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- Peter A. Caravella, MD, FACS
- Damon T. Schroer, MD
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- Arthur A. Fusco, MD, FACS
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- Colton Lee, MD
- Dustin L. Baldwin, MD
- Jun Xu, MD, FACS
- Hassan Hashmi, MD
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Introduction to Medical Weight Loss
At Las Vegas Surgery Associates, we understand that obesity and weight loss is a complex process. If you have a BMI over 30, then you are considered “obese”, which may have you considering the need for weight loss. We pride ourselves in offering numerous tools to tackle such a complex problem and numerous medications have been found to be effective tools for weight loss. Below, we have provided some information to help you learn more about your weight loss options.
What is Medical Weight Loss?
Medical weight loss involves the use of FDA-approved medications such as Semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro or Zepbound) to help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. These medications belong to a class called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), which mimic the GLP-1 hormone that promotes insulin production, originally designed to treat diabetes. However, GLP-1 will also suppress the appetite, helping patients feel full which can lead to significant weight loss.
Here are some of the medications we utilize in our office:
Semaglutide or Ozempic/Wegovy
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1s, meaning they mimic the GLP-1 hormone. GLP-1s can promote the production of insulin in patients and were originally designed to treat diabetes. However, it has been shown that GLP-1s also suppress appetite and signal patients to feel full. This allows patients to achieve weight loss and has also been demonstrated to reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Tirzepatide or Mounjaro/Zepbound
Tirzepatide also belongs to the GLP-1 agnostic class of drugs. However, it acts also on the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. Tirzepatide has been shown to work similarly to GLP-1s but with great efficacy.
What Are the Benefits of Medical Weight Loss?
The benefits of medical weight loss in Las Vegas offer a comprehensive approach to achieving your target weight. These benefits include:
- Significant weight loss
- Reduced appetite and increased feeling of fullness
- Lower risk of developing diabetes
- Decreased risk of heart disease
- Enhanced overall health and well-being
- Long-term weight management solutions
Who Are the Best Candidates for Medical Weight Loss?
The best candidates for medical weight loss in Las Vegas are individuals committed to improving their health and have struggled with traditional weight loss methods. Ideal candidates typically include:
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity)
- Individuals who have difficulty controlling their appetite or managing portion sizes
- Patients who have not achieved significant results with diet and exercise alone
- Those willing to adhere to a weight loss program that is dependent on the medication designed for diabetes, and understand that weight gain can occur once the medication ceases
What’s The First Step?
Medical Weight Loss Consultation
During a medical weight loss consultation in Las Vegas, we will conduct a thorough assessment of your health history, weight loss goals, and overall wellness needs. Together with our team of professionals, you’ll create a personalized plan that may include medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to help you achieve your desired weight loss goals safely and effectively
What to Expect From a Medical Weight Loss Treatment
During a Medical Weight Loss treatment at Las Vegas Surgical Associates, you can expect a professional approach tailored to your unique needs and goals. The process typically begins with an exam of your current health status and weight loss objectives. Based on this evaluation, our team will design a personalized treatment plan that can include prescription medications such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, that you will then take home with you.
We will walk you through the steps of administering the treatment, which are fairly simple but do require some diligence and commitment. When administering the injection, it can be in the same area (i.e. abdomen, thigh, upper arm), but you should never do it in the exact same spot. You can also take the injection with or without food, it won’t change the effectiveness of the shot.
Every person’s body will react differently to the treatment, so you should never compare your journey to someone else’s. It is important to remember that this isn’t a quick fix, and is certainly not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. We encourage our patients to be patient and understanding, as well as dedicated to certain lifestyle changes. Typically, the dosage will be increased a little more every four weeks as your body adjusts, and it could take four months or longer to see the best results.
With detailed instructions and a wealth of information, your provider will set you on the proper path for the results you seek. Throughout this treatment. you’ll receive ongoing support and guidance to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve your overall health and well-being.
How Much Does It Cost?
Medical Weight Loss Cost and Insurance Information
The cost of medical weight loss in Las Vegas varies, including the specific procedure performed and your insurance coverage. Our team will work closely with you to provide transparent pricing information and explore available financing options to ensure that you receive the care you need within your budget.
Depending on your individual needs, some medical insurance policies will cover partial treatment for medical weight loss, but we encourage you to check in with your insurer first. While you will have more information to provide your insurance company after your consultation, it’s always a good idea to come in with as much information as possible so that there are no surprises.
Why Choose Las Vegas Surgical Associates?
At LVSA, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Our team of skilled surgeons, along with our dedicated support staff, are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling to reduce their weight in Las Vegas. Our surgeons have certifications with many medical boards, including the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the Society of Laparoscopic Surgery (SLS), and the Society for Surgery of Alimentary Tract (SSAT), the American Hernia Society (AHS), and the American College of Surgeons (FACS). You can trust LVSA to help you finally get rid of unwanted weight with our medical weight loss options.
Medical Weight Loss FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
Let’s begin the discussion to see if medical weight loss can work for you; it all starts with a consultation here in Las Vegas. Call LVSA today at (702) 258-7788 to see if these methods are safe pathways that can work for you.