POST CARE GUIDE

GLP-1 Weight Management Aftercare

GLP-1 medications — compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide — mimic a natural gut hormone that curbs appetite and slows digestion. At The Spa by Sheena, they're prescribed only after an in-person evaluation and lab work, then supervised week to week by our providers, Becca (MSN, FNP-C) and Angie (RN), under medical director Dr. Arledge. Expect the first four to eight weeks to be an adjustment period: nausea, fatigue, and digestive changes are common and usually ease as your body adapts. This guide walks through the weekly injection routine and site rotation, how to eat and hydrate to blunt side effects, the step-by-step dose titration, protein and muscle protection, and the monthly check-ins that keep your plan safe — plus the symptoms that mean you should call us.

Download Post Care Guide (806) 701-5840

Your GLP-1 weight management plan at a glance

What happens, and when

Here is the path from treatment day to final result.

First 24 to 72 Hours

Eat light

Nausea tends to crest two to three days after each injection. Keep meals small and low in fat, sip water steadily, and don't force food when you're full. This window is usually the roughest of the week — then it eases.

First 4 to 8 Weeks

Body adjusts

Nausea, appetite changes, and shifting digestion are expected while your body adapts, and they flare briefly after each dose step-up. For most people they settle noticeably by the end of this stretch. Report anything that isn't easing so we can adjust.

Weekly Cadence

Rotate injection sites

One injection a week, the same day each week, rotating between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. A fixed day keeps blood levels steady; rotating spots prevents irritation and the lumpy tissue that builds up when you reuse a site. Set a reminder until it's habit.

How to time food, water, and your weekly dose

How to Care for Yourself on GLP-1 Therapy

Track and report side effects

Keep a simple running note through the first four to eight weeks: nausea (when it hits and how bad), energy, bowel habits, and anything that worried you. You don't need an app — the notes on your phone are plenty. These patterns are what let Becca or Angie fine-tune your dose timing and decide when you're ready to step up. Bring the log to each check-in, and reach out between visits if something changes rather than waiting it out.

Prioritize protein (despite reduced appetite)

Your appetite will drop — that's the medication doing its job — but protein still needs to come first at every meal. Some of the weight you lose is muscle, not only fat, and skimping on protein while eating less speeds that muscle loss along. Aim for roughly 80 to 100 grams of protein a day, front-loading it earlier when your appetite is strongest. Pairing that with two or three sessions of resistance or strength work each week is the best-studied way to hold onto lean muscle as the pounds come off.

Lean protein and complex carbs

Build plates around lean protein — chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, beans — plus vegetables and slow-digesting carbs like oats, quinoa, or sweet potato. Go easy on greasy, fried, and very rich or sugary foods; on a GLP-1 these are the most reliable nausea triggers and tend to sit heavily. Alcohol deserves the same caution — it adds empty calories, worsens nausea and dehydration, and hits harder when you're eating less. None of this has to be perfect; aim for most meals, most days.

Smaller, more frequent meals

Trade two or three big meals for four to five smaller ones spread across the day. Because the medication slows how fast your stomach empties, a large plate lingers longer and is the fastest route to nausea and uncomfortable fullness. Eat slowly, set the fork down between bites, and stop at the first sign of satisfied rather than full — that signal now arrives earlier and sharper than you're used to. Leftovers are fine; you simply won't finish portions you once did.

Hydrate aggressively

Aim for roughly 64 to 80 ounces of water a day, more if you're active or it's hot. GLP-1 medications slow how fast your stomach empties and can blunt thirst, so it's easy to drift into mild dehydration without noticing — which shows up as headache, fatigue, and worse nausea. Sip steadily through the day rather than gulping a lot at once, which can feel uncomfortably full. If plain water gets boring, unsweetened electrolyte drinks count too.

Rotate sites, pressure for 30 seconds

Move to a fresh spot with every dose — the abdomen (stay a couple of inches from the navel), the front or outer thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Rotating prevents the firm, lumpy tissue (lipohypertrophy) that builds up when you inject the same patch repeatedly and can make later doses absorb unevenly. Let the pen or syringe reach room temperature first; cold medication stings more. After injecting, press gently on the site for about 30 seconds — don't rub or massage it.

Inject weekly, same day

Inject once a week, the same day every week. A fixed day keeps the medication level in your body steady and makes side effects more predictable. Since nausea tends to peak two to three days after a dose, pick an injection day that lands the rough stretch on a lighter part of your week — a Friday shot, for instance, puts the peak on the weekend. Set a phone reminder for the first month, until the rhythm sticks on its own.

Common GI side effects and what to expect

What's Normal: GLP-1 Side Effects

Normal, temporary, and part of the process.

No real downtime

There's no recovery period with a GLP-1 injection — no numbing, no bruising to hide, nothing that keeps you home. You give the shot and carry on with your day. The one thing worth planning around is the nausea that tends to crest two to three days after each dose, so many people schedule the weekly injection to land that dip on a quieter day. Work, exercise, and driving are all fine; just ease up if a wave of nausea or lightheadedness hits.

Appetite drop (within first week)

Most people notice the shift within the first week: meals feel smaller, the urge to snack quiets, and the background chatter about food fades. That's the medication acting on appetite signals in your gut and brain — not a side effect to fight. The catch is that "not hungry" can slide into "barely eating," which backfires by costing you muscle and energy. Keep eating on a light schedule even when the drive is gone, and keep protein and water non-negotiable.

Fatigue (first month)

Feeling more tired than usual in the first month is common — you're eating less, and your body is adjusting to running on fewer calories. Low blood sugar, mild dehydration, and short protein can all deepen it. The fixes overlap with everything else here: steady water, protein at each meal, and real sleep. Most people find their energy climbs back toward normal by around week six to eight. Fatigue that's severe, or paired with dizziness or a racing heart, is worth a call.

GI effects (weeks 1 to 8)

Nausea, reduced appetite, constipation, or looser stools are the usual companions of the first four to eight weeks, and they tend to flare again for a week or so after each dose increase. For most people they ease markedly as the body adapts. Nausea generally peaks two to three days after the weekly injection. For constipation, more water, fiber, and movement help; for nausea, smaller low-fat meals and ginger are the standbys. Persistent vomiting or pain that won't quit is different — check the when-to-call list.

Injection site reaction (a few days)

A little redness, itching, or a small firm bump at the injection site is common and usually fades within a few days. A cool compress and not scratching are all it needs. Rotating spots each week keeps any one area from getting irritated or building up hardened tissue. What isn't routine: spreading redness, warmth, growing pain, or drainage — those point to a possible infection or reaction and are worth a call rather than a wait.

Foods, drinks, and supplements to avoid

What to Avoid on GLP-1 Therapy

Stopping Without Guidance

Do not stop your medication abruptly or without discussing it with us. Stopping causes appetite return and weight regain. We will help you plan a maintenance dose or off-ramp when the time is right.

Skipping Meals

Do not skip meals trying to accelerate weight loss. Skipping meals on GLP-1 leads to muscle loss, low energy, and rebound binging. Steady small meals are the strategy.

Site Rotation

Rotate injection sites with each dose between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm. Repeated use of the same site causes tissue buildup (lipohypertrophy) that reduces absorption.

Dose Spacing

Do not inject doses within 48 hours of each other. Doubling up or moving doses closer dramatically increases nausea and GI side effects without improving results.

High-Fat Meals

Avoid large, greasy, or high-fat meals — these are the most common nausea triggers on GLP-1. Stick to lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbs in smaller portions.

Alcohol

Limit alcohol significantly. Alcohol on GLP-1 worsens nausea, slows weight loss, and dehydrates. Many clients lose tolerance quickly and feel effects faster than before.

When to Call The Spa About Your GLP-1

Contact The Spa immediately if you experience:

Mild nausea, tiredness, reduced appetite, constipation, and small reactions at the injection site are all expected in the first four to eight weeks and after each dose increase. The symptoms below are different — call us promptly, and for anything severe, get emergency care first and tell us after.

Severe or persistent stomach pain, especially in the upper abdomen and radiating to your back, with or without vomiting — this can signal pancreatitis and needs urgent evaluation.
Pain in the upper-right abdomen, sometimes with nausea after fatty meals — a possible gallbladder problem.
Vomiting that won't stop or being unable to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
Signs of dehydration — dark urine, dizziness, a racing heart, or confusion.
Symptoms of low blood sugar — shakiness, sweating, confusion, palpitations — particularly if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea for diabetes.
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) — call right away.
Signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.
No bowel movement for several days alongside abdominal pain and bloating.

During business hours, call us at (806) 701-5840. For chest pain, severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, jaundice, or signs of an allergic reaction outside our hours, go to the nearest emergency room — then let us know.

This guide supports your provider-supervised GLP-1 weight management plan at The Spa by Sheena. At your check-ins, ask your provider whether pairing it with a B12 skinny shot or hormone therapy fits your goals.

FAQ

Your questions, answered

We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help make your experience simple, transparent, and stress-free.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications—semaglutide and tirzepatide—are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management. They work by slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite at the brain level, and improving insulin sensitivity. Result: most patients lose 15–22% of body weight over 12 months when paired with nutrition and lifestyle support.

What is GLP-1 weight management?

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) targets one receptor pathway (GLP-1). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) targets two pathways (GLP-1 and GIP), producing greater weight loss in head-to-head studies—roughly 20% body weight loss on tirzepatide vs 15% on semaglutide. Tirzepatide costs more. We'll discuss which fits you at consultation.

What's the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Most patients lose 1–2 lbs per week consistently once at therapeutic dose, with rate of loss slowing at month 6–9 as your body approaches a new set point. Total expected loss at month 12: 15–22% of starting body weight depending on medication, lifestyle integration, and individual response. The first month is dose-finding, not rapid loss.

How quickly will I lose weight on GLP-1?

Common: nausea (especially during dose increases—usually mild and transient), constipation or diarrhea, occasional vomiting, fatigue in first weeks, decreased appetite (the desired effect, but worth noting). Rare: pancreatitis (we screen for risk factors), gallbladder issues during rapid weight loss, vision changes in diabetics. We monitor and adjust dosing to minimize side effects.

Are there side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Weekly self-administered subcutaneous injection using a small needle (similar to insulin). We teach you the technique at your first visit. Injections take seconds, with rotating injection sites on the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Most patients find it easier than expected.

How is GLP-1 medication administered?

GLP-1 weight management starts at $215 per month (semaglutide) or $375 per month (tirzepatide). Pricing increases with dose escalation. Initial labs billed separately. We use compounded versions to keep cost accessible vs. brand-name medications. Consultation required.

What does GLP-1 weight management cost in Lubbock?

Yes—GLP-1 medications require a prescription. We can prescribe with appropriate BMI (typically 27+ with comorbidities, or 30+ without) after evaluation. Our physician director reviews each case. We don't prescribe for patients who don't meet criteria or have contraindications—it's a medical decision, not a cosmetic one.

Do I need a prescription or specific diagnosis for GLP-1?

Most weight loss research shows partial weight regain when patients stop GLP-1—the medication addresses ongoing appetite regulation, not a one-time fix. Long-term low-dose maintenance is increasingly common for sustaining results. Some patients successfully taper after building strong lifestyle habits. We discuss long-term strategy from the start.

How long do I need to stay on GLP-1 medication?

Sometimes yes for diabetes, often no for weight management. Coverage depends on your plan and diagnosis. We don't bill insurance directly but provide documentation you can submit. For most weight management patients, GLP-1 is out-of-pocket—either through us or through their insurance with prior authorization.

Will my insurance cover GLP-1 medication?

Contraindications include personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, pancreatitis history, severe gastroparesis, and pregnancy. We screen thoroughly before prescribing. Type 2 diabetes is NOT a contraindication—GLP-1 was developed for and is excellent for diabetics needing weight management.

Can I get GLP-1 if I have a history of certain medical conditions?

Baseline comprehensive metabolic panel including lipids, A1c, kidney and liver function, thyroid panel, and lipase. We monitor labs at 3 and 6 months after starting, then annually. If you have recent labs from your primary care doctor, bring them—we may not need to repeat all of them.

What labs do I need before starting GLP-1?

We provide nutrition guidance focused on protein intake (preserving muscle during weight loss), hydration, fiber, and avoiding nutrient deficiencies during reduced calorie intake. Hyper-restrictive diets aren't necessary or recommended—GLP-1 naturally reduces appetite. The key principles: enough protein, enough fiber, enough water, avoid trigger foods that worsen GI side effects.

Do I need to follow a specific diet on GLP-1?

Yes—resistance training (lifting weights) is especially important. Rapid weight loss without resistance training causes significant muscle loss along with fat loss. Patients who lift weights 2–3x per week preserve more muscle and have better long-term results. Cardio supports overall health but isn't required for weight loss.

Should I exercise on GLP-1?

Initial consultation: medical history, lab review, treatment plan, prescription. Monthly visits during dose titration: weight check, side effect review, dose adjustment. Quarterly visits during maintenance: weight check, lab review, plan adjustment. We're available between visits for questions about side effects or technique.

What happens at GLP-1 consultations and follow-ups?

Book a wellness consultation. We'll discuss your goals, review your medical history and any recent labs, evaluate appropriateness, and design a treatment plan with honest pricing. If GLP-1 isn't right for you, we'll tell you. Call (806) 701-5840 or book online.