Semaglutide may be just what you need to succeed in your weight loss journey. As a GLP-1 medication, it helps control appetite and metabolism. If you’ve been stuck at a weight plateau for months, look to our semaglutide services in Sioux Falls for help.
At Vital Flow Infusions, you’ll receive top-quality care with evidence-based GLP-1 dosing and nurse check-ins. Learn more about our semaglutide program options, the benefits and potential side effects of GLP-1 medications, and what to expect at your first appointment.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Before starting semaglutide, you’ll meet with a member of our medical team for a consultation. We’ll review your health history to make sure you’re a good candidate for GLP-1 medication.
Our nursing staff will walk you through what to expect while taking semaglutide. You’ll discuss possible side effects and dosing schedules, and we’ll inform you on how to check in with our nurses to make sure you’re thriving.
Do You Need a Prescription for Semaglutide?
Yes, you must have a prescription for GLP-1 medications. After your consultation, our medical director will review your case and write a prescription if appropriate.
After you’re approved, you’ll either pick up your take-home semaglutide kit or receive your first injection in our office.
Semaglutide Dosing Schedule: Why Slow Escalation Matters
Your body needs time to adjust to each semaglutide dose. Our nurses will assess your tolerance to the medication and help you manage any side effects that occur. Once you’re ready, you may move up in dose.
A typical step-up dosing schedule looks like this:
- Weeks 1–4: 0.25 milligrams
- Weeks 5–8: 0.5 milligrams
- Weeks 9–12: 1 milligram
After week 12, we’ll help you find the right maintenance dose to continue seeing results.
Slow dose escalation helps prevent or reduce unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, GI discomfort, and extreme fatigue. Slower weight loss is typically more sustainable as well.
Flexible Dosing: In-Office and Take-Home Programs
Our dosing programs include take-home vials and in-office nurse-administered injections.
We offer four semaglutide packages:
- Four-week take-home injection pack
- 90-day take-home pack
- Monthly in-office membership
- New client 90-day protocol (take-home or in-office)
With our new client bundle, you can save up to 20% on your treatments!
Which Membership Is Right for You?
Clients who are comfortable injecting themselves at home can choose a take-home GLP-1 program with confidence.
Our nurses will walk you through how to prepare the injection site and administer your doses when you pick up your first prescription. You’ll receive monthly nurse check-ins to support you at home and monitor your progress.
If you prefer in-person support and want nurse-administered injections, our in-office memberships are perfect for you. You even get a 10% discount on in-office IV drips every injection day, making proper hydration much easier.
How to Manage Common Semaglutide Side Effects
All medications come with potential side effects. Semaglutide is no different. With proper self-care and nutrition, though, you’re more likely to avoid unpleasant symptoms.
Here are some tips for managing the most commonly reported GLP-1 side effects.
Stay Hydrated
GLP-1 medications can suppress your thirst signals as well as your appetite. Not drinking enough water puts you at risk for dehydration, especially on semaglutide.
This medication works in part by removing excess water from your body. If you’re having trouble drinking enough water to replace what’s lost, consider adding electrolytes.
You can receive hydrating electrolyte infusions right at our clinic to fight off dehydration and feel your best. Ask our nurses about our available IV hydration blends.
Eat Small Meals
Semaglutide makes it harder to eat large meals, especially as your body begins to adjust to the medication. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day will help reduce any GI symptoms.
Make a nutrition plan for each day and include plenty of light, calorie-dense snacks to keep your energy up.
Get Plenty of Fiber
GLP-1 medications work by slowing your digestion down to keep you fuller for longer. Eating plenty of fiber helps combat constipation and keeps things flowing smoothly.
Whole fruits, vegetables, and beans are high in fiber and micronutrients. Try to get at least 20 grams of fiber in your diet each day for better digestion.
When to Call Us
If you’ve tried these strategies and you’re still experiencing intense side effects, give us a call. One of our nurses will work with you to resolve your symptoms. We may adjust your dosing as needed.
A Week in the Life of a Semaglutide Client
With the right support and healthy habits, you can keep side effects at bay and enjoy wonderful results. Here’s what a typical week in the life of someone on semaglutide looks like.
Sample Meals
Many clients on semaglutide prefer smaller, more frequent meals and snacks over large, heavy meals.
A full day of eating might look something like this:
- Breakfast: Avocado toast and fresh berries
- Snack 1: A protein shake
- Lunch: A handful of nuts and a salad with a lean protein
- Snack 2: Greek yogurt with protein powder and fruit
- Snack 3: A handful of nuts
- Dinner: Fish or chicken, hummus, and air-fried veggies
These meals and snacks incorporate healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates to keep you full without contributing to nausea.
Travel-Friendly Semaglutide Routine
If you travel often, you should know that you can take semaglutide on airplanes.
We recommend keeping your vials and syringes in your carry-on bag to avoid damage during travel. Let TSA agents know that you have injectable medication in your bag.
Store your vials in a refrigerator as soon as you arrive at your destination to keep them fresh. Continue weekly injections as prescribed and take the remaining supplies home.
How to Stay Hydrated
Our hydrating IV drips with vitamins and electrolytes are the most efficient way to stay hydrated on a GLP-1 medication. You can also buy electrolyte powders to mix into water or juice.
Limit yourself to one electrolyte mix per day, and drink at least eight glasses of water as well. Many clients carry around a large water bottle to remind themselves to stay hydrated.
Book Your Semaglutide Consultation at Vital Flow Infusions
At Vital Flow Infusions, our medical team is here to answer your questions about semaglutide and support you through your journey to better health.
Are you ready to beat the weight plateaus with semaglutide in Sioux Falls? Book a consultation with us today!
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