Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Semaglutide?

A: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that was originally developed for patients with type 2 diabetes, but when providers and pharmaceutical developers noticed how much weight their patients were losing, they began to study semaglutide exclusively for weight loss. A series of clinical trials known as the STEP clinical trials demonstrated that almost 90% of patients lost 5% or more of their body weight. In June 2022, the FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss. 

Q: How does semaglutide work exactly?

A: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (mimicking a gut hormone) to: 

-Increase insulin production

-Decrease glucagon synthesis

-Delay gastric emptying

-Suppress hunger. It signals your brain that you are full so you can lose weight without feeling like you are depriving yourself. 

Q: How often do I need to get an injection?

A: Injections are once weekly. If you are feeling sick after taking it or have nausea, we can review dosing options. We can split the dose into two injections per week or decrease the dose as needed.

Q: How quickly will I see results?

A: Most patients see results in their first 2 weeks, some over one month. Everybody is different!

Q: I am nauseous, what do I do?

A: Nausea is the most common side effect of semaglutide, affecting around 20% of those using the maximum dose. The nausea is usually mild to moderate for most people and tends to go away as your body gets used to the medication. Try eating smaller meals, more often, and avoiding fried, greasy, sugary foods. Eat your meals slowly to savor your food. Once you feel full, stop eating. When you are done eating avoid lying down and do not eat right before bed. Try drinking ice cold clear drinks. Take small sips and avoid using a straw. Ginger based drinks can help. Get to know your nausea triggers by keeping a log and try avoiding those. After you eat, try to get some fresh air. A short walk around your neighborhood can help to settle your stomach. Avoid being too active after a meal. If these suggestions do not work, call your healthcare provider. 

Q: I am constipated, how can I fix that?

A: You can increase your water intake. Also try over the counter medications such as Colace daily or magnesium 500mg daily. Remaining active and exercising will help intestinal motility. 

Q: How long is the treatment?

A: The length of treatment depends on the amount of weight you desire to lose. Once your goal weight is achieved, we can try to decrease the dose, as long as you can maintain your weight we can continue to decrease. If we notice an increase in weight gain, we can increase the dose. Some people can tolerate stopping the medication and maintain weight as they have developed healthy habits. Others may need longer on a maintenance dose to help maintain their weight. This can all be discussed with your health care provider. 

Q: Is my semaglutide treatment refundable?

A: At The Beauty Bar Wellness and Aesthetics, we offer services that are irrevocable. Therefore, we do not issue refunds for any product or service that has been injected or used in your treatment. 

Q: I missed my dose, what do I do?

A: Take it as soon as you remember and adjust the day the following week and so on. 

Q: How much does medical weight loss cost?

A: Pricing depends on your dose. Pricing is all inclusive for one month of medication. The medication is titrated up each month as tolerated. Pricing is as follows:

0.25mg - $200 for one month (4 injections)

0.5mg - $200 for one month (4 injections)

1.0mg - $200 for one month (4 injections)

1.75mg - $300 for one month (4 injections)

2.5mg - $350 for one month (4 injections)

Q: I was taking semaglutide through another provider, can I switch to getting medication at The Beauty Bar Wellness and Aesthetics?

A: Yes! We welcome everyone on their weight loss journey. If you are continuing medication you need to bring documentation from your previous provider stating the dose you are on and how long you have been at that dose.

Q: What is mcrodosing?

A: Microdosing can be used for those that have met their weight loss goals but still need support to maintain their weight loss. Small doses (0.25mg) of semaglutide are given every other week or monthly. Microdosing is priced at $100 per injection. 

Q: Is semaglutide the same as a skinny shot?

A: No. Our skinny shots contain methionine, inositol, choline, and cyanocobalamin. These are vitamins to help boost your metabolism and provide energy. The weight loss achieved with a skinny shot is much less than with semaglutide. 

Q: What is a skinny shot?

A: Our skinny shots contain MICC. MICC is an acronym for the compounds: L-Methionine, Inositol, Choline and Cyanocobalamin. These are lipotropic agents which help with the breakdown of fat during metabolism in the body. Often referred to as “fat burning” injections, these components, especially inositol and choline, have been found to improve mental function and feelings of depression. Skinny shots are $30 per injection. 

Q: What can I expect during my first medical weight loss appointment?

A: During your first appointment we discuss your goals with weight loss and what you have tried in the past. We discuss everything related to the medication. Any questions are answered. Injection techniques are discussed. If we decide this is the right medication for you, your first injection is given in the office during that appointment. Typically, you will schedule a one week follow up appointment. During that appointment we discuss any side effects you may have experienced and how to treat those. You will then receive your next injection. We can then either schedule your next appointment for your next shot or you can take home the remaining shots to self-administer at home. 

Q: How long does a treatment take?

A: Treatment length can vary depending on how quickly we get access to a vein and the vein we can access. Generally, treatment takes about 30-45mins. 

Q: What do I do while getting my IV treatment?

A: Relax, take a nap! We have a comfortable lounge where you can kick your feet up and relax! Complementary beverages are available. There is wi-fi access. You could also add on Red Light Therapy!

Q: What if you can’t access a vein?

A: If a vein cannot be accessed after multiple attempts (this is rare) you will be charged a flat fee of $50 for time and supplies.

Q: What is in the IV bags?

A: Each IV treatment contains 500mL of normal saline plus a specified combination of vitamins. The specific vitamins can be found in the description of the treatment on the menu page of the website.

Q: How long do the effects of IV treatment last?

A: This varies greatly from person to person. In general, you can expect to see results the next day and they can last for anywhere from a few days to a week.

Q: How often can I get IV treatment?

A: We recommend weekly at the most. 

Q: Who cannot get IV treatment?

A: We do not recommend IV treatment for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also those with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or those that retain fluid should avoid IV hydration treatments. 

Q: Which IV treatment do you recommend for____________?

A: Please review the descriptions of the IV treatments on our website prior to scheduling to best decide which IV treatment is right for you. This will allow you to schedule the IV treatment you want. Scheduling the right IV treatment allows us to be prepared for you with the right supplies.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

A: The best and preferred way to schedule an appointment is through our website on any of the "schedule now" links. This will take you to our scheduling site where you can search for available appointments. All of our consent forms are populated once you schedule through our website and are important to have completed prior to your appointment. 

Q: I have been calling your office, but no one answers.

A: We are only open by appointment only, so we are not always in the office, or we may be with a patient when you call. If you have questions, please leave a detailed message with a call back number and we will return your call as soon as we can. You can also text the office number!

Q: Where is your office?

A: Our office is conveniently located in Wyomissing, Pa off of State Hill Road. We are in a small office complex. The address is 320 Abington Drive Suite 5 Wyomissing, Pa 19610. 

Q: What happens with the deposit I made during the online booking?

A: Your deposit is used to hold your appointment and will be applied during your appointment. Your deposit is non-refundable in case of a no call, no show (missed appointment) or an appointment cancelled with less than a 24 hour notice.