At Sentara Comprehensive Weight Loss Solutions, our mission is to support your journey toward better health through innovative, evidence-based treatments. One of the most promising advancements in medical weight management is the use of GLP-1 medications - such as semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro).
These medications, when used as part of a comprehensive care plan, can help individuals achieve lasting weight loss results by regulating appetite, improving blood sugar control, and supporting healthy lifestyle changes.
Sentara Comprehensive Weight Loss Solutions is nationally accredited as a comprehensive facility under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
We can help you on your weight loss journey to navigate if GLP-1 medication is right for you.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, helps control sugar levels, regulates appetite and slows the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Even with these medications in high demand, Sentara still recommends following a comprehensive weight loss plan personalized for your needs. Our physicians monitor, approve, and will occasionally switch current medications based on medical guidelines to assist with your weight loss.
Who can benefit and how?
We provide preoperative and postoperative care tailored for patients with a high BMI. Every patient has a unique history, frustrations, concerns, and goals, so we have developed a comprehensive program that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of weight loss.
While some patients desire surgery, others wish to avoid it unless necessary.
A motivated patient can achieve around 20% weight loss using the strongest GLP-1 medications. If the patient needs to lose more than that to achieve their goal, surgery may be a great option.
Why Sentara?
Our dedicated weight loss staff collaborates with both surgical and non-surgical weight loss patients. We can help you decide the best possible outcome for your overall weight loss journey.
Our practices are conveniently located and most include:
- Weight loss surgeons
- Medical bariatricians
- Registered dietitians
Frequestly asked questions
All GLP-1 medications have the same degree of action with the same side effects. Ask your doctor what works best for you.
Some users opt to lose weight with GLP-1 medications until they are healthy enough for bariatric surgery. Others may opt for a strict GLP-1 plan. The decision is based on factors that you and your doctor can discuss together.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea as well as muscle or bone mass reduction.
Less common but more serious side effects can include:
- Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes abdominal pain
- Gastroparesis, in which movement of food out of the stomach is slowed or stopped
- Bowel obstruction, a blockage that keeps food from passing through the intestines gallstone attacks and bile duct blockage.
Please talk to your doctor about any other possible side effects or concerns.