication is only written for 30 days at a time. We do not write for 90 days, even if insurance requires this. This is to appropriately monitor and adjust dosing on a regular basis for best outcomes, responsible prescribing and patient care. There are no exceptions.
This is VERY common.
Insurance has a very strict criteria that needs to be met (as defined above). If you do not meet the health criteria and/or have tried and failed a number of different medications first, it is likely to be denied.
Also, many retail pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, etc does have the right to refuse sale of these medications without an uncontrolled diabetes diagnosis; despite a prior authorization approval. Yes! This happens a lot.
If this happens, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of our very affordable compounded options. You will not have to worry about insurance or availability at the pharmacy. You can also use HSA/FSA cards.
We do require our patients to complete their prior authorization request to their insurance (as we are out of network); however, if you would like our assistance or if we must get involved, there is a $50 prepaid, non-refundable fee for our time.
Medicare does not cover these medications at this time.
Ozempic & Wegovy through insurance must follow the monthly titration schedule. This means you will stay at each dosing for 4 weeks before moving up. This is the typical titration for medication management of chronic health conditions but not for anti-obesity. Compounded semaglutide is titrated weekly so you will move up to the next dose each week. This provides the most effective weight loss results.
Dawson Integrative Medical Center, LLC.
10244 E Colonial Drive, Suite204, Orlando, Florida 32817
Call or Text: 407-777-2673
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